Chapter 51 City of Indulgence (5) - Martial Arts Masochist

Giwon, Unmongru, the entertainment quarter we entered following Ju Hyul, unfolded like a dream atop the clouds, just as its name suggested. To me, though, it was an unfamiliar dream. Crossing the threshold, a completely different world awaited inside. A fragrant aroma tickled my nostrils, and crimson curtains fluttered from the ceiling. Upon stepping into the expansive space beyond the entrance, I saw countless men and women drinking together. It was bewildering to see such unabashed mingling of genders. The scene unfolding before my eyes was vastly different from the Confucian principles and etiquette of the Central Plains that I knew. Here, everyone seemed free of pretenses, laughing, embracing, whispering into each other's ears. It was a boundary-free place where physical contact was liberally embraced. Under the soft, red ambient lighting, courtesans emerged here and there, their ornate and flimsy garments barely covered their figures, making the term 'covered' almost irrelevant. Some of them displayed prominent bosoms while others boasted shapely legs. No wonder Ju Hyul praised this place so highly. I hid behind Ju Hyul, darting my eyes around. “Ah, you’re here. This way, please.” Apparently a regular, Ju Hyul was recognized by a courtesan who approached to guide us. Contrary to my expectation that we would simply sit somewhere on the first floor, we headed towards the stairs. “...Ju Hyung, where are we going?” I asked. “Seo Jin-ah, don't worry. Since it's your first time at a Giwon, I got a little excited and may have overdone it,” he replied. “What?” “Let’s head to a private room. If we're going to drink as true men, it should at least be like this.” The caliber of the Central Plains is indeed something else. Yet, the thought of it made me slightly anxious. “No, Hyung-nim, I didn’t expect it to go this far...” Ju Hyul chuckled softly. “Actually, I just wanted to impress you. They said they’d show me to a better place because the rice wine I supplied became popular. It’s their way of showing gratitude.” “Oh...” “Why do you look so surprised? Relax and enjoy yourself. As I mentioned, I don't like drinking or having fun alone. It's better with company, and it seems you brought me luck today.” “You're impressive, Hyung-nim. In that case, I’ll not hold back...” I smoothed the trembling corners of my mouth. On further thought, the first floor did feel a bit too coarse. Besides, as Ju Hyul mentioned, a private room would be more conducive for conversation. We came here not just to drink, but to talk as well. Connections must be forged to build camaraderie. Making acquaintances with Ju Hyung and maybe even conversing with the courtesans... -Thud Thud Thud! As we proceeded up the stairs, various individuals hurriedly moved around us. Ju Hyul’s gaze flitted back and forth across those passing by. Suddenly, Ju Hyul shouted after someone in particular: "Leader!" The man addressed as 'Leader' paused upon seeing Ju Hyul, visibly surprised, but rushed on without stopping, seemingly burdened by pressing matters. “...What’s with that?” Ju Hyul expressed a momentary curiosity but shrugged it off. “Over here, please.” Led by the courtesans, we continued onward. The second floor was evidently more luxurious. The rowdiness and vulgarity of the first floor gave way to a calmer and more refined atmosphere. Unlike the open expanse of the first floor, the second floor had partitions, with bamboo blinds hung between areas, obscuring the patrons' faces. The courtesans here appeared notably different as well. While the first floor boasted more widely appealing beauty, the second floor displayed more refined faces. Though they couldn't match the overwhelming allure of Cheong Wol or Tang So Ran, they were prettier and more sophisticated than Ga-young. If I were to quantify, if Cheong Wol or Tang So Ran were a 10, then these girls were about a 7. Granted, some had proportions that were a bit off. Some had short legs, long torsos, or slightly large heads... But honestly, was I even in a position to judge such matters? Perhaps they viewed me as a raggedy little man who happened to stumble in by sheer luck. I continued to marvel as we walked along, acknowledging the effort it must have taken to gather all these people here. “Eh?” “Let’s head up one more floor, Seo Jin-ah.” “Wow...” But clearly, our journey did not end at the second floor. With a flair of confidence, Ju Hyul led me onward, his shoulders seemingly broader, his height appearing taller. Was this a display of aura? An emotion I’d never experienced among the vagabonds and beggars around me. Arriving at the third floor, it was unmistakably different. There was a palpable, indescribable pressure in the air, further emphasized by the tranquil sound of the pipa and the deepening, exotic fragrance. It's said one can't retreat to tangibility, and I felt it especially now, being already overwhelmed by the first and second floors. Curiously, it would feel like a loss if told to descend again now. Yet the presence of courtesans was considerably diminished, likely occupied in their private rooms. Through