Chapter 4: Listening to the Snow Tower

Those who frequent the Bund in Shanghai are well aware that this venue is essentially a place for entertainment and leisure. Naturally, those who can afford to spend money here are individuals of considerable wealth.

"Old Cai, I understand. Inform the front, I will not be attending the thank-you event tonight." Liang Xueqin resumed her usual indifferent expression and gave the order.

I suppose so

"Yes, yes, please wait a moment, I will have the kitchen prepare a few appetizers for you." Old Cai nodded repeatedly; Boss Qin had high standards, and there were few who could catch her eye. Chen Miao was upright and also quite handsome, among so many people, he was the one she most hoped would be Chen Miao's ultimate partner

Immediately following, heavy rain poured down

I should leave now, as the curfew will be in effect soon. If I miss it, I won't be able to return and it would be unjust to be caught by the patrol as a wrongdoer. After staying for more than twenty minutes, Chen Miao glanced at his pocket watch and stood up.

Chen Miao raised a hand to block and said, "I am fine."

Having the identity of a gang member makes it very convenient for them to carry out their activities

Behind the beaded curtain lies Liang Xueqin's fragrant boudoir. Many aspire to enter and become a guest within, yet to this day, not a single person has possessed the qualifications to step inside.

The title of the Queen of Hu Shanghai Pingtan is highly esteemed, making her a sought-after guest among many dignitaries and nobles, particularly as numerous individuals covet her talents and beauty, wishing to claim her for themselves.

"Ahem, how did you know I was coming?" Chen Miao coughed lightly, revealing a hint of a smile as he stepped into the small attic.

"Today, how could you, Third Brother, bear to come here?" Liang Xueqin picked up the teacup on the table, poured a cup of boiled water for Chen Miao, her eyes sparkling and a charming smile on her face as she handed it over.

Well

I can tell you, no alcohol and no women for at least one month! Liang Xueqin carefully replaced Chen Miao's bandages with new ones and wrapped them up properly

"Do you dislike being here, or do you think I cannot make you stay?" Liang Xueqin took a slow step forward, slightly raised her chin, and gazed at Chen Miao.

So where do you live now

"I am already injured, how can I still smile?" With Liang Xueqin's help, Chen Miao took off the outer coat and the shirt that had already been stained with blood

Isn't this inappropriate? Chen Miao was taken aback

"Bear with it, the medicine is coming." Liang Xueqin took out a small blue-and-white porcelain bottle from the medicine box, removed the cork, and poured out some yellow-brown powder from inside.

Liang Xueqin originally intended to watch Chen Miao, but when her gaze caught a glimpse of a red mark on his left shoulder, a hint of fear appeared in her eyes. She stood up and reached out to touch it

"You are injured so badly, why don't you just stay here tonight?" Liang Xueqin said, her face flushed, feeling embarrassed.

hiss hiss ... ...

It's fine

A loud noise came from outside, like a silver snake dancing in the electric light

Well

However, sometimes things do not go as you wish

Liang Xueqin possesses a strong and resolute character, along with both talent and virtue. She is unwilling to become a plaything of the powerful, which is why there have been no reports of her being involved in any scandalous news with anyone to date

Isn't this what men are all about

As soon as Old Cai entered, the awkward atmosphere was significantly alleviated

Moments later, Liang Xueqin emerged carrying a medicine box

Liang Xueqin's intentions are clear to him, but he does not dare to take that step. Once he takes that step, it signifies responsibility

"Alright, Boss Qin, Third Brother, you all enjoy your meal, I will head down first..." Old Cai smiled slightly, turned around, and went down.

If you do not want your heart to be tainted, then you must don a layer of armor

Upon catching sight of Chen Miao's muscular physique, Liang Xueqin inexplicably felt her cheeks flush with two shades of crimson. Although their relationship was quite close, this was still the first time such a reaction occurred.

"It's nothing, can't I come to see you?" Chen Miao gave a faint smile, as women tend to have a bit of emotional ups and downs.

