Period drama: Old Cao's carefree life

Chapter 58 Connecting Heart to Heart with Sister Lu

Xinghong, who had been untied and placed on the ground, didn't say a word, but just stole glances at Cao Weida.

She came from the Han family's Tan Yunji troupe and was the top performer in Qingyin Xiaochang. She was quite knowledgeable. Just moments ago, she was crying, making a scene, and threatening suicide in the room, but now she was as quiet as a cicada in winter and lay obediently on the ground.

The powerful figure in her eyes, Aunt Lu, was as meek as a lamb in front of this young man. It was obvious to anyone with a brain that she was an extremely powerful person.

When the important person wanted to take her away, she not only did not resist, but was secretly delighted.

Her family was poor, and she was sold to Han Jiatan when she was just over ten years old. She was originally intended to be a servant who played musical instruments and sang on the side, but who knew that Han Jiatan bought her not for the so-called servant who played musical instruments and sang, but because he was attracted by her appearance!
The leader of the Ganyun Troupe had been dealing with pheasant girls for many years, and he immediately took a liking to Xinghong's appearance, convinced that she would be a rare beauty once she grew up.

Therefore, ever since the contract was signed, she has never been treated as a supporting character and has always been treated with exceptionally generous treatment.

And just as the class leader of Yunji had predicted, the apricot blossoms truly became more and more beautiful as they opened.

Once she fully blossomed, she was arranged to be a courtesan. The high-ranking officials and nobles who came to visit were extremely fond of her, and she won the top spot among the courtesans with an overwhelming advantage.

As her understanding matured, she knew that Yunji Class had ill intentions, but once she entered the class, getting out was not an easy thing.

She only panicked completely after she was told that she was to be assigned to a job, and she started making a scene and refusing to agree.

But how can she have control over this matter?

In the short few days since she learned of this news, she tried all sorts of methods to no avail. Just when she was about to give up, she was suddenly carried out. It turned out that someone had taken a liking to her and wanted to take her away!

She had already made up her mind that even if the man was old and ugly, she would accept it. After all, it was still much better than staying in Xiaguangyuan and being judged by thousands of people.

Unexpectedly, the person who wanted to take her away was a boy who wasn't much older than her!
Although he wasn't particularly handsome, he wasn't ugly either. In particular, his imposing presence as he sat there captivated her.
She was overjoyed that the initial standard was set so low, but now she was given such a high score. She couldn't wait to get up and leave with the other party, to get far away from this hellhole!

A moment later, his subordinate handed Han Lu a contract.

Han Lu didn't even look at it before handing it to Cao Weida, and said in a sweet voice, "Master, from today onwards, Xinghong belongs to you. She was carefully selected by our Yunji Class and trained with countless resources to become our face of the class."

“She is the future cash cow of our Xiaguangyuan, and I, as her mother, have always cherished her like a precious treasure.”

"I'm giving you this money tree today, so please be careful. She's very delicate, and it would break my heart if she bumped or hurt herself."

Cao Wei sneered inwardly. As expected of a madam, her words were truly shrewd and worldly.

On the surface, she was showing concern for Xinghong, but in reality, she wanted to tell him how hard-won Xinghong's upbringing was and how much effort she had put in.

What, even now, you still want to owe someone a favor?
Ignoring her, he gestured with his chin toward Little Ears and asked, "Little Ears, what do you think of her looks?"

Little Ears looked him up and down, swallowed hard, and said, "Brother Cao, you must say, you still have your charm."

Luyao, around thirty years old, exudes the charm of a mature woman with every smile and gesture. Especially for someone in the sex industry, she has an inherent flirtatiousness that is extremely eye-catching.

"Then she's yours tonight."

Looking at Luyao, whose face had changed, he smiled slightly and said, "My brother here was quite frightened today, Luyao, right? You wouldn't mind comforting him tonight, would you?"

The word 'comfort' was emphasized, so how could Han Lu not hear it?

She rolled her eyes shyly and playfully, then giggled and said, "Oh dear, as you say, you suffered all night here, so as the host, I naturally have to take responsibility."

"I'll arrange a room for you right away tonight so I can properly comfort you."

It's just serving people, isn't it? That's what she used to do. Serving people is her specialty!

She's not some chaste and virtuous woman; in the end, who knows who will suffer and who will benefit?

Her attitude surprised Cao Weida. He had originally intended to embarrass the self-righteous Han Lu, but then he secretly laughed and scolded himself, "That's just what she does, why would she care about this?"
However, it would be foolish not to take advantage of a good deal. Cao Weida said with a smile, "Little Ear, what are you standing there for? Didn't you hear what Sister Lu said? You'd better take a good rest tonight, or you'll be walking with your legs bent tomorrow."

