Chapter 47: Chapter 47 A Gentle Smile, A World
Enthralled 1
Translator: Inschain Editor: Inschain
At 568 Funing Street in the Jingyi District of Azure Bay, there was an entertainment club called Funing One.
The club had three floors. The first floor was an open lobby with a varying minimum spending limit for seating areas, ranging from 388 to 1,888. It was a place where urban professionals could relax after a day of work.
The second floor was filled with KTV private rooms-28 in total. These rooms came in small, medium, and large sizes, with the largest including three “Presidential Suites,” popular for corporate team-building events and socialite gatherings.
The minimum spending for these rooms ranged from 2,888 to 18,888, with a flat 15% tip.
Each private room was served by dedicated waitstaff, primarily female, who were required to have at least an associate’s degree, be between the ages of 18 and 28, and have a height between 165 and 175 cm. They were also required to speak fluent foreign languages.
No other waitstaff were allowed inside the private rooms.
The third floor was exclusively for the owner and was not open to the public.
The owner of Funing One was Mr. Huang’s son-in-law and Zhao Baiyu’s father, Zhao Chunjia.
At that moment, inside a tastefully decorated, ultra-private meeting room on the third floor of Funing One, sat six individuals-five men and one woman.
The woman appeared to be in her late twenties, with collarbone-length hair, elegantly thin eyebrows, and sparkling eyes that shone like diamonds. She was dressed in a red V-neck dress covered by a beige wool coat.
Sitting calmly and unswayed, she exuded a charm that could captivate any soul.
Due to her extraordinary beauty and the significance of her visit, she naturally became the focus of attention in the room.
Lin Xiaohuang.
Hailing from the southwestern city of Cloud City, Lin Xiaohuang was in Azure Bay to discuss an important investment opportunity.
Zhao Chunjia played host to her and invited several influential business figures in Azure Bay, who were also members of Funing One’s exclusive third floor.
“Upon hearing that Ms. Lin was coming to Azure Bay, 1 immediately cleared all my work schedules and social commitments. I’ve done everything but take a ritual bath and burn incense to purify myself.”
One person said, who was overweight, balding, and around fifty years old, as he looked at Lin Xiaohuang with eager eyes.
“What sincerity are you talking about? I’ve been celibate for a week, just to welcome our Goddess with a clean and pure body.”
Another one in his forties, sporting a large, elongated nose, nonchalantly added while lounging in his chair.
Upon hearing this, everyone else in the room burst into laughter.
Normally, these bosses presented themselves as composed, serious, and visionary figures- clearly the bedrock of society. Yet, in private conversations, they were uninhibited and vulgar.
“Mr. Zheng and Mr. Xu! I’m flattered by your comments,” Lin Xiaohuang, who was already accustomed to such scenes, responded with a smile and grace.
Mr. Xu, known for his pronounced nose, feigned ignorance and said, “What startled Ms. Lin? Did Mr. Zheng and I somehow offend you? If so, we are deeply sorry.”
Mr. Zheng chimed in, “I did nothing of the sort. Mr. Xu, don’t go putting words in my mouth. I might’ve thought about it, but I didn’t actually do anything.”
Lin Xiaohuang covered her mouth and giggled. Her eyes moved from Mr.
Zheng to Mr. Xu as she asked, “Speaking of which, between you and Mr. Zheng, who is bigger?”
Mr. Zheng blurted out, “I’m five or six years older than him, but let me tell you, I’m just as fit.”
Before Mr. Xu could counter, Lin Xiaohuang laughed and said, “Mr. Zheng, who’s asking about your age? It’s not appropriate to discuss such private matters in front of everyone. I was asking who is bigger about what’s between you two’s thighs.”
Upon hearing this, Mr. Zheng’s smile froze, and the room exchanged surprised glances.
Was she really this straightforward?
“Well, well, that’s a tough question,” said Mr. Zheng, who had been rather smooth up until this point but was now lost for words.
“Why not measure it?”
“Oh, how would we do that?” Mr. Zheng stammered.
Lin Xiaohuang gave him an incredulous look, “With a ruler, of course. You’re in your fifties, Mr. Zheng, presumably with adult children and a big business. Surely you understand this simple concept, right?”
Mr. Zheng forced a smile, visibly uncomfortable.
