Chapter 57: A River Cruise with Hidden Dangers
The night deepened as they enjoyed their meal and drinks.
Cheng Yishi took a slightly tipsy Hua Shuya to the balcony for some fresh air. Judging by their friendly demeanor, they seemed to be getting along well.
Knock, knock, knock…
Lin Tianlu put down his chopsticks and turned towards the door.
“Who is it?”
“It is I, Ji Hang, the owner of the Ascension Immortal Restaurant. I’m here to pay my respects to Master Lin.”
“Please come in, Shopkeeper Ji.”
The door opened, and an elderly man with a kind face and elegant attire entered the room. He smiled warmly and bowed. “I’ve heard many rumors about you, Master Lin. I knew you were a man of extraordinary talent and character, but seeing you in person, you’ve exceeded my expectations!”
He clicked his tongue in admiration. “I didn’t realize you were so young and handsome. And… so blessed with beautiful companions.”
He quickly turned to Mao Ruoyu, who had entered the room with Lin Tianlu, and bowed. “You have excellent taste, Madam.”
Mao Ruoyu blushed and stood up, returning the gesture with a smile. “You flatter me, Shopkeeper Ji. It’s just that Mr. Lin is kind and compassionate.”
“Ai! There’s no need for modesty. You two are a perfect match. If only my foolish children could find such wonderful partners, I wouldn’t be so worried!”
Ji Hang sighed dramatically, then chuckled, patting his forehead. “Forgive me, forgive me. I got carried away again. As one gets older, one’s mind tends to wander.”
He then flicked his sleeve and bowed. “I hope you’re enjoying the food and service, Master Lin and Madam Mao.”
“The Ascension Immortal Restaurant is renowned for its exquisite cuisine. And it truly lives up to its reputation.”
Lin Tianlu smiled. “If there’s a chance, we’ll definitely come back again.”
“You’re always welcome.” Ji Hang smiled mysteriously. “But Master Lin, are you aware of our other services?”
“Oh?”
“Did you see the boats docked by the river when you arrived?”
“Yes, we did. And we saw many boats cruising along the Ningguan River, filled with guests.”
Ji Hang chuckled, stroking his beard. “We also manage the boat rentals. After enjoying their meal, many of our guests rent a boat and cruise down the river, enjoying the beautiful moonlit scenery. The river breeze is quite refreshing.”
Lin Tianlu was intrigued. “And the rental fee…”
“There’s no need to discuss prices with me, Master Lin!” Ji Hang laughed heartily. “Since you’ve honored us with your presence, I wouldn’t dream of charging you. Consider it a treat from me.”
But then, he lowered his voice and said with a nervous chuckle, “If something were to happen to my restaurant, like that incident at the fabric shop… I hope you’ll lend a hand, Master Lin. This old man can’t handle such troubles anymore. I’m getting too old for this.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but chuckle.
So he was here to pay “protection fees”?
“Thank you for your generosity, Shopkeeper Ji.”
Ji Hang smiled with satisfaction and bowed repeatedly. “I should be the one thanking you, Master Lin. Your protection is far more valuable than any amount of gold. I’m ashamed to be receiving such a favor.”
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he said seriously,
“Well, I won’t disturb you any longer. Please continue enjoying your meal. When you’re finished, just tell the waiter, and he’ll take you to the boats. We’ll provide you with the best boat, equipped with musical instruments, calligraphy tools, and other amenities for your enjoyment.”
“I’ll gladly accept your generous offer.”
Lin Tianlu bowed and saw the enthusiastic shopkeeper off.
He turned to the beautiful woman behind him and smiled. “Madam Mao, would you like to join me for a moonlit boat ride?”
“Of course. But don’t forget Miss Cheng and Miss Hua.”
Mao Ruoyu smiled faintly and brushed her hair back. “I wonder if the boat can accommodate four people.”
“Don’t worry, I saw those boats earlier. They’re quite spacious. As for now—”
Lin Tianlu gestured towards the table. “Are you still hungry, Madam Mao?”
Mao Ruoyu opened her mouth slightly, then touched her slightly rounded belly, her face flushing red. “I-I think I’m full. If I eat any more, I’m afraid I’ll burst.”
…
Inside the restaurant’s kitchen…
Ji Hang, who had been all smiles earlier, was now bowing deeply, his face filled with anxiety and subservience. “Master Jiang, I did as you instructed. I almost served your special medicine with the fruits on the boat… Please spare my children. They’re still young. If you’re angry, please punish me instead…”
“Shut up!”
Jiang Zhi’s expression was cold and indifferent, his gaze condescending. “As long as you complete your task, your children will be safe. The Soultaker is nearby. If you succeed, we’ll reward you handsomely! But… don’t betray our trust.”
He patted Ji Hang’s shoulder lightly.
“I-I wouldn’t dare! I wouldn’t dare!”
