Jin Yu could tell Ning Zhi was hopeful she would assist Su Shen Bi. She lowered her eyes, melancholic, before raising them again toward the closed door in the corner of the second floor.
At that moment, the door opened, and a fat woman emerged.
Seeing Jin Yu, she smiled broadly, her small eyes squinting mischievously. “I’ve seen Boss Jin early today. I must be lucky. Boss Jin, could you reduce the interest of the gambling house? Business hasn’t been good lately.”
Jin Yu’s deep black eyes remained inscrutable but grew cold.
Ning Zhi, seeing Jin Yu silent, laughed and said, “Boss Qian, my master never discusses business at Smoky Intoxication. Please refrain from mentioning gambling matters today.”
Boss Qian’s face stiffened briefly before she smiled, “Last night’s companion was delightful. That Su family’s wench was indeed tasty. My money was well spent.”
Ning Zhi’s eyes shifted to Jin Yu, who remained a cold observer. He simply responded, “As long as Boss Qian enjoyed herself. We hope you’ll visit Smoky Intoxication often.”
“Of course,” Boss Qian waved her fan, her small eyes fixed on Ning Zhi, “The beauties here are more delicate than elsewhere, even Ning Zhi remains so charming.”
Though over twenty, Ning Zhi’s beauty remained unchanged.
“Doesn’t the boss already know? In Ten Li Town, who doesn’t know that Smoke and Flowers is the famous brothel? Ke He, that honest man, would not have come here if not for life’s hardships.”
Jin Yu looked through the bed curtains at the slender figure, “I know this. Tell me something I don’t know.”
Ning Zhi’s tone turned serious, “About ten days ago, Ke He brought a pregnant man to Ten Li Town, couldn’t find any work, and finally came to Smoke and Flowers.”
I felt sorry for her, especially with her pregnant partner, so I kept her. She can always do some work here. If the boss complains, deduct it from my monthly pay. Please let her stay.
Jinyu listened, furrowing her brow. An honest man unable to find work in Ten Li Town, bringing a pregnant partner to work in this famous brothel?
In the simple room, Su Xi placed silver coins into a wooden box, locked it, and put it away.
Xiao Lian, with swollen red eyes, choked, “Brother.”
