Bloodkiller - Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Danger

The next evening, after dinner, Yao Chuan followed etiquette—bathed and donned the clothes prepared by the Qian household staff—then sat in the front hall, waiting. It was his first time wearing such formal, flowing robes. On his travels, he’d always worn practical garb—and the sight of it had made his teeth ache. Now, dressed in them, he felt stiff and awkward.

Straight-backed, he fidgeted, thinking, Why is Lin Yi taking so long? A quick wash and change is all he needed—so why the delay?

Tapping his fingers on the table, he suddenly heard soft footsteps approaching. Moments later, Lin Yi entered. Both had plans tonight: they would pose as visiting merchants and head to the brothels undercover—which was why they were dressed up.

Lin Yi looked so natural in merchant’s robes—wearing a deep-red long cloak akin to Yao’s—that he looked like a refined, well-to-do young master, his handsome face and fair skin accentuated by the outfit’s colour. Yao couldn’t help staring. Embarrassed by being caught, he cleared his throat and looked away.

What’s wrong with me, thinking Lin Yi suddenly looks so attractive…?

Lin Yi approached: “Brother Yao, ready? It should be around dusk, prime time in the brothels. That’s perfect—nothing will arouse suspicion.”

Yao felt uneasy. Half-listening, he sensed a subtle fragrance. Looking up, he saw Lin Yi carried a small scented pouch at his waist. Lin Yi caught his gaze and laughed: “If we’re pretending to be merchants, we need to go all the way. I asked the servants about what’s fashionable in Hangzhou—seems these pouches are popular with rich young men, too. So I got one, to complete the look.”

Yao merely hummed, though the scent still clung. Stepping back to clear the air, he said he was ready, and they left together.

They traveled by sedan chair to West Alley, an upscale district on Hangzhou’s west side—home to the brothels Lianxiang and Nuanxiang. Disguised as visiting merchants, they moved slowly, arriving after about thirty minutes.

Disembarking, they heard laughter and chatter. At the alley entrance, beautiful women in thin dresses stood outside, enticing patrons inside, who then returned while others took their place.

Yao stared, thinking perhaps it was simply better marketing—but Lin Yi spoke up: “These storefronts cater to common folk; the deeper houses cost more, drawing fewer customers. Lianxiang Pavilion is at the alley’s end, for higher-paying visitors.”

Yao raised an eyebrow—Lin Yi clearly knew the district well. He replied curtly: “I see.”

They continued, passing quieter sections until they reached two grand buildings facing each other across the alley—contrasting starkly with the entry-level brothels. Even Yao was impressed with their grandeur.

They both played curious visitors, surveying their surroundings. Near the end of the alley, Yao spotted a hidden side lane behind Nuanxiang Pavilion. Realizing this was the same shortcut used when he had been escorted in by Qinglong Gang operatives, he felt confirmation.

Lin Yi, fanning himself lightly and smiling, tapped toward Nuanxiang Pavilion, whispering: “This side entrance is for wealthy patrons. We took the public path. At the end, we’ll leave through here—and remember, we must return to the Qian house before midnight.”

He patted Yao’s shoulder and strode straight into Nuanxiang Pavilion, leaving Yao feeling awkward. He adjusted his ear and headed into Lianxiang Pavilion.

Inside, a heavily made-up hostess greeted him—the scent of her cosmetics hit his nostrils. She complimented his appearance. Yao, rehearsing his cover, claimed he’d just arrived in Hangzhou and came for its famed beauties.

The hostess coyly assured him that Lianxiang had stunning women who could win over even a reserved visitor like him. Yao, masking discomfort, strolled in and loudly demanded: “Show me your finest woman tonight, let me see for myself!”

The room hushed at his boldness. The hostess tried to handle it with a diplomatic smile—before a plain but well-dressed man at a nearby table chimed in: “Don’t hide from the out-of-towner! Everyone knows Lianxiang’s top courtesan, Ling Yue—she costs a fortune a night. But this gentleman looks like he might afford it.”

