Chapter 233: Elder Sister always walks ahead of the younger one

The height of the flower cart wasn't particularly high, but it was enough for those standing on it to look down upon the bustling crowd on either side of the street.

Water flows to lower ground, and people strive for higher places. This is a universal truth. For the wealthy guests who had spent a fortune, standing on the flower cart was part of the courtesan's service. And now, the onlookers gathered around to watch the spectacle had also become part of that service.

Free things are often the most expensive.

Li Mo withdrew his gaze.

He wasn't fond of this kind of "spotlight" scene.

It was meaningless.

"Li-san, don't you like this kind of scene?"

"I'd rather go train."

"Such a straightforward answer. Li-san, you were just complimenting my beauty earlier, so why aren't you paying attention to me now?"

Kocho Kanae's voice was soft, but it was enough to reach Li Mo's ears. Yes, after their earlier conversation, Li Mo's attention had shifted away from Kocho Kanae.

Hence the earlier reflection.

Li Mo hadn't yet responded.

Kocho Kanae pressed on: "Since you don't like the scene around us, why not just look at me instead? What do you think?"

"You've already said it like that." Li Mo turned his gaze to Kocho Kanae.

After his aura had spread, almost everyone along the way was praising them as a perfect match, a handsome man and a beautiful woman. It was all compliments... probably because of the wealth he had displayed?

Li Mo cynically speculated that some of these people might have been hired by the establishment as "plants." After all, in such an important scene, what if some clueless person ruined it? If the atmosphere were spoiled, it wouldn't just be a matter of losing face.

"Li-san."

"Hmm?"

"Even I would get angry if you ignored me like this. I'm starting to suspect that your earlier compliments might have been fake." Kocho Kanae's suspicion was reasonable.

Li Mo focused his gaze on her, noticing the slight puffiness of her cheeks. He smiled and said, "I've never seen you angry before, Kanae-san."

"Don't change the subject."

"Alright, I surrender."

Standing on the flower cart, under the gaze of the crowd, there was an unspoken "idol worship", a term referring to the pressure of maintaining an image that made it difficult to act inappropriately. So, he simply apologized with a smile.

Li Mo looked at Kocho Kanae, her face powdered with white makeup. It reminded him of ancient Japan, where the beauty standard was pale skin and blackened teeth.

At least Kocho Kanae's teeth weren't black.

"You look beautiful in this attire, but I don't particularly like this kind of makeup. 'Clear water and lotus, natural and unadorned.'"

If Li Mo were to judge modern beauty standards, internet celebrity faces definitely wouldn't be his type. Of course, he wasn't saying that no makeup was the way to go either. But a light, natural look was more than enough.

Kocho Kanae said, "Is that so? I'll consider that a pass for now. Let's talk more when we get to the shop."

Tokito House was just ahead.

Li Mo had been here twice before, but neither time had he come through the proper channels. Instead, he had snuck in like a thief.

This was his first time arriving as a legitimate customer.

"Kanae-san, what are you trying to express?"

"Is that so? I'm not sure." Kocho Kanae smiled, curious about how he would act.

Li Mo paused for a moment, then said with a smile, "Kanae-san, is someone like me really worth it?"

Their relationship had already surpassed that of friends. It was in that ambiguous space between friendship and romance. To put it in terms of a drama, it was like the girl making a direct move while the guy kept pulling back.

This altered friendship—should they tear off the pretense?

"Why wouldn't you be worth it? Li-san, are you getting shy now?" Kocho Kanae smiled.

The flower cart was about to arrive at the shop. Li Mo furrowed his brow and said, "I'm actually a bit of a playboy."

"Li-san, the decision is yours to make now."

The entrance to the shop was right in front of them.

If he was going to do something, now was the last chance.

Li Mo laughed freely. Then, in one swift motion, he scooped Kocho Kanae up in a princess carry and leaped off the flower cart.

This action clearly didn't follow the proper procedure, and Li Mo could hear people shouting after him as he did it. But, of course, the one spending the money was the boss.

At Li Mo's height, he stood out like a crane among chickens in Japan... Well, compared to Himejima Gyomei, he wasn't much, but in the Red Light District, he was certainly noticeable.

"Where should we go next?"

"Koinatsu's room."

"Is that appropriate?"

"Why wouldn't it be? After tonight, I'll redeem Koinatsu. As for the owner, don't worry. At most, we'll just pay more. The expenses for this trip will be reimbursed by the master anyway." Kocho Kanae chuckled.

Reimbursement—what a wonderful word. Spending someone else's money to enjoy yourself—was there anything better?

Li Mo was quite familiar with Koinatsu's room, having met her there the first time.

"Where did you take Koinatsu?"

"I've already arranged for her to be taken care of."

Li Mo didn't ask why the owner had allowed Kocho Kanae to take Koinatsu away. In the end, it all came down to one thing: money.

When they arrived at Koinatsu's room, Li Mo set Kocho Kanae down. The commotion outside no longer mattered to the two of them.

Looking around the room, Li Mo noticed that some of Koinatsu's personal belongings had been taken away.

"Kanae-san, shall we talk?"

"About what?"

"Before we talk, why don't you wash your face first?"

Kocho Kanae smiled and went to wash her face. The basin of water seemed to have been prepared in advance.

A man and a woman alone in a room, combined with everything that had happened earlier, made Li Mo wonder.

"Kanae-san..."

"Please wait a moment. Let me finish this first, okay?"

Li Mo asked, "I want to know, do you really like me?"

"Ah, Li-san, you really are like a child in this regard." Kocho Kanae skillfully removed her makeup, as if women had a natural advantage in this area.

She looked up, water droplets still on her cheeks. Her lips parted slightly, and her clear voice rang out: "I like you."

Li Mo stood still for a moment, then smiled. "So straightforward?"

"Liking someone is just liking them. There's no need for a reason. Some things, you only realize after you've lost them. Since that night, your image has been firmly etched in my heart."

If one day, she were in danger, and a warrior came to her rescue, wouldn't she feel moved?

The answer was obvious.

Kocho Kanae smiled. "Actually, a few days ago, I was still uncertain. But then I realized that some things are only real when you hold them in your hands."

"Is that so? But Kanae-san, I'm not a very faithful person."

As soon as he finished speaking, her finger pressed against his lips. "Li-san, are you an idiot? At a time like this, it's best not to say such things."

Kocho Kanae's smile carried a hint of determination.

The night was still young.

...

...

"Kanae, why are you in such a hurry?"

"Perhaps it's because the older sister should always go first, right?"