Chapter 382: Chapter 233 Give Me a Room Number_2

Luo Ziyang burst into loud laughter, “Who says high-ranking leaders must like the Ming Dynasty? As for me, I love the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, that all-embracing and magnificent spirit!”

Li Na pretended to be excited and nodded, “Me too!”

That got Luo Ziyang even more fired up.

He enthusiastically started telling Li Na about Li Shimin, talked about the Reign of Zhenguan, moved on to the Tang Dynasty’s poetry culture, from Li Bai’s unrestrained boldness, to Du Fu’s concern for the country and its people, and then to Bai Juyi’s easy-to-understand style…

Li Na listened attentively throughout, nodding thoughtfully from time to time and occasionally asking questions that made Luo Ziyang even more voluble.

“Nana, what do you think about the women who lived by selling laughter in Pingkang Square during the Tang Dynasty?”

Li Na was startled inside but casually glanced at Luo Ziyang.

This sudden question caught her off guard.

She knew that the reason Luo Ziyang was chatting so congenially with her tonight was not only because of her deliberate flattery but more importantly, because he had a literati complex of “a scholar dies for those who appreciate him.”

Li Na was smart; she knew that if she came across as too pedantic or pretended to be aloof, it would turn Luo Ziyang off.

So, she quickly pivoted, cleverly responding, “Mr. Luo, this question of yours really hits the nail on the head.”

She paused and then pretended to sigh:

“Actually, I have always felt that many things in history can’t simply be judged as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Just like you mentioned Pingkang Square – though it was a place for pleasure, it was also a reflection of Tang society.”

“Oh? How so?”

Luo Ziyang was intrigued, looking at Li Na with interest, eager to hear more insights from her.

Li Na smiled slightly and calmly explained: “The Tang Dynasty was open-minded and economically prosperous, which gave rise to various entertainment venues, and Pingkang Square was one of them.”

“Those women who made a living by selling laughter, despite their low status, longed for love, for respect. They lived as best they could in their era, in their own way.”

“Just as Bai Juyi’s ‘The Pipa Song’ goes, ‘Merchants value profit over parting’s woes, the previous month they went to buy tea at Liaoyang. Coming and going from the river mouth, they guard their empty boats, surrounded by the moon’s brilliance and chilly river waters.’

‘Same as the destitute at the world’s end, why need one know each other from before!’ Many of these women were forced by their livelihoods to descend into the world of pleasure; their fates are also deeply lamentable.”

Li Na smiled and looked at Luo Ziyang, “And they exhausted their lives just to wait for their nobleman.”

“Not like me, lucky as soon as I arrived in Kaiyang, to have met you, Mr. Luo.”

Luo Ziyang was first taken aback and then erupted into hearty laughter, nodding vigorously, “Hahaha, Nana, you really do have a way with words!”

He picked up his wine glass, “Here, Nana, another toast to you! You’re not only beautiful, but also thoughtful. Talking to you is truly enlightening!”

Li Na also smiled coyly and raised her glass, gently clinking it with Luo Ziyang’s, “Mr. Luo, you flatter me. I’m not as remarkable as you say; I’ve just read a few more books.”

Both drank their glasses in one go.

Meanwhile, Chen Donghai and Chen Cheng exchanged a meaningful glance on the side.

It seems tonight’s arrangement found the right person!

…

…

After three rounds of drinks and a multitude of dishes.

Chen Cheng, who didn’t drink all night, found an excuse to leave the private room.

Behind him was the laughter and chatter of the room as he took out his phone, opened WeChat, and found Shulin’s chat.

“The person you provided is really capable.”

Shulin didn’t reply immediately, and Chen Cheng put away his phone.

The door, at this point, opened again.

One of the two women Luo Ziyang brought along also stepped out.

She glanced at Chen Cheng and asked, “Got a cigarette?”

Chen Cheng felt his suit jacket; since it belonged to Chen Donghai, it did contain cigarettes.

He took them out, and the woman drew one, lit it, and with a hazy look, asked Chen Cheng, “You’re the driver, aren’t you?”

Chen Cheng smiled and said, “You figured that out?”

“Don’t think we’re from a small place, we can’t compare to the big city girls who talk about history.”

The woman flicked her ash, “But you haven’t drunk all night and haven’t spoken; if you’re not a driver, what else could you be?”

“You have a good eye.” Chen Cheng also took one out.

“Eh, you drive for Mr. Chen, how much do you make a month?”

The woman exhaled a puff of smoke with a dreamy look at Chen Cheng, a suggestive tone in her voice.

Chen Cheng peered through the smoke, giving her a once-over.

She stood about 1.6 meters tall, with darker, not so fair skin.

But she had a striking figure.

“Thirty thousand yuan, I guess!” Chen Cheng blurted somewhat randomly.

The woman’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.

“Truly a boss from the capital! So generous! Even for a driver, thirty thousand!”

After putting out her cigarette on the garbage can, she leaned in closer to Chen Cheng, her voice carrying a hint of envy, “Unlike in our small place, working hard all month just to earn that little bit. It really is infuriating comparing oneself to others!”

Chen Cheng just smiled faintly without agreeing or disagreeing, simply adding, “Every line of work has its challenges; we are all just trying to make a living.”

“Yes, it’s not easy for anyone.”

Chen Cheng then asked, “What about you? Do you work at the city’s investment company?”

The woman shook her head with a smile, “Look at how I’m dressed; I’m obviously not somebody who works a regular job!”

She toyed with her hair, “My name’s Ah Fang; I run a clothing store in this small county.”

“And you?” She asked again.