Period drama: Old Cao's carefree life

Chapter 199 Could it be a quack doctor?
In the afternoon, Cao Weida went to Xiaguang Garden as promised.

Because of the strict curfew at night, there were already quite a few guests in Xiaguangyuan at this time.

Lights were on in many rooms, and intermittent giggles could be heard coming from them.

The moment Han Lu saw Cao Weida, her face lit up with joy, and she ran over, lifting her skirt.

"Oh my, Master Cao, we've been waiting for you! Please come in, please come in!"

Before she even arrived, a faint scent of rouge wafted over.

Cao Wei sniffed the air and had to admit, as expected of a madam from a high-class brothel, her taste was indeed remarkable.

Although I don't know what kind of rouge this is, it smells so pleasant that I know it must be very expensive.

As Cao Weida walked inside, he teased, "Little Ears has been acting as your advocate, mentioning it time and time again. How could I not come?"

Upon hearing this, Han Lu's heart tightened immediately.

On the surface, it seemed like there was nothing wrong, but she understood the meaning behind the words. It was an expression of dissatisfaction with her using her little ears and a warning to her!

She quickly put on her warmest smile and said apologetically, "Master Cao, you misunderstand. You have helped our Xiaguang Garden so much, and I have wanted to thank you for a long time, but I have never had the chance. You have never graced us with your presence, so I had no choice but to ask Master Lian for a favor."

"Miss Han Lu values ​​relationships; it's my narrow-mindedness that's the problem," Cao Weida said with a slight smile, brushing off the topic without comment.

Since he was already there, he naturally wouldn't dwell on the topic.

If you really mind, you can simply decline.

Han Lu was a shrewd person, and naturally she saw through Cao Weida's attitude, and smiled as she stood by:
"Master Cao, please don't flatter me. I'm just a weak woman, but I know how to repay kindness."

"Most importantly, Shuyi and Wanrou have long admired your handsome appearance and have been waiting for you in their rooms for many days, but you have not come yet."

"They think that Bo Liu's looks are not good enough for you, so they are always sad and heartbroken. I see it all and it pains me to see it, which is why I had to urge Master Lian to pass on a message to you. Please don't take offense."

Listening to Han Lu's endless flattery, Cao Weida smiled inwardly. These days, anyone who manages to make something of themselves is no fool, and their sweet talk is always getting better than the last.

As for those claims of admiring his heroic bearing for a long time, just listen to them and let them go. Anyone who takes them seriously is a fool.

They've never even met each other, and they didn't even know each other before, so what's there to admire about each other?

He tilted his head and glanced at her. Because they were so close, almost every detail on Han Lu's face was visible to him.

Han Lu is naturally good-looking and has a great figure. She is as beautiful as a flower, with smooth and curvaceous body lines. In particular, her exposed skin is very smooth.

Although fine lines have appeared at the corners of her eyes, they only enhance her charm.

Cao Wei Da thought to himself, "This woman probably already knows Xiao Erduo's preferences, and she's deliberately targeting those preferences."

Before long, Cao Wei Da was led to a guest room.

This room is clearly meticulously furnished; it would be considered luxurious for this era, and it looks very beautiful.

At this moment, two beautifully dressed women were sitting around a small round table in the center of the room. When they heard the door open, they both looked over.

Cao Wei Da also looked over, and the two women who came into view were tall, with slender waists, exquisite curves, and extremely delicate appearances.

Just as he guessed, the two women were no less beautiful than Xinghong, each with their own unique charm.

One was youthful and beautiful, the other had a charming look in her eyes; they were a very pleasing sight to behold.

Especially when the two sit together, it's a truly eye-catching sight.

"Han Lu truly lives up to her reputation as a madam; she understands men."

Having women on both sides has always been one of the greatest pleasures for men, unless their abilities are questionable.

Han Lu's arrangement of having two women stay in one room speaks volumes.

"You two girls, what are you standing there for? Come and greet Master Cao, whom you've admired for so long!" After entering, seeing that Shuyi and Wanrou did not immediately step forward to pay their respects, he immediately urged them.

The two women snapped out of their daze and hurriedly stood up to bow, saying, "Wanrou/Shuyi greet Master Cao."

"Hello, hello." Cao Weida walked over and sat down with a smile. "Miss Han Lu, please bring us some food and drinks. I haven't eaten yet."

