Chapter Forty-Six: The Enchantress with a Venomous Heart

In a moment of crisis, Yingxi, having just finished his drink and set down his cup, glanced at Bailian. Bailian hurriedly hid the shard of porcelain in her sleeve and, feigning composure, smoothed her hair.

Bailian then turned her attention to Lu Hehuan. She quietly removed a hairpin from her head, preparing to stab it toward Lu Hehuan’s neck. Suddenly, Lu Hehuan turned his head; startled, Bailian dropped the hairpin to the floor.

“Miss Bailian, why aren’t you sitting?” Lu Hehuan asked, puzzled.

“My hairpin fell,” Bailian replied, forcing herself to sound calm.

Yingxi suddenly handed her the hairpin, “Is this the one?”

“Yes,” Bailian nodded in flustered haste.

“Come, let me help you put it back on,” Yingxi said, assisting her with the hairpin.

“Thank you,” Bailian said, pretending gratitude with a smile.

Yingxi, oblivious to Bailian’s unease, grew more talkative under the influence of wine, “Miss Bailian, if anyone ever dares bully you again, I will stand up for you!”

Feigning emotion, Bailian lifted the wine pot to pour Yingxi a drink, meanwhile secretly twisting her ring. A drop of poison dripped from the ring, aiming for Yingxi’s cup. Unexpectedly, Yingxi lifted his cup at the last moment, causing the poison to fall onto the table instead.

Yingxi took the wine pot from Bailian, “Sister Bailian, I’ll do it myself. Since we’re like siblings, you shouldn’t wait on me; let me take care of you.” Saying this, he poured wine for Bailian, who felt a surge of frustration.

“Come, drink!” Yingxi downed his wine, and Bailian had no choice but to follow suit.

Seeing Yingxi was not easily dealt with, Bailian took the wine pot and walked over to Lu Hehuan, “Since my brother won’t let me serve him, I ought to serve this gentleman instead.” She moved to pour Lu Hehuan wine, again twisting her ring to release a drop of poison toward his cup.

Lu Hehuan promptly placed his hand over the cup, forcing Bailian to withdraw her hand, and the poison dropped to the floor.

“No need to worry about me, Miss Bailian. I’ll pour my own,” Lu Hehuan said with an awkward smile.

Bailian felt a wave of irritation but managed a strained smile.

After some time, Yingxi picked up the wine pot again and filled everyone’s cups, “Come, let’s keep drinking.”

Bailian raised her cup and drank perfunctorily.

“Now, let’s have a toast, just the two of us,” Yingxi said, inviting Lu Hehuan.

Seizing the moment as Yingxi and Lu Hehuan were distracted, Bailian swiftly grabbed a pair of chopsticks from the table, circled behind them, intent on striking once more.

In the nick of time, Yingxi grabbed Bailian’s chopsticks and took them away, “I told you, let me take care of you. Whatever you want to eat, I’ll serve you.” With that, he picked up a piece of meat and stuffed it into Bailian’s mouth, “Eat some meat, it’s nutritious.”

Bailian, forced to chew the meat, simmered with rage. As soon as she swallowed, Yingxi shoved another piece at her, “Eat more, you’re so thin!”

Furious, Bailian managed a forced smile. She turned away, her gaze hardening, and took a small box from her bosom. With a slight shake, the box unfolded and transformed into a three-foot-long broadsword.

Bailian brandished the sword, her eyes fierce as she glared at the backs of Lu Hehuan and Yingxi.

Yingxi poured wine for himself and Lu Hehuan, raising his cup, “Come, let’s drink!”

Lu Hehuan accepted the cup, and the two drank heartily.

Standing behind them with the sword, Bailian stared at them with a venomous gaze. In a haze, painful memories flooded her mind.

In a flickeringly lit brothel chamber, a twelve-year-old girl with disheveled hair curled up on the bed, her eyes filled with terror.

“Come, drink!” Two patrons sat at the table, drinking together.

After finishing their wine, they leered and approached the young girl. “Heard she’s new, just bought by the madam. Let’s try her out tonight!” With that, they pounced on her like hungry wolves.

Bailian shuddered, gnashing her teeth as she stared at the drinking Lu Hehuan and Yingxi, seeing them as the same depraved men who had once violated her.

Oblivious, Yingxi and Lu Hehuan continued to drink, raising their cups again and again.

Bailian’s expression turned cold. She raised the sword and swept it at Yingxi’s waist, but Yingxi stood up to grab the wine pot, inadvertently dodging the blade. Finding the wine pot empty, he sought another.

Bailian swung at Lu Hehuan, but as Lu Hehuan saw the empty wine pot in Yingxi’s hand and stood up to fetch another, he too avoided the blow.

