Ning Wanwan walked in confidently, with Fu Yi following nervously. Fu Yi kept her head down but stole glances around, noting the vermilion curtains, singing and dancing, and the sounds of laughter and clinking cups. Scared, she quickly lowered her head, focusing her gaze inward.
The servant guided them and asked, “Our girls are skilled in music, chess, painting, and various arts. Would you like to hear a song or watch a dance?”
Ning Wanwan replied, “I want to see your manager.”
The servant hesitated, then smiled politely, “I’m sorry, sir, but our manager is not available.”
Ning Wanwan simply pulled out a stack of silver notes and handed them to the servant. The servant was visibly shocked by Ning Wanwan’s generosity but looked conflicted, saying, “This… our manager doesn’t entertain clients.”
Before coming, she heard from Zhan Xiang’s brother that Lumen Pavilion’s manager was named Mi Yue, a 26-year-old beautiful and charming woman, but aloof and difficult to approach. It was rare for ordinary customers to see her.
Ning Wanwan was surprised that she could reach Mi Yue through the establishment’s staff, who seemed well-trained and not easily swayed by money.
She put away the silver notes and took out a folded square piece of paper with the cicada and moon palace print. “Please deliver this to her and ask if she would meet me,” she instructed the servant. If Lumen Pavilion was an intelligence-gathering organization, they would surely recognize the significance of the print.
The servant took the paper, glanced at it, and then refolded it, smiling politely at Ning Wanwan. “Please wait here for a moment.” He quickly ran upstairs.
After half a tea’s time, the servant returned, bowing. “Sir, please come to the top floor.”
The top floor of Lumen Pavilion was a hidden marvel. While it appeared ordinary from the outside, inside was a different world entirely.
It was enclosed on all sides, with a central terrace featuring a small bridge, flowing water, and exotic plants. Rockeries and waterfalls surrounded the area, with mist creating an ethereal atmosphere.
In the center of the terrace stood a hexagonal pavilion surrounded by soft peach-colored gauze. Behind it, a graceful woman was delicately playing a musical instrument.
The servant announced, “Sister Mi Yue, the guests have arrived.”
