Xin He rolled her eyes, somewhat speechless, "You really are becoming increasingly petty. Are you even jealous of Xiao Bei now?"
Mu Houchu snorted lightly. With a grand sweep of his hand, he pulled her into his embrace. His arms tightened around her, preventing her from moving, "I’m used to being petty."
Xin He laughed, "So now you’re acting out like a broken pot."
Mu Houchu glanced at the half-finished garment by her side, "Is this also for Xiao Bei?"
Xin He shook her head, "This is for Xiao Chaihuo. I had nothing to do these past few days, so I thought of making clothes for them. Though the clothes bought outside are good, they can’t compare with the ones I make myself, with an intimate intention."
"Why don’t you make one for me too?" The child in Mu started showing his jealousy again, "We’ve only been married for a few months and you’re already overlooking me. I really am pitiful as a husband."
Xin He laughed exasperatedly, "I only make these in my leisure time when waiting for you. If not for you, I would’ve gone to sleep by now! Moreover, I’m not that skilled in it. The clothes that you usually wear are all intricate and precious. They are not as simple as children’s clothing. My skills are just passable for children’s clothing, but if I made clothes for you, I’m afraid you would not want to wear them."
Mu Houchu’s heart warmed, he placed his head on her shoulder and whispered, "I wouldn’t mind. I want you to make them for me. I won’t fight with Xiao Bei, but Xiao Chaihuo can’t come before me!"
Xin He chuckled, "Yes, yes, I’ll hurriedly make it for you tomorrow, okay?"
This big man is becoming more and more childish!
Mu Houchu, however, hugged her face with satisfaction and gave her a kiss, "It’s settled then."
——
As the daylight faded, the Flower House was just hitting its busiest time.
Young Master Sun Yaowen has come again today. Perhaps he had a pleasant service from Qiaoqiao last time, so he chose her again.
Madam Chen laughed obsequiously, "I knew Young Master Sun would come, so I deliberately left Miss Qiaoqiao free for you today. We didn’t accept anyone who wanted to choose her."
The young master smirked hypocritically and proceeded upstairs.
Did they think he was stupid and easily fooled? Qiaoqiao had lost her top position in the Flower House. Although she was charming, she lacked uniqueness! How could she compare to Hua Rao, Leng Qing, or Ah Lian? If he had to choose someone like Qiaoqiao, he might as well go directly to Yihong Courtyard.
It was precisely because Qiaoqiao was in this awkward position, not deemed a top courtesan, but still took up a top spot and charged a top-ranking price, that she hardly had any guests each night.
Yet Madam Chen dared to tell him that Qiaoqiao was intentionally kept free for him.
Disgusting!
Sun Yaowen thought to himself: sleeping with Qiaoqiao was less preferable to sleeping with Ji Xiulan. That girl was unrestrained, knew how to please him, and it was rather exciting to secretly have an affa
If it were not for the fact that he had an ulterior motive, Sun Yaowen would not be willing to come.
As soon as Qiaoqiao saw Sun Yaowen entered, she stood up, smiling and greeting, "Young Master Sun is here."
Her smile was a hint of delight. After all, these days, her popularity had completely declined. Other than Sun Yaowen, no other wealthy gentlemen were willing to choose her.
Sun Yaowen acted the part of a suave and sophisticated man, casually sitting at the table, "Did Qiaoqiao miss me those past few days?"
Qiaoqiao hurriedly poured him a drink and diligently handed it to him, "Of course, I was thinking about you. It was quiet without Young Master Sun."
Sun Yaowen took the wine cup, the smile on his face was vaguely sarcastic, "Certainly, if you didn’t miss me, who could you miss? I heard that the Flower House has been doing excellent business lately, yet you didn’t have any clients. That’s rather pitiful."
Upon hearing this, Qiao Qiao’s face turned pale. She forced a smile and said, "What is Young Master Sun implying?"
"What am I implying? Don’t you understand it well enough? The Flower House now has a great reputation, with a never-ending stream of customers and excellent business. The prices of the courtesans here have skyrocketed. It seems like a great situation, but that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with Miss Qiaoqiao, does it?"
Sun Yaowen paused for a moment before continuing, "It seems to have nothing to do with Miss Qiaoqiao, right?"
Qiaoqiao’s face flushed a deeper shade of crimson with every word he spoke. She was both embarrassed and resentful, but still, she held back her temper, "Young Master Sun, please stop teasing me."
"I’m not teasing you, I’m telling the truth." Sun Yaowen bluntly embarrassed her more.
Qiaoqiao abruptly stood up. Her eyes were filled with anger. If a common man had spoken to her like this, she would’ve lost her temper by now. After all, she was a girl who had always been proud. But unfortunately, the man in front of her was currently her only client.
Watching Qiaoqiao’s frustration at not being able to vent her anger, till the brink of tears, Sun Yaowen finally started acting with a tinge of compassion, "Actually, Qiaoqiao, there’s no need to be like this. I’ve always thought that you were the most beautiful courtesan at the Flower House. But, unfortunately, you’re now in this situation. Even Yi Ling, who used to be underneath you, is now highly sought after. I really feel it’s unjust for you."
Qiaoqiao bit her lip, her tears rolling down, unable to hold back any longer, "What...what can I do?"
While Sun Yaowen patted her on the back, he said, "If Miss Qiaoqiao were at Yihong Courtyard, I’m sure you would have been brought to the top position. It seems that the people at Flower House simply don’t appreciate talent."
Only then did Qiaoqiao remember that Yihong Courtyard was owned by the Sun family.
Sun Yaowen then began to state his purpose, "Qiaoqiao, Yihong Courtyard is currently lacking a beauty like you. If you can’t stay here anymore, just go to Yihong Courtyard. I promise, you’ll be much more popular than you are now. You won’t have to suffer humiliation like this. It’s really a waste to ignore such a beauty."
Qiaoqiao paused, seemingly finding it hard to believe, "Really?"
Very affirmatively, Sun Yaowen replied, "Of course!"
However, his tone changed, and he lowered his voice, "However...if you could help me with a little something, bringing some of those special skills from the Flower House, Yihong Courtyard would definitely hold you in higher regard."
Qiaoqiao paused for a moment, becoming somewhat wary, "What kind of skills?"
"For example, Hua Rao’s dance scores, or Yi Ling’s song scores, as well as some dresses..."
Before Sun Yaowen finished speaking, Qiaoqiao’s eyes widened. She immediately understood that he had been waiting for her here!
Who wouldn’t be tempted by Sun Yaowen’s words? If it had been before, she might have agreed without hesitation. But now, she suddenly remembered what Xiaoyu, the maid who worked for the madam, had told her...
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