Having missed twice, Bailian grew increasingly furious. She gritted her teeth, raised the sword, and swept at their waists once more.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Bailian quickly folded up the sword and tucked it away.

Outside the private room in Zhiyin Pavilion, the madam stood at the door, clutching a handkerchief in terror. Behind her stood several burly men, blocking the corridor with imposing presence.

The leader wore black with red trim, his broad face and prominent nose giving him a fierce look. He glared at the madam.

“Bailian, Bailian…” the madam called, her voice trembling as she knocked.

When Bailian didn’t open the door, the madam looked plaintively at the strongmen. They exchanged glances, about to storm in, but the door suddenly swung open.

As soon as Bailian stepped out, the strongmen seized her without a word.

“What are you doing?” Bailian was stunned.

“You know perfectly well. Take her away!” the leader barked, his tone menacing.

The strongmen prepared to drag Bailian off. She tried to resist, her eyes darting to Lu Hehuan and Yingxi, still inside.

“Help! Brothers, save me!” Bailian cried desperately toward the private room.

Yingxi looked to the doorway, seeing two strongmen holding the frail Bailian, who gazed at him with pitiful eyes. He was immediately enraged.

“What kind of patrons bully a weak woman!” Yingxi slammed the table and charged out; Lu Hehuan tried to stop him, but it was too late.

“Take your hands off her!” Yingxi strode forward and shoved the strongman holding Bailian.

The leader scowled and signaled his men, “Take him too.”

“Yes, sir.”

The strongmen attacked Yingxi, who swung his fists wildly and fought back. The madam, terrified, hugged her head and ran off screaming.

Two strongmen surrounded Yingxi, attacking from front and back. As they both threw punches, Yingxi ducked, causing them to hit each other. Taking advantage, Yingxi swept their legs, knocking them down.

Another strongman rushed forward, but Yingxi, familiar with Zhiyin Pavilion, quickly opened a window in a private room. The man crashed into the window, reeling from the blow.

The leader, seeing Yingxi succeed repeatedly, grew furious. He gritted his teeth and pointed to two men, “Grab him!”

The two who had been holding Bailian charged forward. Yingxi, outnumbered, paled in alarm.

“I’ll fight you all—” Yingxi closed his eyes and swung his fists, shouting at the top of his lungs.

After flailing, Yingxi opened his eyes to find the two strongmen standing with arms crossed, staring at him. He blinked, pushed up his glasses nervously, and backed away, turning to flee. One strongman caught him by the collar, and another cracked his knuckles menacingly.

Lu Hehuan watched Yingxi get himself in trouble and shook his head, “Always meddling.”

“I have only one request—just don’t hit my face!” Yingxi, resigned to his fate, pleaded.

“That’s not up to you!” The strongmen sneered.

They raised their fists, and Yingxi squeezed his eyes shut in despair. Just as blows were about to land on his face, Lu Hehuan rushed in, dispatching the attackers with three punches and two kicks.

“Don’t forget what we’re here for. Let’s go!” Lu Hehuan whispered urgently as he pulled Yingxi away.

Yingxi regained his senses and grabbed Bailian, who trembled nearby, “Sister Bailian, come with me!”

Bailian nodded gratefully and followed Lu Hehuan and Yingxi, stumbling as they fled toward the back of Zhiyin Pavilion.

The defeated strongmen climbed to their feet, faces bruised, and watched the trio escape. One asked the leader, “Boss, what now?”

The leader frowned, “Follow me!”

The group left.

Night cloaked the city. Yingxi and Lu Hehuan, both still bearing lipstick marks, dragged Bailian through the alley behind the pavilion. Seeing the strongmen weren’t immediately in pursuit, Bailian tried to slip away.

“Ouch, it hurts,” Bailian feigned twisting her ankle.

Lu Hehuan and Yingxi stopped. Yingxi bent down in concern, “What’s wrong?”

“I twisted my ankle just now… Brothers, thank you so much. Please don’t worry about me, just go. If those villains catch up, it’ll be trouble.” Tears glistened in Bailian’s eyes as she played the victim.

“I’ll find you a safe place first,” Yingxi said, ignoring her protests and hoisting Bailian onto his back.

Lu Hehuan saw Yingxi was determined and shook his head, “Don’t forget our mission…”

“If you save someone, see it through. Let’s go,” Yingxi interrupted, resolute.

“Which way?” Lu Hehuan sighed, giving up on persuasion.

Yingxi looked ahead and spotted the illuminated sign of “Ruyi Inn.” He gestured to Lu Hehuan, “Who knows what those men want. Let’s hide in that inn for now.”

Bailian grew anxious and pleaded, “You don’t need to escort me. I can find someplace safe myself.”

