With his health restored but his appearance irrevocably altered, Kai faced an unexpected challenge: walking through the bustling streets of Feijing with white hair was bound to draw attention. As the start of school loomed just two days away, he knew he needed a solution for his striking new look.
"I can't go to school like this," he lamented, running a hand through his hair.
"Everyone will stare. I need hair dye. Surely there must be a way to cover this up."
Yifong and Donghua shared glances, their brows furrowing in confusion.
"Hair dye...?" Donghua echoed, his expression a mix of bewilderment and curiosity, as if he had just learned about an ancient ritual.
"I'll stick out like a sore thumb if I'm the only one at school with white hair," Kai sighed, his thoughts swirling with the potential social repercussions.
"Hmmm... I have a friend who might know about such things," Donghua suggested after a moment of contemplation. "Let's pay her a visit."
As shadows descended and the streets buzzed with life, the trio boarded a carriage bound for their destination. The air was thick with the scents of street food mingled with the laughter of passersby.
"Here we are at last! Zhu Dian of the Twin Stars!" Donghua announced with a flourish as they disembarked. "Xing Li, please wait inside the carriage for a moment; I'll fetch someone."
While waiting, Kai's curiosity got the better of him. He peered through the carriage windows to take in the vibrant nightlife of Feijing. Zhu Dian pulsed at the heart of the district, its lively atmosphere filled with the banter of merchants and the melodic calls of courtesans perched on balconies, who waved excitedly at him like starlets vying for attention.
"Hey there, royal cutie! Come on out of that carriage, and we'll show you how to have a good time!" one courtesan chirped, her laughter musical, weaving with the intoxicating rhythm of the night.
A thrill of excitement coursed through Kai, momentarily transporting him away from his worries. However, he found his daydream interrupted by the return of Donghua, who was accompanied by a striking older madam adorned in rich silks, flanked by two poised maids.
"Greetings, Young Masters! I am Madam Yu. I have been expecting you. Please, come in; she's waiting for you."
The maids smiled softly, ushering them forward with grace. Draped in a thick veiled hat that obscured most of his face, Kai stepped out of the carriage, cloaked in mystery but feeling the weight of anticipation.
Inside, the laughter of courtesans and lords washed over them, filling the lavish halls of Zhu Dian. The air shimmered with revelry and the glow of lanterns as joyous patrons indulged in the pleasures of drink and companionship. The clamor seemed alive, an entity unto itself, inviting them deeper into its embrace.
Amidst the throng, a strikingly handsome figure moved with confidence—Jiang Wei. His sharp features and commanding presence turned heads as he navigated through the crowd. Years spent among the nobility had honed his ability to exude authority and charisma.
As Jiang Wei approached, his gaze fell upon Madam Yu, the owner of Zhu Dian. She came to him with a warm, businesslike demeanor.
"Welcome back, young lord," she said, her smooth voice wrapping around him like a silken scarf. "It has been too long since you last graced us with your presence."
"Good evening, Madam Yu." Jiang Wei's polite smile masked a deeper yearning as he scanned the room, seeking someone specific. "While I do enjoy your hospitality, my responsibilities have kept me away from such delights. Tonight, I'm here on business—looking for Lord Cheng Ren. Has he been around?"
"Indeed, young lord," she replied knowingly, a glint in her eye. "Young Master Cheng Ren has already made himself quite comfortable. Allow me to escort you to his private room."
Madam Yu finally stopped at a door, knocking gently before Cheng Ren's booming voice cut through the noise like a blade.
"Come on in!"
Pushing the door open, Jiang Wei stepped inside, his gaze immediately landing on his cousin. Cheng Ren lounged in a luxurious chair, surrounded by exquisite courtesans, one resting languidly in the crook of his arm while the other fanned him with a delicate handkerchief, giggling at some private joke.
"My dear cousin, I apologize for my late arrival," Jiang Wei said, not surprised by Cheng Ren's behavior.
"Ah, Jiang Wei! You've finally arrived!" Cheng Ren exclaimed, his laughter ringing out like a contented bell.
"I was worried you had forgotten about me! But thanks to these two beauties, I nearly lost track of time. Now this—a splendid gathering—is what I call good company!"
As Cheng Ren's merriment echoed throughout the opulent room, the courtesans exchanged flirtatious glances and gentle giggles, their fingers dancing over the rich fabric of Cheng Ren's robes, drawing him further into their web of enchantment. Jiang Wei noticed the intoxicating atmosphere that fueled Cheng Ren's exuberance, weaving a tapestry of decadence and carefree joy.
"Indeed, it seems you've been enjoying yourself thoroughly," Jiang Wei remarked with a teasing smirk.