Mysteries… they can wait at the back of the line.

  For the time being, those tables looked pretty inviting.

  Wanting to go over to the insurance booths for a spin to secure a bit of extra security, Bubai turned to convince his buddy to tag along, just to realize…

  That short friend next to him was now gone.

  “Huh? Where’d he go?”

  At his other side, Miss Hong huffed with arms crossed like a judge ready to condemn, "Tsk. You men really can't change your nature. There’s no need to look, he's over there."

  Following her pointed gaze, Bubai spotted the shorty worming his way out from the front of the mob.

  With a face possessed by the same feverish enthusiasm that infected the rest of the buyers, Qian Bage scurried up and slammed his hands onto the gold-clothed table.

  "This Sister, I want to buy the gold plan! Can I, uh, have the honor of specifying Miss Feng Qi as my nurse?"

  "You- It's you again!" The masked lady glared at him, clearly not amused.

  "Dream on! We won’t let you buy any plan, even if you had all the spirit stones in the world! Sisters, throw this rat out!"

  "Wait, wait! I can pay double! Triple! No-"

  Before he could protest further, a familiar law enforcer with a burgundy side bun swiftly gagged him and her golden rope bound him like a package ready for delivery.

  Ignoring his muffled cries, she dragged the struggling bundle out without a hint of mercy and… tossed him unceremoniously at Bubai’s feet.

  Bubai blinked, incredulous. Hey, if he said he had nothing to do with this love-brain, will she believe him?

  The big sis didn’t give him a chance to explain anything and left without a second glance.

  Pinching the bridge of his nose, Bubai sighed. Familiar people. Familiar ending. This time, it was even playing out at his feet.

  Just a coincidence? There’s no need to ask.

  This was already the second time, but by now, it could be said all the actors were no longer strangers.

  That lady should be the Phoenix’s Nest courtesan calling herself Lian’er.

  Last time at Bai Hua Lou, she was still beating around the bush. Now wearing a mask, she was much more direct.

  The most intriguing part is her relationship with the shorty.

  That was still unclear, but… it’s definitely not simple.

  Bubai had a hunch… this lady might even be Qian Bage’s so-called “sister” from whom the Feng Clan token was “borrowed” back during his item-delivery quest.

  Of course, there was no proof. But some matters were clear to anyone with even half a brain.

  Bubai’s dull eyes landed on the fish playing dead on the ground.

  Realizing the act was over, the salted fish bounced up from the ground like a rubber ball and dusted off his own robes.

  "Gah! What’s the big deal? They roll out the red carpet for all those sheep fantasizing about grazing untouchable grass, but they won’t accept a proper gentleman like me! Pei!"

  Bubai gave him a strange look. Yo, bro, you sure you didn’t mix things up there?

  Catching the perplexing disdain from both his buddy and his female partner, Qian Bage awkwardly combed his fingers through his messy hair as if raking away his shame.

  "Haha... Brother Bai, let’s get going. Nothing worth sticking around for here."

  Bubai held out a hand, halting his companion mid-step. "Wait."

  Qian Bage blinked, then looked back and forth between the tables and Bubai.

  His face scrunched like those gossipy middle-aged wives next door and he leaned in with eyebrows waggling.

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  “Ouuuu! I see Brother Bai is an enlightened one as well, eh? Come on, tell Bage, which moonlight virgin caught your eyes? I’ll have you know, I know the sisters in that place like the back of my hand!”

  Bubai rolled his eyes. "Nobody in particular. I just think it’s better to be safe than sorry."

  Qian Bage nodded along like a sage, but more vulgar. "Ou, yes, of course! Better safe than sorry. That’s what she said. Mm-hmm."

  "I’m really-"

  “Understand! Bage completely understands!”

  Clapping Bubai’s shoulder, the shorty beamed.

  "Brother Bai’s got the confidence to bring your homegrown rose out to bask in the sun, so naturally, you’ll need some extra protection! There’s really no need to explain!"

  Bubai’s lips twitched. "Okay, whatever. Brother Ba, mind staying back to watch over my rose for me?"

  Immediately, Qian Bage’s face lit up with hope. “Wait Brother Bai, how about let me come with you? I’ll even pay for your plan—”

  "You’ll be doing me a favor by not coming!"

  Bubai hurriedly fled, not wanting to be caught in any more nonsense.

  Left behind, Qian Bage clutched his chest dramatically and called after him. "Ouuu, Brother Bai, you’ve hurt our brotherly bond!"

  That tone was so disgusting that even Miss Venomous Tongue took a step away from the shorty.

  …

  Meanwhile, over in the crowd...

  “Watch it, fellow daoist! You almost knocked me over!”

  “Oi, who does this guy think he is?!”

  “Bro, stop pushing! We’re all here for the same thing!”

