A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 405 Where Are You Going, Sir?

Only Xia Tingfeng and the girl remained in the room.

The girl’s name was Hong Cui. Her appearance was barely acceptable; it was her makeup and clothes that were, in two words, "garishly tacky!" She wore a bright red jacket over vibrant green skirts, her face caked with thick powder.

The scent of the powder alone was almost too much for Xia Tingfeng to bear. He furrowed his brows and leaned back.

Hong Cui was an old hand in the pleasure quarters. She had served countless men, though most were ordinary: traveling merchants who roamed north and south, small traders, and even common porters. A multitude of all shapes and colors. Perhaps no one in the entire Bai Fang Pavilion was more experienced than her. It had to be said, the madam had a good eye for choosing her staff.

When Hong Cui first saw the man she was to serve, her eyes lit up with both delight and surprise. Delighted because this man had a majestic presence; one glance told her he was formidable. Surprised because, how had such a fine man ended up with her?

With that thought, she eagerly poured a cup of wine. In a voice sultry to the bone, she said, "Sir... it’s dreadfully cold today. Let me serve you a good drink!" After speaking, she held the wine cup up to Xia Tingfeng.

Xia Tingfeng’s expression changed as if he were facing a formidable enemy, and he backed away further. "COUGH... Put down the cup!"

Hong Cui paid him no mind. She boldly declared, "Sir... you can’t do that! If you won’t drink, then shall I drink first?" And with that, she drained a cup herself.

After drinking, Hong Cui panted seductively. As she set down the cup, she turned and leaned her entire body towards Xia Tingfeng. "Sir... come on!" Her voice held three parts tipsiness and two parts teasing.

Moreover, Hong Cui wasn’t unattractive, even if her clothes were a bit outlandish. Still, she had the skill to enchant more than half the clients who visited her. Unfortunately for her, Xia Tingfeng was an exception.

When he saw Hong Cui about to fall into him, he instantly stood up and moved aside. Hong Cui lunged into empty air, collapsing onto Xia Tingfeng’s seat. Xia Tingfeng had already settled into another spot.

Hong Cui felt very aggrieved. "Sir..."

Xia Tingfeng had reached his limit. He took out a fifty-tael ingot of silver from his robe, placed it on the table, and said sternly, "Stop wasting your effort. Just sit there quietly! I have a few questions for you. If you can help me answer them, this silver is yours!"

Hong Cui stared at the silver. she estimated.

Hong Cui was overjoyed. "Oh my, dear patron, listen to you!" After speaking, she truly did sit still in her seat. "Ask away!"

Xia Tingfeng finally breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t bother to beat around the bush and asked directly, "What’s the most appropriate gift for a woman?"

Hong Cui’s eyes sparkled. "Oh my, Sir! I wondered what important matter it could be, but it’s just this! You’ve certainly asked the right person!"

Xia Tingfeng sipped his tea. "Then speak!" he thought,

Hong Cui pondered for a moment, then listed a host of items. "Considering you appear to be from a wealthy family, ordinary gifts simply won’t do! So... women’s favorite things are invariably rouge and powders, jewelry, clothes, and Zhen Zhu and gems—the more precious, the better! I dare guarantee you, Sir, there isn’t a woman in the world who can resist these! If there is, it only means the gifts weren’t precious, exquisite, or splendid enough!"

Xia Tingfeng’s hand, holding the teacup, paused. He mentally noted each item. Once he felt he had remembered enough, he asked again, "What about gifts for a child?"

This time, Hong Cui was somewhat stumped. She immediately feigned deep thought, though her mind was actually racing to figure out how to convince him.

"May I ask, Sir, how old is the child?"

"Just turned one month..."

At this thought, Hong Cui hurriedly flattered him. "Is the gift for your esteemed wife, Sir? Your Madam is truly fortunate to have married such a handsome husband!"

Xia Tingfeng: "..."

Seeing the gentleman didn’t respond, Hong Cui didn’t dare change the subject and thought seriously once more. After mulling it over, Hong Cui said, "For a child who has just turned one month, a gift should naturally aim for good fortune! The Qingan Temple outside the Capital City is bustling with worshippers and is said to be most efficacious. Perhaps, Sir, you could go there and ask for a peace charm to ensure the child’s lifelong safety!"

Xia Tingfeng considered it.

Xia Tingfeng was very pleased. He stood up, preparing to leave.

Hong Cui quickly asked, "Hey, Sir, where are you going?"

Xia Tingfeng replied, "To buy the gifts. The silver is yours!"

With that, he strode off swiftly.

Hong Cui looked at the silver on the table. She quickly picked it up and bit it, her expression changing from shock to joy. "This gentleman is truly generous!" she exclaimed.

With that thought, Hong Cui pocketed the silver and swaggered off.

When Rat and Monster came out, Xia Tingfeng was long gone from his room. They only found out he had left after asking around.

Rat and Monster exchanged glances. "Well, that’s that! The ’deflowering’ plan failed!"

Monster’s expression was somewhat sympathetic. "Big Brother really is... such a greenhorn!"

Rat nodded. "No kidding. Big Brother is well past the common age for marriage, and yet he actually... managed to resist?"

Monster tugged at him. "Oh, come on. Do you think Big Brother is like you, only thinking about what’s in his pants all day?"

Rat adjusted his trousers, somewhat indignant. "So what? As if you’re any different!"

Monster: "You!"

Rat: "Alright, alright, I’m not arguing with you. Let’s go, let’s go!"

Monster rolled his eyes. "HMPH!"

The two of them left.