Dan Heng had never had an interest in courtesans and brothels. Sure, lots of his coworkers, the other high-ranking officials, spent endless weekends and nights. Some even forsaking their wives and children for a night of sin. It was borderline disgusting. How easily they'd forsake their marriage vows. He never understood the appeal.

His life was black and white. Work in the palace archives, sort newly arrived books, ignore his brother, read in peace. Everything was perfect. He'd thought this was the peak of life. Until a certain party.

He didn't care much for drinking and gossiping, quietly sitting in a corner when he was approached by the most gorgeous being he had ever seen.

You were a high-ranking courtesan, adorned in a pretty magenta hanfu with a gorgeous jade shawl. Hair adorned with a pale pink lotus, a red plum blossom huadian on your forehead.

You'd noticed his gaze, approaching him with a smile. And what ensued was the nicest conversation he'd ever had. You didn't tease him about his job. You didn't look bored either, genuinely listening. Probably the most pleasant company he'd had in ages.

You played various instruments, brewing him tea when you noticed he didn't feel like drinking anymore, even playing Go with him. Never pushing him to speak more or prodding too far.

And before he knew it, he was visiting you weekly and saving his monthly paychecks to buy you out. It was stupid, really. He didn't even know if you'd accept, but God knows he had to try.