Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 478 - 314: What is the purpose?

"Brother Lu, once this matter is settled, I shall take my leave. I must thank you for your recommendation today, and in the future, if you need any music composed, feel free to come to me."

Gu Chengyu, although still unclear about Lu Chen’s actions, knew he had to thank him for the opportunity offered, didn’t he?

Lu Chen was momentarily stunned, "Meeting Brother Gu today feels like we’re old friends at first sight. Although there have been some misunderstandings before, it shouldn’t hinder us from becoming close friends, right? I just think Brother Gu is immensely talented and conducts himself openly and honestly. I simply want to befriend him."

Only then did Lu Chen realize that Gu Chengyu was not a simple person. Tonight, he was somewhat impatient, fearing he might have aroused Gu Chengyu’s suspicions. He had previously been told that Gu Chengyu’s talent was undeniable, but his strategic mind was unparalleled. Initially, Lu Chen dismissed it, but now he believed it with some conviction.

"As for the recommendation, Brother Gu is overthinking it. I have known Mr. Dong Yuan for a while, and since a Great Scholar’s evaluation was needed, naturally I sought him first. It was Brother Gu’s excellent lyrics that caught Mr. Dong Yuan’s eye. I do not have the influence to get you that invitation."

Since Lu Chen spoke to this extent, it seemed he was unwilling to admit ulterior motives. While smiling on the surface and humbly responding, Gu Chengyu thought to himself that none of these young aristocrats were simple, and Lu Chen seemed particularly shrewd.

In fact, it was not just Lu Chen — was Zhu Pang simple either? Only because of their familiarity did he divulge some information without damaging his own interests. Regarding other secrets, Zhu Pang never spoke a word.

Currently, Gu Chengyu knew little about Lu Chen, so there was no way to discern his true intentions. However, he was not afraid.

"Brother Gu is still young, and calling you that feels a bit awkward. How about I call you Gu, my virtuous younger brother instead? You haven’t chosen a courtesy name, right? Once you have it, it feels closer to be addressed by it."

Gu Chengyu twitched at the corner of his mouth. Lu Chen really knew how to seize the opportunity; now, he started calling him virtuous younger brother. Where had that aloof and proud young man gone from their initial meeting? Why did Gu Chengyu feel like Lu Chen was quite persistent?

"It’s better if you just call me by my name." Gu Chengyu and Lu Chen were not that familiar yet, and calling him virtuous younger brother was overly saccharine.

"Ahem! Chengyu! Your Miss Hua Lian has been alone for quite some time now! Are you going back today? If not, I’m heading back first." At this moment, Zhu Pang walked over, seeing that Gu Chengyu and Lu Chen had been talking for a long time, and everyone else had left except them.

He had idly chatted with Liang Shaoen and the others, noticing that Gu Chengyu and Lu Chen’s conversation seemed endless, and became a bit anxious. Gu Chengyu had said he would return in an hour, but it had already been more than two hours. If he didn’t return soon, his father might break his legs.

Moreover, the curfew was about to start, and if he didn’t return, he wouldn’t be able to go back today.

Gu Chengyu had also thought of this, "Hold on, I’ll redeem Hua Lian, and we’ll return together."

Lu Chen was somewhat curious; Gu Chengyu actually wanted to redeem that woman? Could it be that there was affection between them? No wonder he appeared indifferent when looking at Xi Yan; he had someone in his heart already?

But she’s just a brothel girl...

Lu Chen’s gaze was so direct that it was difficult for Gu Chengyu to ignore it. He felt that if he didn’t explain clearly, rumors would distort the truth.

"Hua Lian is the daughter of an old acquaintance; her family fell into hard times. I only met her a few days ago and went to great lengths to redeem her."

Gu Chengyu casually fabricated a reason, knowing that no one would verify it. Hua Lian was a minor figure, and no one would focus on her.

"Oh, so that’s how it is!" Lu Chen thought about Gu Chengyu’s earlier behavior, which didn’t seem to indicate any affection for that woman.

Zhu Pang mumbled from the side, "You really are going to redeem her? I’ll wait for you here; just hurry up."

After tonight’s competition, the ransom for Hua Lian must be substantial. Madam Hua would certainly seize the opportunity to demand a hefty price.

After bidding farewell to Lu Chen, Gu Chengyu went to look for Madam Hua, while Lu Chen tucked Gu Chengyu’s two lyrics into his pocket. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Madam Hua!"

"Oh dear! It’s Mr. Gu! The spring nights are short; why are you still here?" Madam Hua was very surprised to see Gu Chengyu since she had been so busy she hadn’t followed up on the later events.

Many patrons had spent a considerable amount of money choosing the girls tonight, allowing her to earn significant profits, so she had been bustling about nonstop.

Even though Gu Chengyu won Hua Lian without spending a single coin, Madam Hua felt a bit of heartache. However, the lyrics that Gu Chengyu left for Xi Yan and the melody would surely bring fame to the Tianxiang Pavilion.

While Xi Yan didn’t have the score, she had played it once and could recall some of it. With more careful practice, it should be possible to recreate the music.

With such prospects, Madam Hua’s smile broadened.

"I’ve come to see Madam Hua to redeem Hua Lian," Gu Chengyu stated directly without beating around the bush.

Madam Hua was genuinely shocked to hear this, "What? Redeem her? Impossible."

She recalled that Mr. Jia had already bid six hundred taels of silver, and Gu Chengyu seemed determined to win Hua Lian. In that case, Hua Lian could be a money tree in the future!

She was reluctant to let anyone redeem Hua Lian, even surprised that she had proven to be so popular; she had underestimated her before.

Gu Chengyu frowned at her response, knowing Madam Hua was dazed by tonight’s silver. To be honest, Mr. Jia might have some affection for Hua Lian and would seek her out again, but after tonight, he couldn’t bid that much anymore.

Gu Chengyu coldly snorted, "Madam Hua! Have the silvers blinded you? Do you think Hua Lian will fetch such a high price after tonight?"

This was true, although Gu Chengyu had no intention of touching Hua Lian.

Madam Hua, startled by Gu Chengyu’s words, immediately sobered up. Indeed, she had been shortsighted. Being a Madam for so many years and being so shrewd, she surely understood this; indeed, tonight’s silver had beguiled her.

However, with a quick thought and a turn of her eyes, Madam Hua guessed Gu Chengyu’s intentions. Mr. Gu seemed to have a particular interest in Hua Lian. Regardless of his purpose for redeeming her, he seemed determined. If she didn’t demand a sky-high price, she’d be foolish.

"Oh dear, Mr. Gu! You know, Hua Lian has grown up in Tianxiang Pavilion since she was a child; parting with her is hard. Moreover, you’ve seen how many patrons adore Hua Lian! If you truly wish to redeem her, and it’s in her best interest, I’d be happy for her finding a good home, but as for the silver..."

Madam Hua raised one finger, feeling somewhat anxious inside, knowing the price was steep.