271 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

"Hey, wake up." Ran Fanyin sat by the bed and nudged Ning Songwu with his foot. Seeing no response, he promptly lay down and fell asleep. Early the next morning, when Ning Songwu woke up, she found herself lying on the bed, with Ran Fanyin beside her, watching her with a meaningful gaze. "Good morning, Wu-lang," Ran Fanyin greeted her with a sly smile, turning to face Ning Songwu. Ning Songwu's face instantly turned pale. Embarrassed, she rubbed her forehead, her mind in turmoil trying to recall what had happened after she had drunkenly helped Ran Fanyin to bed the previous night. She had no memory of the events that followed. In a panic, she lifted the quilt to check herself, only to see that her wedding garments were still perfectly intact. She let out a significant sigh of relief. Thank goodness. All of this was observed by Ran Fanyin. The deep breath Ning Songwu exhaled betrayed her. Ran Fanyin sneered, his expression filled with disdain. Do I look like someone who'd take advantage of someone in a weakened state? Such good intentions taken for granted. If he had known, he wouldn't have put in the effort to move her to the bed in the first place. She deserved to spend the night on the floor. Just then, there was a knock at the door from outside. "First young master, young mistress, it's time to get up." The door was barely ajar when a maid bustled in, a coy smile on her face, stepping briskly to the bedside. The maid lifted the quilt, looking at the clean bedsheets with visible confusion. She wondered to herself: Could it be that they didn't consummate the marriage? If she hadn’t seen it with her own eyes, she wouldn't have believed it. When it came time to serve tea, the maid presented the bedsheet with a reluctant expression, her hands trembling. Upon seeing it, Ning Songwu and Ran Fanyin's faces turned bright red with embarrassment. Such an overt sign, Ran Fanyin thought, feeling mortified enough to die on the spot. He had planned to fake the bloodstain the night before but had gotten too drowsy, thinking he could do it the next morning. When morning came, he couldn't bring himself to do it—he was afraid of the pain. In the main hall, Ning Jingyang sat with a dark expression, saying nothing. Zhou Huaxiu was also deep in thought, while Ning Jingyang's concubines whispered amongst themselves, finding the situation amusing. "Who would have thought that the only legitimate son of the Sima family would be so weak that he couldn't consummate his marriage." "It's hilarious. So what if he's a legitimate son?" "Excuse me, sirs, our establishment isn't open yet. We officially open tomorrow. Please come back then," the servant said, blocking the way of Ning Songwu and Lu Jin. "We're not here for entertainment. We have business with your owner," Lu Jin said, pulling out a purse and handing a few coins to the servant. "Bro, can you help us out?" Xiao Liu came out upon hearing the commotion. "I apologize, sirs, but we're really not open yet. The place is a mess with all the setup going on inside. Please come back tomorrow." "Your door is open to the public, yet you turn away visitors? How does that make sense?" Ning Songwu ignored Xiao Liu and walked straight in. "Please, sirs, no need to make things difficult. Have a cup of tea and head back," Xiao Liu, seeing he couldn't stop them, offered them some tea. "Could you please fetch your owner? We have a matter to discuss, and we'll leave as soon as it's resolved. Just tell her that Lu Jin has important business to discuss." Lu Jin revealed his name, thinking Yun Niang should remember him since he hadn't visited since Phoenix Cry Tower overtook this place. Yun Niang, having just persuaded Ran Fanyin to lead the dance, was about to review the dance routine when Xiao Liu rushed in to call her. "Boss, two men have forced their way in downstairs and refuse to leave. One of them said his name is Lu Jin and wants to see you," Xiao Liu spoke softly, knowing he was at fault, and glanced at Yun Niang's reaction from the corner of his eye. "Didn't expect results so quickly, hahaha. You, continue with your work, Miss Yu." Yun Niang couldn't contain her grin. Lu Jin used to be a regular, but stopped coming when the flower house overtook their place. According to the plan, the official opening was the sixth of August, but people were already drawn by the reputation. Yun Niang admired Ran Fanyin from the bottom of her heart. Such a promising talent would be a pity to let go. "Lead me to them," Yun Niang instructed, following Xiao Liu while pondering her next move. "Miss Yun, long time no see. Still as charming as ever," Lu Jin started the conversation. "It has been a while. What wind blew you here today, Buddha?" Yun Niang retorted sarcastically. "My humble abode is too small to accommodate your grandeur." Yun Niang noticed Ning Songwu standing righteously aside. He didn’t look like someone coming for amusement. "Yun Niang, still sarcastic as ever. Yes, I've forgotten old loves for new ones and have neglected to visit. But we do know each other, and I come today with a request that I hope you can help with," Lu Jin lowered his tone, not wanting to miss this opportunity to assist Ning Songwu. "Speak up. Things are different now; I’ve lost influence, and I might not be able to help the county official like yourself," Yun Niang said, attempting to downplay her capabilities. "You certainly can help. My friend here, his cousin’s daughter has gone missing. Someone saw the Second Lord bring her here. Is there such a person?" Lu Jin asked, staring intently at Yun Niang for her response. "He should report to the authorities. Why involve my place? I neither know nor have seen any such person," Yun Niang deflected, realizing these two must be after Ran Fanyin. "Lord Lu only mentioned the Second Lord, yet you slipped. It's clear the Second Lord brought her here. Where is she? Release her immediately!" Ning Songwu yelled, her voice sharp with anger, her face turning from white to red, eyes a mix of worry, joy, and resentment. She worried about Ran Fanyin’s suffering, rejoiced at finally finding him, and regretted not starting her search at Phoenix Cry Tower, wasting so much time. How many hardships had she endured? "You've misunderstood," Yun Niang insisted. "Yun Niang, that girl holds a special status, someone significant. We can't afford to offend her. Don't let momentary greed cloud your judgment and ruin your new opening," Lu Jin warned, revealing the stakes. He feared Ning Songwu might lose control like she did earlier and hurt someone. "I bought her for a hefty price, legal and proper. I haven’t mistreated her," Yun Niang insisted. Though she didn’t know Ran Fanyin’s exact identity, she knew he was important.