56 Business Matters (1/2)

After Xue'er left, madam Lu quickly took out a handkerchief and wiped her hands furiously, as if doing so would prevent her from being tainted with the unknown illness the girl had brought into the Hundred Flower Hall.

After she was done, she tossed the cloth into a nearby brazier in disgust, whereby the cloth was greedily consumed by the growing flames. Her eyes emotionless, as the shadows of the flame, flickered violently in her pupils.

She took a deep breath and sat back down across from the man who she was conversing with.

”She was quite beautiful.” Madam Lu stated to the man who was laid back in the chair, as one does when a matter has lost his interest.

”Yes, it's a pity she's ill. That would definitely lower her market price.” The man said. His voice was rough, making one feel uncomfortable when listening to him speak.

”A pity. Shall we get back to where we were?” Madam Lu agreed with him and carried on with the conversation.

”Sure, what type do you want?” The man said as he sat back up with his back straight as if what madam Lu said had just caught his interest. His cheek, although partially covered was showing a large grin.

Madam Lu thought of it slightly, ”Can I choose?” She asked, almost in a pleading voice.

”Last time the ones that I bought were a little inexperienced, they didn't even know how to put on makeup or dance, half of them didn't even know how to write. They would probably do better on the fields than in my Hundred Flower Hall.” Madam Lu complained as she thought of those girls who didn't know how to dress properly.

”Do you expect them all to be of prominent families, I mean, once in a while there might be such a girl from a family that has committed a crime, but those are in high demand, and it is certainly more than you are willing to pay for.”

Madam Lu's expression turned into one of dissatisfaction ”Can I at least pick a few?”

The man shook his head, a little unwilling, ”If all my customers were like you, and chose all the best, leaving the worst, how can I stay in business?” The man said with a gloomy expression.

”Fine, what do you have?” Madam Lu rolled her eyes and went with the second best option.

”There is a new batch from the southern provinces, I guarantee they have never been touched by men and are as pure as snow, this way, you can gain a profit when you open up for business.” The man said with a sinister smile.

”Of course, that would be for the best, I will see them later.”