“No way. How could you manage alone?” Yingxi insisted, thinking Bailian didn’t want to be a burden. He offered comfort, “Sister Bailian, don’t be shy.”

“I’ll be fine. You go ahead.” Bailian was truly worried.

“Listen to me. For your safety, we’ll see you there.”

“Really, there’s no need!” Bailian’s irritation showed.

“Stop being polite,” Yingxi said, carrying her toward the inn.

Lu Hehuan followed helplessly.

The sign of Ruyi Inn glowed softly. Yingxi, with Bailian on his back, entered with Lu Hehuan.

Nearby, a street vendor selling candied chestnuts under the lights watched Yingxi rush Bailian into the inn. Frowning, he abandoned his stall and ran off.

Bright lights shone in the Shuangxi Detective Agency. Liu Rushuang slammed the table in anger, startling Bai Yulou beside her and the street vendor across from her.

Liu Rushuang glared at the vendor, “Are you sure you didn’t mistake him?”

The vendor hesitated, too timid to answer.

Liu Rushuang stamped her foot impatiently, “Speak up! Did you see clearly—is it really Brother Xi who carried a woman into Ruyi Inn?”

“I think so. He wore glasses, but it looked like Detective Ying,” the vendor replied, mustering courage.

“Unbelievable! Taking a woman to an inn for debauchery!” Liu Rushuang fumed.

Bai Yulou, secretly delighted, took the chance to slander Yingxi, “This is his true nature, Sister Shuang. I think you should keep your distance from such a person.”

“Enough nonsense. Come with me to Ruyi Inn!” Liu Rushuang said, her teeth gnashing.

Bai Yulou perked up, eager, “Are you going to break things off with Yingxi?”

“I’m going to tear that shameless seductress apart!” Liu Rushuang’s eyes brimmed with tears as she waved her hand.

Bai Yulou was shocked, not expecting Liu Rushuang’s devotion to Yingxi, nor her rage to fall on another woman.

Yingxi, overly enthusiastic, settled Bailian in a room at Ruyi Inn.

“You’re not ordinary guests, are you?” Bailian asked, sitting on the bed and pretending to rub her ankle.

Yingxi nodded, “We’re…” He had barely spoken when Lu Hehuan, standing nearby, nudged him and whispered, “Remember, we’re undercover.”

Catching on, Yingxi changed his answer, “Oh, we’re businessmen. Times are rough, business is hard, so we went to Zhiyin Pavilion to relax.”

“Businessmen?” Bailian eyed Yingxi with suspicion.

“Yes.”

“What kind of business?” Bailian asked casually.

“Uh…” Yingxi was at a loss.

Lu Hehuan came to his aid, “Miss Bai, our business is somewhat confidential. Please forgive us.”

Bailian stopped asking, nodding as if understanding.

Yingxi, seeing Bailian’s frailty, approached with concern, “Is your ankle alright?”

“I’m fine… Thank you for saving me. I don’t know what would have happened without you,” Bailian said, pitifully shaking her head.

“Miss Bailian, who were those people? Why were they after you?” Lu Hehuan couldn’t understand why a weak woman had so many enemies, so he asked.

“Oh, I offended some patrons. They sent those men for revenge… In our line of work, we’re lowly, often bullied and abused,” Bailian explained with a sigh.

“Don’t worry, Miss Bailian. Just rest here…” Yingxi sympathized, but before he could finish, the door slammed open behind him.

A chill swept in as Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou appeared at the door—one angry, one gleeful. Yingxi, startled, was at a loss as to how Liu Rushuang and her sidekick had tracked them.

Liu Rushuang stared at Bailian, her chest heaving with suppressed rage.

“Rest? Not a chance!” Liu Rushuang snapped, picking up where Yingxi left off.

Yingxi looked at her, “Why are you here?”

“I can’t believe you ran off with a shameless woman!” Liu Rushuang wailed, rushing at Bailian, “You vixen! I’ll teach you a lesson! Bai Bai, hit her!”

Bai Yulou lunged to strike Yingxi, but Liu Rushuang shoved him aside, “I said hit the vixen!”

Bai Yulou nodded and joined Liu Rushuang in attacking Bailian. Yingxi and Lu Hehuan hurried to intervene.

“Will you stop already!” Yingxi pulled Liu Rushuang back.

Lu Hehuan restrained Bai Yulou.

“Let go! I want to ruin her face!” Liu Rushuang screamed.

“Get them out!” Yingxi, overwhelmed, pleaded with Lu Hehuan.

Liu Rushuang and Bai Yulou struggled, but Yingxi and Lu Hehuan dragged them out.

Outside the room, Yingxi released Liu Rushuang, furious, “Liu Rushuang, you’ve gone too far!”

“Look at your face! Bai Bai, wipe off those lipstick marks!” Liu Rushuang cried.

