That Fair-Faced 'Sage' {Completed}

53. Before The Mission 1

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Jade City Streets at night were bustling with the usual activity.

Different colours of lanterns hung randomly in front of houses, stores or as decorations, their glows lighting up the streets, and they all watched as a few burly men sang drunkenly on their way home.

They crossed Jade City's central bridge, which had couples along the sides, who were tossing paper lotuses into the water below.

"It's believed that any couple who does that, will have their love transcend this lifetime." Lu FengHo explained.

"Nonsense." Shuǐ ChénLín added, walking ahead, and LanFen shook her head.

As they walked, they came across a few handsome young men, who seemed conflicted about going into a brothel. There were more couples holding hands here and there, and street vendors had begun selling a large variety of roasted meats and fish.

They passed by a newly opened brothel, and ladies with painted faces sashayed in front of the grand doors, holding colourful lanterns.

As usual, Lu FengHo and Shuǐ ChénLín passed by as if the building wasn't there, but upon closer inspection, LanFen noticed a rather lewd remark written on one of the lanterns:

'Strut in with me, stagger out tomorrow.'

LanFen's eyes widened in shock and the lady winked at her suggestively.

"Pfft!" She laughed, then walked forward and threw an arm around Lu FengHo's neck.

"Elder brother Lu! Elder brother Shuǐ! Take a closer look at what's written on those lanterns!"

They both turned to look automatically and she quickly stepped away.

Both of them gasped, then turned to glare at her and she laughed, running ahead and out of their reach!

.

They finally settled on a tavern, called *TiānJiǔ.

*TiānJiǔ - Heaven Liquor

The place offered both tables and rooms, and since none of them wanted to shame the Shuǐ clan, they settled for booking a room.

LanFen was a bit apprehensive about spending the night in a room with two gentlemen...

She might be unruly, but even she knew that it would be highly innappropriate!

'If my identity is ever discovered, would I still have any face left?!'

But upon glancing at both of them, she shook her head, discarding the worry.

'Hmph! One is sociable, but shy and naive. The other will certainly win against a monk, in a morality contest! I never intend to reveal my identity, so why worry?!'

She turned her attention back to Shuǐ ChénLín, who had slapped six sizeable silver pieces on the table. "Twenty gourds of liquor to our room. Bring only the best."

The burly, bored looking man attending to them suddenly gasped, rubbing his eyes, which had gone round at the sight of the money.

Every trace of his boredom and perfunctory attitude, flew past them, and out the front door!!

"Ah! Young Masters! Welcome! Welcome!! Please tell us anything you need! I'll move the heavens for your wishes!"

"Ho? Being rich is really the best!" LanFen said, resisting laughter.

When they had settled in, nine gourds of liquor each, sat before LanFen and Shuǐ ChénLín.

The remaining two gourds sat before Lu FengHo, who was content to watch and monitor for now. "Begin!" He announced with no small excitement, and they both picked a gourd.