Where's the nouveau riche guy I was promised? Where's the rich and gullible fool I was promised? How did he turn out to be such a scoundrel!

Xue'er gritted her teeth and said, "My appearance fee for welcoming guests is at least a thousand taels. This song of yours, young master, is worth no more than a hundred or eighty taels at most. How could that be enough for today's expenses? Could it be that you intend to renege on your debt?"

Her maidservant was about to call for help when Xiang Wan quickly stopped her, saying, "Miss Xue'er, don't be angry. Whether this piece is worth it depends on whether the guest likes it or not. If using this piece can elevate Miss Xue'er's status to a level unmatched in the entire capital, would you still care about such petty gains?"

Xue'er frowned, and Xiang Wan pressed on, "I presented this piece of music only because we are destined to meet. If my brother hadn't admired your talent, I wouldn't have come here. Would you dare to take a gamble and see if this piece of music can elevate you to a higher level?"

"What if we win? What if we lose?"

"If you win, you'll become my best friend, and I'll always let you see any good pieces I have first. If you lose, I'll pay you back double the money you owe, so you won't lose out, will you?"

What proof do you have?

Xiang Wan placed the fan on the table and said, "This is the proof!"

Xue'er stared at the folding fan on the table in disbelief. It was something that was priceless in Cen's mother's eyes, yet the other party had so readily put it on the table. If it wasn't a trap, then they must have something in mind, and it was likely something beyond her means.

"Young master, please return. Xue'er cannot make this decision."

"If you can't make the decision, then Mother Cen can. I only want to ask one question: Miss Xue'er, are you willing to take this gamble?"

Xiang Wan's gaze was intense, and Xue'er's eyes flickered, but she ultimately did not respond.

The colorful butterflies around me were terrified.

This folding fan was something the Empress had taken from the Emperor's private treasury, and she specifically instructed the princess not to lose it. Now, the princess has actually used it to make a bet with a courtesan; if the Emperor finds out, who knows how heartbroken he will be.

Yun Jun, however, had a different thought. Was her little sister really just trying to befriend Xue'er? No, she couldn't let her do such a thing.

Just as he was about to speak up to stop her, he heard the door open again, and the madam entered, slamming a contract onto the table.

"Very well, Ruyi Tower will take your gamble, young master!"

Xiang Wan smiled; the fish had finally taken the bait.