"Prepare a couple more dishes; I imagine the two ladies haven't had any yet."

Shuyi and Wanrou smiled sheepishly, their initial anxiety easing slightly.

It seems that Master Cao's personality matches what I heard, and he doesn't seem difficult to get along with.

"Just you wait, Mr. Cao, the food will be served shortly," Han Lu replied with a smile.

"Thank you, Master Cao." The two women stood up and gave each other a graceful pat, their voices sweet and alluring, making one's heart itch.

For these girls from the Qingyin Class, learning the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting was a must, but learning how to please a man was also essential.

Every frown and movement revealed a different charm, making Cao Weida's mouth water.

Soon, the food was served. Since Han Lu wanted to curry favor with Cao Weida, the food was naturally of high quality.

As the saying goes, "When you're full and warm, you think about food and drink." After a hearty meal, looking at the two women in front of him who seemed to be both welcoming and rejecting, he wasn't a saint like Liu Xiahui, so naturally he wouldn't be foolish enough to play the sentimental card.

It's something everyone knows is consensual, so why pretend to be innocent lovers?

After a night of triumph, Cao Weida, still full of energy, got up and walked outside in the morning, humming a song as he went; it was clear he was in a good mood.

It must be said that Qingyin Xiaolou is indeed quite something. Although it trains women of the night, these women do not have a trace of the depravity associated with such women.

Moreover, she is particularly adept at discovering the unique characteristics of each person; her appearance is pure yet subtly alluring, sweet yet captivating.
"Brother Cao." Just as Cao Weida stepped out the door, Xiao Erduo's voice came from not far away.

Turning her head, she saw Little Ears, already dressed and ready, walking over accompanied by Han Lu, whose face was beaming.

"Master Cao is indeed exceptionally brave and valiant. Those two poor beauties are going to suffer. They'll need to rest for a couple of days." Han Lu covered her mouth and giggled, subtly flattering him.

What man doesn't like to be praised for his bravery?

Whether in terms of martial prowess or Wu Di's...
Cao Weida scanned the two men over and said with a smile, "I'm quite satisfied with your arrangements. I'll arrange for a rickshaw to pick them up tomorrow, and you can arrange for someone to take care of them."

This Han Lu is truly a shrewd person. With Xiao Erduo accompanying her, her attempts to claim credit are both reasonable and subtle. Receiving the praise, Han Lu's smile was practically non-stop. "Don't worry, Master Cao, I'll definitely take good care of him."

After all, they did their best. Although they used some tricks, it didn't hurt anything. "Then thank you very much, Miss Han Lu. Little Ears, it's time to go report for duty. Let's go."

A fleeting look of disappointment crossed Han Lu's face. Cao Weida still only addressed her as Miss Han Lu, clearly not as someone she considered one of their own.
"By the way, calculate the total cost for last night, and also the ransom for the two women in the room. I'll have someone deliver the money around noon."

Last night I took off all my clothes, but not a single penny fell out. If I were to take out the money now, it would easily arouse suspicion.

He was very satisfied with Shuyi and Wanrou's performance, and he was somewhat chauvinistic, wanting them both the first time and not liking other men to test drive them later.

"Master Cao, you're joking. There's no need to pay them; they're serving you willingly."

Cao Wei Da waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, let's keep things separate. I'm not going to take advantage of you for such a small thing."

Han Lu was even more disappointed. She had planned to use this opportunity to curry favor.

If we accept money, wouldn't the effect be greatly reduced?

Naturally she was unwilling.

Little Ear pulled her aside, frowning as she said, "Alright, let's leave it at that. Brother Cao isn't short of money, and he doesn't like taking advantage of others."

When Xiao Erduo spoke, Han Lu naturally dared not refute, and could only nod in grievance.

Seeing her disappointed look, Xiao Erduo whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, Brother Cao has already taken this matter to heart. If Brother Cao didn't appreciate this gesture, he wouldn't have even come."

Hearing this, Han Lu felt somewhat relieved, realizing that her hard work hadn't been in vain.

She didn't doubt Xiao Erduo's words at all. After all, Xiao Erduo had always been by Cao Weida's side and naturally understood Cao Weida's personality and temperament better than she did.

Moreover, the fact that she was able to get in touch with Cao Weida was all thanks to Xiao Erduo's matchmaking, so how could she dare to disobey?

