Not rushing into action, Lex first took out a prepared tin cigarette case from his pocket and pulled out a rolled cigarette. He held it between two fingers of his left hand, brought it to his mouth, then took out a box of matches and lit the cigarette.
Lex took a slow puff, immediately feeling a spicy sensation in his mouth, almost causing him to cough.
Cigarettes in this world are spicier than any I've smoked in my previous life!
Suppressing a cough and even maintaining a smile on his face, Lex couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Being an actor isn't easy.
He exhaled a smoke ring, his gaze sweeping over the ladies with a somewhat indifferent expression. He suddenly saw a fifteen or sixteen-year-old innocent Miss, and was momentarily stunned, the earlier feeling of 'a man's paradise' having vanished without a trace.
To be engaged in this profession at such a young age, Backlund's glamorous facade likely hides a lot of dirt.
He originally wanted to avert his gaze, feeling unable to associate such a tender girl with a prostitute. This reminded him of his younger sister at home.
The same age, yet living completely different lives. This damned world!
However.
Lex remembered Green George's persona: he had a particular fondness for young girls, especially those between sixteen and twenty years old. Every time he saw them, he couldn't tear his eyes away.
Reluctantly, Lex continued to stare at the young girl, letting the smile on his face grow wider, but his heart held no joy, only an unspeakable heaviness.
"Sir, it seems this is your first time at our Golden Rose."
At this moment, a lady approached. She had a charming appearance, her eyes subtly conveying flirtation. Her dress was very vibrant, and her heavy makeup concealed the fact that she was no longer young.
Lex continued to glance at the young girl a few more times before 'reluctantly' withdrawing his gaze and saying with a smile: "My friend told me that your Golden Rose is the best entertainment venue in Cherwood district and Backlund Bridge Area. Now that I see it, it's indeed true. I truly regret going to other places before and wasting my time and life."
That's right, my friend is Cromwell. I wonder if that always-frowning fellow is sneezing uncontrollably right now?
The heavily made-up lady laughed, her body shaking: "That's the most touching compliment I've ever heard. Hello, I'm Lopez, the owner here."
She extended her hand.
After extinguishing his cigarette, Lex put one hand behind his back and gently took her hand with the other, quickly kissing the back of it. He looked up and smiled: "A pleasure to meet you, beautiful lady."
Lopez narrowed her eyes slightly: "Do you have a girl in mind?"
"In front of you, all other girls pale in comparison," Lex complimented with a smile. In this place, there was no need to maintain Loen-style reserve.
Lopez's eyes flickered, as if her heart was melting from Lex's praise. She lightly bit her lip and said: "If Sir keeps talking like that, I'll be clinging to you all night."
Lex knew she was saying that on purpose; how could the owner of a brothel so easily fall for someone? He wouldn't fall for such childish words, but he leaned closer to Lopez and said with a smile: "Then I couldn't ask for more."
Lopez giggled, subtly shifting her posture to put a little distance between herself and Lex again: "Alright, I know Sir prefers younger girls."
"Ellie, please come over here."
The innocent Miss whom Lex had been staring at turned around at the sound of her name, then walked over with a bright smile on her face.
Lopez took her hand and gently pushed her towards Lex: "Take good care of our esteemed guest."
Lex immediately smelled a fragrant scent, a perfume mixed with the youthful spirituality of the Miss. He reminded himself that he was currently playing Green George, so he smiled, bowed, and extended his hand in invitation: "Beautiful Miss, may I have this dance?"
The girl named Ellie showed a shy and innocent expression, but did not refuse at all, saying: "Of course."
So Lex took her hand and entered the dance floor, dancing to the melody.
Ellie maintained a smile throughout, and intentionally or unintentionally moved closer to Lex, occasionally using dance steps to even press her entire body against Lex's.
These movements were so practiced they were heartbreaking.
When the melody became softer, Ellie danced gracefully with the rhythm, using the opportunity to ask: "Sir, you're probably not a permanent resident of Backlund, are you?"
Lex chuckled: "Very correct. I only came to Backlund because I have a ball to attend on Thursday. However, I do have a company in Hillesden."
Ellie smiled with an innocent look: "You dance really well. You'll definitely be the center of attention at the ball."
"That won't do."
Lex laughed heartily: "That way I'd steal Ambassador's thunder."
Ellie blinked her big eyes, asking curiously: "Ambassador? What kind of ball are you attending?"
Lex didn't answer directly, but lowered his voice and asked: "If I wish to spend some wonderful time with you, what do I need to do?"
Ellie turned her head away, looking embarrassed, but using a movement, she softly whispered a number into Lex's ear.
"Alright," Lex nodded imperceptibly.
A hint of joy flashed in the girl's eyes, then she shyly asked: "Shall we go up now? There are many empty rooms on the second and third floors."
"No, wait a moment, no need to rush."
Lex gently put his arm around her waist: "We'll dance first, then have a few drinks, and then go up."
"Okay, you decide."
Ellie took the opportunity to press her entire body against Lex, then looked up with a brilliant smile and asked: "You still haven't told me what kind of ball it is."
"Nothing much. On Thursday evening, the Intis Republic Embassy's residence will host a ball, and I'm invited to attend. Speaking of which, I'm still missing a dance partner."
Having said this on purpose, Lex immediately felt the burning gaze of the Miss in his arms, but Ellie was still restrained and didn't make excessive demands, only saying 'Oh' and then complimenting Lex.
After one dance, Ellie was already intimately holding Lex's hand and sat down in a more secluded corner. Lex generously ordered a bottle of white wine, and also ordered cake and dessert for Ellie to replenish her energy.
At this moment, voices came from the direction of the main door. Lex looked through a nearby potted plant and saw a middle-aged man entering through the door. His hair and eyebrows were yellowish-brown, and he was wearing a tight vest and slim-fit trousers. He had exaggerated and ornate decorations on him, especially his hands, which wore a total of five gem rings.
This man, exuding the aura of a nouveau riche, had a relatively flat and not very defined facial outline, typical of people from the Intis or Lenburg regions.
At first glance, Lex thought he was incredibly lucky to have run into Ambassador, but upon closer inspection, he knew it wasn't Bakerland.
However, Ellie next to him gasped softly: "Oh my, Mr. Ryan is here again."
Lex glanced at her.
The Miss shrank back slightly in fear, seemingly not wanting Ryan to see her, and said to Lex: "He's an officer from the Embassy, I heard he's in charge of the Embassy's security. He's both rude and violent; the girls who spend the night with him have all been hurt. But because he's from the Embassy, Miss Lopez can't do anything about it."
The Embassy's head of security?
Lex narrowed his eyes, saying nothing, only observing the man named Ryan.