As Cao Wenbin's grumblings left his lips, a look of immediate panic settled on Wu Chengqian's face. It wasn't fear of Cao Wenbin's anger that drove him to anxiety. Rather, it was the thought that Cao might lose interest altogether and simply walk out, leaving him stranded. If that were to happen, his slim chance of ever returning to the starting point would vanish like a dream in daylight.
"Please, Young Master, bear with me for just a moment," Wu Chengqian said, flashing a placating smile. "Allow me to make the necessary arrangements." He bowed his head deferentially, eager to act before it was too late.
Cao Wenbin said nothing, but his gaze conveyed his approval clearly enough. Sensing he had permission, Wu Chengqian didn't waste another second; he dashed out of the room with a vigor that belied his nervousness.
Outside, however, the atmosphere grew tense as he vented his frustration at the woman responsible for the situation, the very one who had brought them here. "What on earth are you thinking?" he fumed, his tone sharp as a blade. "You bring in nothing but young girls to impress a seasoned gentleman?"
His target was none other than Lü Hanyan, a striking woman with a composed demeanor. She was no ordinary employee; she was the head of the prestigious Platinum Palace, a position that spoke to her intelligence, cunning, and loyalty—she was one of Wu Chengqian's most trusted allies. Despite his sharp tone, she remained unperturbed, a small smirk playing on her lips.
"Young Master, you wrong me," she said, coolly defending herself. "Those young ladies I sent in earlier are among our finest. We reserve them for only the most discerning clients."
For a moment, Wu Chengqian looked genuinely taken aback, but his expression soon shifted as understanding dawned. Of course, Lü Hanyan was unaware of the unique preferences Cao Wenbin held. In a tone barely above a whisper, Wu Chengqian leaned in, revealing the secret he hoped would prevent any further mishaps.
"This particular client has… shall we say, a rather distinct taste. He has little interest in youthful innocence and finds his pleasure only in mature, married women."
His tone carried a hint of desperation as he continued, "So from now on, you must bring only those who possess elegance and allure—no more of these young, wide-eyed girls."
Lü Hanyan's expression did not change, but a glint in her eye suggested she understood perfectly. Wu Chengqian turned and prepared to return to the room, certain that he had spelled things out clearly enough. Lü Hanyan, as skilled and astute as she was, would surely not misinterpret his request again.
In his mind, all obstacles had been removed; the path was once more clear. His mind wandered to his plan for his triumphant return to the starting point. He even imagined the perfect pose he might strike upon his arrival, triumphant and self-assured. Yet, just as he began to savor his coming victory, a voice shattered his reverie.
"Master, we don't keep that type of woman here," Lü Hanyan's voice called out, bringing him up short.
He stopped, turning back with a look of disbelief. "What do you mean, none?"
Her tone was level, but it held a trace of reproach. "Do you not recall, Young Master? You yourself instructed us only to employ those who remain… unopened."
"Should anyone here have their 'seal' broken, they're provided a handsome severance package and sent off immediately."
Wu Chengqian's face darkened, and his voice turned colder than ice. "You're telling me that there is not a single one available?"
"None whatsoever, sir."
Inwardly, she assumed he would take her side, and together they might come up with some solution. But instead, she was met with a chilling response.
"If none are available, then you shall have to go in yourself."
There was a flicker of shock in her expression, but Wu Chengqian continued, unfazed. "And remember, before you enter, dress exactly as I instructed—a sultry stepmother dress, sheer stockings, and high heels with straps."
"You are to project all the charm at your disposal."
Wu Chengqian's command demonstrated a cold efficiency, the calculating mind of a strategist who knew precisely what was needed. Lü Hanyan couldn't help but admire, for just a moment, the thoroughness with which he handled the situation. If she were to obey his instructions, she was certain Cao Wenbin would be left helpless, ensnared in her charms.
However, she didn't move to comply. Instead, her expression changed, one brow lifting in incredulity. "You're asking me to entertain a client?"
For the first time, there was a crack in her composure, a look of profound disbelief. Yesterday, Wu Chengqian had spoken grand oaths, swearing he would never part from her, even if mountains crumbled and rivers ran dry. Yet here he was, his promises vanished like a fleeting mist.
Was this the infamous deceitfulness of a man's lips?
"What, is there a problem?" His tone was cruelly indifferent. "Let me make it plain: tonight, whatever it takes, you are to make sure that he—"
The emphasis in his words was unmistakable. "—completely 'unwraps' you."
"You are to stay with him throughout the night, never letting him leave your sight. Should you fail, I will have you stripped and left in the streets of the slums."
It was clear; Wu Chengqian's obsession with returning to his starting point had driven him to madness.
"Fine," Lü Hanyan's tone was sharp with resignation. "I'll do it." Turning swiftly, she moved toward the wardrobe where the required clothing waited.
But as she walked away, her expression shifted, any trace of submission replaced by cold resolve.
"Wu Chengqian, if you intend to betray me, then don't blame me for what happens next," she muttered to herself, barely audible. "If you plan to hand me over so freely, then after tonight, I'll be free of you."
"My 'seal' remains intact—finding a new patron should be easy enough."
Inside, Cao Wenbin awaited her return, growing visibly irritated with each passing second. His impatience was palpable, and Wu Chengqian's unease grew with every glance.
"All set?" Cao Wenbin asked, his expression stormy. His body language suggested he was moments away from storming out of the room.
Wu Chengqian's hastily crafted response was a plea. "Patience, Young Master. Three minutes—no more than that."
"The next woman will be precisely to your taste."
Cao Wenbin's voice was like ice, but he gave a terse nod. "Very well. I'll wait three minutes."
Wu Chengqian exhaled, feeling the tension dissolve slightly. The moment he'd been waiting for had arrived—his chance to leave, his chance to return to the starting point was now within reach.
The door opened, and Lü Hanyan entered, her attire exactly as Wu Chengqian had prescribed: a sultry purple dress that clung to her figure, sheer stockings, and high heels.
The vision was everything Wu Chengqian had anticipated. Cao Wenbin's reaction did not disappoint; his eyes lit up, and his expression shifted into one of eager anticipation.
But one small detail marred Wu Chengqian's triumph—Cao Wenbin had taken Lü Hanyan into his arms without releasing the woman he had previously embraced.
"Young Master," Wu Chengqian forced a smile, "Is she to your satisfaction?"
"Very much so. You've done well."
"Rest assured, Chengqian," Cao Wenbin said, a hint of a smirk on his face. "Tonight's favor will not be forgotten."
In his heart, Cao Wenbin was laughing, savoring his victory as Wu Chengqian watched on.