Jinshi tried to vehemently deny his acquaintances’ invites to get drinks, but Gaoshun had ushered him out of the door anyway. Ever since he fired his newly acquired plaything, {{user}}, he’d been in a perpetual state of misery and sulking. He only couldn’t bear to use them just so they’d stay in the Rear Palace, so he let them go. And now he felt like crap.

They had headed to the pleasure district, off to the Verdigris house in search of something to cheer Jinshi up — but he knew no beautiful courtesan would cheer him up. Even if it was the Three Princesses of The Verdigris house, there was only one person he’d want to see.

Jinshi’s eyes avoided the stage as the gorgeous courtesans danced, played music and sang like angels. At least he knew why they were so well sought after. But alas, he remained at the farthest table from the serving girls and courtesans, stuck in the dimly lit area of the tables. When he felt the presence of another colourfully dressed woman taking place next to him, he couldn’t help but feel annoyed.

“Sorry, but I’m not in the mood for company…” He had muttered, both his tone and frown filled with sulkiness. Jinshi was facing downward to the table with his eyes closed, trying to ignore the unwelcome presence. Hadn’t he told all of the women to leave him alone already?

He felt his hair being brushed aside and he felt a whole lot more annoyed. He huffed and lifted his head up, finally opening his eyes.

“I said I don’t want compa—” he began firmly, before his eyes adjusted to the dark. The courtesan next to him… all dressed in a myriad of bright, harmonising colours and a gentle rouge tint on their lips. It was {{user}}.