This kind of wild brothel totally blew Butterfly Rogue’s mind. Who runs this place? Who’s got such brains? Now he didn’t even want to steal—he just wanted to shake his hips and party. But the next second, he shook his head hard. No way, he had to grab more cash, or else he’d have no funds to marry his future wife.
He glanced left, peeked right, and finally spotted a pretty quiet room. He pressed his ear to the door—yep, nice and silent. The person inside must be sound asleep. Thinking this, he gently pushed the door open, slipped in, and closed it behind him without a sound.
He thought he was being super sneaky, but what he didn’t know was—the moment he pressed his ear to the door, the person inside had already noticed him. They just kept quiet, wanting to watch what would happen next.
Once inside, Butterfly Rogue felt his way to the edge of the bed. Hearing the steady breathing from the sleeper, he boldly reached out to lift the quilt and search for valuables. But as soon as he flipped the covers, the person on the bed sat straight up! The creepy scene made Butterfly Rogue jump back several steps in fright.
"You... you weren’t asleep?" Butterfly Rogue quickly straightened up and stared.
Just then, Ivy Shen sat up. Moonlight streamed in through the window by the bed, and Butterfly Rogue was instantly stunned. Fair skin, delicate features with a hint of handsomeness, and an aura that was both ethereal and elegant. "Holy crap, how can there be a guy this gorgeous in the world?"—even the eternally narcissistic Butterfly Rogue had to admit someone looked better than him.
From Butterfly Rogue’s footsteps and voice, Ivy Shen already knew exactly who he was. She coughed lightly and said, "Brother, what brings you sneaking into someone’s room in the middle of the night?"
Butterfly Rogue froze, then grinned, "Do you know who I am?"
"Uh... judging by your flashy clothes, aren’t you the infamous flower thief?" Ivy pretended to stroke her chin in thought. "But too bad—if you really are the flower thief, I’m a guy. Don’t tell me you’re here to pick men’s flowers?"
Hearing this, Butterfly Rogue coughed awkwardly. "I used to be the flower thief, sure, but I’ve washed my hands of that now. These days, I’m just a One-Finger Thief."
"Oh, so you’re a big-time thief? Why aren’t you robbing the government? What are you doing in a brothel?"—which, let’s be real, One-Finger Thief just means petty thief. Ivy Shen held back a laugh as she asked.
Butterfly Rogue arched an eyebrow proudly. "Those guys’ treasures? Already swiped! Now their defenses are way too tight. Besides, only the rich come to brothels, right? It’s way more efficient!" He was pretty pleased with his own genius.
"Oh? But I don’t get it—why are you stealing all that money and loot? Are you a gambling addict or something?"
"Haha, nope! I’m just collecting betrothal gifts, that’s all."
"Wait, betrothal gifts? Did I hear that right? Even flower thieves fall in love? Or is your crush a female flower thief too?"
"Pfft, you’re way off! Listen, she’s a proper lady, okay? And she’s the first woman who hasn’t fallen for my looks. You have no idea—she’s got a whole squad of handsome husbands. If I don’t bring enough cash, I’ll lose all my momentum!" Butterfly Rogue looked super proud of his logic.
Hearing that, Ivy paused. Wait, is this guy actually serious?
"You’re not joking, are you?"
"Of course not! I love a challenge—the more she looks down on me, the more I want her to fall for me. Isn’t that way more fun? Plus, her husbands are all stupidly good-looking. I’m gonna make her like me and stomp all those guys under my feet! That’ll be so satisfying! Hahaha!" Butterfly Rogue was already picturing the snakes crying and all her husbands begging him for mercy, and he laughed himself silly.
Hearing this, Ivy Shen couldn’t help but sweat—so this pervert is treating her as his challenge target?!
"Sorry, but I’m broke. I’m only staying here because Madam Yun set it up for me." She finished with a flirtatious smile.
Butterfly Rogue shivered. "Madam Yun? You mean that old madam? No way, don’t tell me you’re her…"
"Yep, I’m her kept boy-toy." She picked up a nearby fan and snapped it open, striking a totally debonair pose.
Hearing that, Butterfly Rogue shook his head and clicked his tongue. "Wow, what a waste. A guy this good-looking, and you’re stuck as some old madam’s boy-toy. That’s tragic! Tell you what, I think you’re pretty cool—I’ll hook you up with a rich young lady instead. Being a son-in-law is way better than being some old woman’s toy!" For once, Butterfly Rogue was feeling generous.
"You’re a real bro! By the way, what’s your name?"
"Haha, easy! My last name is Jia, and my first name is Yin Dang—‘Lewd’!"
