23：Master Yue's Lesson in Sophistication

After a few days, Shen Hao had hardly gone out.

Since obtaining the space, Shen Hao had been running around in two worlds and hadn't had a chance to enjoy his own life.

What should he do?

The only time he truly enjoyed himself in the real world was during his visit to Chang'an for shopping.

But as for Yangguan Town, Shen Hao hadn't even explored it.

After lunch, Shen Hao told Song Yongci to stay home and not come out, and went out on his own, heading straight for the busiest part of the town, Fengming Street.

As he walked, he saw a plump man in luxurious clothing holding a folding fan. Shen Hao approached him and asked, "Excuse me, do you know where the brothel is? I'm looking to learn a thing or two."

The man smiled smugly and said, "Ah, you've come to the right person. All the brothels in Yangguan Town are located on Fengming Street. It's truly a paradise—people can't help but return again and again."

"Fengming Street? Sounds like a place where things really get lively," Shen Hao said with a grin.

The man nodded proudly. "Exactly! I'm headed to Fengming Street myself. Care to join me?"

Shen Hao didn't refuse, "Lead the way."

The man grabbed Shen Hao's arm, but Shen Hao quickly pulled back. Two men walking hand in hand? That wasn't quite his style.

As they walked, the man introduced himself, "I'm Lai Yuejing. My one and only hobby is visiting Fengming Street."

Shen Hao smiled slightly but couldn't help but think of the peculiar name. "Quite a name you've got there."

Lai Yuejing looked at him with disdain. "You've got such a short haircut and you're already calling out praises. You really don't know anything, do you? But don't worry, I'll show you the way. We're going to Yihong Pavilion today."

"What's so special about Yihong Pavilion?" Shen Hao asked, genuinely curious.

Lai Yuejing sneered, "Let me tell you, Yihong Pavilion is the best brothel in Yangguan Town. It's not just about women for sale, it's an experience. The girls there are skilled in all the arts—music, painting, calligraphy, you name it. You can't just walk in and expect to get what you want. They won't entertain you if you don't catch their interest."

Shen Hao raised an eyebrow. "Is that all?"

"Isn't that high-end enough for you?" Lai Yuejing replied with pride. "Do you think these women are like those lowly prostitutes? No, no, these girls are skilled, real artists."

Shen Hao couldn't help but chuckle. "It's like they're still putting up a front even though they're in the business."

Lai Yuejing bristled, "You... you really are uncouth. You'll see how refined it is when we get there."

The two continued walking, and eventually arrived at Fengming Street.

As they approached, Shen Hao couldn't help but observe how lively it was. The street was filled with lights, laughter, and activity, with women standing outside the brothels, inviting men inside.

"Come play, gentlemen! We've got fresh new girls in!"

"Come in, we have beauties from the north. So spicy, you won't regret it!"

Lai Yuejing sneered at them, "That kind of woman smells awful. You'll be tricked if you don't know any better."

Shen Hao, impressed by Lai Yuejing's 'expertise,' said, "Good thing I've got you to guide me, or I'd have spent a lot of money on the wrong women."

Lai Yuejing smiled smugly, happy to have been recognized. "Follow me, and I'll show you the true high-end experience."

They arrived at Yihong Pavilion, which didn't have women standing outside. Instead, a few servants were stationed at the door.

Lai Yuejing proudly said, "See? This is high-end."

Shen Hao nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, I can see that."

They entered the pavilion, where the entrance fee was two taels of silver.

Inside, the main room featured a large stage with a few dancers. The guests were few, but they were all well-dressed and wealthy.

Lai Yuejing led Shen Hao upstairs to a private room. "This is the best seat in the house, and the minimum consumption here is 20 taels."

Shen Hao looked around, slightly confused. "What's the difference?"

"You'll see," Lai Yuejing said mysteriously, a wide smile on his face.

Around 8 p.m., a girl dressed in white appeared on stage, holding a white ribbon and gracefully spinning in the air. The movement was elegant, and there was some beauty to it.

Next, several more women performed, some playing pipa, others singing. All were masked, adding to the mystique.

One woman began to sing:

"A golden inlaid jade plaque, a red-mouthed green parrot, Two lotus petals, a three-inch lotus, a waist that encircles, shoulders that rest."

Shen Hao felt nothing. The performance lacked the kind of visual impact he was used to.

It didn't compare to what he had seen on social media, where women in yoga pants and sharkskin tights did splits and stunts, which was far more impressive.

He began to think about how things could be better—what if these women wore stockings, short skirts, lace, thongs, and did pole dances? Would that make a real impression?

Shen Hao looked at Lai Yuejing, who was waving his folding fan and glancing over at him with a proud grin.

"Do you think this is elegant?" Lai Yuejing asked, his tone full of confidence.

Shen Hao couldn't help but smile wryly. "You have such low standards, don't you?"

Lai Yuejing's smile faltered. "What are you laughing at?"

Shen Hao shook his head. "Oh, I just realized that sometimes when there's nothing to say, a laugh just happens."

Lai Yuejing looked frustrated. "You really are impossible to deal with."

Shen Hao didn't respond. Instead, he said, "If I can't appreciate this, I'll just have a drink. I'll pay you back for the drinks."

He pulled out a bottle of liquor from his personal space. It was cheap alcohol from the north, something that cost around 30 or 40 yuan a bottle.

Lai Yuejing looked at the bottle and was immediately taken aback by the sight of it. The liquor was clear, and its scent was strong. He had never seen anything like it.

"Wow, that's impressive!" Lai Yuejing exclaimed.

Shen Hao poured the drink into Lai Yuejing's glass. "Here you go, a drink for you, enjoy."

Lai Yuejing, though confused, felt a little less smug. The experience had taken an unexpected turn, and Shen Hao had turned the tables in his own way.