Chapter Fifty-Two: The Brothel

The heir of Annan had just opened his mouth to speak when Yun Yanyi interjected with a sneer, “Miss Su, you certainly have a clever scheme. You want a share of the restaurant’s profits merely for offering a few ideas? Are you trying to get something for nothing—as if we’re fools to be taken in so easily?”

Su Lilu forced a stiff smile, inwardly grumbling that even the true master of the house, the Annan heir, had yet to speak—what was Yun Yanyi in such a hurry for? Seeing the discontent written plainly on her face, Yun Yanyi, knowing she must be cursing him in her heart, retorted unceremoniously, “Miss Su, you overestimate your importance. Deyuan Restaurant has an excellent reputation. Even without you, it would flourish for years to come. Your absence would hardly cost us a single coin.”

Her smile faded entirely as Su Lilu fixed Yun Yanyi with an impassive stare. “I am here to discuss business with the heir of Annan. Why does Your Highness feel the need to interfere? Is there some misunderstanding I should know of?”

Not wishing to offend Yun Yanyi, given his influence, she kept her tone polite. The heir of Annan quickly explained, “Please don’t misunderstand, Miss Su. His Highness and I co-own this restaurant; half the capital came from him. The prince is deeply invested in its future, so I ask that you not take offense.”

Understanding dawned in Su Lilu’s eyes. She nodded bashfully. “I see now that I misjudged Your Highness. I had no idea you possessed such keen business acumen.”

Yun Yanyi let out a derisive laugh, his mockery unmistakable. Su Lilu understood all too well, and through gritted teeth, she asked, “Does the heir of Annan happen to own any brothels?”

He shook his head. “I do not.”

Su Lilu shot Yun Yanyi a triumphant look and offered, “If you wish to make more money, perhaps you should consider opening one. As for the girls’ skills, you needn’t worry—I can teach them what I know. Once they’ve acquired a craft, your establishment would surely outshine all others.”

The heir of Annan was clearly intrigued, his eyes sparkling as he watched her. Seeing his interest, Su Lilu continued energetically, “You’ve seen my dance and my paintings—skills unmatched in any other brothel. If I teach the girls these arts, your house will undoubtedly become the most renowned and prosperous in the capital.”

So carried away was she by her own words that she hardly noticed Yun Yanyi growing increasingly sour. He interrupted, his expression dark, “You seem rather confident, Miss Su. Are you so sure your instruction would guarantee the girls’ success? I doubt it. You exaggerate your abilities.”

Unable to tolerate such insult, Su Lilu rose to her feet and declared, “And what would it take to convince you, Your Highness? Do you think I would make light of such a serious matter just to curry favor? If it failed, the heir of Annan would certainly hold me accountable—would I seek trouble for myself?”

She felt her good intentions were completely misunderstood. Though she wished to profit, her ambitions were greater than mere money—so why must Yun Yanyi always be so cutting? She turned away, her face stiff, not wanting to hear any more of his excuses.

“Very well,” Yun Yanyi replied calmly, “I’ll give you a chance to prove yourself. If you can’t deliver, it will only prove your incompetence. What do you say, Miss Su?”

Hearing the skepticism in his every word, Su Lilu’s temper flared. “Fine. Just tell me, Your Highness, what you want me to do.”

“No need to rush,” Yun Yanyi replied coolly. “Your time will come soon enough.” He cast a glance at the heir of Annan, thinking to himself that he had to deal with that fellow first.

“We haven’t finished our earlier discussion,” he said to the heir. “Why don’t we let Miss Su rest here while we conclude our business?”

Su Lilu, ears pricked to catch every word, was permitted to stay. After all, Yun Yanyi thought, she wouldn’t understand anything anyway.

The heir of Annan nodded and instructed the attendant to treat her well before leaving with Yun Yanyi to a private room. The two men talked for nearly an hour, dusk deepening outside. Su Lilu began to regret her situation, murmuring fretfully, “I wonder how Liu Zhu and the others are faring. If I return home late, the household will be tightly guarded—how will I get back in?”

Before she could puzzle out a solution, Yun Yanyi appeared at the doorway. She craned her neck to look behind him. “Where’s the heir of Annan?”

“He’s already left. Why, did you want to demonstrate your methods in front of him?” The chill in Yun Yanyi’s voice made Su Lilu shiver. She couldn’t help but notice the pale, jade-like hue of his face and, inexplicably, felt a pang of sympathy.

She quickly shook off her fanciful thoughts and replied firmly, “You misunderstand, Your Highness. I was only asking out of courtesy. Since it’s getting late, when will you allow me to prove myself? If not tonight, I beg you to let me leave.”

“What’s your hurry?” Yun Yanyi strode off. “Follow me—your opportunity is coming soon.”

She had to half-run to keep up with his long strides, her breath coming short. Hearing her panting behind him, Yun Yanyi unconsciously shortened his steps.

Once they boarded the prince’s carriage, Su Lilu hesitated, but Yun Yanyi said coldly, “If you’re unwilling to get in, you can walk.”

Heaven only knew how far he intended to take her. Bowing to his authority, Su Lilu lowered her head and climbed into the carriage, helped along by the cold wind. Inside, they sat as far apart as possible, each in their own corner.

Yun Yanyi was at ease. The carriage, drawn by four fine horses, was so smoothly driven that the tea inside did not ripple. Cold Wind, acting as temporary coachman, sat outside, his ears tuned to the conversation within.

Yun Yanyi poured two cups of tea, pushing one toward Su Lilu. She noticed the tea’s surface was perfectly still, a testament to the carriage’s quality.

“Thank you, Your Highness, for the tea.” She cradled the cup in both hands, watched Yun Yanyi taste his first, then took a tentative sip. Her eyes lit up, and she took another, exclaiming, “What excellent tea—Your Highness is truly blessed.”

“Don’t get attached. Some things are best left un-coveted,” Yun Yanyi said suddenly, making her feel awkward. She wondered what she had done to incur his displeasure yet again.

Deciding not to waste her energy, Su Lilu fell silent, and the remainder of the journey passed without a word. She alighted first, finding herself before a brightly lit building. Several women stood on the balcony, waving handkerchiefs and calling out flirtatiously to passersby, inviting them inside. Su Lilu rubbed her nose and stood beside Yun Yanyi.

“Why are you just standing there? Come in with me. Didn’t you say you wanted to prove yourself? Here’s your perfect chance.” Yun Yanyi strode in first. The girls, recognizing his status, dared not tease him but stepped back in silence, only resuming their coquettish smiles once he had passed.