Bai Yulou handed Yingxi a handkerchief and mocked, “Running around with brothel girls’ lipstick on your face—don’t you feel any shame?”

“It means the ladies like me. What’s shameful about being liked? You’re just sour grapes,” Yingxi retorted, wiping his face.

Bai Yulou scoffed, unwilling to argue with Yingxi. He glanced at Lu Hehuan, handed him another handkerchief, and sneered, “Birds of a feather flock together. I didn’t expect you’d fall in with Yingxi so soon.”

“It’s all a misunderstanding!” Lu Hehuan said, embarrassed, as he wiped his face.

Yingxi finished cleaning up and coldly returned the handkerchief.

Liu Rushuang angrily grabbed Yingxi’s glasses, “Brother Xi, where’s your carefree charm? Your elegance? How could you wear glasses to act refined for that woman!”

“Liu Rushuang, what are you doing!” Yingxi snapped.

“Miss Liu, you misunderstood!” Lu Hehuan interjected, worried the quarrel would escalate.

Liu Rushuang vented her anger on Lu Hehuan, snatching off his fake mustache, “You put on a fake mustache to help Yingxi with his mischief—shameless!”

“What do you want!” Yingxi, seeing Liu Rushuang go berserk, grew ever more furious.

Tears streaming, Liu Rushuang gazed at Yingxi with deep emotion, “I want to catch you in the act!”

“Liu Rushuang, first, there’s nothing between us—who are you catching? Second, Lu Hehuan and I were saving someone; there’s no affair to catch!” Yingxi forced himself to remain calm.

“Saving someone?” Tears glistened in Liu Rushuang’s eyes, her suspicion lingering.

Lu Hehuan hurried to explain, “It’s a misunderstanding. Detective Ying and I were disguised at Zhiyin Pavilion investigating a case. Miss Bailian was in trouble, Detective Ying stepped in to help, and worried for her safety, brought her here.”

“Is it really that simple?” Liu Rushuang eyed Yingxi warily.

Yingxi avoided her gaze, impatiently turning to Lu Hehuan, “Why explain to her?”

“A misunderstanding should be cleared up,” Lu Hehuan replied seriously.

Knowing Lu Hehuan’s honesty, Liu Rushuang lowered her head, abashed, “You were on duty? Only saved her because she was in trouble?”

“What do you think?” Yingxi replied sharply.

Suddenly, Liu Rushuang remembered something, “Then why did you carry her?”

Yingxi turned away, saying nothing.

Lu Hehuan glanced at Yingxi, then at Liu Rushuang, “When we were fleeing, Miss Bai twisted her ankle, so Detective Ying carried her here.”

“Really?” Liu Rushuang sought final confirmation.

Lu Hehuan nodded earnestly.

Annoyed by Liu Rushuang’s endless questions, Yingxi vented his ire on Lu Hehuan, “Explain what? I, Yingxi, will carry any lady I want—what’s it to her?”

Liu Rushuang, secretly pleased, assumed a docile air, “Brother Xi, you should return to the precinct and report. I’ll help look after Miss Bailian.”

Yingxi was dumbfounded, shocked at Liu Rushuang’s sudden change from wanting to tear Bailian apart to volunteering to care for her. He eyed her with suspicion, “You?”

Liu Rushuang patted her chest, full of sincerity, “Don’t worry, Brother Xi. Leave it to me.”

Still uneasy, Yingxi knew he had to report at the precinct. He frowned and looked at Lu Hehuan, “Let’s go.”

Lu Hehuan nodded and followed him out.

As they walked away, Liu Rushuang’s expression changed. She turned to Bai Yulou, “Bai Bai, keep watch at the door.”

“Yes, Sister Shuang.” Bai Yulou obeyed.

Liu Rushuang straightened her clothes and marched into the room.

Standing outside, Bai Yulou stamped his foot in frustration, unhappy at Yingxi and Liu Rushuang’s reconciliation.

Inside, the lamp cast a dim glow. Bailian sat on the bed, lost in thought. Suddenly, Liu Rushuang entered, shutting the door behind her and striding over. She hadn’t yet taken a close look at Bailian.

Liu Rushuang’s critical gaze roamed over Bailian, seeing she possessed some beauty, though not without jealousy. “Not much, really,” she muttered.

Bailian smoothed her hair and looked down silently.

Liu Rushuang approached, pinching her nose with disdain, “You reek of cheap perfume—disgusting!”

Bailian’s hand clenched as she fixed her hair, glancing quickly at Liu Rushuang.

“Shamelessly seducing someone else’s beloved!” Liu Rushuang remarked, looking away, her words sharp and pointed.

Bailian bit her lip, her eyes flashing with malice.