Chapter 117: Recruiting Xiao Rou

"Xiao Rou, eat more. You're welcome to come over often, don't be a stranger!" At the dining table, Bai Yulan kept piling food into Jiang Rou’s bowl.

Zhou Sen was, of course, absent. In his current condition, he could only lie in bed, waiting for someone to bring his meals to him. Per Bai Yulan’s instructions, he was to stay in bed for at least three days; except when he needed to use the restroom, he was absolutely forbidden from getting up.

"Thank you, Sister Lan, I've had enough, it's too much..." Jiang Rou looked at the small mountain of food in her bowl with a helpless expression. Bai Yulan was simply too enthusiastic.

"It’s alright, take your time. Just treat this like your own home," Bai Yulan said.

"Mm."

"By the way, Xiao Rou, you're still staying at the inn, right?" Bai Yulan asked.

"Yes, still at the inn."

"Do you plan on staying in Ice City for the long haul, or are you just here for a while?" Bai Yulan continued.

"If we can gain a foothold in Ice City, we naturally intend to stay."

"If you're planning to stay, the inn isn't suitable. It’s too expensive, and with people coming and going, it’s not safe," Bai Yulan said. "How about this? I have plenty of empty rooms here, but I don't want to rent them out. Why don't you come over and keep me company?"

"Ah?" Jiang Rou was stunned. Staying at the inn was only a temporary measure. While it made her work convenient, she knew she couldn't stay there forever. Once they signed a venue contract, she would need a long-term residence; she had actually been considering looking for a place.

"It would certainly be wonderful to live with you, Sister Lan, but the opera troupe isn't just me. I’m not the one who makes those decisions."

"You are the pillar of the Ruiqing Troupe now; don't you even have the freedom to decide where you live? Besides, if you move in here, you’ll save the troupe a significant amount of money," Bai Yulan said with a smile.

Jiang Rou felt a stir in her heart. Had these two discussed this beforehand? One was encouraging her to be independent, and the other was inviting her to stay at Ningxiang Pavilion. She could tell, however, that neither had any malicious intent; they were truly looking out for her.

"Sister Lan, I..."

"Are you worried about disturbing you and your brother?" Bai Yulan’s eyes were sharp; she saw through Jiang Rou’s concerns at a glance. "You don't need to worry about that. I have a selfish motive for inviting you. My teahouse has opened, and it certainly needs a unique draw. If you could sing a song here occasionally, would I have to worry about business?"

"Ah?"

"Since we’re family, I won't speak in circles. You need someone to rely on in Ice City, don't you? Although your brother and I don't have immense power, we have some connections. Even if your troupe signs a contract with the New Stage, I can put in a good word for you," Bai Yulan said. "You know what kind of person your godfather is, don't you?"

"Since you've put it that way, Sister Lan, then I would be honored to accept." Jiang Rou knew this was an excellent opportunity. If she refused now, it would be different if she had to ask later.

"Good, little sister. After you finish eating, I’ll take you to look around. Choose whichever room you like," Bai Yulan said with a chuckle. As long as Jiang Rou moved into Ningxiang Pavilion, even if she didn't perform, the teahouse would naturally become a hotspot.

***

Moving wouldn't happen overnight; she would have to pick an auspicious date. Furthermore, Jiang Rou couldn't just move out without saying anything; she had to inform Sun Qingkui. After all, she was part of his troupe, and Sun Qingkui was not only the manager but also her godfather.

After choosing a room and telling Zhou Sen, Jiang Rou took her leave.

"Not bad, Yulan. How did you convince Xiao Rou to move in? I hadn't even thought of that," Zhou Sen said, eating a slice of apple Bai Yulan handed him.

"I appealed to both emotion and reason," Bai Yulan smiled slightly. She knew Jiang Rou was a golden ticket; she wasn't blind. Given her relationship with Zhou Sen, it was only natural to leverage this—or rather, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

"With Xiao Rou here, our teahouse won't lack customers. Of course, she shouldn't be here primarily; our stage is too small. She belongs on a big stage where she can shine," Zhou Sen said. "How about we build one, too?"

"Do you have the money?"

"I do. Don't forget, we mortgaged that property for over 1.6 million," Zhou Sen said. "Money is only money if you spend it. If you can't spend it, it's just a pile of waste paper."

"How about we buy the New Stage?" Bai Yulan felt a spark of interest. Earning money was hard, but spending it was easy.

"Can we get it for a million?"

"It might be difficult, but we don't necessarily have to buy the whole thing. We could hold a controlling stake. We can hire someone to manage operations, or even keep the original staff," Bai Yulan suggested.

"When are we going to get our certificate?"

"What certificate?" Bai Yulan was stunned, failing to understand how Zhou Sen’s train of thought led to that.

"A marriage certificate," Zhou Sen said. "Once we have that, we are legally husband and wife. What’s mine is yours, and what’s yours is mine."

"Do you really want to marry me?" Bai Yulan asked.

"Of course. We're already at this stage; if I don't marry you, who else would you marry?" Zhou Sen countered.

"But to get a marriage certificate, you need the words of a matchmaker, witnesses, and someone to preside over the wedding," Bai Yulan said.

