Chapter Ninety-Six: Attempting to Correct Fang Mu (An Extra for the Sect Leader’s “Bored While Driving”!)

The late-night atmosphere in Dongfeng County was exceptionally quiet. Even in a county larger than most, nightlife was practically nonexistent. In this ancient world, without various entertainment facilities, people were left only with sleeping and some light exercise before bed.

At first, Fang Mu thought he was simply looking for a place to eat, but he soon realized he was mistaken.

When pondering where one could find amusement in the dead of night in this world, Fang Mu concluded that there was indeed such a place. Any man from Dongfeng County would be interested because it was the most famous brothel in the region—Li Qiu Courtesan House.

What exactly was Li Qiu Courtesan House? It was a topic too delicate to discuss openly, but all men understood its nature.

...

Inside Li Qiu Courtesan House.

Fang Mu sat by the table, listening to the melodious voices of the women nearby, feeling utterly speechless.

Yan Xian sat beside him, gripping a strange blade tightly, his expression grave and tense.

“Come, sir, have a drink,” a young woman in a pink dress cooed as she pressed a cup of wine into Yan Xian’s hand.

Yan Xian shook his head. “I only know how to wield a blade. Drinking dulls my sensitivity.”

The pink-clad girl covered her mouth, giggling softly. “Dulling sensitivity? Isn’t that exactly the point?”

Yan Xian froze, sensing something was amiss.

“Why won’t you drink, sir?” another woman, dressed in a light robe, offered a cup to Fang Mu, her voice syrupy sweet.

Fang Mu took it and sipped.

“Come on, don’t be shy,” Wu Director, who had an arm around a woman on each side, chuckled like a seasoned veteran.

This was the kind of invitation Wu Director had mentioned—distinctly different from usual occasions.

Fang Mu set down his cup with a sigh.

Wu Director noticed the gesture, patted the girl’s back to have her stand up, then poured a cup of wine and clinked glasses with Fang Mu.

“Fang Mu, your interests are truly peculiar,” Wu Director remarked with puzzlement. “How can a man prefer flatness?”

He had heard Fang Mu mention this strange preference before but never understood its reasons.

Fang Mu sighed. “Perhaps it’s a professional habit. I’m a forensic examiner.”

At these words, the women nearby quietly took a step back. To ordinary people, the forensic profession was both respected and feared.

Fang Mu wasn’t mistaken; he knew his habit seemed odd, possibly linked to his occupation. He had come from another world, bearing the memories of his original self—that much was clear. But carrying memories didn’t mean carrying habits.

To avoid exposure, he had painstakingly studied forensic techniques, a process that was agonizing. How could an ordinary person not be disturbed by handling corpses?

The first time, the second time… the cycle repeated, and he vomited multiple times, yet each time forced himself to adapt.

Alone in this alien world, if he failed to adjust, he might not even afford food. It was during this time that this oddity took root—a professional’s clinical perspective on the matter of flatness versus curves.

Wu Director waved away a few of the women and sat beside Fang Mu, draping an arm over his shoulder. “Now listen here, you should learn from me. A man must be tolerant. Think about it—whether large or small, all deserve acceptance.”

He gestured to two women; one could be held in one hand, the other was hard to grasp even with both.

Fang Mu glanced at one of the girls, who straightened her posture.

“Hmm…”

After Wu Director’s explanation, the idea wasn’t quite so unpalatable.

Yet some deep-seated notions were not easily changed.

The group continued their merry drinking and eating, but Fang Mu noticed something peculiar: although Wu Director appeared lecherous beyond measure, his actions were always restrained, never crossing boundaries.

In his eyes lurked a calm as deep and still as a well, a stark contrast to his exaggerated motions.

Fang Mu, new to this world, couldn’t quite make sense of it and took another sip.

Time passed, and when the wine was finished, Wu Director dismissed all the women.

“Yan Xian, stand watch outside,” Wu Director instructed, his eyes clear as he spoke.

Yan Xian nodded, picked up his blade, and left the room.

Fang Mu observed the scene and sensed that the real matter was about to begin.

This drinking session was no coincidence; Wu Director had business, and so did Fang Mu.

Once the room cleared, Wu Director poured another cup for Fang Mu and filled his own glass.

Fang Mu raised the cup but didn’t drink. Instead, he smiled wryly. “A dignified Director of the Supervisory Department pouring wine for an unknown like me—there’s something behind this, isn’t there?”

Wu Director took a sip, then patted Fang Mu’s shoulder. “To be honest, I do have something to discuss today. I just don’t know where to start.”

Fang Mu drained his cup and said bluntly, “Does it have to do with the Ghost Market?”

Having heard so much about the Ghost Market today, Fang Mu didn’t think it was idle talk.

Wu Director’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Fang Mu, if you were in my position, would you cut off the Ghost Market owner’s arm?”

Fang Mu put down his cup and stroked the fur of his companion, Ah Bai. “I wouldn’t stand in your shoes—I’ve never been a director. But if I were, I wouldn’t stop at just one arm. I don’t respond well to threats.”

“Hmm…” Wu Director pondered, then stood abruptly and got to the point. “Fang Mu, how about you take charge of monitoring the Ghost Market? I mean only here in Dongfeng County. If anything unusual happens, you report to me through the transmission office.”

Fang Mu paused, saying nothing but smiling at Wu Director.

He knew there was more to come.

After a moment, Wu Director continued, “Dongfeng County is too remote; sometimes it’s hard to keep tabs on things. If you plan to stay here, the Supervisory Department can offer compensation.”

Fang Mu shook his head. “Director Wu, you flatter me. I’m surprised to have such a detailed conversation with you, given your status.”

“I wouldn’t glance at anyone else but you,” Wu Director said, looking Fang Mu in the eye. “The Ghost Market owner has a good rapport with you. I’m curious… and that’s just one reason. Secondly, I truly admire you. No lies. Before becoming a Xuan Scholar, I was a man of the martial world—reckless by nature. Rarely do I meet someone like me.”

Admiration?

Fang Mu didn’t fully believe it. These days, trusting half of what people say was already generous.

Yet…

Seeing Fang Mu remain silent, Wu Director pressed on. “Rest assured, the Supervisory Department never mistreats the loyal and righteous. You’ll find the compensation satisfactory.”

Fang Mu raised a hand. “Director Wu, why not hear my proposal first?”

Wu Director stopped.

Fang Mu smiled. “You might find my ideas interesting.”