Chapter 66: Call if You Want to Call

"Both of you are wrong. The Divine Doctor took out this carriage to please a beauty, not to let you two haggle over the price. Doctor, am I right? I think we should follow the old rules and bid." The speaker was Li Heng, a well-known sea merchant in Dengzhou City. He specialized in trade with Japan, traveling from Japan to Dengzhou and then to Fujian every year, earning a fortune. It was said that he had a powerful backer in the capital, though no one knew if it was true. In any case, no one in Dengzhou City would dare to cause him trouble.

Now everyone was convinced that Chen Xie had his eye on a certain girl in the building and was willing to give away the carriage at any cost. The wealthy Divine Doctor didn't care about a few thousand taels of silver. Who else would spend so much money for beauty?

Chen Xie kept smiling without saying a word, waiting until the sweating Liu Zongguan entered and loudly announced, "Everyone, please be quiet. I didn't invite you here for the carriage. If you want to earn money, listen to what the Divine Doctor has to say."

Everyone immediately fell silent, but the silence made them even more anxious. Yingniang, who was sitting next to Chen Xie, went limp when he put his arm around her, with no resistance at all. Chen Xie didn't look at her again but smiled and scanned the room. At this moment, Yingniang calmed down, recalling their previous conversation and admiring the man's skills.

"Wang Qianian, bring the items in." Chen Xie called out leisurely. Soon, Wang Qianian brought in two tiles, placed them on the table, bowed, and left. Chen Xie pointed at the tiles and smiled, "Everyone, you all know what these are, right?"

When he said this, a few people blushed. Why? After the New Year, Zhang Yao's family had renovated their home, and Liu Zongguan's family had done the same. Tiles, toilets, and septic tanks had replaced the wooden toilets, making their homes much cleaner. Many people were envious and tried to make their own tiles. Of the dozen or so people present, half had tried it.

But a problem soon arose: they had no cement to attach the tiles. Traditional methods could work, but they were expensive. Moreover, they couldn't make the toilets, which made the renovation awkward. Some even had to ask Liu Zongguan for help, despite their embarrassment. Those present who had business with the joint merchant guild felt a bit embarrassed.

"Alright, no need to be embarrassed. It's just tiles. If you made them, that's fine. But don't try to make cement. I, Chen Xie, earn my living with my skills, and don't try to make flush toilets either." Chen Xie's words made everyone lower their heads. He then stood up slowly and said, "Let's enjoy the evening. Whatever you spend, I'll cover it."

Yingniang stood up cooperatively, and Chen Xie, holding her, left the room, heading to another private room and closing the door.

As soon as Chen Xie left, Qian Buduo sneered, "Some people are not decent, making everyone lose face. What should we do about this?"

Wang Chulong's face changed a few times, but he didn't speak. It was hard to say who was right or wrong. Chen Xie was clearly unhappy that someone had copied his idea without even a word. Wang Chulong didn't want to offend anyone, so he remained silent.

"Liu Zongguan, what does the Divine Doctor mean?" A merchant who had acted improperly asked. Liu Zongguan slowly picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "It's not a big deal. The Divine Doctor isn't upset. He just wants to tell everyone that if you want to improve your home, find Wen Bajin's construction team. You can use the tiles you made, but if you hire Wen Bajin's team, don't skimp on the labor costs."

Liu Zongguan didn't mention the carriage, which was what everyone was most concerned about. This new carriage was incredibly luxurious. The interior decoration was one thing, but the exterior design was breathtaking. The two lights in front were especially bright.

"Liu Zongguan, you should ask the Divine Doctor about the carriage. We need an explanation. Otherwise, people will be anxious and distracted, which could be embarrassing." Qian Buduo, with his smooth talk, expressed everyone's thoughts.

The carriage's design was indeed unique in the Ming Dynasty, with two small wheels in front and two large wheels in the back. The wheels were made of iron, making them very sturdy. Several wealthy families had tried it, and the comfort was unparalleled. The ride was so smooth that it was unimaginable in the Ming Dynasty.