"I'm an orphan; my parents have passed away, and we don't have many elders left. How about Ah Xiang as the matchmaker? Xiao Rou can be a witness, and as for the presiding official..." Zhou Sen looked troubled.

"How about I choose the presiding official?" Bai Yulan offered.

"Fine, you decide." Zhou Sen agreed immediately.

Bai Yulan breathed a sigh of relief. This settled their life-long commitment, which felt almost like a play, yet it felt like the natural course of events.

"And when should the wedding be?" Bai Yulan asked. These details had to be written on the certificate, and once the date was set, it couldn't be changed.

"You decide, but since Father Anthony just passed away, the first half of the year isn't appropriate. Let’s find a date in the second half."

"Alright."

"From now on, you're Madam Zhou!"

Bai Yulan rolled her eyes at him, her expression softening significantly. Perhaps a carefully selected match wasn't as good as an impulsive one. She knew her union with Zhou Sen stemmed from a conspiracy, yet it had allowed two lonely souls to find a crutch. Though she had wealth and unparalleled beauty, no true gentleman of good standing would marry a woman like her—a woman who had been married before and had worked in such a profession. Whether it was Su Wenqing or Qin Laoqi, they only coveted her beauty and wealth; it was doubtful they truly loved her.

She had prepared herself to spend her life in solitude. She never expected Zhou Sen to storm into her life. What she once thought was a doomed fate now seemed like heaven taking pity on her, offering a chance to find happiness once more.

"If we buy a stake in the New Stage, we can't sign with Sun Qingkui. We must sign directly with Xiao Rou," Bai Yulan stated.

"It seems we're on the same page," Zhou Sen chuckled. "This morning, I encouraged Xiao Rou to stand on her own feet. I told her she should take down Sun Qingkui and become the troupe leader herself."

"Sun Qingkui is her godfather. Could she really commit such an act of rebellion?" Bai Yulan asked, surprised.

"Xiao Rou has a kind heart, so it would be difficult for her. But Sun Qingkui is holding her back; she has no future under him. That's why we, as her brother and sister-in-law, must help her!" Zhou Sen said. "That man is a gambler, so he likely hasn't saved much money. He will never let go of his cash cow."

"You want Qin Lang to help you set a trap to get back the indentured contract Xiao Rou signed?" Bai Yulan understood his plan immediately.

"He did raise and teach her, after all. I just want him to withdraw from the Ruiqing Troupe and voluntarily hand over the leadership. That way, Xiao Rou won't be put in a difficult position," Zhou Sen explained.

"You really care about this little sister of yours."

"I was locked in a cage by Sun Qingkui for days. If Xiao Rou hadn't secretly brought me food, I would have starved to death," Zhou Sen said.

"No wonder..."

"Don't tell Xiao Rou yet. If she finds out, she will definitely object," Zhou Sen warned.

"Understood. Do you think I'm as stupid as you?" Bai Yulan nodded.

***

In the afternoon, Zhou Sen slept again. When he woke up, it was already dark. He turned on the radio and tuned to a channel broadcasting the news.

"According to reports, late yesterday, the Fire Department received a tip from a citizen about a fire at a residence on North Road in Sangeshu. A male victim was found burned to death; the victim was about forty years old, his body charred... Additionally, a burned rifle was recovered from the home. It has been identified as a Mauser Model 98 rifle..."

Then, the Fire Department reminded citizens to be careful with fire.

A Mauser Model 98 rifle?

Zhou Sen furrowed his brow. Wasn't the bullet he was shot with from a Mauser Model 98? Could it be...

***

Scarface Liu was dead, burned to death.

Qin Lang had received the news a step before Zhou Sen, and cold sweat broke out on his back. A coincidence? Impossible. He had only told Bai Yulan about Scarface Liu’s affair with Xiang Juan yesterday, and that very night, Scarface Liu had burned himself to death?

This was too magical! If that woman really did it, her methods were too fast and too ruthless. It was truly a case of settling scores before the night was out. Good heavens, this couple—one full of tricks, the other a cold-blooded killer—was a perfect match! Fortunately, they were now in the same boat. Otherwise, being their enemy would mean having to sleep with one eye open.

The boss must know by now.

***

At Qunfang Mansion, Qin Xiong also learned of Scarface Liu's death. His face was terrifyingly grim. Scarface Liu had done many dirty jobs for him over the years; he had at least eight or ten lives on his hands. He was used to having him around, and now that he was suddenly gone, Qin Xiong was furious. At the same time, he felt a chill.

The fact that the culprit killed Scarface Liu despite knowing he was one of his men meant they weren't afraid of him at all. What kind of person could take out Scarface Liu so easily and disguise the scene as an accidental fire, leaving no evidence for the Fire Department? A master!

The unknown was the most terrifying. If such a master were targeting him, would he ever be able to sleep peacefully again? If the other party was coming for him...

"Uncle Hou, go investigate. You must drag this person out!" Qin Xiong ordered through gritted teeth.

"Yes, Young Master," Hou Wu replied.

***

A black car stopped in front of Musashino. Su Xing got out and opened the door for Su Wenqing, who straightened his collar and stepped out.

"Sir, I will wait outside for you."

Su Wenqing nodded and walked toward the entrance of Musashino. He was stopped by the attendant at the door, but after Su Wenqing leaned in and said a few words, he was allowed inside.