Chapter Fifty-Seven: Unearthing the Unusual

To be honest, at that moment, Hong Jiuling was genuinely envious of Zhuo Qinglian. In his youth, he had gone through countless hardships and risked his life to obtain a third-rate heart technique. Yet Zhuo Qinglian, simply because of her relationship with Xiao Cheng, could easily acquire one—and it was certain to be a truly remarkable method. Comparing oneself with others was indeed infuriating.

Moreover, he now had to curry favor with Xiao Cheng, while Zhuo Qinglian didn’t need to do anything at all—just wait for this future master to grow at his own pace. At that instant, he even entertained the notion that in his next life, he’d want to be a woman, and a beautiful one at that...

Having understood Zhuo Qinglian’s importance to Xiao Cheng, Hong Jiuling didn't hesitate or attempt to disguise his intentions; he declared straightforwardly that he would gift these ten beauties to Prosperity. These women were of impeccable backgrounds, naturally stunning, and possessed various unique talents. The five million earlier, though a considerable sum, was not nearly as valuable as these ten women.

Nightclubs are places of entertainment. Having just opened, Prosperity lacked hostesses most of all. The arrival of ten top-tier beauties was, without doubt, a timely blessing.

Zhuo Qinglian was stunned at Hong Jiuling’s words; this was a far grander gesture than the five million. Any one of these women could rival the most alluring online models. With them, Prosperity would rise to a whole new level, possibly becoming the leading nightclub in Shanghai.

After all, most male patrons come for one reason—there’s nothing more entertaining than beautiful women. Yet nightclubs in China differ from certain places abroad, where sex trade is legal. Unlike France or Spain, domestic venues do not deliberately keep prostitutes; hostesses and escorts exist in a symbiotic relationship, both gaining mutual benefit.

If she truly accepted these women, it would be problematic, and more importantly, she felt uncomfortable. Was she supposed to fall from the goddess pedestal to become a madam? The thought of girls calling her "Mommy" gave her goosebumps.

Just as she was considering how to refuse, Xiao Cheng nodded and agreed on her behalf.

Xiao Cheng understood Hong Jiuling’s character well; who knew what fate awaited these girls if they remained with him? He also knew what Zhuo Qinglian worried about. But since the women were now theirs, everything would be decided by them.

He was no saint, but if he could do something within his power to satisfy his modest sense of compassion, he wouldn’t refuse.

Seeing Xiao Cheng agreed, Zhuo Qinglian couldn’t object further, though her expression was less than pleasant. Was he really so eager to turn her into a madam?

Hong Jiuling exchanged a few polite words about keeping in touch, then left Prosperity.

After Hong Jiuling departed, Zhuo Qinglian was displeased. She pouted and said, "If you don’t explain yourself today, don’t even think about getting into my bed tonight."

Xiao Cheng shivered at her words—she spoke as if he often shared her bed, when in fact he never had, not even the first time, which wasn’t on a bed. Naturally, he had no intention of letting Zhuo Qinglian expose herself; as a man, who didn’t prefer to keep his beloved hidden away?

He explained his thoughts to Zhuo Qinglian, proposing they let the women sign voluntary contracts as waitresses for Prosperity; whatever they chose to do would be up to them. At worst, they’d serve as promotional models for the club.

Relieved by Xiao Cheng’s suggestion, Zhuo Qinglian summoned the department manager and gave instructions. The manager couldn’t help but lament the waste—how could such stunning beauties be mere waitresses?

After dealing with Prosperity’s affairs, Zhuo Qinglian felt a surge of emotion. She found herself increasingly unable to see through Xiao Cheng.

He used to be an open book to her, nothing hidden. Lately, however, so many unexpected things had happened around him that she suddenly felt he was becoming a stranger—the boy she once knew had, overnight, turned into a steady man.

He possessed strength beyond imagination, and even the lord of Black City, Hong Gonggong, came to curry favor.

Leaning against Xiao Cheng’s shoulder, she felt secure and content. Sneaking a glance at him, her heart stirred. Though Xiao Cheng was not especially handsome, at that moment, he undoubtedly had the most striking profile—sharp yet gentle. She felt a sudden urge to reach out and touch him.

Zhuo Qinglian muttered to herself, "What’s the point of cultivating this useless virgin technique... If I wait any longer, I’ll get old and faded!"

She didn’t believe Xiao Cheng’s nonsense; even if she didn’t understand cultivation, she knew heart techniques weren't something one could swap at will.

Xiao Cheng had no idea what Zhuo Qinglian was thinking; a woman’s mind was never easy to guess, especially someone as unconventional as Zhuo Qinglian.

...

At midnight, Long Chongzi had come to Xiao Cheng and left with nothing—lost his woman and his pride. He had thought Xiao Cheng was just a pretty boy and planned to teach him a lesson, only to discover he was a formidable master and see Hong Jiuling ingratiate himself.

His self-confidence was shattered. Compared to Xiao Cheng, he was nothing. Still, he refused to let it go—the humiliation of losing his woman couldn’t be so easily forgiven. Yet, for now, he couldn't find a way to deal with Xiao Cheng.

Just then, he received a call from an unknown number—it was Yan Hongde, telling him to kill Xiao Cheng.

Past midnight, a matte gray Lamborghini with the license plate SB748 sped along the highway.

This time, Xiao Cheng was driving. Zhuo Qinglian had drunk a little more than usual, her cheeks flushed and her gaze dreamy. Xiao Cheng wouldn’t let her drive in such a state. Since that incident with the bloody security blockade, he drove with greater vigilance, often scanning his surroundings with his spiritual sense.

"Feeling pent up lately?" he asked with a smile, concern in his eyes—not simply teasing, but genuine care, albeit in a rather odd way.

In the past, she’d have found a skilled woman at the club to satisfy Xiao Cheng, but now she refrained. Partly out of respect, partly out of selfishness—she no longer wanted other women to share her man.

Xiao Cheng was touched. Wasn’t Zhuo Qinglian just as pent up? Yet she still thought of him. He, on the other hand, had spent his time focused on cultivation, so his desires had faded.

"Go on, keep training. Sooner or later, I’ll be yours. Once you’re refined, you can do whatever you want—any position you like. Don’t forget, your big sister practiced jujitsu!" Zhuo Qinglian winked at Xiao Cheng, her allure unmistakable.

That remark only made things harder for Xiao Cheng to restrain himself, but just then, he suddenly furrowed his brows. His spiritual sense had detected something unusual about a car behind them.

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[More chapters later. Please support if you have tickets—don't be stingy!]

PS: Recently, some readers have noted a decline in the quality of the manuscript. I must admit, it’s true. As an office worker, my time each day is limited. I’ve been writing quickly to update more chapters, and that has affected quality. Based on readers’ suggestions, it’s better to write each chapter well rather than push for quantity—that way, your support is truly valued. I wholeheartedly agree.

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