TSWRLM -Chapter 136 What Face Lies Beneath the Mask?

“There’s some disturbance by the lakeside. I’ll personally escort you two VIP guests out shortly, so please don’t panic,”

Lanshu said warmly as he boarded Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe’s boat to explain the situation.

Xiao Qinghe immediately grew nervous.

It was her first time returning so late at night, and after having just seen so many men flaunting themselves, she felt guilty and tense—any little disturbance could expose her identity.

Chun Xi, on the other hand, remained calm. She said, “My coachman is still waiting by the lake. If we don’t show up, he might come looking for us.”

“I’ve already sent word for him to meet you elsewhere. You two needn’t worry.”

Lanshu’s thoughtfulness reassured them, and Chun Xi’s attention quickly returned to the painted boat.

On the high stage, the black-clad figure seemed almost fused with his sword, each strike exuding a sharp killing intent. Though it should have been frightening, because the previous performers on the stage were all seductive male courtesans, the audience wasn’t scared—they were instead intrigued and excited.

Though masked, his skill was impressive, and his body must be strong and powerful. One could only wonder how he might perform in a more intimate setting.

Many small boats hung lanterns, trying to catch a glimpse of Wuyou Pavilion’s mysterious master. Even though the attendants on the painted boat had already said this performance was an impromptu addition and not part of the bidding, the guests’ excitement only grew.

Some even offered ten thousand taels of silver.

Seeing the situation getting out of control, Lanshu asked Chun Xi, “May I borrow your lantern for a moment? I promise we won’t charge the two VIPs.”

“Go ahead, go ahead,” Chun Xi said generously, muttering, “If the master doesn’t take commissions, why perform at all? Isn’t this just to make the guests covet him? Doesn’t he worry about offending them and affecting business?”

Lanshu lit the lantern, curving his eyes into a smile: “The master is pleased tonight. Whether the guests are pleased is beyond our consideration.”

With that, he hung the lantern in the highest position.

This signaled that no matter how high others bid, the guests on this boat would always pay double.

Twenty thousand taels just to see one person’s face was exorbitant—and what if the face beneath the mask wasn’t handsome but ugly?

The crowd immediately fell silent, no longer clamoring.

On the stage, Xiao Yechen gripped his sword. He hadn’t expected her to light the lantern for him.

“According to protocol, the master should thank the guests. If he doesn’t wish to, I can have someone—”

Before the attendant finished speaking, Xiao Yechen used lightness skill to leap onto the boat where Chun Xi and Xiao Qinghe were.

The boat, spacious enough for two, now felt cramped with two additional men. With his sword, black attire, and fearsome mask, Xiao Yechen exuded a strong, oppressive presence.

Xiao Qinghe, who had just thought she recognized him, now lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze.

Chun Xi, however, remained poised, clasping her fists and saying, “Master, your skill is incredible. Tonight’s Top Selection was spectacular. I wish Wuyou Pavilion continued prosperity and endless profits.”

Xiao Yechen wasn’t swayed by Chun Xi’s flattery. Cold and rigid, he said, “Since you are not here for pleasure, do not come to meddle in the future.”

Just then, Lanshu slapped his shoulder firmly: “Master, how can you speak to VIP guests like that? They just helped you out of trouble. Such words might scare them.”

Inside the cabin, Xiao Qinghe practically shrank behind Chun Xi, wishing no one could see her.

Xiao Yechen’s heart paused. He lowered his head and said, “Apologies—I wasn’t scolding you.”

Chun Xi didn’t feel threatened. She was about to reply “It’s fine,” when Lanshu interjected: “Since the master acknowledges his mistake, why not let the two VIP guests see the face beneath the mask?”

“Oh? May we?”

Chun Xi was curious. The two-hundred-tael ticket had vanished in an instant, and now seeing the master’s face would make it worth every coin.

Xiao Qinghe also lifted her head toward Xiao Yechen, eager to verify her suspicion.

Xiao Yechen clenched his fists. He wanted to refuse, but seeing Xiao Qinghe’s gaze, the words stuck in his throat.

If it was her wish to see, removing the mask wouldn’t be a problem.

He pressed his lips together, and after a moment, reached for the mask. But Xiao Qinghe’s soft, gentle voice stopped him: “Forget it. We didn’t spend money anyway. Let’s not trouble the master.”

She didn’t want to reveal her identity. If the master of Wuyou Pavilion chose to wear a mask, it was likely because he didn’t want to be seen.

Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.

Anyway, she would never come here again—tonight would be as if it never happened.

Xiao Yechen’s hand froze.

Earlier, he had worried about how Xiao Qinghe would react upon seeing him. Now, hearing her decline, he felt a flicker of disappointment.

But the feeling lasted only a moment before he suppressed it. He turned to Lanshu: “All performances are over. Ensure these two VIP guests are safely escorted out.”

After saying this, Xiao Yechen stepped lightly over the water and left.

The attendants on the painted boat began extinguishing the lanterns. The once lively lake quickly returned to darkness, and the small boats moved orderly toward the shore under the cover of night.

Wei Lingze had been standing on the shore, eyes fixed on those descending from the boat. He wanted to find Chun Xi to vent his anger but feared seeing Xiao Qinghe in the crowd.

What if she really came to seek pleasure with the courtesan—what would he do then?

Just then, a soft, startled cry came from the lakeside, as if someone had fallen. In the dim light, Wei Lingze saw two shadows helping each other along the shore.

His expression darkened. He rushed over. The next moment, a loud slap and a woman’s sharp scream rang out: “Ah! A pervert!”

The Wuyou Pavilion guards moved immediately, fiercely beating Wei Lingze.

Outnumbered, Wei Lingze quickly fell behind. Only when Xingzhou arrived with reinforcements was he rescued.

Within a short time, all the guests had left, leaving only a solitary boat.

“Eldest Young Master, are you alright?”

Wei Lingze had bruises all over his face. Xingzhou was worried, but before he could speak further, Wei Lingze kicked him hard: “Didn’t I tell you to guard every exit? Who told you to come here?”

Xingzhou knelt immediately: “I was wrong. I thought the Eldest Young Master had found them, so I rushed over…”

Wei Lingze turned his head, spitting blood: “I misheard. It wasn’t them.”

The lake returned to quiet. Wei Lingze, blowing in the cold wind, couldn’t tell whether they had already slipped away in the confusion or if this was another trick set by Chun Xi.

After a long moment, he said: “Let’s go to the Xiao residence and see.”