The Flirting Men Time-Space Agency

"Ah, gentlemen, you've arrived," Cui Juan, the madam of Cuiyan Pavilion, twirled her fan and swayed her slender waist as she approached the two distinguished martial artists. "Please, come inside. You've come at just the right time. Soon, our pavilion's courtesan will be performing a dance for everyone."

"Oh? A new arrival?" The swordsman in blue grinned lecherously.

"Yes, indeed! She's a beauty, with skin as smooth as silk..." Cui Juan's mind wandered to the young woman's exquisite appearance and grace, and she couldn't help but envision piles of gold pouring down upon her.

"Then why not bring her out at once?" The swordsman in blue grew even more eager upon hearing this.

"Don't rush..." Cui Juan's words trailed off as she noticed the guests staring up, wide-eyed.

Eight red silk ribbons floated down from the second-floor corridor, each tied to a railing on the opposite walkway. As the ribbons descended, a flurry of flowers rained down, and soon a graceful melody began to play. A stunning woman in a scarlet dance gown, her face veiled, descended from the heavens, landing atop the red silks. She moved with a fluid elegance, her body swaying like a butterfly in the breeze, like a radiant flower swaying amidst a garden. Her waist undulated to the rhythm, every twist a mesmerizing display of charm. As she spun, the hem of her gown rippled like a peony caught in the wind. Her long black hair fluttered in the breeze, and her beauty was so otherworldly that it made one wonder if she were the goddess Chang'e descended from the heavens.

Suddenly, the music quickened, and the young woman anchored herself on her right foot, gracefully extending her long sleeves. With a delicate spin, her body whirled faster and faster, her gown fluttering like an immortal from the heavens.

"She's truly beautiful..." Even Cui Juan, who was no stranger to beauty, couldn't help but gasp in awe.

"Ding... Target's affection +20, current affection value 15."

Elora was startled by the prompt. How did Gu Han end up here? More intriguingly, why was her previous affection value negative?

"The Nebula Sect has a poor reputation, so..." Vixen explained telepathically.

Elora nodded in understanding. In that case, she would have to make an even greater effort to perform well.

The crowd watched as the woman seized a red silk ribbon, suspended in midair, her dainty feet lightly touching the fabric as she danced gracefully through the air, her sleeves flowing like a celestial maiden descending to the mortal realm.

It wasn't until the red-dressed dancer landed gracefully on the central stage that the crowd erupted in applause, showering her with admiration.

When she lifted her veil, the audience gasped, revealing a face as radiant as a lotus, with brows like willow leaves. Her eyes, more captivating than the most alluring of flowers, enchanted all who gazed upon her. Her skin was as fair as snow, and her lips, slightly curved upward, were the epitome of beauty.

"She's truly stunning! I've never seen such a beautiful woman."

"I feel as though one glance from her would make me weak in the knees."

...

"Brother, how is she? Isn't she beautiful?" On the second floor, a man in white smiled with pride, watching the mysterious man in black sitting at the window, lost in thought as he observed the woman below.

"Charming yet not vulgar," Raven Skylar absentmindedly adjusted the ring on his thumb—a habitual gesture he made when something intrigued him. There had been rumors in the martial world of a talented woman named Yue Lan who had recently arrived at Cuiyan Pavilion. A master in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she was just as extraordinary as the rumors suggested.

"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made her the headliner here," the man in white boasted, his chest puffed out with pride. "A woman so talented and beautiful, I've brought her to Cuiyan Pavilion. Though she sells her talent, not her body, her beauty and intellect will still bring us a great fortune."

Raven Skylar pondered for a moment, feeling a sense of unease. This woman was unlike any other. Could she be a spy sent by someone?

...

"Everyone, please quiet down. This red-dressed beauty is none other than Yue Lan, the courtesan of our Cuiyan Pavilion," Cui Juan announced, her face gleaming with excitement. "Now, who will be the fortunate guest to have Yue Lan as their companion tonight? You all know the rules of Cuiyan Pavilion—no matter your rank or wealth, here, we let silver do the talking. The highest bidder wins. Anyone wishing to participate in the bidding must first pay a deposit of one hundred taels of silver. This deposit is non-refundable, and only once Yue Lan agrees will your bid be valid. In other words, even if you offer the highest bid, if Yue Lan doesn't consent, your bid fails, but the deposit will not be returned. Only the amount over the deposit will be refunded."

Though the condition of paying a deposit first was somewhat difficult to accept, many wealthy merchants and martial artists, eager to spend time with the beauty, eagerly began to bid.

"I bid three hundred taels," an elderly man with a round belly raised his hand first.

"I bid five hundred taels."

"I bid one thousand taels."

...

The calls for higher bids grew louder and louder until the bid reached three thousand taels. Cui Juan grinned widely, never expecting the young woman to be so highly valued. This would surely be a profitable venture!