Ji Hang’s forehead was covered in cold sweat as he bowed deeply.
“I’ll trust you this once.” Jiang Zhi sneered and walked out.
Ji Hang trembled, wiping the sweat from his face, and hurried after him.
But…
He discreetly flicked his sleeve, and a small package of powder slipped from his loose robe and fell to the floor. He nudged it with his foot, kicking it into a crack in the wall.
His face remained a mask of fear and anxiety.
…
The moon grew brighter as the crowds on the streets thinned.
Although it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, it wasn’t as important as the Lantern Festival in this world. As midnight approached, many of the revelers began to head home. Only a few boats remained on the Ningguan River, their lanterns casting a faint glow.
By the riverbank, several waiters were carrying trays of fresh fruits, tea, and pastries, loading them onto one of the boats.
A middle-aged boatman stood at the bow, shouting, “Come aboard!”
But Hua Shuya walked up to him and said, “Could we rent this boat for a while?”
“Eh?” The boatman looked confused. “But this boat… you should…”
“I know how to row. I’ll handle it.”
The boatman hesitated, glancing at the waiters behind him. Seeing them shake their heads discreetly, he chuckled wryly and handed her the oars. “Be careful, Miss. This boat is quite delicate. Don’t row too hard, or you might capsize in the strong wind.”
“Don’t worry. If anything happens to the boat, I’ll compensate you fully.”
Hua Shuya took the oars and stepped onto the boat gracefully.
Meanwhile, Lin Tianlu was carefully helping Mao Ruoyu onto the boat.
Mao Ruoyu swayed slightly, then smiled happily. “This is my first time on a boat. It’s quite a strange feeling.”
“Don’t get too close to the edge, Madam Mao.” Cheng Yishi stepped forward and took her arm, her voice soft. “I heard that fish sometimes jump out of the river. It wouldn’t be good if they startled you.”
Mao Ruoyu looked at her in surprise, a gentle smile appearing on her flushed face. “Thank you for your concern, Miss Cheng.”
“…You’re drunk, Madam Mao.”
“I-I’m just a little dizzy.” Mao Ruoyu touched her burning cheeks and chuckled softly.
As the boat pushed away from the shore, it swayed gently. Mao Ruoyu, already feeling weak, stumbled.
Cheng Yishi instinctively reached out to steady her, but her chest bumped against something soft and firm, almost making her lose her balance.
“…”
She stared at Mao Ruoyu’s ample bosom, her mind momentarily blank.
Were they… real?
“Sorry, Miss Cheng. I lost my footing.”
“I-it’s alright!”
Cheng Yishi gritted her teeth.
No wonder she hadn’t been able to attract Lin Tianlu’s attention when she had revealed herself to him. This seductive woman… was incredibly well-endowed!
…
Lin Tianlu led the two women into the boat’s cabin and lit the red candles, illuminating the space.
“There are quite a few things here.”
The cabin was filled with musical instruments, games, and other entertainment.
He rummaged through the items and found a medicine box. Opening it, he saw several bottles and jars.
He picked up two porcelain bottles.
‘Yang-Boosting Aphrodisiac Pills’
‘Lust-Inducing Seduction Pills’
“Is this boat… a love boat?”
Lin Tianlu’s expression turned strange as he looked at the other bottles and jars.
Besides a few emergency medicines, most of them were aphrodisiacs and other bedroom-related items. He even saw a few strangely shaped… toys.
“Well, this is definitely a pleasure boat.”
Lin Tianlu sighed, putting the items back.
“But… so these kinds of things existed in ancient times. I guess I was too naive.”
…
After tying the beaded curtains and letting in some fresh air, Lin Tianlu walked to the bow with a smile.
“Miss Hua, I didn’t know you knew how to row.”
The boat was gliding smoothly towards the center of the river, barely even swaying, a testament to her skill.
Hua Shuya turned around and chuckled softly. “I was trained in various skills since childhood, including archery, horseback riding, spear fighting, and even rowing. But I was often sick and weak as a child, so I couldn’t compare to my siblings.
But although I’m not an expert, rowing on a calm river like this is quite easy.”
“Impressive.”
Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but praise her.
She was quite accomplished.
In modern society, she would be considered a well-rounded talent.
“Let me help you row, Miss Hua. We’ll stop when we reach the center of the river.”
Lin Tianlu rolled up his sleeves, sat down beside her, and mimicked her movements, trying to row.
Splash!
Suddenly, water splashed beside them, and a dark figure leaped out of the river!
Lin Tianlu instinctively swung the oar, sending the figure flying dozens of feet away, skipping across the water before disappearing.
“…?”
Had he hit something?
“Could there really be flying fish in the Ningguan River?”
Lin Tianlu scratched his head and looked down at the water.
Then, he saw a shadowy figure darting across the riverbed!
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