Qiu Yunru was quite happy with how things were turning out.
In the span of only two weeks, Yue Fengyan had become a regular customer, visiting every other day to pick up her medicine.
"I could brew you a weeks' worth of tinctures so that you don't have to come back so often," He had offered last time, handing her a satchel of bottles.
"No need," She said curtly, taking it from him. "I will return in two days."
+10 Key Friendship Points! Current Friendship Level: 60/100! Please continue to work hard!
The game menu had been doing this every time she left: plus ten points, plus ten points. What was a Key Friendship Point in the first place? It hadn't ever done this for others!
How can you keep adding features at random? Qiu Yunru scolded, waving the menu away. What's the use of this one? If it's not helpful, aren't you just cluttering the game? Poor game design!
Current Friendship Level: 90/100! One Full Friendship is reached, Player may make one request of Key Friend!
Qiu Yunru blinked.
A request...?
He closed the game menu, huffing. Even though that was exactly what he needed, he didn't feel like giving it the satisfaction of knowing it had been helpful. Yes, yes, the game menu wasn't exactly conscious--but he had to cope with its fickle nature somehow!
After Yue Fengyang returns just one more time, I'll be able to request a portal out of this realm from her! And then...
Qiu Yunru's thoughts trailed off. His throat suddenly felt dry and thick.
What exactly was he going to do after he returned?
He hadn't given up on his goal of immortality yet. The idea of a peaceful life in the mountains was still something he was fond of, and he would definitely continue to cultivate until he was powerful enough to fight off any being that might threaten his peaceful life. After so much suffering, didn't he deserve a little peace?
Aside from that, however...his thoughts had changed a little.
Ever since arriving in the world of Spring Blossoms, Autumn Fruits, he had clung to the idea of a solo lifestyle: alone in the mountains with a spring, a cave, and a bamboo garden. Yes; that would be nice. No one to bother him, push him too hard, or look down on him. But now...
Li Chenyuan's face flashed through his mind: pale, handsome, and piercing. He waved the image away, feeling his face grow hot.
You're seriously not thinking of living with him, are you? That kid is a nuisance! Following you everywhere, crying and snapping at people...plus, his curse...!
Qiu Yunru paled.
That was right. Li Chenyuan's curse.
It had been a while since he'd dreamt of that kid. Was he still working with the Eight Purple Winds Sect? Was he safe? How was his demonic qi? Manageable? Like a worried mother duck, Qiu Yunru began to pace the room.
"Boy."
A high, cold voice snapped him out of his worrisome thoughts. Standing in the doorway was Madame Red, her tall, thin figure blocking the view of the street. immediately, Qiu Yunru could tell that something was wrong. Rather than a haughty, distasteful expression, Madame Red looked haggard.
"Madame Red, has something happened?"
Madame Red gave a heavy sigh that seemed to make her whole body droop.
"I have a favor to ask of you," She said coldly. She seemed to be gritting her teeth, as though saying such a thing was extremely painful to her.
Qiu Yunru raised his eyebrows. "A favor? If I can do it, I will."
"Tonight, I want you to dress up and play the guqin for an important guest."
Qiu Yunru's eyes bulged. A nervous laugh escaped him. "Um...haha...I must have heard Madame Red incorrectly. What did you need...?"
Madame Red's piercing eyes flashed, and her claws dug into the doorframe. "An important guest is coming tonight. I have no male courtesans that fit his preference. If I don't send him someone who pleases him, the Red Lotus Pavilion will be destroyed, and I will no longer be able to protect Shao Lu."
"M-Male...courtesan?"
"You won't have to sleep with him," Madame Red spat out bitterly. It was clear that whoever this "important guest" was, she was disgusted by them. "If you perform, I will reward you handsomely."
Qiu Yunru's mouth had fallen open. No sound came out; if he had tried to speak in that moment, all he would have been able to do was sputter.
Medium Level Quest Assigned: Entertain Cui Ninghao. Reward: SURPRISE!
SURPRISE? Why am I getting a brothel quest?!?!?! What is this, an adult movie setup? Hell no!
Reward: SURPRISE! will be essential to Player's survival. Good luck!
Qiu Yunru rubbed a hand over his face, holding back a groan.
"All right. I'll do it. What will you give me?"
"Gold. A night with one of my women. Whatever you want."
"No, no, I'm good! But gold is okay..."
_____
Five hours later, Liao Li was sitting in a room.
It was a private changing and preparation room within the Red Lotus Pavilion. He fidgeted with his fingers, looking out the window. There were no sunsets in the Demon Realm. The only difference between day and night was a slight dimming of that red mist that filled the air.
He had loved watching sunsets in his past life. They reminded him of--
"Is it bad?"
From behind the cherrywood panels on the other side of the room had stepped Qiu Yunru. Prepared to give positive feedback, Liao Li opened his mouth with a handsome smile, but then choked on his own spit.
This was really--too good!
He meant to avert his eyes and cover his mouth, but he couldn't; the sight in front of him was just too attractive!
Standing before him, Qiu Yunru had been wrapped in silver jewelry from head to toe. His slim waist was clad in silken pants that hung low on his hips, held up by a band of star-shaped silver charms. His pale, muscled arms had been adorned with dripping silver bracelets and strings, and across his chest was draped a sheer fabric woven with golden thread. On his head, there was a dark veil that glittered like the night sky. It obscured just enough of his face to appear mysterious, but not enough to hide the attractiveness of his features: the point of his nose and the curve of his pink lips could be seen through it. His hair flowed freely, decorated with silver and golden pins resembling leaves and flowers.
Strictly speaking, this outfit was utterly scandalous. Shocking, even. Walking down the street, anyone would be able to tell it was the garb of a courtesan or a prostitute.
But even so, Liao Li couldn't help but think that Wang Zhi made it look beautifully tasteful.
He tore his eyes away, rubbing his nose at last to check for a nose bleed.
"It's...very good..." He choked. "Very good."
Qiu Yunru looked down at himself awkwardly. His face was burning. This certainly wasn't an outfit he would ever wear of his own will. It was one thousand times more flashy than anything he felt comfortable in, and the amount of skin that was showing was just enough that he felt naked. What's more, he had always had some trouble confidently showing his own chest, always wearing bathing suits with shirts instead of going shirtless, so he felt a little unsteady from anxiety.
"This is terrible," He muttered, covering his chest. "I can't believe this."
"It's not terrible!" Liao Li blurted standing up. "It's the opposite! But I'm sure it's uncomfortable..."
Qiu Yunru frowned, adjusting the scanty silk over his chest. "Actually, it's pretty comfortable. I guess wearing less clothes is more comfortable. But the jewelry is grating..." He tugged at it, irritated.
"Boy! Let me take a look at you." Madame Red swept into the room with a makeup brush in hand. Upon seeing Qiu Yunru, she nodded approvingly. "This is good. He will enjoy your company."
As she began to harshly powder his face, Qiu Yunru winced. "Who is he? Cui Ninghao--a high-up noble demon?"
Madame Red's face darkened. She powdered his face more aggressively. "It's not important. Just know that he is of high status, he is a sleaze, and he is cruel. If he touches you too much, find a reason to leave; anything is fine. Tell him you feel sick. I'll take it from there."
Seeing that his face was pale and smooth, she began to usher him out of the room. "He will be here soon. Hurry, hurry."
"Stay safe!" Liao Li called out, his voice filled with worry. "I'll stay nearby."
"Don't you dare interfere, boy!" Madame Red shot him a look. "I will ensure that nothing happens. If anyone lays a hand on Cui Ninghao, he will surely have all of our heads!"