Chapter 75: The Fox Spirit Appears

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Third floor of Lishui Pavilion, in Mo Jianjia’s room.

After Wu Boyi excused himself early, he didn’t actually leave. Instead, he went upstairs and found Wang Shunyang in Mo Jianjia’s quarters.

As soon as the door opened, Wang Shunyang immediately pulled Wu Boyi into the room, as though afraid someone might see them.

Before even sitting down, Wang Shunyang asked eagerly, “Well? Did Xu Mo lose his temper and make a fool of himself?”

Wu Boyi sighed and shook his head. “No, he didn’t.”

“What! He didn’t?” Wang Shunyang was both surprised and disappointed.

In Wang Shunyang’s mind, with Li Changsi taking the lead, Xu Mo was certain to be humiliated beyond measure.

Without wasting words, Wu Boyi recounted everything that had just happened.

“No way! That guy’s skin is that thick? And you all ended up being outdrunk by him instead?”

Wang Shunyang couldn’t believe it—Li Changsi himself had stepped in, yet not only had they failed to embarrass Xu Mo, they’d been forced to drink in return. It was utterly humiliating.

The mere thought of what had transpired made Wu Boyi’s blood boil. “Don’t even mention it. I get angry just thinking about it!”

Wang Shunyang was fuming as well. He started pacing the room in frustration.

After a while, Wang Shunyang abruptly stopped and shook his head in vexation. “No, this won’t do. I can’t let that man swagger about so arrogantly. I must teach him a lesson—a harsh one!”

This suited Wu Boyi perfectly. He hurried forward and asked, “Young Master Wang, have you thought of a good idea?”

Wang Shunyang didn’t answer directly. Instead, he called out toward the inner room, “Jianjia, come here a moment!”

Mo Jianjia had been sitting quietly in the adjoining chamber. Upon hearing Wang Shunyang call her, she rose and walked out gracefully.

Wu Boyi immediately pressed his hands together in greeting. “Greetings, Miss Jianjia.”

Mo Jianjia returned the courtesy with a subtle, alluring smile. “My respects to Master Wu.”

Wu Boyi was instantly captivated, his heart tickled as though a kitten had scratched him.

Wang Shunyang turned to Mo Jianjia. “Jianjia, could you do me a favor?”

“Young Master Wang, what are you asking of me this time?” Mo Jianjia had overheard the conversation between Wang Shunyang and Wu Boyi; she had a good idea of what he wanted.

Wang Shunyang said, “Jianjia, help me lure Xu Mo to the back courtyard. I intend to give him a proper lesson!”

Mo Jianjia didn’t much care to be involved in such matters, so she frowned. “Young Master Wang, is this really a good idea? If Madam Yang finds out, I won’t be able to explain myself.”

“One bar of soap!” Wang Shunyang wasted no time, tossing out his offer.

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Mo Jianjia was tempted, but she sensed she could bargain for more. “Young Master Wang, as much as I like soap, what you’re asking is rather... Perhaps you should let it go. A true gentleman doesn’t begrudge a single loss.”

“Who’s begrudging?” Wang Shunyang retorted stubbornly.

Then he added, “If you agree, Master Wu will give you another bar of soap!”

Wu Boyi was caught off guard, pointing to himself in confusion. “Young Master Wang, why am I involved?”

Wang Shunyang shot back, “What? Don’t you want to teach that man a lesson?”

“Of course I do! I wish I could hang him up and beat him myself!” Wu Boyi replied, burning with anger.

“Then it’s settled!”

With that, Wang Shunyang turned to Mo Jianjia. “It’s decided, then. Once it’s done, both Master Wu and I will each give you a bar of soap.”

But Mo Jianjia wasn’t satisfied. She held up two fingers. “No, you’ll each have to give me two bars, or I won’t agree.”

“Jianjia, you...” Wang Shunyang frowned.

