Steward Ma, the middle-aged manager, had beady eyes, a big nose, and thick lips, plus a pretty sturdy build. Not only was he the steward of Heaven Fragrance Pavilion, he was also the boss’s brother-in-law. He was crafty, greedy, and lecherous. Except for Susie, every girl in the brothel had been bullied or extorted by him in one way or another.
So all the girls in the brothel hated him deeply.
Steward Ma's greedy gaze swept over Susie, finally landing on Shawn Steele. "You've got some nerve, punk, daring to injure Young Master Zhou! Men, break his arms and legs and tie him up!"
The club-wielding thugs were about to rush up and grab him, but Susie stepped forward, pleading with Steward Ma: "Wait, Steward Ma, could I have a word with you in private?"
Steward Ma's eyes lit up. He'd been lusting after Susie for ages, but the boss wanted to use her to make big money, so he'd held back. Now, seeing Susie about to plead for this man, he figured even if he couldn't get her, he could squeeze a lot of money out of her—and maybe cop a feel or two.
So he raised his hand, signaling the thugs not to rush.
"What advice do you have for me, Susie?" Steward Ma squinted, pretending to be polite.
"Steward Ma, please come inside to talk," Susie said.
"If Susie invites me, of course I can't refuse!" Steward Ma leered, then turned to the thugs: "Keep a close eye on that kid. Don't let him escape. If the governor comes down on us, you'll take the blame!"
"Yes, sir!"
The thugs responded and blocked the corridor so Shawn Steele couldn't escape.
Susie led Steward Ma into the room, then told her maid, Xiaohuan, "Go get my jewelry box."
"Miss, you..." Xiaohuan looked reluctant. Her lady hadn't officially married yet, and even though she was the flower queen, her income was tiny.
"Xiaohuan, are you refusing to listen to me?" Susie's tone grew stern.
"Yes, Miss!"
Xiaohuan reluctantly obeyed and went to fetch the jewelry box. Steward Ma was now certain Susie planned to plead for that kid, and he felt jealous. Suddenly, his eyes grew hot and lecherous—damn, since she's begging me, I might as well cop a feel.
With that thought, he suddenly reached to grab Susie, but she was wary and dodged quickly. He grabbed at thin air, and she snapped, "Steward Ma, what are you doing? If you keep this up, I'll report you to the boss."
At the mention of the boss, Steward Ma froze. He forced a smile, "No need to get angry, Susie, I was just joking!"
Susie's face darkened. "You'd better not joke like that. If the boss finds out, you'll be in trouble."
"You're absolutely right, Susie. I was out of line!" Steward Ma quickly apologized, but cursed her in his heart. This little brat thinks she's so important—just wait until she's married, I'll teach her a lesson.
Soon, Xiaohuan reluctantly returned, carrying a delicate jewelry box.
"Here you go, Miss."
Susie took the jewelry box and said to Steward Ma, "Steward Ma, the young man outside only accidentally bumped into Young Master Zhou. Could you let him go for my sake?"
"Heh heh!"
Steward Ma sneered to himself. Damn, she scolded me just now, and now she's begging me. He sneered again and said, "Susie, you know that kid hit Young Master Zhou, and Young Master Zhou is the governor's son. Not just me—even the boss couldn't take the blame if the governor got angry!"
Susie's heart sank. She offered up the jewelry box. "Please, Steward Ma, do me this favor. It's just a little token from me."
Steward Ma took the box, opened it, and saw several fine pieces of jewelry. He figured he could sell them for a few hundred taels at least. Without showing any emotion, he pocketed them and said, "Letting that kid go is a huge risk for me. Susie, this isn't enough."
"This jewelry is all I have," Susie pleaded. "If you help me this time, I'll remember it. When I earn more, I'll repay you."
Steward Ma sneered, "I can't wait that long. How about you let me have a little fun—maybe then I'll let the kid off."
"Shameless!" Susie snapped angrily.
"Heh, whether you agree or not is up to you!" Steward Ma sneered, planning to grab the kid after having his fun.
Susie hesitated.
"Don't take too long, Susie. Once the governor's troops arrive, I won't be able to help even if I want to!" Steward Ma urged.
"Fine, I agree! I hope you'll keep your word!" Susie forced herself to say, feeling sick at the thought of being touched, but knowing it could save the young man outside.
Out in the corridor, Shawn Steele saw everything happening in the room and was deeply moved. He hadn't expected Susie to sacrifice so much for him.
In the room.
Seeing Susie agree, Steward Ma was overjoyed and couldn't wait to reach out and grab her.
Just then, a figure suddenly appeared in front of Susie and kicked out.
With a 'bang,' Steward Ma screamed as he was kicked out of the room.
"You silly girl, why would you wrong yourself for me?" Shawn Steele looked at Susie with genuine pity.
Hearing Shawn Steele's caring words, Susie felt warm inside. But thinking of his situation, she urged, "Young Master, hurry and escape through my window!"
Shawn Steele didn't want Susie to worry, so he said softly, "Don't worry, I don't need to run. Even if Young Master Zhou is the governor's son, or even if the emperor's son comes, they can't do anything to me!"
Susie didn't believe him and kept urging, "Young Master, I trust you, but you should still lay low for now!"
Xiaohuan couldn't stand it anymore and snorted, "All you do is brag! My Miss nearly got taken advantage of because of you."
"Xiaohuan, don't talk nonsense."
Susie gently scolded Xiaohuan, then seeing Shawn Steele still refusing to leave, she couldn't help but push him toward the window: "Young Master, go now!"
Just then, the thugs burst in.
Steward Ma, who'd been kicked across the room, struggled to his feet and yelled, "Quick, grab that kid! Don't let him get away!"
Instantly, more than ten thugs swung their clubs at Shawn Steele.
"Hmph!"
With a cold snort, all the thugs shuddered as if struck by lightning, and froze. Then Shawn Steele waved his hand, sending them flying into the corridor, stacked up like dominoes.
Susie and her maid Xiaohuan were stunned, eyes wide with shock.
Steward Ma was horrified. He'd learned a bit of martial arts, but to toss ten men with a wave of the hand—that was top-level skill. Clearly, this young man was a martial arts master. If he escaped, there'd be big trouble.