With murmurs of encouragement from the crowd, the hostess reluctantly relented.

Yao leaned in and whispered, “It’s my first time in Hangzhou—other patrons may recognize me later. Let’s avoid embarrassment. I’ll offer 500 taels—we just meet in a private chamber, for conversation and a song. No expectations beyond that. Help me save face.”

He brushed his sleeve to reveal a heavy purse, flashing a reassuring smile. The hostess, relieved, said: “Master Ling Yue has been unwell and isn’t taking guests—but I can have her come up to talk.” With that, she led him upstairs to a private parlour.

Inside the parlour, two small windows on the west side faced across toward Nuanxiang Pavilion’s second-floor stairwell. The view was perfect. Yao thought it couldn’t be better—should anything happen to Lin Yi, he’d be close enough to intervene quickly.

Soon, the door opened. A graceful woman entered, holding a pipa and wearing a light veil, her elegance shining through without revealing her face fully—like the phrase “holding a pipa, half‑veiled.” Though Yao had seen many beauties, she stirred no wave in him; he smiled and said, “Are you Ling Yue? Truly a porcelain beauty—I’m glad you came.”

Ling Yue bowed and smilingly replied that although she felt unwell, she appreciated the company. Yao responded casually: “No need to play hostess—just chatting about Hangzhou’s sights will do.”

They made small talk. Ling Yue responded politely. Yao observed her silence about Lianxiang Pavilion as odd—it was famous, yet the women remained unnamed to all but regulars.

He asked, “Your house is well-known, yet I’ve not heard much of you. That’s unusual.”

She answered softly: “Our girls change regularly. I’m just one among many. Any attention comes from kind patrons—not fame.”

Her humility, Yao realized, was suspicious. Unknown courtesans usually don’t get sheltered like this unless they have powerful backers. He ventured: “Ling Yue, you’re evidently prized yet seldom take guests—have you someone waiting for you? Perhaps you’re preparing to buy back your freedom?”

She lowered her head in modest confusion but quickly shook it. Yao didn’t press further, sensing she wouldn’t confide. Clearly something or someone protected her—and investigating later would be wiser.

He straightened and was about to excuse himself when he heard a sound outside—from Nuanxiang Pavilion.

He listened carefully: footsteps had changed—from heavy, drunken shuffling to light, skilled movements. It must be a martial artist with light steps—possibly the black-clad man from the inn in Ping County.

Yao quietly positioned himself by the window. Across the alley, he saw movement on the second-storey stairs of Nuanxiang Pavilion—two figures emerging: a short man dressed as a waiter carrying someone in red cloak—motionless—on his back. It had to be Lin Yi.

Yao’s heart leapt. He abruptly tossed his purse on the table and rushed out.

Panicked, he grabbed the nearest empty side room, stripped off his outer clothes to reveal night-gear, covered his face, and slipped through the window. Across the alley, he sprang up onto the pavilion’s roof. Unsure of the internal layout and afraid of alerting guards, he listened. He heard movement toward the east wing’s upper rooms—suspected guest rooms. He quietly lifted tiles one by one to look in—no sign of Lin Yi.

Growing anxious, he reached the last room in the row. Inside, pitch-black—but he heard muffled sounds, like someone’s mouth being covered.

Yao slid through the window and crept to the bed. Lifting the curtain, he found a figure bound and gagged—struggling softly. Leaning in the moonlight, he realized it was Lin Yi. Relief washed over him. He carefully removed the gag and shook Lin Yi to wake him.

Lin Yi slowly blinked awake, staring back at Yao with open eyes—innocent, confused, and strangely vulnerable.

Yao froze, struck by how unlike Lin Yi he now appeared—guarded, proud, always outwardly sharp and controlled, but now innocent and fragile. It baffled Yao. Why this sudden weakness?

Before he could react, Lin Yi threw himself into Yao’s arms. Yao recoiled, stunned into statue-like stillness…