Chu'he had previously promised to buy Ninth some candied hawthorns, so upon reaching the street, she headed straight for the vendor selling them. She also picked up a few sickeningly sweet pastries and placed them in Ninth's hands.
She had no interest in such cloying treats, but Ninth's taste buds seemed to defy common sense—he could happily devour piles of sugary snacks with relish.
"Hurry up! Miss Lin is offering free consultations again. If we’re late, we won’t get in line!"
The street was bustling with people. Curious, Chu'he grabbed Ninth and followed the crowd to see what was happening.
A small stall had been set up in front of the clinic, where a gentle and poised woman sat with a warm smile, checking the pulses of those seeking treatment. A long line had already formed, and the clinic’s apprentices were helping maintain order.
Chu'he said, "Ninth, look! That’s the girl we saw yesterday at the House of Tender Fragrance."
Ninth glanced over, took another bite of his candied hawthorn, and mumbled, "Maybe? I don’t remember."
He hadn’t bothered memorizing any of the women they’d seen yesterday. After all, the House of Tender Fragrance was full of them, and in his eyes, they all looked the same.
"Starting today, you must stop drinking," Miss Lin advised the man in front of her. "Even if I could prescribe a miracle cure, your rheumatism won’t improve if you keep drinking."
The man scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Right, right, I’ll remember. Miss Lin, I’ve reserved a table at Tianxiang Tower and would love to treat you to a meal. Do you have time?"
"No. Next."
The man hesitated to leave, but a flamboyantly dressed woman promptly shoved him aside.
She clutched Miss Lin’s hand and sighed dramatically. "Miss Lin, I have the same old problem—I can’t sleep at night. Speaking of sleeplessness, the neighbor, Squire Wang, can’t sleep either because his son, a fine young man of twenty-one, skilled in both literature and martial arts—"
Miss Lin cut in, "Next."
This time, an elderly woman with a cane took the seat, beaming. "Miss Lin, I have a grandson, handsome and unmarried—"
Miss Lin massaged her temples and sighed deeply.
These people weren’t here for medical treatment—they were here to see her.
Chu'he stood on her tiptoes outside the crowd, watching the spectacle. When her legs grew tired, Ninth considerately steadied her.
"Miss Lin is really popular, huh?"
"Of course! Beautiful, kind, gentle, and compassionate—she’s perfect!"
Startled by the voice, Chu'he turned. "Zhou Xian?"
Zhou Xian nodded, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Miss Lin with obvious admiration. Unconsciously, he murmured, "Daiyu is such a wonderful girl."
"Wait." Chu'he tensed. "What did you say her name was?"
Zhou Xian flushed slightly. "Daiyu. It took me a lot of effort to learn her name from the clinic."
Lin Daiyu!?
Chu'he’s eyes widened in shock. She let go of Ninth’s hand and pushed through the crowd, ignoring the protests:
"Who are you?"
"Stop shoving!"
"Hey, no cutting in line!"
Suddenly, a red-eyed, white-haired Miaojiang youth followed closely behind her. With just one glance from those crimson eyes, the crowd fell silent and hastily made way.
Chu'he leaned over the table, staring intently. "Your name is Lin Daiyu?"
Miss Lin blinked. "Yes."
Without thinking, Chu'he blurted, "Odd changes, even stays the same!"
Miss Lin said nothing.
Chu'he tried again, "NiCeToMeEtYoU!"
Miss Lin looked baffled.
Chu'he pressed, "Help me cut the price on Pinduoduo!"
Miss Lin hesitated. "Cut… what?"
Gradually, disappointment crept into Chu'he’s expression. "Is your name just a coincidence?"
Miss Lin replied, "I’ve been called this since childhood. I don’t understand what you mean by coincidence."
"Miss Chu!" Zhou Xian squeezed forward. "What’s wrong? Don’t scare—"
Ninth crunched loudly on his candied hawthorn.
Zhou Xian swallowed hard, forcing a smile that softened his fierce scar. "Don’t scare yourself."
Chu'he took a step back. "Sorry for the disturbance."
As she retreated, she glanced back several times at the consulting Miss Lin, frowning slightly, still puzzled.
Suddenly, a silver bell chimed, and Ninth’s pale face loomed before her, filling her vision entirely.
"Is she prettier than me?"
He smiled sweetly, all innocence.
A chill ran down Chu'he’s spine. She forced a stiff grin. "Of course not! I just thought… she’s amazing at healing people!"
Ninth hummed and straightened up, producing several vials of thick black poison. "I can heal people too."
"You can?"
"Poison them half to death, then cure them before their bodies rot. That counts as healing, right?"
The crowd instantly retreated another ten steps, leaving a perfect empty circle around Chu'he and Ninth.
Her expression twisted. She pushed his hand away. "Let’s… not."
"Miss Lin, don’t be afraid. They’re… just playful. Not bad people."
Miss Lin looked up at the tall young man, calm. "I know."
After a brief glance, she resumed her consultations.
Zhou Xian stammered, unable to find another excuse to linger.
Ninth was still hungry, so Chu'he took him to forage for more food. A man deliberately blocked their path.
"Master Ninth, Miss Chu, our boss invites you for a chat."
Chu'he found him familiar. "You’re Master Jin’s subordinate from the House of Tender Fragrance?"
The man nodded. "Yes. Master Jin said if you’re willing to talk, he has vital information for you—information concerning the survival of Canghaizhou."
Survival of Canghaizhou? That sounded like a major plot point.
Chu'he hesitated.
The man glanced at Ninth and added, "Master Jin also promised generous gifts—gold, jewels, fine wine, delicacies—nothing lacking."
Ninth’s eyes gleamed.
Chu'he sighed. "Fine, we’ll go."
By day, the House of Tender Fragrance was nothing like its lively nighttime self—deserted and quiet.
Master Jin had prepared a lavish spread in the finest private room. The moment they arrived, he beamed. "Honored guests, you’ve come at last!"
Chu'he flinched at his haggard appearance. "Master Jin, did you not sleep well last night?"
Master Jin’s face contorted.
Sleep well?
He hadn’t even been able to pee properly!
