"Well then, gentlemen, we have a special performance tonight, so I'll need to help with the preparations. Please, enjoy yourselves while you're here," Mei said excitedly.
Before Mei could leave, Kai called out, "Mei, do you happen to know if there's a shop around here that sells more of these?"
"Hm, there are many merchants here, but this plant is only found in the South. If Young Master Xing Li wants more, I can ask around," Mei replied.
"Thank you. Please keep me informed," Kai said softly.
As Mei exited the room, Donghua's grin widened.
"Let's go downstairs and drink ourselves into a jovial stupor!"
Kai adjusted his thick veil, concealing his face and hair once more, and the trio departed from Mei's room. They settled into a cozy corner table, illuminated by the warm, golden light. The air was thick with the enticing aroma of savory dishes and the fragrant scent of fine spirits, promising a night of lively celebration and merriment.
As moments passed, the lively chatter suddenly fell silent as the commanding voice of Madam Yu announced the night's main event, her gaze sweeping over the crowd from her position at the center of the beautifully crafted lotus stage.
"Welcome, esteemed guests! Tonight, we present a special performance by our new number one girl in Zhu Dian. Let's give a thunderous welcome to Gaoxi!"
Cheers erupted throughout the crowd, patrons rising from their seats with enthusiastic claps as they made their way closer to the lotus-shaped stage.
Gaoxi—why does that name sound so familiar? Kai wondered to himself.
"Yifong, Xing Li, come on! Let's get closer and see the new beauty!" Donghua exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.
With a daring grin, Kai raised his bottle, letting the remaining alcohol slide down his throat. He waved them off with a carefree flourish, signaling that he'd stay behind as Donghua and Yifong made their way to the stage.
As the music and cheers surged like a heartbeat, Gaoxi took the stage, her every movement and mesmerizing dance captivated the audience, leaving them breathless.
Meanwhile, Cheng Ren and Jiang Wei remained in their room, listening to the distant cheers.
"Seems like a wonderful crowd outside. Let's go enjoy the show," Cheng Ren urged, his voice full of mischief.
"I'm fine right here," Jiang Wei replied coolly, taking a measured sip from his bottle.
"Aiya, you're no fun at all!" Cheng Ren teased as he slipped out the door.
Gaoxi's dance enchanted the crowd with her delicate, fluid movements, so graceful that it was almost like witnessing a white swan gliding under the moonlight.
Meanwhile, Kai began to feel the effects of the alcohol, and with the heat pressing against him beneath his thick veil, he decided to step outside for some fresh air.
He stood beneath the glow of the street lanterns, his thick veil covering his hair and face—mysterious and out of place amid the vibrant street life. Laughter, cheers, and bright lights filled the bustling streets, children running and playing freely. Kai watched as the novel world had come alive.
Suddenly, a small figure—about nine years old—bumped into him. The child's hair was unwashed, and from the look in his eyes, you could tell he was a beggar. He carried a large bun, which he had just recently stolen from a vendor.
In his haste, the bun slipped from his grasp and fell onto the ground. Panicking, he desperately scooped up the white, dirt-covered bun.
He glanced up at Kai, eyes wide with fear, as the mysterious man stood silently before him.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" the boy stammered quickly, trembling.