Wu Boyi also hesitated. He knew soap was expensive—giving away two bars meant several hundred coins!

“Unwilling?” Mo Jianjia asked, then turned to leave. “Then forget it.”

In truth, Mo Jianjia was still miffed—last time, when he’d been so stingy, carting off an entire basket of soap without leaving her a single bar. If he’d thought of her at all, she wouldn’t be bargaining now.

“Fine, fine, two bars it is!” Wang Shunyang relented.

Mo Jianjia was secretly pleased. She turned to Wu Boyi, waiting for his answer.

Seeing Wu Boyi still hesitate, Wang Shunyang said, “Master Wu, two years ago, when you were caught cheating in the gambling house, if I hadn’t interceded, your pinky would be...”

Before he could finish, Wu Boyi declared, “No problem, two bars it is! You have my word!”

Delighted, Mo Jianjia replied, “Very well, it’s settled. I’ll go prepare at once.”

With that, she retreated to the inner room to tidy herself, preparing to meet Xu Mo in her most radiant state.

Wang Shunyang and Wu Boyi wasted no time. They quickly decided which room to set their ambush—once Mo Jianjia led the man there, they’d throw a sack over him and give him a thorough beating, venting all their pent-up anger.

...................................

Meanwhile, Xu Mo, Ning Yongqiang, and Li Changsi were still in the first-floor hall, sipping tea and chatting.

Li Changsi, ever the socialite, repeatedly sought Xu Mo’s advice on his various business ventures, promising a generous reward in return.

But Xu Mo showed not the slightest interest and declined Li Changsi’s offer without hesitation.

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Li Changsi, however, took no offense. On the contrary, he found Xu Mo even more intriguing.

As the conversation continued, Li Changsi and Ning Yongqiang suddenly fell silent, their gazes shifting in perfect unison to a spot behind Xu Mo.

Xu Mo, puzzled, turned to look, only to see a stunning, voluptuous woman approaching.

It was Mo Jianjia. She had donned her most prized attire, baring her slender, fair neck, and as she walked, she drew every man’s gaze.

Li Changsi and Ning Yongqiang were no exception—both were mesmerized by her dazzling presence.

“Jianjia pays her respects to Young Master Li and Young Master Ning...”

Mo Jianjia came before the three and offered a graceful bow.

Li Changsi and Ning Yongqiang snapped out of their daze, quickly rising to return the greeting.

Xu Mo stood as well, offering a polite clasp of his hands.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Li Changsi and Ning Yongqiang, Mo Jianjia’s gaze soon settled on Xu Mo. She looked him up and down and smiled, “And this gentleman is...?”

Li Changsi was quick to introduce him. “Miss Jianjia, allow me—this is Mr. Xu Mo. The phenomenal success of Yongqiang’s Zhenxiu Restaurant is all thanks to his strategies!”

“So this is the famous Mr. Xu. I have long heard of your reputation, but never expected to meet you here in person—it is truly an honor.” With that, Mo Jianjia offered a deep bow.

Xu Mo returned the gesture. “You flatter me, miss.”

Straightening up, Mo Jianjia smiled at Li Changsi. “Young Master Li, if I were to join you for a while, I hope I wouldn’t disturb your refined gathering?”

“Not at all! To share a table with Miss Jianjia is more than I could wish for,” Li Changsi replied without hesitation.

Mo Jianjia covered her mouth with a light laugh and then took a seat at the table.

No sooner had she sat than an attendant brought over a pot of wine.

Smiling sweetly, Mo Jianjia said, “As I am intruding on the company of the three gentlemen, let me offer this humble wine in apology. I hope you will not disdain it.”

With that, she picked up the wine pot and began pouring for Li Changsi, Ning Yongqiang, and Xu Mo.

At that very moment, Qin Mutou at the entrance also caught sight of Mo Jianjia.

All his senses were instantly on alert. He stared intently, thinking, Trouble—here comes the fox spirit!