"It's nothing, this medicine feels quite comfortable when applied to the wound," Chen Miao spoke the truth, as it felt much better compared to sulfanilamide powder

Suddenly

The atmosphere indoors was somewhat awkward, but at that moment, Old Cai came up, carrying a red lacquer box.

The bitter wine entered his throat, extremely pungent, causing him to instinctively cover his mouth and cough violently.

You, always trying to show off, have been injured yet still drink? Liang Xueqin's emotions finally erupted, she exclaimed in anger and quickly lifted the beaded curtain to walk inside

After getting off the rickshaw, Chen Miao casually tossed a piece of currency to the driver, as it was money won from gambling, and he felt no remorse in spending it

"Are you coming by yourself, or should I come?" Liang Xueqin's pretty face was as cold as frost, showing no consideration at all.

The attic is divided into two areas, with the outer area serving as a reception space, featuring a small round table and four upholstered stools. To the left is a circular archway that leads into a small study.

A trace of uncontainable sadness and disappointment rose in Liang Xueqin's eyes

Chen Miao's father was a member of the Qing Gang, belonging to the Tongzi generation. He passed away from illness two years ago, and Chen Miao went to pay his respects, bowing once and offering a condolence gift, which can be considered as repaying this bond of incense.

"Third Brother, come, sit down and have a drink, do not let Old Cai's kind intentions go to waste." Liang Xueqin sat down, filled a cup with wine, and handed it over.

Chen Miao stepped forward to knock on the door. After a short while, a middle-aged man dressed in a brown short-sleeved shirt, with gray hair at his temples, upon seeing Chen Miao, immediately broke into a smile

Having followed my father through the rivers and lakes since childhood, encountering bumps and bruises is a common occurrence, isn't it?" Liang Xueqin said casually, "How did you get this injury? Have you offended someone?

Brother San, you have arrived

"If you are not sure, why did you come here?" Liang Xueqin questioned, pointing at the beaded curtain leading to the fragrant chamber.

"Xueqin and the books, please don't say that. I have no intention of looking down on you; I am actually a person full of uncertainties... I am not worth your affection." Chen Miao felt the intense emotion and couldn't help but avert his gaze for a moment.

I shall punish myself with three cups, for it was I who made Xueqin unhappy today. Chen Miao raised his cup and drank it in one go, then grabbed the wine jug on the table and poured two more cups, drinking them consecutively

Chen Miao nodded and lifted his foot to go upstairs

Liang Xueqin let out a chuckle, as if she had achieved an extraordinary victory

"This ointment for sores, rest assured, it will work perfectly for gunshot wounds." Liang Xueqin held the small porcelain bottle with its opening directed above the wound, gently shaking it.

City Temple (Shanghai Old City God Temple, a hub for storytelling performances)

"Perhaps you should take the lead." Chen Miao gazed into Liang Xueqin's eyes and suddenly let out a helpless sigh

The Listening Snow Tower

I could hear the sound of San Ge talking to Old Cai downstairs. Liang Xueqin was wearing a short-sleeved dress with pink and gold trim on the upper body, a blue pleated skirt on the lower body, and a pair of peony embroidered shoes, gracefully approaching with lotus steps, her lips curling into a faint, elusive smile.

On the terrace outside the window, there are several pots of green plants and potted flowers, reflecting the refined tastes of the woman residing in this house, which sets her apart from ordinary people

"Hmm, Xueqin, your skills are truly impressive, the tightness is just right. Where did you learn this?" Chen Miao moved slightly, finding it far superior to his own bandaging.

Thank you, boss, thank you, boss... The rickshaw puller left with immense gratitude, having run all night, he might not have earned this much; today he encountered a benefactor

The apartment I originally rented can no longer be lived in, so I have booked a room at the Dongfang Hotel to stay for now," Chen Miao said in a nonchalant tone, "It's close to you, and I can come to see you whenever I want.

