chapter 25

It wasn’t convenient to walk the city streets at night because of the city’s curfew . If Gu Nan chose to regardless, officers and guards would inevitably stop her and ask all sorts of troublesome questions .

Currently, there were very few people on the streets . The avenues outside were unlit and particularly dark .

In contrast, there was a particular building that remained lively and shone in the dark surroundings .

Dongzhan Pavilion was an official establishment and very famous also . Even the city guards didn’t dare to say anything .

Night and day really made no difference for the Dongzhan Pavilion, rather it’s maybe even more lively at night . Guests will often stay, playing and drinking, until sunrise .

Gu Nan was sitting in the rather vacant hall, anxiously contemplating about some things .

I’m finished . By now, I’ll be dead meat when I get back!

The moment she goes back to the manor, she’ll have to bear the wrath of the Warring States’ “God of War . ”

“Ughh . ” The mere thought of it sent chills up her spine .

She sat at the table, immensely remorseful . If only she wasn’t so greedy for free wine; if only she didn’t go with that shady Yiren fellow . But now, whether she goes back or not, she can’t escape punishment .

There was this one instance, where she fell asleep from boredom when studying military literature . Bai Qi then ordered Xiao Lu to punish her with twenty paddles .

It’s not like those twenty strikes will be light because Xiao Lu’s a girl either . As a servant in a general’s manor, Xiao Lu’s strength is naturally much higher than the average man, albeit less than Gu Nan . But regardless, Gu Nan was left in a wretched state for a while afterward .

When the heavy paddle strikes the butt, it’s not just the noise that’s frightening .

As for escaping punishment, she didn’t even consider such an absurd possibility .

But maybe if she heads back quickly…

Gu Nan subtly glanced to the female servant sitting beside her . But of course, the servant girl noticed this because she was adamantly staring back .

She said hesitatingly, “Young Master, you cannot leave . You are Miss Painting Fairy’s first-ever guest . If you so quickly leave, who knows what kind of baseless rumors would spread . Miss Painting Fairy would have her reputation devastated . ”

Originally, Gu Nan was ready to casually sneak out, but just as she got to the door, a servant girl blocked her way .

The day has already ended, and it’s become like this…

The girl’s been sitting there, and no matter what Gu Nan says, she wouldn’t budge .

“Fine, I won’t go, I won’t go . ” Gu Nan said, wiping the sweat off her forehead .

This Painting Fairy sure is popular . Some people would so to such lengths for her . How annoying!

After sitting for an indiscriminately long time, another servant girl walked down . She bowed and said, “Young Master Gu, Miss Painting Fairy has finished changing . Please, Young Master, this way . ”

So they won’t let me run now, right? Her mouth twitching, she lifted her arms to return the greeting . “I must trouble you . ”

Gu Nan slowly stood up and followed this girl upstairs .

Seeing that black-robed figure walk upstairs, the girl that remained sitting sighed in relief .

…

The Dongzhan Pavilion is a four-story building with bright lanterns and lights . It was painted and decorated in layers of red, making for a very beautiful building .

Painting Fairy’s room is in the middle of the fourth floor .

The girl halted at a set of doors and carefully opened them, glancing at Gu Nan to quickly enter . Afterward, the girl closed the doors behind Gu Nan and retreated .

Near the entrance was an incense burner, which filled the area with a subtle scent .

The smell wasn’t the heavy type but instead seemed rather light . It felt quite comfortable, like the intimate, quiet fragrance of a female’s embrace .

The decor and furnishings were all of remarkable beauty . Although they were not luxurious, they held an obvious elegance and grace .

Slowly walking through a small door, Gu Nan encountered a short table with two soft cushions for seating .

On the table was a jar of wine, the aroma of which she could smell from far away . It must be a rare wine of exceptional craft .

Gu Nan’s eyes lit up, and her mouth started to water . Quickly, the temptation overwhelmed her, and she rushed up and to taste this new drink .

“Young Master Gu, good wine?” A soft, enchanting voice asked from behind her .

The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and Gu Nan stiffly turned to head to meet the host of tonight’s event .

Behind her, a graceful woman stood a few steps away .

This time, there was no veil over her, and her delicate face was completely exposed .

It was the kind of face with its own natural charm . A small mole at the corner of an eye complemented her genuine attractiveness .

A faint smile would perk the desires of men .

She was covered by a layer of lightweight clothes, highlighting her enchanting figure .

With only a few glances, Gu Nan felt her nose burning again, and she quickly turned her head and pretended to continue drinking .

Painting Fairy felt inwardly shocked by Gu Nan’s response . She thought that Young Master Gu would have a significant reaction, whether that be immodest or frivolous . But, she ever expected him to be shy .

This Young Master is indeed an interesting person .

Her face unconsciously smiled a bit more genuinely at this thought . Feigning ignorance, she elegantly sat herself down at the other cushion . “Is this Young Master Gu’s first visit here?”

“Um, um . ” As the Painting Fairy sat down, Gu Nan could smell a uniquely alluring fragrance and felt the temperature rise around her . Her cheeks felt hotter and hotter . She nodded absentmindedly . “Pr, pretty much . ”

Painting Fairy found her guest’s actions a bit humorous . How do you ‘pretty much’ go to a brothel?

“I heard Young Master Gu’s words this afternoon and was rather fascinated by your literary grace . I had expected for you to be a playboy, a flower picker perhaps . But, I didn’t expect it to be like this . ”

Painting Fairy’s voice was full of charm, but it only made Gu Nan more embarrassed .

“Wha—, what do you mean, ‘it to be like this?'” Gu Nan’s face was already red to the top of her ears . Although she retorted, her voice was like a mosquito in volume and thoroughly unconvincing .

Covering her mouth from the small smile that escaped it, the Painting Fairy resumed her dignified stance . She gently picked up a cup of wine . “In this place of flowers and willows [TL: brothel], I have nothing to entertain Young Master Gu besides this poor wine . I only hope that you don’t dislike it . ”

“I was originally an alcoholic; if there is wine, I’m content . ” Gu Nan laughed thinly as she gulped down another cup . It is certainly a fine wine .

The Painting Fairly looked at Gu Nan, somewhat squinting . “Young Master Gu is very different compared to earlier . ”

Gu Nan put down the empty cup . She still wasn’t sure if it was wine-induced bravery or the restlessness that the wine brought, but she replied, “You are also very different from earlier . ”

“Hm? What would you say was different?” The Painting Fairy blinked and asked .

Gu Nan licked her lips, savoring the delicious wine again . “This afternoon, although Painting Fairy was charming, your eyes clearly had no such emotion . But now, you are much more spirited . ”

The Painting Fairy laughed and once more lifted her arm to cover her smile . “Young Master Gu is truly different from others . ”