Xin He strolled past, eying the row of five girls before him. Thoughts spun like wheels within his head.
The girls were made uneasy by Xin He’s scrutinizing gaze; they interpreted his meticulous observation as pressure, and couldn’t help but feel anxious.
Finally, Xin He halted his steps and seated himself back into the taishi chair. Lifting his tea cup, he spoke softly, "I am your new boss. However, there’s no need for apprehension. Even though Flower House has changed ownership, everything else remains the same, including the ever-supportive Madam Chen. Everything here will continue as before."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They had feared that the new owner might seek to impose on them immediately. They knew, without Flower House, they genuinely had nowhere else to go.
But everyone couldn’t help but wonder - this man bought Flower House in its entirety, yet it seemed already in a state of decline. Why would he waste his money?
Why not just open a new one?
However, they dared not speculate on their new boss’s motives. He was their employer after all and they had yet to figure out his temperament, so they dared not utter careless words.
After surveying everyone, Xin He returned to his taishi chair, picked up his tea cup, and took a sip before saying, "Today, let’s all get acquainted. I should get to know you, and you should do well to learn about me."
Madam Chen offered encouraging words with a smile, "Of course! Girls, come and greet our new boss one by one."
With that, she shared a knowing glance with the five leading girls at the front.
Hua Rao approached Xin He, performed a curtsy, and greeted, "Hua Rao greets the new boss."
The sweet warmth of her smile charmed all who saw it, but hidden within, was a seductive allure.
But Xin He remained impassive, appraising her, "From what I see, your posture is quite good and your steps light, do you practice dance?"
Taken aback, Hua Rao nodded, "Yes, I’ve studied dance."
"Why don’t you dance a bit for me?" Xin He suggested, showing interest.
Of course, Hua Rao was more than happy - it was a rare opportunity to show off and impress the new boss. Gleefully agreeing, she pirouetted, and soon her flowing sleeves joined her in a dance.
Even without music, it was a sight that delights the eyes. Xin He, however, was observing her agility and strength.
He aimed to uncover her full potential, and to cultivate a new, fresh talent. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
The gentle ancient dance, although traditional, wasn’t very exciting. If other elements could be added, it would require dominant power.
However, Xin He was pleased to see that Hua Rao’s foundation in dance was truly admirable. Despite her soft and graceful moves, her hidden strength was palpable. She knew how to flaunt her beauty; she was indeed a smart woman.
Xin He admired intelligent people, as they were easier to direct and knew how to seize an opportunity.
As Hua Rao finished her performance and came to a stop, she bowed and asked, "How did you find it?"
Xin He gave a resounding clap, smiling, "Excellent! Your dance foundation is truly commendable. Today, I’ve witnessed Hua Rao’s true capabilities."
Hua Rao couldn’t keep the joy at receiving praise from her eyes, knowing that if she had pleased her new master, her future prospects would be bright.
"Thank you, sir," she responded.
"Next," Xin He ordered.
Hua Rao stepped back and it was Leng Qing’s turn to step forward. As always, her expression was aloof, her demeanor devoid of any flattery that could win over Xin He. This proud and distant attitude might have been praised among aristocratic young ladies as touched by the moon’s cold grace, but in Flower House, despite living as extravagantly as spoiled young mistresses, they couldn’t erase their lowly identities. They, nothing more than promiscuous women, were expected to be submissive and flattering, like Hua Rao, and had no right for haughty pride.
Madam Chen had previously told Xin He about Leng Qing; such a beautiful face was wasted on her.
"Leng Qing greets our new boss." Her voice was as cold as her expression.
Xin He scrutinized her with interest, "You’re Leng Qing? What skills do you have?"
Bowing, she replied, "I have a rudimentary knowledge of zither, chess, calligraphy and painting."
Madam Chen added eagerly, "Leng Qing, she’s a quick learner! She’s able to sing, dance, and play instruments, all because of my training!"
Xin He nodded, "I see. Sing a small piece for me."
Without a hint of resistance, Leng Qing began singing.
Despite the cold undertones, her song was as enchanting as an oriole, a delight to the ears. Intrigued, Xin He hadn’t expected her to be so modest.
Suddenly, Xin He interrupted, "Can the voice be colder, mute the gentleness a bit, and try to incorporate some masculine energy?"
Leng Qing was taken aback by this unexpected request.
Madam Chen always asked her to soften her voice and to add a touch of gentleness to be more appealing. She had deliberately manipulated her voice to produce a melodious and gentle song. However, the new boss wanted masculine energy in her voice?!
The other courtesans of Flower House were also stunned, staring with wide eyes. What is this new boss up to?!
Is he into masculine women? But that didn’t seem right given his earlier appreciative response towards Hua Rao’s seductive dance.
Madam Chen stayed silent for a while then finally stammered, "Ma..masculine energy is...?"
Xin He rose from his chair and walked over to Leng Qing, looking at her sternly, "Imagine yourself very angry, very aloof. You’re not humble, rather your status is high. If you’re upset, then vent it. Therefore, vent your feelings in a more belligerent way, sing it for me."
Taken aback, Leng Qing bit her lip. After seeing the seriousness in Xin He’s eyes, she finally complied, "I’ll give it a try."
"Subside the gentleness, add more domination! I know you can do it, let’s try again."
Leng Qing cleared her throat, shut her eyes for a moment as she collected herself. When they reopened, her eyes no longer bore any trace of humility or fear, only an increased aloofness and a fresh touch of arrogance. It was so natural that one could tell this was her true nature.
The voice that came out bore no resemblance to the previously coquettish sweetness, rather it was raw and carried an air of command.
Complete silence fell upon the room, which was broken by Xin He’s laughter, "Not bad."
Leng Qing bowed again, "Thank you, sir."
Madam Chen, still stunned, turned to Xin He, "Sir, you..."
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