Chapter 120 – Zhong Lin’s Disappointing Behavior
Melodious guqin music floated up from the floor below, drifting gently into the upstairs room. It was as refreshing as spring water, as soft as a drizzle, and as tender as a summer breeze. The group, waiting for their wine to arrive, paused to savor the music.
One by one, their eyes drifted shut, carried away by the ethereal notes that seemed to lift the weight from their shoulders and offer a rare moment of peace.
As the music came to a close, the group stayed lost in their thoughts for a moment before hurrying to the balcony to look down. Onstage, they saw a girl seated in front of the guqin, dressed in a blue pleated dress adorned with floral patterns. A thin veil covered her face, yet her eyes shone brightly beneath the makeup. Her hands were as fair as white jade, with a hint of red undertones.
Ye Feng murmured, “Isn’t that the girl who sold us osmanthus cakes? What’s she doing performing in a brothel?”
Zhong Lin frowned. After a moment’s pause, he said, “Perhaps her family has their own reasons.”
Li Guanqi glanced down without speaking. Tragedy had no rules. Some people were simply trying to survive.
“Waiter.”
The waiter standing outside bowed and said, “How may I help you, sir?”
Li Guanqi took out a hundred taels of silver. It was not a lot, but not little either. “A drink for the young lady playing the guqin.”
The waiter bowed and said, “Thank you, sir. I’ll tell her.”
Li Guanqi waved him off. “That won’t be necessary. Just hurry up with the wine.”
The waiter bowed and replied, “Yes, sir! I’ll inform the kitchen right away.”