I Am Immortal in Great Yu

Chapter 210: Chapter 87: Picking Flowers (3)

...

He returned to the Fang Mansion.

Fang Rui didn’t go out again in the afternoon. He stayed home, lounging around with Third Lady, who had returned from the Four Seas Building after finishing her morning’s work, and Mrs. Xue of the Fang Family, idly chatting about the day’s events and telling stories.

The maids of the mansion, both young and old with time on their hands, gathered around to listen. Fang Rui didn’t stop them, allowing the flock of chattering women to liven up the room.

This continued until dusk fell and the lanterns were lit.

The two large fish White-headed Gull had gifted him that afternoon were made into a fragrant fish soup, which became tonight’s dinner.

And so, his day off came to an end.

...

「Two days later.」

Fang Rui, along with his three subordinate Chief Constables—Li Dadan, Xun Buhe, and Niu Bajin—arrived at the Chunfeng Building in plainclothes to attend the ”Snowy Tryst.”

The so-called ”Snowy Tryst” was a grand event held by the Chunfeng Building to celebrate the debut of its courtesans. Well, to put it more simply, it was a way to fleece gullible men.

The scene was set:

Outside the pavilion, snow drifted through the air.

Inside, beautiful young maidens from the Chunfeng Building who had not yet made their debut took the stage one by one. Dressed in light, gauzy robes, they danced gracefully to the music of strings and flutes.

From time to time, flower petals of all colors rained down.

It was truly like a scene from an Immortal Realm.

All around, on viewing platforms with excellent vantage points, young masters and profligates were making their assessments.

”This one’s beautiful!”

”Not at all! Not at all! Not as good as the last one, Cai’er!”

”Damn, tonight I have to sleep with... one, two, three, four, five of them... GULP!”

...

In a private box near the front.

’The people in this world really know how to live it up.’

Fang Rui sighed inwardly.

Setting aside everything else, just organizing this ”Snowy Tryst” must have cost a fortune in manpower and resources.

First, they had to study the weather to pick a day with just the right amount of snowfall—not too heavy, not too light. Only then could they achieve this graceful beauty of the dancers complemented by the snow.

Second, the out-of-season flower petals were rumored to be the work of a Spirit Master. Of course, the difficulty of creating them was nothing compared to cultivating Great Medicines or Spirit Medicines; it was just a bit of easy side money for them.

Then there was the heating under the floors of the pavilions and private boxes, making it feel just like spring. He had no idea how it was designed. This was, of course, essential. Otherwise, how could anyone have fun if they were freezing and snot-nosed?

...

”Boss, you purposely waited for the ’Snowy Tryst’ to conduct your investigation, didn’t you? You must have figured that the Flower Thief would be sure to show up for such a grand event!”

Niu Bajin, ever the sycophant, laid the flattery on thick. ”Brilliant! Simply brilliant! How come I didn’t think of that?!”

”What investigation? Get out of the way, you’re blocking my view.”

Fang Rui pushed Niu Bajin’s face to the side.

Niu Bajin was dumbfounded and glanced to the side.

Li Dadan was staring so hard his eyes were practically popping out of his head. Even the normally reserved Old Gou—Xun Buhe—had slowed his pace of drinking.

Only Fang Rui... Hmm, while he was also watching, his gaze seemed to hold a pure, appreciative light. As expected of their boss, he was on another level!

’The women of this era are truly beautiful. It’s not just their looks, but their demeanor and grace!’

Fang Rui watched the women on the stage. Each had her own unique charms, all of them exquisitely graceful.

Take just their walk, for instance. Even when they moved quickly, their feet glided while their upper bodies remained still. Their posture was so graceful that it was a true feast for the eyes.

For reference, one could look at how the immortal fairies walk in the 1986 adaptation of *Journey to the West*. Their grace was such that even Buddha himself would have cracked a smile. Compare that to what you see in later TV dramas... Tsk!

Then, another woman took the stage.

In this woman, Fang Rui was surprised to see a faint resemblance to a celebrity he knew from his past life. He froze for a moment, a wistful, nostalgic expression clouding his features.

But he quickly shook his head, thinking, ’She’s dressed in colorful gauze with heavy makeup, her face adorned with cinnabar and flower petals... It’s all a bit too flamboyant!’

’The style that would truly suit her is one of natural, unadorned beauty. Just light makeup and a white gauze dress...’

Seeing Fang Rui’s expression, Niu Bajin’s eyes darted about. He quietly slipped away to give some instructions.

A short while later, another woman appeared on stage.

”Found you!”

Fang Rui suddenly set down his wine cup, his gaze sharpening.