The Scorpion said serenely, “It does not matter what we gamble on. For me, what is important is the act of gambling. It can be compared to how others must eat when they are hungry, and drink when they are thirsty; if you don’t let me gamble, I won’t be able to keep living...what do you say?”

Wen Kexing sighed, feeling that he was running into especially many odd happenstances this year. He pointed at Zhou Zishu and said, “Blindfold him, lest he thinks that I have nefarious intentions.”

Zhou Zishu glanced at the Scorpion, and did not object. Wen Kexing felt around in the front of his own robes for a long time, fished out a handkerchief, tied it over Zhou Zishu’s eyes, grabbed his arm, and said to the Scorpion, “After you.”

The three people made their way back onto ground level like so, and reached the entrance of the pleasure district in this fashion similar to playing hide-and-seek. The Scorpion said, “Zhou-xiong, upon lifting your hand, you will be able to touch that lion. Guests first--please place your bet.”

Zhou Zishu and Wen Kexing said unanimously, “Male.”

Though there were courtesans among those thronging here too, there were more pleasure-seeking guests roaming around. Since this Scorpion chief was generous, they accepted this courteous invitation. A vague excitement flashed across the Scorpion’s face. His eyes lit up, and he licked his lips as though he couldn’t wait. “All right.”

From the instant Zhou Zishu lifted his hand, the Scorpion began to count--eighteen, nineteen…

His actions were making even Wen Kexing anxious. Zhou Zishu had already plucked his blindfold off a long while ago, and was watching unblinkingly. The twentieth person passed, in long robes and hair up in a crown--it was a man!

A smile slowly surfaced on Zhou Zishu’s face. He was just about to speak, but as this person came closer, his smile froze on his face. On the other hand, the Scorpion swept a smug glance over the two of them, and abruptly stepped forward to stop this passer-by, frightening the passer-by. They heard him say in a gentle voice, “This place is a brothel, and it will be highly inconvenient for this miss to enter. A maiden’s virtuous reputation is precious, so please turn back.”

That pale and smooth face of that ‘man’ started to purple. The Scorpion apologised, “Pardon me,” and, in a move as quick as lightning, abruptly ripped the shawl from around ‘his’ neck. The passer-by gave a short shout of surprise--‘his’ throat was astonishingly smooth, with not a single bump in sight.

The Scorpion turned around, all smiles. Putting his hands together in his sleeves, he said leisurely to Zhou Zishu, “Zhou-xiong, what do you say about this?”

T/N: Zhou Zishu stop your lesbophobia challenge 1127 😔

Chapter 58: A Harrowing Experience