Bai Zhenkong was delighted because one, City Lord Fan had been receptive, and two, he accepted Bai Zhenkong’s help. That was more than enough for him.
Despite his anxiousness, Zuo Wentang didn’t show it on his face. Still, he told Bai Zhenkong about inviting Lin Jin to a drink as they were heading back.
He wouldn’t be able to hide it anyway.
It was impossible to do so.
Bai Zhenkong wasn’t an ignorant man. Although most tasks were handled by Zuo Wentang, Bai Zhenkong definitely had more than just one person working under him.
If news of him discreetly inviting Lin Jin out for drinks ever traveled to Bai Zhenkong’s ears in the future, even if Zuo Wentang’s intentions were wholly innocent, this city lord might still harbor suspicions.
Hence, it only made sense to be straightforward. It was imperative that he didn’t display any signs of hidden intentions or self-interest.
As he expected, Bai Zhenkong was mildly stunned by his revelation before responding with a smile, “Wentang, you’ve done the right thing. Lin Jin has many secrets, even His Majesty pays him special attention. Getting close to him is a wise choice indeed. If it weren’t for my unique identity, I’d like to treat him to a drink too.”
Zuo Wentang immediately said, “City Lord, that is precisely what I intend to do. If I sniff out anything, I’ll report it to you at once.”
“Good, good. Where will you lads be drinking at?”
“Grace Pavilion!”
Grace Pavilion.
One of the classiest entertainment establishments in Maple City. While other places focused on serving only wine or meals, at Grace Pavilion, though alcohol and food were just as important, the place was actually famous for its singers and dancers. These divine beauties even attract many patrons from outside the city, who come not for the drinks, nor the food, but just to witness the peerless elegance of these performers.
Despite knowing this place, Lin Jin had never bothered to visit it.
He didn’t have that much extra cash to blow.
Now that Zuo Wentang was treating him, it didn’t hurt to go and take a look. Despite having no interest in such places, Lin Jin wanted to experience the red-light district of this world at least once.
When it was closing time at the association, Lin Jin didn’t leave. Instead, he informed his colleagues that he was waiting for Zuo Wentang, who was to take him out for drinks tonight.
It wasn’t convenient to bring anyone along to private social events.
Even pet beasts weren’t allowed inside and they had to be placed in the beast pens outside the establishment.
Hence, the apprentices were sensible enough to excuse themselves. As they were very close to each other now, after leaving the hall, the youngsters began discussing where Master Lin would go later.
Han Dong was the one who knew the answer. After giving it some thought, he only uttered one word, ‘Grace’.
“Huh? Grace Pavilion?” Lu Xiaoyun knew that place.
It was because her brother, Lu Yunhe had gone there before. He was a regular customer too.
Jia Qian knew about Grace Pavilion too so she merely smiled and said nothing. However, Zhao Ying was blissfully unaware of the place they were talking about. She was a bookworm and preferred to read books by herself, so up until now, there were still many places in the city she had never been to. Hence, she had not the slightest idea which direction Grace Pavilion was in.
Realizing how innocent Zhao Ying was, Lu Xiaoyun and Jia Qian felt the urge to tease her so they pulled her aside and started whispering into her ear.
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God knows how Lu Xiaoyun and Jia Qian explained it to her but Zhao Ying turned bright red as she absorbed their words.
Meanwhile, Han Dong pretended as if he saw nothing and heard nothing.
“I have faith in Master Lin’s character. I believe that he only went because he was invited and he’ll only be there to drink and chat,” Han Dong mumbled to himself.
In Han Dong’s mind, Lin Jin was a noble man with exceptional skills, a role model through and through. Hence, no matter the circumstances, Han Dong refused to believe that Lin Jin would engage in such immoral activities.
Of course, Lin Jin had no idea what his disciples thought of him.
Shang’er had wanted to stay a little longer but was persuaded by Lin Jin to go home.
Shang’er was somewhat worried about his safety but Lin Jin assured her that the only person in Maple City who could threaten him was Ye Yuzhou. The others couldn’t even touch him.
Shang’er believed this too so she obediently went home.
Today, Lin Jin had entrusted someone to look for a suitable home for him in Maple City. He was ready to move out as his current house was too crowded to be comfortable.
However, it was impossible to find a new place immediately. Though, as manager of the City Lord Manor, Zuo Wentang might be of help, so Lin Jin planned on making a humble request to him.
As he pondered the idea, Zuo Wentang arrived.
“Chief Lin, sorry to have made you wait. I’ll punish myself with three drinks later,” Zuo Wentang exclaimed upon arrival. Lin Jin could tell by his rushing over that Zuo Wentang probably just ended his work for today.
“Steward Zuo, you jest. If you’re busy, we can always reschedule, I don’t mind.” Lin Jin was being sincere as he said this. Zuo Wentang could also tell that Lin Jin wasn’t trying to mock or insult him.
“No matter how busy work gets, it can’t compare to drinking with Chief Lin. Come, let’s chat as we go.” Zuo Wentang was being very ardent.
On the way, Zuo Wentang told him about the whole incident involving City Lord Fan.
‘I just thought I should let you know that I just saved you from a bunch of hassle.’ Upon hearing that, Lin Jin saluted the man as a gesture of gratitude
Although he wasn’t afraid of City Lord Fan, being able to avoid unnecessary trouble was always preferred. Since the man was able to help Lin Jin block this trouble, Lin Jin would accept his help.
Seeing Lin Jin accept their favor easily, Zuo Wentang knew that he and City Lord Bai’s efforts didn’t go to waste.
As they talked, both men soon arrived at the bank of the river that ran through Maple City. The river wasn’t exactly what you would call huge, but the broadest section was up to fifty feet wide, and where two boats could be placed side by side and it wouldn’t be a problem. Despite its size, it was a relatively clean river. Lanterns hung on either side of the riverbank, and as the lights flickered, they illuminated the crystal clear surface of the river. Stores were tightly-packed on both sides of the river, but not many of them were open at the moment
Grace Pavilion was one of the exceptions.
From a distance, it was most definitely the most brightly-lit building. It was five stories tall and had a huge courtyard with bright lanterns hanging on its walls. The night breeze carried with it the fragrance of powder and perfume.
Instead of that, Lin Jin caught a whiff of good wine.
Although most would consider Grace Pavilion as a place of elegance and where people would indulge in performances, the wine they served was quite popular too. Of course, the price was just as well-known. It was a hedonist’s wet dream, so it was only natural for the prices to be jaw-droppingly high.
They were greeted by a smiling face at the door. Grace Pavilion had quite a number of beast pens and they even hired specialized workers to take care of this area.
It didn’t take a mathematician to know roughly how much was invested into the running of the entire establishment.
At such an hour, when most streets were practically deserted, the outside of Grace Pavilion was packed with people. Those who were deemed indecently dressed or seemed like your average Joe were all denied entry by the bouncer.
Zuo Wentang was no average Joe. The people from Grace Pavilion already noticed Zuo Wentang from afar so they sent someone over to escort him and Lin Jin inside.