Dominate Xiao Li, No Emotions

The faint fragrance still lingered in the air, but the dizziness had faded.

The floral scent, intoxicating enough to weaken one's limbs, held no effect on Li Mo—his body was impervious to all poisons.

This was likely Luo Ji's natural fragrance rather than an active technique.

It seemed her first test had passed.

Luo Ji studied the young man before her and donned another charming smile:

"Truly, I can't fathom what in this Wanchun Pavilion could possibly catch Young Master Li Mo's eye. Surely it can't be... this lonely widow, can it?"

She leaned forward slightly, her ample bosom faintly visible.

"If that were the case, you could've just sent word, dear. Why trouble the higher-ups with such formalities?"

Li Mo didn't believe a single word from this scheming woman—it was all just probing for his true intentions.

Yet, he hadn’t even known this was the Imperial Capital branch of the Misty Rain Pavilion. He couldn’t very well tell Luo Ji it was all a happy coincidence—she’d never buy it.

But who said Li Mo wasn’t a genius?

A thought flashed through his mind, and he had his excuse ready.

Keeping his expression as cold as ice, he replied flatly:

"What’s most frustrating about the Misty Rain Pavilion is that they only care about money, not people. But that’s also what’s most appealing."

"You wish to hire my services?" Luo Ji narrowed her eyes, slowly rising to sit beside him.

She began brewing flower tea, crossing her legs while keeping her gaze lowered—yet her peripheral vision never left Li Mo’s face.

As if trying to catch even the slightest flicker of unease.

"Every renowned beauty on the Hundred Flowers Ranking is a target. If they’re staying here, I’d feel more at ease."

"My services don’t come cheap, little brother. Are you really willing to pay such a price just for this?"

"If it’s worth it, then yes."

Li Mo remained unreadable. "You must know I’m acquainted with many of the women on that list."

"Now you’ve added one more to that number. But this place is my pride and joy. They say a gentleman doesn’t take what others cherish..."

Luo Ji poured tea into his cup and handed it to him with practiced grace.

"Wanchun Pavilion’s value isn’t in its location or decor—it’s in you and your people. Move elsewhere, and as long as you’re there, a second Wanchun Pavilion will rise in no time."

Li Mo took a sip, glancing at the 'unremarkable' but treacherous woman before him, ignoring her subtle gestures:

"I don’t like using other people’s things. This place will be mine. Take your payment and find somewhere else."

Li Mo, ruthless and unfeeling.

Since this was business, spending extra was no issue.

Trading useless gold and silver for something useful? Why not?

"?"

Luo Ji narrowed her eyes.

Had she just wasted her charms on a blind man?

A young man like Li Mo, full of vigor—her usual tricks had never failed before. Yet he hadn’t even glanced at her, showing more interest in his tea than her.

What was even more infuriating—

This kid’s yang energy was practically blazing, his physique surpassing even untempered Outer Realm experts.

Mature women might not be as fresh-faced as young girls, but their allure was undeniably more potent for youths like him...

Of course, she didn’t know—

Li Mo had already tasted finer delicacies. In his dreams, he’d even dared to make his Empress teacher call him "husband"!

"Everything in the Misty Rain Pavilion has a price. Name yours."

"I have a counteroffer."

Luo Ji’s crossed leg brushed lightly against his calf as she smiled.

"How about free?"

"?"

"A prodigy like you? Consider it an investment on my part. Let’s be friends..."

She leaned closer with every word.

But Li Mo knew one thing for certain—free things always came at the highest cost.

Not only would he fail to spend his resources, but he’d also owe her a favor. Did that sound like a deal he’d take?

So he pulled out two deposit slips and pressed them against Luo Ji’s face.

Her smile froze, replaced by bewilderment.

She recognized the Hengtong Trading House slips, but the withdrawal amount was left blank.

"Write any number you want."

"......"

Back in Yunzhou, Li Mo had once hired the entire Misty Rain Pavilion branch as his bodyguards.

At first, she’d doubted the reports.

Now, she didn’t.

"The tea’s decent. I’ll take some back."

Li Mo knew the negotiation was over—the deal was sealed.

He grabbed a handful of flower tea, rubbed it against his neck, then stuffed two more packets into his sleeves.

As a crisp chime sounded in his ears, he pushed the door open and left.

Watching his retreating figure down the stairs, Luo Ji finally spoke after a long pause:

"Come out."

The moment she spoke, the music behind the screen stopped. A woman set down her instrument and stepped forward gracefully.

Dressed as a maid, her features blurred slightly before revealing her true face.

"Mian Mian, your eye for talent might be a little too sharp."

"Recruiting for the Pavilion is my duty."

Yin Mianmian’s eyes flickered.

Luo Ji teased, "If you’re not interested, this widow wouldn’t mind—"

"Don’t joke like that!" Yin Mianmian tensed instantly.

Luo Ji grinned wider, feigning hurt. "Look at you, getting all worked up. Weren’t you just talking about duty?"

"I’m doing you a favor." Yin Mianmian shook her head.

"How so?"

"If you want to die by Ying Bing’s hand, don’t drag me into it."

......

Downstairs, Li Mo glanced at the sky—it was nearly noon.

After finalizing the deal with Wanchun Pavilion, Luo Ji had indeed gotten to work. A list of the ranking’s current attendees was in his hands by the end of the day.

Not just names—every detail imaginable, more thorough than even the Eye of Providence.

Some hadn’t arrived yet.

A few were unlikely to come, while others were still en route.

"Arriving in two days... Mao Zhen, Lu Yunyi..."

"Uncertain... Shang..."

Li Mo flipped past that name as if he hadn’t seen it.

With time to spare, he decided to gather the Hundred Flowers first—at least to coordinate their performances.

"Please inform them for me."

"Of course, of course."

"Oh, do you have a grill here?"

As the attendant went to relay his requests room by room, Li Mo mused.

Sure, he’d prepared props and such for their acts—but truthfully, he had no idea what they’d need.

No matter. He’d ask them later.

Right now? Time for barbecue.

"I’m starving today."

Li Mo slathered sauce onto the skewers as he spoke.

Yes, he was genuinely hungry.

Absolutely not trying to mask the overwhelming feminine scents he’d inevitably carry home later...