  "What's the rush? Wait your turn, man! They're not going anywhere!"

  “Some of us have been waiting for ages! Must think he’s special, huh? Wait till he gets sent back!”

  Blocking another jab from an elbow, Bubai ignored the sour looks and capitalized on his well-built physique to squeeze to the front of the mob.

  Just when the perimeter guards blocked his way with crossed spears, Bubai quickly wagged a pouch of spirit stones in his hand and flashed a smile with as much charm as he could muster.

  "Ahem. I’m here on serious business. It’ll be quick."

  The unimpressed lady guard sneered, “Oh, sure. Serious business. That’s what the last hundred guys said too. Now scram back and get in line like everyone else—”

  Before she could finish, an authoritative command came from within the circle of tables. "Let him through."

  All eyes turned to the burgundy-haired leader supervising from within.

  "He’s on the participant list."

  The guards exchanged a quick glance.

  Then, the lady guard shot Bubai the kind of scornful look she’d reserved for every other man who came here. "Make it quick. Don’t make me invite you out."

  The spears were lowered and the wall of enforcers parted.

  Ignoring the invisible daggers pricking him from every direction, Bubai gave a quick nod of thanks to Miss Lian’er and went up to the table ahead.

  Unrolling across the table was a scroll densely penned with text.

  The first thing that jumped out to Bubai was the tiny lines of fine print, mainly: No refunds.

  Typical. Looks like some folks won’t be thrilled with what they’re paying for.

  Bubai quickly skimmed through the rest of the scroll to get a general overview.

  Bronze tier is two spirit stones. That’s basically the monthly rent for the regular inner disciple courtyards.

  Silver for ten, but there’s not much difference except some wider coverage on injuries.

  It’s just that…

  If the healing powers of his mysterious green dew isn’t good enough, then anything less than gold is rather tasteless as only that tier offers limb regrowth service.

  Gold is nice and all, but for twenty spirit stones? Merlin, he’s not a simp!

  So, Bubai paid for a basic bronze plan just to show his support. That’s what he came for in the first place.

  A record was quickly made on a bamboo slip, stamped with an official seal, and handed back to Bubai.

  "Inner Disciple Mo Bubai. Your name’s been recorded. Once you suffer any applicable injuries, we’ll send over your assigned personal nurse. Now, shoo. Don’t get in the way of our work."

  Bubai held back an eye-roll. One star for bad attitude!

  Alas, with all the five-star simp reviews pouring in, who cares?

  By the time Bubai finally wrestled his way out of the angry mob, his appearance was even more ragged than when he’d entered.

  With Miss Hong trailing behind, Qian Bage waddled up wearing a smirk on his face.

  "Ou! It really looks like Brother Bai spent your entire fortune for a life’s blessing!"

  Bubai rolled his eyes. “A gentlemen doesn’t need to explain his actions.”

  Qian Bage shrugged. "Yeah, yeah, alright! Let’s not waste any more time. Otherwise, you, brother, might not even find a seat!"

  Just when the trio started to walk away, a shrill voice cut dragged their feet. "Young master Mo! There you are! This little one has been looking all over for you!"

  They turned to see a eunuch shoving through the crowd and heading toward them.

  Bubai happened to recognize this eunuch carrying an overinflated sense of importance. "So it’s Jia Gongong."

  Xiao Jiazi gave a less-than-respectful bow.

  “Yes, yes, it’s good Young Master Mo remembers. Young Lord Jia is awaiting you in his private viewing loft.”

  The eunuch cast a cautious sidelong glance at the shorty, a subtle warning glinting in his eyes.

  “Young Master Mo might have plans with others, but please don’t make it difficult for this humble servant or the young lord will be unhappy.”

  Picking up on the cue, Qian Bage put on an easy grin.

  “Ou. Seems Brother Bai has prior arrangements again. Well, Bage won’t hog brother any longer! If you ever end up with nowhere to sit, feel free to come join my brothers and me at box number seventeen.”

  Bubai nodded. "I’ll shamelessly come bother Brother Ba next time."

  “Ha! No bother at all!” Qian Bage warmly clapped Bubai’s shoulder, “Till next time, then!”

  With that, the shorty melted into the passing crowd.

  The eunuch wore the smile of a winner and politely gestured forward. “Young Master Mo, this way, please.”

  Bubai simply nodded and turned to exchange a glance with his female partner whose face became dark as if overshadowed by a storm cloud.

  But after giving him a fierce glare that could melt through steel, she still relented to wrapping her arm around his like a proper female attendant.

  The invitation had been accepted.

  Time to visit the private viewing box of this family-friendly “friend” of his…

  Wonder what it’ll be like.

  After all, it could be about anything. A casual chat, a hidden agenda, or something far more unpredictable.

  Whatever it was… it wouldn’t be boring.