Just as he and Little Ears came downstairs, a voice came from the side:

"Master Cao, what a coincidence."

Cao Weida turned his head and looked at her with surprise: "Oh, it's Dr. Zhu. What a coincidence. You're here to relieve stress too?"

This guy is just a doctor working at a hospital, earning a meager salary each month, yet he has the ability to spend money here?

Could this guy be a quack doctor?!

How to relieve stress?

Zhu Liwen felt a bit strange; this excuse was indeed quite novel and unconventional.
"Yes, yes, just like you, Master Cao, we're here to relieve stress. By the way, Master Cao, I happen to have a favor to ask you. Someone knows I know you, so they pulled some strings and contacted me, hoping I can help them get to know you. What do you think?"

Cao Wei Da shook his head inwardly. As expected, he wasn't someone who could make a living with words; his emotional intelligence needed improvement.

Who speaks so bluntly?
But thinking about it, it makes sense. The Republic of China was different from modern times, and medical disputes were quite rare during that period.

"Since Dr. Zhu has spoken, I naturally can't refuse him."

It wasn't because the children were being treated by Zhu Liwen; it was mainly because people wanted to get to know him and ask him for help.

Where there is a need, there will inevitably be benefits.

If something is beneficial, why wouldn't he do it as long as it doesn't violate morality or reason?

As the saying goes, if you don't use your power, you'll waste it!

Zhu Liwen was clearly surprised that Cao Weida would agree so readily. Overjoyed, he quickly thanked him and said, "That person is in the next room. I'll wake him up right now."

"No need. Let him sleep a little longer since he's not awake yet. It's almost time for roll call, and I have to go on duty. Let's do it at noon; I'll have time then."

"Just let me know when the time comes. If there's nothing urgent, I'll definitely keep my appointment."

"That's fine then. Thank you very much, Mr. Cao. Please take care."

Before noon, Cao Weida heard something from Xiao Erduo: all his expenses from the previous night had been settled, including the ransom for the two women, which cost a total of 2,500 silver dollars.

Wow, that's quite generous! This person must be quite wealthy.

Cao Weida naturally guessed who had settled the accounts for him; who else could it be but the person Zhu Liwen had mentioned who wanted to get to know him?

Not long after, Zhu Liwen called and said that his friend had booked a private room at Fengzeyuan Restaurant and invited him to join him for a casual meal.

After hanging up the phone, Cao Weida looked at the map of Beiping that had been scribbled on and drawn on the table, and said to Duomen, who was sitting opposite him, "Master Duo, I have to go out for a business dinner at noon. I have already outlined the general area where the murderer is located. You can search according to this area."

These days, Cao Weida has been preoccupied with various matters and has no time to deal with the murderer who likes to strip the dead of their clothes.

Perhaps because there were more patrols a few nights ago, the murderer has been quite well-behaved these past few days.

Unexpectedly, just as the night patrols had relaxed a bit, another person was murdered in the same way this morning.

The victim this time was a scavenger.

After investigating for so many days without finding any solid clues, and now with another life lost, Duomen is both angry and helpless.

Cao Weida couldn't stand it any longer, so he pulled out the case file and marked the approximate area where the murderer lived on a map of Beiping based on the location of the victim's death.

"Cao'er, how did you determine that the murderer lived in this area?"

Naturally, it's based on the crime-solving techniques from my previous life!
These days are nothing like the information explosion era of later generations, where various detective novels, case analyses, movies, and TV series have exposed even ordinary people to basic analytical logic.

"It's rather complicated and can't be explained in just a few words. We'll talk about it later. Someone invited me to dinner, so I'll go there first and talk to you when I get back. You should take your people to this place to investigate first."

After saying that, he quickly walked out.

Watching Cao Weida's retreating figure, Duomen's eyes gleamed with satisfaction: "It seems that Cao'er has truly surpassed his master!"

"However, this kid is just too lazy and was born in the wrong era. If it were a peaceful time, with his abilities, he could have done quite well."

Meanwhile, Cao Weida, who had arrived at Dufengzeyuan by rickshaw, had no time to care about Duomen's thoughts. He was currently listening with astonishment to the refined-looking man in his thirties sitting across the table introducing himself:

"Hello, Mr. Cao. My name is Lou Zhenhua, and my father is Lou Yaozu. Lou's Steel Rolling Mill is my father's business."

(End of this chapter)