Mr. Xu’s grin faded too, “Ms. Lin, you are sure to know how to joke.”
Zhao Chunjia, who had been watching quietly from the sideline, finally spoke, “No need to measure. Mr. Xu’s nose is clearly more prominent. It’s as plain as day.”
Others in the room joined in, “Mr. Xu’s nose is the stuff of legend in our industry, even bigger than Cheng Long’s!”
Both Mr. Xu and Mr. Zheng seemed somewhat relieved.
Lin Xiaohuang added, “That’s why I’m so curious. Seeing Mr. Xu’s nose reminds me of a nose I severed before I got married. It was about this long…”
As she spoke, she measured the length between her thumb and index finger.
The room went quiet, as everyone realized the legendary background of the woman before them, including her antiquated nickname.
Zhao Chunjia had not intervened earlier with Mr. Zheng and Mr. Xu, hoping they’d learn a lesson about speaking carelessly.
Now he began to steer the conversation back on course.
The informal gathering lasted for an hour and a half. Afterward, none of the bosses stayed for dinner, leaving in a hurry.
Having witnessed the allure of “Southwest Phoenix,” they understood she was a rose best admired from a distance, poisonous thorns and all. An extra meal would mean nothing.
“After Mr. Tan left, you’ve been running the company alone. Have you encountered many situations like this?” Zhao Chunjia asked after everyone had left.
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It’s fine. I mostly stay in Cloud City and even when I do socialize outside, nobody talks to me like this,” said Lin Xiaohuang and her tone was indifferent.
Zhao Chunjia nodded, “Enough of this topic. Once you’ve finished your business here, are you going back to Cloud City right away?”
“I should be staying for two days. I plan to take my daughter to Ocean Park, the Science and Technology Museum, and Disney for some fun,” Lin Xiaohuang stated.
“Alright, just let me know the schedule, and I’ll make arrangements. The Science and Technology Museum should be fine, but there will be lines for many attractions in Ocean Park and Disney,” Zhao Chunjia replied.
“That won’t be necessary. I’ve already had someone plan the itinerary.”
“Okay, if you need anything, just tell me.”
“Of course.”
Zhao Chunjia hesitated for a moment before saying, “Additionally, 1 have something to trouble you.”
“Please feel free to ask. Every time we come to Azure Bay, we inconvenience you with arrangements. We’re quite grateful.”
“Let’s not talk about that now…”
Zhao Chunjia waved his hand, “This favor I’m asking you is actually for my daughter.
“I mentioned it to you before. My daughter is a ‘martial arts fan.’ Recently, her master, Grandmaster Gong Xuanzhu, taught her a new set of martial arts skills. It’s considered a treasure of her martial arts school, so she takes it very seriously. She’s been practicing day and night, to the point of obsession, almost a state of delirium.”
“Her master says that practicing this set of skills requires entering this state of delirium. Reaching this state is a crucial step, referred to as ’experiencing the epiphany and mastering it.’ If done correctly, the art skills would be complete.
“The problem is, she’s been struggling to find that moment of epiphany, lacking that sudden spark of insight. So, 1 was wondering if you could offer her some guidance.”
Lin Xiaohuang replied, “I’ve heard of such an approach, but my methods are unconventional and completely different from hers. I can’t guarantee they’ll work.”
“No worries, just spar with her for a bit. Whether or not she gains anything from it will depend on her own understanding.”
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No problem,” Lin Xiaohuang readily agreed.
“Then may 1 ask you, Ms. Lin, to kindly visit us at home?”
Zhao Chunjia was referred to his other residence in the Tulip Community in Minhua District.
He bought it six years ago. It was a spacious 80-square-meter training room that had been specially constructed for Zhao Baiyu.
Lin Xiaohuang saw Zhao Baiyu eight years ago when she was a little girl.
She was amazed at how the child had transformed into a young lady of grace and poise.
“Do you remember me, Baiyu?” Lin Xiaohuang asked with a smile.
“Of course, you’re the pretty sister who gave me a butterfly hairpin,” Zhao Baiyu replied.
“You actually remember the hairpin, do you?” Lin Xiaohuang was surprised.
Zhao Baiyu nodded.