Little Ears chuckled mischievously, "Alright, I'll enjoy the madam's professional service today too. Brother Cao, please forgive me, my heart is still pounding from being scared. I'm going to my room now to have a heart-to-heart talk with Sister Lu."

Han Lu was secretly delighted. It seemed that she had passed this hurdle today. If she could please Xiao Erduo so much that he would linger there, their relationship would be much closer in no time!
Looks like I'll have to use my best skills tonight!
Xiao Erduo hugged the coy Han Lu and went upstairs. The two subordinates of Xiaguangyuan also left tactfully, leaving only the obediently standing behind Cao Weida after getting up, and the bewildered He Lilong.

Cao Weida glanced at him and said, "What are you still doing here? Get out!"

He was just a thug; he didn't even consider him a threat.

He Lilong felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and quickly got up and slunk away.

As for whether Han Lu would settle scores later, that was none of his business. His gaze then fell on Xinghong. Under his gaze, Xinghong stood there awkwardly, unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes with her hands, and lowered her head uneasily.

"Alright, you're mine now. Come with me."

He waved the contract in his hand, then walked out with his hands behind his back.

I was planning to spend a lot of money tonight, but I didn't spend a single penny and even got the most beautiful courtesan for free. This is a great deal.

As for whether Xinghong is happy or not, well, that's none of her business.
Although he occasionally shows kindness and has always maintained his true nature, he is by no means a pushover.

In this cannibalistic world, those who are overly kind often don't end up well.

The current outcome is something Xinghong never dared to dream of, so naturally she wouldn't refuse.

Although she was still uneasy about the future, she followed Cao Weida obediently.

The words "You are mine" in particular filled her with joy, and her eyes welled up with tears.

But fearing he might anger Cao Wei, he stubbornly held back.

As soon as they left Xiaguangyuan, Xiangzi, who had been waiting not far away, ran up quickly and said, "Master, please get in the car."

He let Xinghong go up first, then plopped down on the side and unabashedly put his arm around Qianqian's slender waist. "Let's go to Straw Hat Alley."

Xiangzi clearly understood Cao Weida's meaning, and the car quickly and steadily came to a stop at a house in Caomao Hutong.

This house was recently purchased by Cao Weida, and it's considered the best of all the houses he's acquired. The furnishings don't need much alteration; he can move in immediately after just changing a few pieces of furniture.

He told Xiangzi to go back first, and then took Xinghong inside.

This is also a place where, upon entering the courtyard, all kinds of utensils, bedding, toiletries, and even food are provided.

"This is a house I just bought. You will live here from now on. All the furnishings are ready-made, and you don't need to worry about food. I will arrange for someone to deliver it."

"Sir, you can just call me Xing'er."

Xinghong bit her rosy lips and nodded slightly. Seeing the teapot and teacups on the coffee table, she went up and shook them. Finding them empty, she skillfully prepared to scoop water to pour tea for Cao Weida.

"Don't rush, sit down and I'll talk to you."

"Sir, I'll just stand here, please speak." Xinghong stood obediently to the side, showing excellent manners.

Cao Wei was quite satisfied with this. Although the madam and the like were indeed despicable, the skill in training them was truly commendable.

"Xing'er, I don't like beating around the bush, so I'll just tell you straight." He paused, glanced at her, and continued:
"I'm not exactly a pushover. You should know what I mean by bringing you out here."

He paused again, and seeing that she didn't react, he was even more satisfied. "Don't worry, although I'm not a pushover, I won't mistreat anyone who's on my side."

"As long as you stay with me obediently from now on, I will naturally protect you."

As he spoke, Cao Weida took out a cigarette and placed a diesel lighter on the table.

Xinghong, with her keen eye, stepped forward, took the cigarette, and lit it for Cao Weida.

Cao Weida took a drag of his cigarette, the nicotine-filled smoke swirling in his lungs before he slowly exhaled.

"Don't turn off the stove yet."

He took the contract out of his pocket and, under Xinghong's shocked gaze, placed it on the flame.

"Sir, what are you doing?" Xinghong stood there stunned, unsure whether she should put out the fire.

"From now on, you belong to me, but I don't like using a piece of paper to coerce you." He tossed the contract, which was about to burn to his fingertips, into a teacup to let it burn out naturally.
"I want more than just your body. If we're sleeping in the same bed but dreaming different dreams, that would be too boring."

"Now you are a free man. If you still want to follow me, I will treat you well in the future. If you want to leave at any time, just tell me in advance. I am not an unreasonable person."

"However, if you continue to follow me but are half-hearted, I will be angry."

(End of this chapter)