Inhaling the subtle fragrance of sandalwood, Chen Miao felt his mood calm significantly. Only here could he and the *illustrated* books find a trace of tranquility and peace

Is that so? It seems that in the future, I won't be able to give you a surprise anymore. Chen Miao sighed with regret and stepped over the threshold to walk inside

"Recently, Boss Qin has been mentioning you quite a bit," Lao Cai said warmly as he opened the door, making way for Chen Miao to enter.

"Xueqin, what kind of medicine did you give me?"

Do not worry about me. Although I can no longer work at the equestrian club, I will find another job, though I haven't thought of anything yet. A living person can endure a little discomfort; even if I do nothing now, the savings I have are enough for me to get by for a while. " Chen Miao said with a wry smile.

"Chen Sanshui, are you still going to leave now?" Liang Xueqin pointed at the rain curtain outside the window and asked Chen Miao with a sulky expression.

Boss Qin, Third Brother, the time is too tight, this is all I have for now, " Lao Cai explained apologetically

In fact, he is the same as Liang Xueqin, both having woven a hard shell for themselves in order to protect their more vulnerable inner selves

Is this a gunshot wound? Liang Xueqin furrowed her delicate brows. Although she was a frail woman, her experience was not lacking, and she immediately recognized that the injury on Chen Miao's left shoulder was a gunshot wound

How could Chen Miao possibly not detect the hint of sourness in Liang Xueqin's words

What happened

This is a bookshop

Including him

She can now be considered half the owner of the Listening Snow Tower

Chen Miaowei could only smile wryly; he could sense the resentment in Liang Xueqin's heart. If he did not allow her to vent her frustrations today, she would undoubtedly not let him off the hook.

At this hour, the main entrance remains open for business, with the melodious sounds of the sanxian and pipa occasionally accompanied by applause coming from within

This is not very appropriate, men and women should maintain a certain distance... Chen Miao's face turned pale; the coughing just now was too intense, causing the wound on his shoulder to burst open

Click!

"Come if you are happy, leave if you are not. What do you take me for?" Liang Xueqin crossed her arms in front of her chest, acting like a spoiled little girl.

The casino and the theater are the places that Chen Miao enjoys visiting the most. As for the casino, it is a performance for others to watch, but the theater is much more complex.

In the Listening to Snow Tower, Liang Xueqin initially served only as a resident performer. After gaining fame, the owner sold her shares of the three cities to retain her and entrusted the management of the Listening to Snow Tower to her

In the depths of the courtyard, after passing through several corridors, Chen Miao arrived at a small attic. He climbed the stairs and turned back to ask Old Cai, "Old Cai, is there anything to eat?"

After all, identity is ultimately determined by whether others recognize you. If they do not recognize you, then no matter how high your status is, it serves little purpose and can only be used to intimidate others

It is indeed difficult to nurture both women and petty individuals

Take off your clothes

Xueqin, Third Brother, I..." Chen Miao truly did not know how to explain; what he was doing was something that could cost him his head at any moment, and he did not want to involve Liang Xueqin in this matter

On the left side is a window, below it is a small garden, the window is half open, beside the window is a soft couch, and a wisp of blue smoke rises gently, creating a scene rich in poetic charm

Working in the military intelligence, if one does not wish to stand out, one must conform to local customs. These individuals are inherently lawless and dare to do anything. A good person who falls into this cesspool can also be tainted.

"Um, Lao Cai, is Xueqin there?" Chen Miao slightly lowered his head and coughed into his hand.

"Does it hurt?" Liang Xueqin first removed the bandage and the gauze that had been soaked red with blood, then wiped the bloodstains from the wound with alcohol, asking with a heartache.

In this world, to make a living on the Bund in Shanghai, one must be part of a gang. Individuals like Chen Miao, who are affiliated with the military intelligence, all have connections to the old masters and gang identities.

What will you do next

Is it Third Brother outside the door

"Alright, Xueqin, let's not discuss this any further, shall we?" Chen Miao instinctively reached out and pushed Liang Xueqin slightly