"What? Jia Yin Dang—‘Fake Lewd’?" Ivy Shen frowned. Ugh, this Butterfly Rogue is totally messing with me!
"Yep, my parents named me. Honestly, I haven’t picked that many flowers, you know? Just look at my name—Fake Lewd! I’m actually super sincere. By the way, what’s your name, bro?"
Ivy Shen grinned slyly. "Wow, what a coincidence! You’re ‘Fake’ and I’m ‘Real.’ My name’s Zhen Fengliu—‘Truly Debonair!’"
"Zhen Fengliu?" Butterfly Rogue frowned, thinking, This girly guy is definitely lying to me!
Meanwhile—
"Okay, I’m done!" Lucian Vane panted, catching his breath.
"Alright," Adrian Night agreed instantly, also gasping for air. He hadn’t expected Lucian Vane’s stamina to be so intense—they’d been sparring forever and he was still going strong.
"Since we can’t decide who’s better, let Ivy Shen choose. Whoever she wants to keep, stays," Lucian Vane said quickly, secretly smug. He and Ivy Shen had already slept together as husband and wife—surely she’d pick him!
"Deal!" Adrian Night thought to himself. After all, she’d said she felt safest sleeping next to him—so of course she’d choose him!
"Alright, let’s head back," Lucian Vane waved and started walking back.
"Hey, how about this? Since we’re so fated, let’s be brothers from now on! You’re so petite, I’ll back you up." Butterfly Rogue said magnanimously. Truth was, he just liked good-looking people—and this girly guy was way too pretty. Being friends would be great.
"Really? But…"
"But what? Brother Zhen, if there’s anything inconvenient, just say it!"
"I just don’t know if they’ll agree!" Ivy Shen shrugged helplessly and glanced toward the door. When did those two start eavesdropping at the wall?!
"Who? Who wouldn’t agree?!" Butterfly Rogue still hadn’t noticed the two snakes outside, and kept shouting. He couldn’t help it—his inner power was weak, but his agility was top-notch!
Butterfly Rogue’s loud "Who wouldn’t agree?" finally convinced the two eavesdroppers outside that there really was a man in the room. The door was flung open, and two grim-faced guys barged in.
Butterfly Rogue froze for a second, then blurted, "Hey, you guys—you’re my brothers, right?"
"Who’s your brother!" Lucian Vane snapped, annoyed. Ugh, guys who try to force family ties are the worst!
"Whoa, Lucian Vane! Long time no see! Wait, what are you two doing here? Where’s my wife?"
"Your wife?" At those words, Adrian Night immediately scowled.
"Yeah, didn’t you bring my wife with you?" Butterfly Rogue turned to Ivy. "Brother Zhen, you know these guys?"
"Uh? Oh, I’m… I’m their wife’s… younger brother."
"Oh, little brother, why didn’t you say so earlier? Listen, your sister and I hit it off right away! We’re family, you know? No wonder you looked so familiar—turns out we’re all kin!" Butterfly Rogue cheerfully rushed over to Ivy, grabbed her hand, and started chatting away like old friends.
But seeing this, the other two in the room instantly darkened. That guy—he was actually holding Ivy’s hand!
"Let go!" Lucian Vane’s sword flashed out in a blink.
Seeing that, Butterfly Rogue instantly leaped out the window and landed outside. Adrian Night and Lucian Vane chased after him.
Ivy Shen climbed off the bed and leaned against the window, watching the chaos unfold.
"Hey, what are you guys doing? We’re all family here!" Butterfly Rogue called out.
"Shut up! Didn’t you get enough last time?" Lucian Vane shot back, voice sharp.
"Damn it, you snake! I was fine till you brought that up. Do you know I had the runs all night? I downed every anti-diarrheal in town—were you trying to kill me?" Butterfly Rogue glared, determined not to fall for it again.
"Lucky you didn’t croak from it," Adrian Night snorted.
"Hmph, listen up, snake—I swear, one day you’ll regret this! When my wife loves me and ignores you, you’ll be the one kneeling and washing my feet! Hmph! Where’s my wife? I want to see her!"
At that, Lucian Vane shot Adrian Night a look. The two exchanged a silent nod—enemy united. No way were they letting the husband squad get any bigger!
So, the two of them charged at Butterfly Rogue, who started running for his life. "Wife, where are you—Flower’s here to see you! Hey, snake, don’t hit my face! Hey, who’s the guy with the dark face? Hands off! Wife, save me!"
Standing at the window, Ivy Shen watched it all unfold and suddenly couldn’t help but burst out laughing. In that moment, her heart felt warm.
PS: I said I’d add a thousand words, but ended up adding two thousand. Oops—Yi Yi’s just too hardworking~~ Robbing everyone’s comments!