Zhao Chunjia smiled and said, “Ms. Lin has always remembered you as well. She came over especially to help you break through your martial arts plateau.”
“You practice martial arts too, Ms. Lin.” Zhao Baiyu’s eyes lit up.
“Sort of,” Lin Xiaohuang grinned.
“What do you practice?”
“I won’t say for now. Let’s see if you can figure it out yourself, shall we?”
When Lin Xiaohuang was conversing with Zhao Baiyu, her demeanor seemed to switch from her earlier aura at Funing One, exuding an innocent charm.
This puzzled Zhao Chunjia.
“Alright!” Zhao Baiyu was suddenly filled with a fighting spirit.
“Let’s do it then,” Lin Xiaohuang nodded.
Lin Xiaohuang took a few steps back, standing casually with no special preparation.
Zhao Baiyu began with a formal salute, then assumed the starting stance of Eight Trigrams Palm.
In the next second, her palm shot out, aimed straight at Lin Xiaohuang’s face.
Lin Xiaohuang took a step back, narrowly dodging and feeling a blast of cold air rush past her.
“Impressive,” Lin Xiaohuang commented, “Don’t hold back, and go ahead.”
“Alright.”
Zhao Baiyu’s right palm made a smooth arc, while her left palm flew out with a gust of wind, aiming at Lin Xiaohuang’s upper abdomen.
This time, Lin Xiaohuang didn’t dodge. She raised her hand like a blade, aiming to chop at Zhao Baiyu’s wrist.
Zhao Baiyu seemed to have anticipated this. Her palm turned skyward, fist clenched, and lunged forward.
Lin Xiaohuang didn’t bother to defend; instead, she jabbed two fingers toward Zhao Baiyu’s eyes.
Twin Dragons Snatch the Pearl!
A deviously aggressive counter.
Zhao Baiyu parried the attack with her arm.
Lin Xiaohuang’s other hand formed a claw, jabbing toward her throat.
Her moves were unrefined but deadly effective: fast, accurate, and ruthless.
Zhao Baiyu had never seen such a fighting style before and evaded by sidestepping.
Lin Xiaohuang, as if predicting her path, closed in with a hand-chop aimed at Zhao Baiyu’s nape.
Even knowing Lin Xiaohuang would hold back, Zhao Chunjia was still startled, almost shouting in alarm.
His daughter dodged by suddenly crouching and twisting her body. At the same time, both her fists lunged towards Lin Xiaohuang’s abdomen.
Eight Trigrams Essence was famous for taking covert actions. However, Zhao
Baiyu had never fought to the death before; she had only ever sparred honorably.
Today, Zhao Baiyu encountered an opponent like Lin Xiaohuang who was playing unpredictably. In her moment of desperation, she resorted to taking covert actions.
Lin Xiaohuang pivoted on her right foot, spinning away from the trajectory of Zhao Baiyu’s fists. Just as she prepared to kick Zhao Baiyu’s face, she noticed that Zhao Baiyu’s fists had halted midway and didn’t move forward.
She thought she couldn’t avoid it just now, and stopped at her tracks.
Seeing that she had successfully avoided it, she rolled forward on the spot, got up, and clasped her hands in a defensive posture.
Lin Xiaohuang smiled gently and sincerely praised, “You’ve got some great skills!”
Zhao Baiyu looked at Lin Xiaohuang and asked, “Ms. Lin, what kind of martial art do you practice?”
“Oh? I practice an unconventional style. I doubt you’ve ever heard of it. You saw how ugly my moves were just now.”
Zhao Baiyu shook her head, lost in thought.
Lin Xiaohuang approached her, affectionately placing her hand on her shoulder, and said, “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help you, but I believe you will definitely meet someone who can help you break through.”
Zhao Chunjia also noticed some skills. Even if both had held back, it was clear Lin Xiaohuang had more restrictions. Otherwise, if she had employed her devious, ruthless, dark tactics at full power, his daughter would have had no chance.
Moreover, according to what he knew, Lin Xiaohuang usually never fought unarmed; she had weapons.
While his daughter had only sparred, Lin Xiaohuang had fought for her life.
Given their different experiences, there was naturally no conclusive result to the sparring match.
“I’ve gained insights,” said Zhao Baiyu.
Her face lit up with a smile..
ker1
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