Mu Li just paused for a moment, but then showed no intention of following up. This couldn't help but arouse suspicion in Cheng Xiran. Logically, she should have noticed, even earlier than herself. But why didn't she take action?
There was only one answer, and that was that the shadow was none other than Helian Duo.
Cheng Xiran didn't ask her either. She just quickened her pace and followed. But how could she be a match for that shadow? After following for a short while, she was left far behind without a trace.
Cheng Xiran pouted slightly. Listening to the continuous noise from the other courtyard, she felt a sense of pleasure in her heart. Then she turned around and went to the back house with Mu Li. She had something more important to do.
Perhaps because the commotion in the front house was quite loud, there were basically no guards in the back house. It was estimated that they had all gone to the front to help. Cheng Xiran didn't really care. In fact, she even thought it was more comfortable this way. If it were like this every day, wouldn't she be able to come and go freely?
The long street was sparsely populated, but in front of the Flower Beauty Pavilion, it was bustling.
Who could resist the allure of this place where those people indulged in pleasure every night?
Cheng Xiran walked inside unobtrusively, trying to hide from the madam guarding the door by blending in with the hurried crowd. But she was still recognized at a glance and grabbed tightly.
Just as Mu Li was about to take action, Cheng Xiran gave her a look. To prevent others from recognizing her, Mu Li had also put on a rather exaggerated makeup. She had even specially glued on a fake beard. Moreover, Mu Li, with her expressionless face, slender figure, fair skin, and a solemn yet gentle look in her eyes, was dressed as a man. In the eyes of the madam, she had a unique charm.
But the madam quickly shifted her gaze to Cheng Xiran. "Oh, isn't this Young Master Cheng? Why aren't you with Young Master Xue tonight? Speaking of Young Master Xue, it's been a while since I last saw him. Is he very busy recently?"
Cheng Xiran lowered her voice and nodded slightly. "Yes, he's been handling some matters for the Regent recently."
The madam nodded in agreement, then looked at Mu Li again. "Oh, who is this young man? He looks... quite charming."
Judging from the madam's expression, Cheng Xiran could initially tell that the madam was attracted to Mu Li. Her covetousness was fully displayed.
"This is my personal bodyguard. I don't know martial arts, so I brought him along."
On the surface, the madam was listening to Cheng Xiran, but in fact, her mind was already on Mu Li. The more Mu Li ignored her, the more excited the madam became. She even started winking at Mu Li continuously, and later even got physical.
Mu Li gently shook off the madam's hand, which earned her a gentle glare from the madam. Then, seeing the madam pick up the brocade handkerchief in her hand and whip it at Mu Li, she said, "You stinky man! Don't you even bother to find out? Everyone within ten miles knows my good name!"
Cheng Xiran didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Seeing her like this, the madam started pestering her, insisting on asking all sorts of questions.
Mu Li gave her a look, and Cheng Xiran understood. Immediately, she gently pushed the madam towards Mu Li. After clearing her throat, she instructed, "I'm going in to have some fun. You stay outside and chat with the madam. Don't provoke her."
Mu Li obediently nodded. The madam was overjoyed when she heard this. She quickly called out two girls from inside and said with a beaming smile, "Zhenzhen, Mumu, you two must serve Young Master Cheng well for me. If there's the slightest neglect, I'll hold you accountable later!"
"Little brother, has anyone ever told you that your beard is very sexy?"
The madam's words almost made Cheng Xiran vomit.
It seemed that she could only sacrifice Mu Li's good looks.
After bribing the two girls with silver according to the old method, Cheng Xiran went into the Flower Beauty Pavilion alone. The place was full of all kinds of people and very noisy. At a glance, it was a riot of colors. She simply couldn't tell who was who. She only felt that the people in front of her were getting more and more blurred one after another.
Suddenly, she was grabbed by someone. Even so, a strong sense of crisis hit her. But it was strange. Every time Helian Duo tried to scare her in the past, she didn't feel any discomfort.
But now she did. Moreover, the person grabbed her so hard that it hurt.
She looked in the direction of the sound, and a flushed face came into view. The man was of ordinary appearance, obviously a drunk. But his clothes were very fine. It seemed that he was the young master of some prominent family.
"Let go of me!"
Cheng Xiran shouted at him. But the man squinted his eyes and showed no sign of letting go. Instead, he laughed merrily. "Wow, this young man is so handsome. I wonder if you're free to come and drink with me, young master?"
Seeing that Cheng Xiran didn't reply, he changed the subject and continued, "If you don't want to drink, that's okay. How about we go to bed together?"
Cheng Xiran gave him a sidelong glance. "Please open your eyes and look clearly. I'm a man."
"It's okay. I just want a man!" the man said shamelessly.
Although it was novel, Cheng Xiran felt more speechless. At the moment, she just wanted to break free, but it was still a futile effort.
Cheng Xiran could clearly hear the ambiguous meaning in his words. Originally, dressing up as a man was for more convenience. But who would have thought that now she had pushed herself into a dilemma.
Just as she was about to call for help, a familiar scent filled her nostrils.
"Good little brother, just give in to me. Please relieve my longing for so many days. Can you take pity on me?"