Seeing the right moment, Liu Zongguan hesitated and called a servant at the door, "Go see if the Divine Doctor is available." As he spoke, everyone laughed. The Divine Doctor and Yingniang had been so intimate; who knew what they were doing now? Interrupting them would be a serious offense.

"Wait, let's not rush. Enjoy the evening, and we'll wait half an hour." Qian Buduo spoke up, and everyone laughed in agreement.

Qian Buduo then left the room, wandering the hallway on the second floor. After hearing several screams, he returned to the private room, grinning, "I heard Yingniang for the first time. Her voice is truly enchanting." The group laughed again, and Liu Zongguan, though silent, inwardly sneered at their stupidity, knowing they were all part of the Divine Doctor's plan.

A bit earlier, Yingniang had led Chen Xie to her bedroom. As Chen Xie looked around, Yingniang closed the door and leaned against it, her eyes burning with desire, wanting to devour him.

After a quick inspection, Chen Xie said, "You've used too much perfume; the smell is too strong. The curtains are too bright; change them to something simpler. This stool is uncomfortable; why not use a chair?"

Yingniang felt disappointed. This young man was truly unromantic. She stepped forward and whispered, "My lord, do you think anyone can sit in an official chair? If I, a woman of my status, sit in one, I could be reported and face legal trouble."

Chen Xie realized he had been too presumptuous. Many things in the Ming Dynasty had specific rules. Sex workers had the lowest social status, and many things were taboo for them.

Nodding, Chen Xie turned and saw Yingniang with her chest half-exposed, a strap of her undergarment visible, her skin as white as snow. His eyes couldn't help but linger. At this moment, Yingniang was even more alluring. Chen Xie, having been served by two maids, was no longer easily aroused. But he felt a surge of desire, and a part of him rose, making him feel ashamed. His self-control was poor!

Yingniang came closer and whispered, "My lord, should I make some sounds to avoid suspicion?"

Chen Xie understood and said, "No need to fake it. Lie down, and I'll give you a foot massage. I guarantee you'll make real sounds." He had learned this foot massage in school, intending to use it to thank Aunt Wu for raising him.

Unexpectedly, he never had the chance to use it until now. Hearing about the foot massage, Yingniang felt a bit nervous. What did the Divine Doctor mean? Did he suspect something? "Lie down!" Before she could think more, Chen Xie picked her up and threw her on the bed, then started massaging her foot.

At first, it didn't feel like much, but a few strong strokes made her feel a tingling, ticklish sensation, as if ants were biting her bones and spreading through her body. Yingniang couldn't hold back and started moaning. Chen Xie encouraged her, "Don't hold back; moan if you want to."

Yingniang's moans grew louder and more melodious, uncontrollable. It was incredibly pleasurable, and she forgot her earlier worries. After about ten minutes, Chen Xie stopped, and Yingniang was drenched in sweat, her body limp and weak. Her face was flushed, and her chest heaved. Her buttons had come undone, and her undergarment strap had slipped. When she sat up, she looked at Chen Xie shyly, noticing his eyes fixed on her. Realizing she was exposed, she blushed and lowered her head.

The room was quiet for a while. Seeing no further action from the Divine Doctor, Yingniang looked up and found Chen Xie gone. She felt a bitter disappointment but rationalized it: "He's a gentleman." Whether he was a gentleman or not, Chen Xie couldn't stay any longer, or who knew what might happen. Without a word, he left the room, just as Wang Chulong came out of another room and tried to get close.

"Doctor, Doctor, the carriage..." Chen Xie, in a hurry, said, "I have an urgent matter. For the carriage, come to Zhangjia Village later." He hurriedly went downstairs, called a few lackeys, and left the Chunxiang Building.

When Yingniang learned that Chen Xie had left, half an hour had passed. Though disappointed, she found a reason to justify his actions. After asking the servants, she found another strong reason: "What a clever man, truly brilliant!"

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End of Chapter 66