Unlike the bawdy house Shen Ruoyu had imagined, the pavilion was decorated with exquisite taste, both inside and out. There were no scantily clad courtesans soliciting customers at the entrance, and the attendants were not dressed in the gaudy attire she had heard so much about.

Had they not known Tianxi Pavilion's reputation, they might have thought they had come to the wrong place.

Shen Ruoyu nudged Jiang Peizhi with her elbow. "Young Master, are you sure this is the right place?"

"Absolutely. This is it. The most luxurious district in the capital. Even if I haven't been here before, I could still lead you here with my eyes closed." Jiang Peizhi puffed out his chest confidently. Before Shen Ruoyu could react, he grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. He had recently heard his servants gossiping about how Lu Zhixing was fixated on a particular attendant soon to be auctioned at Tianxi Pavilion, determined to win him at any cost.

He didn't care who was being auctioned or even about the auction itself. The young man had only one goal: to snatch away whatever Lu Zhixing desired. If Lu Zhixing wanted this attendant, then he, Jiang Peizhi, would absolutely buy him.

For no other reason than to spite Lu Zhixing. He wanted to see the look of frustration and fury on Lu Zhixing's face.

"Oh, right. Yuyu, aren't you worried Lu Zhixing will resent you for coming here with me? Don't forget, he and Rong Yan are as close as brothers." Jiang Peizhi stopped abruptly, a thought striking him. Shen Ruoyu was betrothed to Rong Yan.

Whenever Lu Zhixing had made things difficult for Shen Ruoyu in the past, Rong Yan had remained indifferent. Yet, Shen Ruoyu, in her affection for Rong Yan, always conformed to his preferences, portraying herself as a gentle and virtuous woman.

Consequently, she had always tolerated Lu Zhixing's deliberate provocations. If he found out she had come to a place like this, he would surely tell Rong Yan, and then...

Shen Ruoyu understood the implication and found it amusing. "Why should I be afraid? Shouldn't Rong Yan be the one worried?"

Lu Zhixing was indeed an intimidating figure. Prince Yu, his father, was a celebrated general with immense power and influence in the court. As the Prince's legitimate firstborn son, Lu Zhixing not only held the title of heir apparent but also commanded considerable sway in the capital.

She had heard from Rong Yan that Lu Zhixing was an eccentric man. If anyone so much as touched something of his, he would discard it without a second thought. It was strange that such a peculiar man was close friends with someone as taciturn and aloof as Rong Yan.

"I wonder what Lu Zhixing would do if he knew Rong Yan was fond of Shen Xinghuai?"

Shen Ruoyu relished the thought. Knowing Lu Zhixing's temperament, he would probably tear Rong Yan to shreds. Unfortunately, she still lacked sufficient evidence to prove this, and her word alone wouldn't convince Lu Zhixing.

Rashly confronting him might even backfire.

"What are you muttering about? I thought you went through all this trouble just to avoid being seen by Lu Zhixing. I couldn't understand a word you said. Come on, let's go to the second floor. I've reserved a prime private room."

"Alright, alright, I understand."

Urged by Jiang Peizhi, Shen Ruoyu followed him to the second floor. They entered the designated room and chose a seat. The room's design was unusual; instead of a door, a white silk curtain served as a partition.

From the second floor, they had a clearer view of Tianxi Pavilion. It was the peak of business hours, and the main hall was bustling with people.

The room was filled with a pleasant fragrance. Through the translucent curtain, Shen Ruoyu finally saw the face of the evening's main attraction.

A young man sat on the stage, calmly playing a guqin. While everyone was captivated by his music, Shen Ruoyu focused on his appearance.

"I see now. I wondered why you went to such lengths for an unknown attendant. It turns out he bears a striking resemblance to my younger brother."

Her words might have seemed exaggerated, but the young man on stage did indeed share a remarkable likeness to Shen Xinghuai, both in looks and mannerisms.

Jiang Peizhi thoughtfully poured Shen Ruoyu a cup of tea. "One thing's for sure, Lu Zhixing is consistent. He seems determined to pursue anyone remotely connected to your brother."