The entire hall instantly became lively. Although the Oiran competition hadn’t yet started, people were already getting excited, and many were placing bets as soon as the gambling began.
Most of the people who had come to watch the Oiran competition probably knew that Wanhua Tower planned to introduce a new stunning beauty, so they all placed their bets on Hanxiang, even without having seen her before, trusting Wanhua Tower’s reputation and discerning eye.
It should be noted that nine years ago, when the girl Ah Lian made her debut, it was also at an Oiran competition, where she outshone all the others and had no equal.
Wanhua Tower’s new beauty was apparently going to follow the same path as Ah Lian, which showed the importance of the occasion and the stunning appearance she would have!
Ji Xinhe, watching the people placing bets below, was also interested and asked a waiter, "What’s the situation of the gambling? Who are people betting on?"
The waiter chuckled, "The gambling stakes are getting bigger, and the majority are betting on Hanxiang, who has not yet appeared. After all, the event from nine years ago when Ah Lian amazed everyone as soon as she appeared is still fresh in everyone’s memory. This time, it’s very likely that Hanxiang will be the winner."
Xinhe snorted, "How can you be so sure that someone who hasn’t even appeared yet will win?"
The waiter laughed, "Young master is not aware of Wanhua Tower’s prowess. After Ah Lian, the next newcomer to be heavily promoted is this Hanxiang. Young master, would you like to place a bet?"
Xinhe generously took out a banknote of 100 silver taels and said, "Bet on Ah Lian for me!"
The waiter, knowing that Xinhe had recently become Ah Lian’s primary patron, didn’t say anything else and took the banknote to place the bet on Xinhe’s behalf.
Marquis Mu Houchu gave her a glance, "You seem quite familiar with this place, like an old hand."
Xinhe took a sip of tea, "I indeed came here quite often a while ago."
Mu Houchu’s eyes turned even colder, and only then did Xinhe chuckle, "I had no choice, right? Since we’re here today, we might as well recoup our entrance fees! I’m betting on Ah Lian today. If she wins, I win too!"
Xinhe’s eyes seemed to brighten a bit, not only for the possibility of winning the bet but also for her Qinghe shop!
Suddenly, they heard a loud gong sound!
The Oiran competition officially began.
A group of beauties stepped onto the stage one by one, demonstrating their talents.
Wanhua Tower, touted as the largest Flower House in the capital city, did indeed live up to its reputation. The prostitutes here not only had exceptional appearances but were also all top-notch in terms of talent. The fact that Wanhua Tower had been able to maintain its reputation as the number one talent in the capital for nine years demonstrated how well-trained and skilled their girls were.
Even the famous ladies of the capital couldn’t surpass them.
Of course, these famous ladies wouldn’t stoop to compete with them. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎
Almost all the girls in Wanhua Tower had talents they could be proud of. Some were even more exceptional, well-versed in every aspect of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and so on. Even a top scholar would find it challenging to outshine them.
This Oiran competition was a grand feast for all the girls at Wanhua Tower to showcase their most impressive talents. That’s why the entrance fees were so expensive, and justified.
Especially since Wanhua Tower was known as the Golden Cave where the wealthy elites of the capital gathered, so they didn’t care about paying a bit more for it.
One by one, the women on stage demonstrated their talents, mainly through traditional performances such as playing musical instruments, painting, singing, and dancing, with their appearances being the main focus.
Xinhe carefully watched every performance and felt that, although they were beautiful, they still seemed to be missing something.
She also felt that they could be even better, but they hadn’t reached that level.
Suddenly, a young attendant announced on the stage, "The next contestant is our new girl from Wanhua Tower, named Hanxiang. Today is also her debut!"
Immediately, cheers erupted from the audience below, and Xinhe also became more attentive.
This girl called Hanxiang stepped out gracefully, wearing a white, elegant fairy-like dress that made her look otherworldly beautiful. Her every move carried a hint of shyness and tenderness, making her seem like a blooming flower, both delicate and alluring.
She was a truly stunning beauty.
Gasps of admiration were heard from the audience, and their eyes were almost glued to the stage.
"Young Hanxiang will perform a dance for everyone."
After saying her polite greeting, Hanxiang’s eyes sparkled, and she gracefully danced on the stage.
The previously noisy and lively crowd in the hall suddenly fell silent, staring intently at the breathtaking beauty onstage.
Xinhe was also amazed by the beauty’s appearance, and couldn’t help but exclaim, "Wanhua Tower is indeed extraordinary, having managed to find such a stunning beauty!"
Mu Houchu gave her a sidelong glance, "You seem to be very regretful?"
Xinhe looked at him wordlessly, wondering why this man was even jealous of a woman.
Watching Hanxiang dancing gracefully on stage, Xinhe suddenly had a revelation, as if she had finally understood something.
She finally realized what was missing.
Although Wanhua Tower genuinely had numerous beauties and could be said to have countless lovely flowers, a true flourishing display shouldn’t merely be a copy of the same pattern, where all these girls were groomed according to the same template.
Perhaps to cater to the tastes of the wealthy elites in the capital, the girls of Wanhua Tower acted like famous ladies. They learned the same skills and poetry as those famous ladies, forcing them to become a particular type of person.
In her opinion, beauties should be diverse, and it would be a waste not to bring out the uniqueness of each girl.
Didn’t Hanxiang follow the same path as everyone else?
Was the only difference her radiant and dazzling face?
As Xinhe was thinking about this, an idea suddenly emerged in her mind, and her eyes brightened.
Mu Houchu looked at her bright eyes and knew that she was recklessly entertaining new ideas. He sighed to himself, thinking that this restless woman couldn’t just settle down by his side as his wife.
But then he thought, if she were truly that obedient, she probably wouldn’t be the Ji Xinhe he loved so deeply.
Mu Houchu felt helpless and shook his head, giving up on the idea. He decided to let her do whatever she wanted in this life.
After Hanxiang finished her dance, the audience erupted in applause, and everyone became excited.
"As expected, Hanxiang’s reputation is well deserved! I knew I bet on the right girl! This year’s Oiran competition, Hanxiang is bound to win!"
Others, who had bet on someone else, were lamenting, "Ah, I bet on Ah Lian, and now I regret it! With Hanxiang so outstanding, Ah Lian probably won’t be able to compete at all!"
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