the walk, I did encounter a single courtesan. Her attire and hairstyle were more dignified and there were no flaws to be found in her beauty. Her looks might have been akin to those on the second floor, but this third-floor courtesan was tall and well-proportioned. Encountering her at street level would likely have stopped me in my tracks, gawking. Well, assuming she wasn’t a martial artist. Fighting was a given default interaction in those cases. “Here it is.” Ju Hyul paused in front of a dimly lit room. “Now then," he said. "Since it's your first time, you should be the one to open the door.” Feeling internal admiration, I cautiously moved forward. For some reason, my heart was pounding. “Stop trembling and open the door, Seo Jin-ah. I'm getting thirsty.” “Who’s trembling?” “There should be courtesans waiting inside. Go on, open it.” I had seen the first, second, and third floors, so what would I discover beyond? The anticipation and nervousness tangled within me as my heart raced. Likely because opportunities to meet women were rare for me. “...” ...Though the memory of two women—especially Cheong Wol—briefly resurfaced, I quickly buried that dreadful recollection. Indeed, wasn't the whole point of coming here to forget such things? Enjoy the present, for that is what Mister advised. Holding that thought, I slowly pushed the door open. “Guest!” Just then, someone hurriedly approached and called out to Ju Hyul, stopping him in his tracks. Turning around, we saw it was the man Ju Hyul had earlier referred to as “Leader.” "Pl-please, this way," he stammered. Ju Hyul furrowed his brows but gestured toward me. "Seo Jin-ah. Go inside first. Spend some time with the courtesans," he suggested. “What?” ...No, Hyung-nim, asking me to spend time with women I’m meeting for the first time, those whose time I’ve bought with money—this is too much. Acting awkwardly, the inexperience of someone who has never encountered such a situation would be glaringly obvious. What if they quickly realize I’m a fool and start selling me all sorts of drinks? And I'm not even paying for this! Nevertheless, Ju Hyul hurried off with the Leader, leaving me awkwardly lingering in the hallway. Only the courtesan who had guided me remained, offering a gentle smile as she gestured to proceed. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and finally pushed the door open. The craftsmanship was impressive; there wasn’t a sound. “...?” The private room I entered was exquisite. A meticulously crafted table was laden with an array of delicacies. All around were potted orchids, bamboo arrangements, and flowers echoing the season's essence. Paintings of elegant simplicity adorned the walls, neither sparse nor overwhelming in their placement. ...But there was no one. Weren't there supposed to be courtesans? With such an elaborate setting, one would expect at least one to be present. I cautiously surveyed the room, half expecting someone to leap out as a prank. Yet, such antics seemed childish and unlikely in this setting. "...There's no one here?" I questioned, glancing at the courtesan next to me. Her demeanor was steady as she replied. "Please wait inside. Preparing more beautiful courtesans takes time, so we appreciate your patience." “Oh, I see.” I was somewhat relieved by the absence. Having Ju Hyul around would have made me more comfortable. Entering the room with a now steadier heart, I heard the door click shut behind me. --- Meanwhile, Wi Chang followed Jo Yeol Man, the Leader, feeling a bit annoyed. Could it be that the courtesans weren’t prepared, or the drinks ran out? What problem necessitated pulling him away? "What is this about?" he began to ask. Before he could continue, Jo Yeol Man abruptly thrust something into Wi Chang’s hands — a gold ingot. Wi Chang’s expression turned sour at the unexpected gesture. “What’s going on here?” Jo Yeol Man, in a whisper, contradicted him, “Didn’t I warn you this could get dangerous?” “...Dangerous?” Wi Chang’s brows furrowed further. How difficult could it be to arrange some drinks and courtesans? “What do you mean by dangerous?” “Don’t feign ignorance. I should've detected something when you handed over the gold... Great Master, even though our giwon is under your protection, we don't wish to conduct business turning against martial masters.” “What are you talking about?” “If you insist, confront the master yourself. Until then, we're stepping aside. I've already discussed this with Lou Ju. We're out.” “What on earth-” As Wi Chang reached out, attempting to grasp Jo Yeol Man by the collar, Jo Yeol Man's gaze shifted over Wi Chang’s shoulder. Wi Chang felt it too — a chill creeping up his spine. Slowly, he turned around. Down the corridor, not too far away, stood a woman. Her face was concealed by a veil beneath a deeply pressed conical hat. Clad in white, with a simple silk sash at her waist. Whoever she was, Wi Chang instinctively averted his eyes, as his instincts commanded. It was then he understood why Jo Yeol Man had acted the way he did. -Tap... Tap... Tap... In the midst of the tranquil pipa melody, the woman's light footsteps resonated as she approached.