Yanhua Lane in the rain was arguably the most charming place in Shu State City.
It was even a cut above Kangning Street in North City.
The originally gaudy red lanterns and green-lacquered wooden buildings, washed clean by the rain, seemed to have put on new clothes and taken on a fresh look.
Inside and out, they exuded an air of refreshing elegance.
Amidst the faint scent of cosmetics, Cultured Courtesans, wearing little makeup, saw their overnight guests out of the building, their eyes full of longing as they hoped for their return.
The sound of their twittering and whispering carried far through the curtain of rain, and one could make out the reluctance in their voices.
But it was clear the guests, now fully dressed, either couldn't hear it or didn't care.
Most left in a hurry, without a hint of reluctance.
Some even covered their heads with their sleeves, as if not wanting to be recognized.
There were exceptions, however.
Chen Yunfan was one of them.
