Chapter 19: More Terrifying Than a Fierce Beast—Miss Nara!

“There were originally supposed to be three rounds, but this gentleman has already won two. There’s no need to play the last one—he is the final victor!” Na’er announced.

A hush fell over the room—a silence so complete, one could hear a pin drop.

Everyone’s gaze fixed on Wang Chen, a mixture of confusion and reluctant admiration in their eyes.

“Young man, how did you notice such a minute detail?” asked the man with round glasses at the next table.

Wang Chen wanted to say he’d simply been lucky, but he knew that excuse would only provoke more resentment.

Why should you be so lucky?

You’ve used up all your good fortune in these few rounds—aren’t you afraid you’ll get hit by a car on your way out?

He could almost hear the disgruntled retorts.

So he cleared his throat and replied, “I did just as Miss Na’er suggested: I paid attention to every detail that might be useful.”

“It struck me as odd that she was the one to announce the game’s details, and that she watched us with that cunning smile.”

“When the four men entered the small hall, their meticulous attire and actions made me all the more suspicious.”

Wang Chen pulled out his phone and played a video. “So, while everyone else was busy filming the dance, I took a moment to observe them. My camera drifted their way without me realizing, and I managed to capture some useful footage.”

His explanation was only half true. The four men in black had indeed struck him as odd—more so amusing than suspicious. That was why he’d been distracted, and his camera had wandered their way.

But now, he had to appear prepared and self-assured.

It was like accidentally solving a math problem that no one else in your class could answer, and the teacher praised you in front of everyone, thinking you were a prodigy and asking if your method matched what he’d guessed. If you admitted you’d just happened to see the answer while fetching the teacher some water, you’d only embarrass him and make yourself a laughingstock.

Honesty is a virtue, but this was not the moment for it.

“I’m impressed, young man. Not only can you hold your liquor, but your mind and perception are just as sharp. I concede!” The man with glasses rose to his feet, offering Wang Chen a respectful salute.

He turned to Na’er. “Miss Na’er, it seems fate is not with us tonight. I won’t insist. If we’re meant to meet again, destiny will bring us together.” With that, he picked up his leather bag and strode out without a backward glance.

The other guests, who had been quietly considering their options, also stood and left—some to try their luck in other rooms, others heading straight home.

Those who had struck a bargain with Wang Chen for a healing wave came over to him, each patting him on the shoulder.

“He’s right—you’ve won our respect.”

“If it was you who won, that’s good enough for us.”

“Take it easy, or you won’t be able to walk straight tomorrow!”

One after another, he received seven or eight hearty slaps on the back, leaving him increasingly bewildered.

Why were they making the atmosphere so odd? This didn’t feel like a massage parlor anymore—it felt more like a basketball tryout.

It was as if former rivals, having witnessed each other’s talents on the court, had found mutual respect. Even if they’d lost their place in the league, they sincerely hoped the other would make it to the national finals.

“How strange,” Wang Chen muttered, the corner of his mouth twitching.

Don’t just accept your defeat so easily. Use your cash and buy this qualification from me—let me make a bit more. Or at least pass a message for me.

Wang Chen knew well enough: being chosen tonight didn’t mean he’d get to enjoy his reward immediately. He’d still have to pay an extra fee to the attendant. Where would he find that kind of spare cash?

But no one heard his silent protest.

Only the other guests with supporting professions shot him jealous glares as they left.

Truly, only one’s peers could harbor such naked envy.

—

After the guests departed, Wang Chen was invited into a private room.

No wonder the Attendant’s Gentle Haven boasted such skilled practitioners—the place was a network of connected halls and rooms, each flowing seamlessly into the next.

This particular room was not as grand as the VIP suites of the United Trading House, but it exuded a subtle, restrained luxury.

Even the wood grain of the coffee table before Wang Chen was finer than anything he’d seen at the trading house.

Nervously, he held a glass of orange juice, his eyes darting about furtively.

Na’er sat beside him, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh as she watched his awkwardness.

Catching his puzzled look, she explained, “Forgive me, sir. I didn’t mean to laugh. It’s just that your scholarly innocence is so very charming!”

Wang Chen scratched his head in embarrassment—after all, he really was just a student.

“I’m actually here to find someone…” he began, only to be interrupted by Na’er.

She leaned in close, her slender finger pressing gently against his lips.

“Don’t speak of other matters. Don’t spoil our enchanted night,” she breathed, her scent intoxicating as her breath tickled his earlobe.

Half his body went numb.

Clutching his orange juice, Wang Chen shrank into the corner of the sofa like a knight facing a dragon, gripping a battered sword.

“You’re even more irresistible when you’re shy,” Na’er teased, a mischievous smile playing on her red lips. “Could it be your first time? If so, I’ll have to give you a red envelope for good luck.”

She leaned toward him again, but Wang Chen leapt to his feet.

“Miss Na’er, I think this is all a bit fast. Let’s chat for a while first.”

Foiled, Na’er shot him a reproachful glance before sitting up and tidying her tousled hair with dignified grace.

“As you wish. The night is long, after all—we have plenty of time, so I needn’t fear you’ll escape. But what shall we talk about?” she asked lazily, stretching like a cat. “What do you think of our Attendant’s Gentle Haven?”

“It’s wonderful—the dance performances are beautiful, the décor is impressive, and the… the drinks are good too,” Wang Chen replied.

But inwardly, he thought, This place is a den of enchantresses. Especially Na’er—she’s more terrifying than a wild beast.

“Other establishments offer such things too. Is there nothing unique here that stands out to you?” Na’er took the orange juice Wang Chen had set down and drank from it without hesitation.

Wang Chen’s heart wavered at the sight.

Noticing the playful glint in her almond eyes, he quickly gathered his thoughts. “The special thing is probably the many exotic girls. This must be the most I’ve ever seen in Luzhou.”

Na’er sighed. “Of course. Those foreign girls who have no home in the human world can only come here.”

“Our boss took them in, but could only offer… this kind of work. If there were other options, who would choose this?”