The Black Book: Seven Deadly Sins

Shaking his head to suppress the strange emotions inside, Yan Yunsheng solemnly clasped his fists.

"I'll immediately gather some manpower."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Haomiao waved his hand: "Quality over quantity in soldiers, just bring a few sharp ones to prevent the bandits from escaping."

"Yes!"

Glancing at the sunset's last rays outside the window, a ravenous and greedy black glint surged in Zhu Haomiao's eyes as he subconsciously licked his lips.

Several hours later

As the city lights began to flicker, a handsome and wicked boy strutted with an arrogant gait, followed by several tough-looking constables, brazenly entering the largest brothel in Lechang Square.

"Oh, Captain Yan..."

The old madam hurried out to greet them, her face full of ingratiating smiles, but before she could approach, Yan Yunsheng stopped her.

"Call your boss over! Inspector Li has something to discuss with him!"

Realizing these people had come with no good intentions, the old madam glanced at the handsome but furtive boy and nodded obsequiously.

"I'll see to it right away, Captain Yan and this... Inspector Li, why don't you wait in the private room for a moment."

Basking in the hazy, ambiguous pink lights around them, Zhu Haomiao took a deep, intoxicating breath.

"Lead the way."

Noticing that the boy was clearly the leader, the old madam shifted her focus and gingerly led the boy to a private box.

Letting the still-charming old madam brush against him, Zhu Haomiao smirked, his eyes reflecting the pink, entrancing glow, yet deep within his pupils lay coldness.

Upon reaching the private room, Zhu Haomiao sat spread-eagle, while Yan Yunsheng and the others, hands on their waist sabers, stood guard like stars around the moon, exuding an intimidating aura that clearly wasn't here for pleasure.

This is looking for trouble!

The old madam inwardly groaned, hastily serving tea and water with a flattering grin, afraid they'd find a pretext to explode.

On the other hand, Zhu Haomiao, not interested in vexing these small fry, sipped his fragrant tea, quietly waiting for his target.

Soon after, a chubby man with a greasy face rushed in, wiping the sweat off his forehead, and instantly spotted the only seated boy in the room.

"Oh my, an honored guest graces us with his presence, forgive me for not welcoming you sooner!"

The fat man forced a smile and bowed respectfully, attempting to get closer, but was stopped by the boy with a teacup hurled at his head.

Bang!

The explosive sound of shattering porcelain startled the old madam, while the fat man froze in his bow, tea leaves covering his head and liquid dripping down his face, looking utterly pathetic.

"What is this... dragging your feet... daring to make me wait..."

The youth's scornful whisper echoed in the fat man's ears; vicious light flickered in his downcast eyes, but when he looked up again, his smile only grew more ingratiating and humble.

"It's my fault, sir, if there's anything you're dissatisfied with, just instruct me. I'll make it up to you..."

Watching the fat man's groveling demeanor, Zhu Haomiao rubbed his chin with interest.

"Just as I haven't had dinner yet, get me a bowl of Qilin Soup, and I'll forgive you."

Seeing the fat man's face stiffen, Zhu Haomiao's expression suddenly turned icy: "What? Is there a problem?!"

An inexplicable pressure instantly enveloped the entire room, causing the fat man's breath to catch, as if something heavy pressed upon his chest, making it impossible to breathe.

Finally, with his face flushed red, the fat man gritted his teeth fiercely: "No problem, sir, just please wait a moment!"

Watching the fat man hurry out of the booth, Zhu Haomiao curiously glanced at the shivering old madam.

"You really have Qilin Soup here?"

Not talking about the value of the ingredients, just the preparation would take several days, with a short shelf life. Ordinary people might not even have heard of it!

Sure enough, the old madam forced a smile uglier than crying, stuttering: "Sir, I really don't know what this Qilin Soup is."

Meanwhile, the fat man hurried to find his trusted aid, urgently instructing them.

"Take my token, and go to Zuixian Building in Anren Square to beg for a bowl of Qilin Soup, quick! Quick! Quick!"

"Yes!"

His subordinate grabbed the token and dashed out, vanishing around the corner in a blink, like a galloping horse.

Retracting his gaze from the direction where his trusted aide disappeared, the fat man wore a conflicted expression, finally slapping his cheeks forcefully to squeeze out an obsequious smile before returning to the booth.

"Sir, please wait a moment longer, the Qilin Soup will be right here!"

Seeing the fat man return, Zhu Haomiao curved his lips in a faint smile, changing the subject.

"Your name is Jin Chunyuan, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"I heard you've controlled more than half of the flesh trade in Lechang Square and are particularly skilled at taming rebellious virtuous women..."

Hearing the boy's muttering, Jin Chunyuan couldn't fathom his intent, only able to go along with a flattering smile.

"They're all disreputable matters, afraid to taint your ears."

"No, I'm quite interested. Tell me, how exactly do you tame those rebellious women?"

"......"

Observing the youth's curious demeanor, Jin Chunyuan hesitated momentarily, picking his words carefully.

"Top-tier brothels groom their girls from a young age; they don't need taming."

"Only the new goods from the salted meat shops need taming."

"The method's simple; if they think themselves precious and clean, just find a hundred or so people to take turns with them."

"If they're still disobedient, take turns again, and after a few times, they'll become docile and obedient, ready for any tricks."

......

Listening to Jin Chunyuan's introduction, Zhu Haomiao narrowed his eyes, his mouth arching without a trace of humor, his pupils brimming with a bitterly cold glare.

"Hahaha, interesting, with talent like ours in Lechang Square, how could we fear stagnation!"

The boy cheerfully applauded, pressing further with keen interest.

"If I fancy a girl, how can I quickly get her?"

Believing the other to be a 'kindred spirit,' Jin Chunyuan gradually loosened up, sharing some unspeakable secrets in an ingratiating manner.

"Sir, in the Imperial City, tens of thousands disappear annually; if they have no backing, just nab whichever you fancy."

"Just be clean and swift, and no one will know."

"Once you've had your fun, just kill her and toss her in the river, or sell her to our business; in a few years, she'll be used up."

Listening to Jin Chunyuan's whispers, Zhu Haomiao squinted, nodding repeatedly with a faint smile.

"What if she does have backing?"

"If she has backing, it's trickier. But if you must have her, you can target her family."

"Threaten, entice, set traps; just ruin her family, and won't the leftovers be yours to enjoy?"

"Of course, if the background is too strong, it's best to change targets, not inviting trouble for yourself..."

Attentively listening to Jin Chunyuan's talks, Zhu Haomiao appeared like an inquisitive student, occasionally chiming in, prodding for more details.