Chapter 18: Your Servant Miaoyi Pays Respects to the Young Master

Before him lay a chilling scene.

The corridor was thick with smoke, and faintly visible were numerous figures lying or sitting about. All were emaciated, their eyes vacant and lifeless; some even bore malignant sores on their bodies.

Yet, they smoked their pipes with great relish, occasionally exhaling deep puffs of smoke, each expression one of utter pleasure.

A glance along the vast third-floor corridor revealed dozens of these smokers sprawled haphazardly.

Within the rooms, too, tendrils of smoke drifted out.

“Comfortable, so comfortable! This Carefree Smoke is truly the most soothing!”

“This Carefree Ointment makes one feel as if about to ascend to heaven; it’s simply exquisite!”

“Just a few puffs of Carefree Smoke daily— even if I die now, becoming a ghost is worth it...”

Jiang Fan observed these smokers, all gaunt to the bone, some clad in tattered clothes, clearly impoverished, yet each wore an expression of deep enjoyment. Instantly, he thought of the addictive narcotics of Blue Star.

Indeed, this Carefree Smoke bore a striking resemblance to those substances from Blue Star.

Though their bodies were drained and skeletal, just a couple of puffs lifted them to a state of ethereal bliss.

Moreover, the dozens of smokers in the corridor clearly had little money, unworthy of entering rooms for better indulgence.

Yet, they squandered their fortunes and committed inhumane acts just to savor a few puffs of this Carefree Smoke...

“Master, those on the left corridor are the impoverished Carefree clients, while the rooms on the left house those with some savings. But the truly carefree ones are on the right side of the third floor!

They not only have wealth but can enjoy Carefree Smoke at will daily, accompanied by the courtesans of the Moonlit Pavilion and savor the exquisite cuisine there...” Xiao Lan explained with a smile, her eyes filled with envy. “If only I had money, I wouldn’t have to suffer hardship and could live carefree every day.”

“Oh? You envy these carefree clients?” Jiang Fan was surprised. It seemed the Carefree Smoke was truly a grievous poison. Xiao Lan, who appeared still a young girl, was already so thoroughly brainwashed.

“To be honest, Master, Xiao Lan, the girls in the Moonlit Pavilion, even the chefs and waiters, are all deeply enamored with the carefree sensation brought by the Carefree Smoke. For us, we can skip meals, but without Carefree Smoke, life would be unbearable!

However, the proprietor of the Moonlit Pavilion is kind-hearted and sells us the Carefree Smoke cheaply every day. We need not suffer as those poor smokers in the corridor do,” Xiao Lan said with a look of intoxicated bliss, revealing much to Jiang Fan.

“The Wild Wolf Gang is truly formidable, using a substance akin to narcotics to control the entire Moonlit Pavilion and flourish its business.”

Jiang Fan muttered to himself, “Perhaps the real profit of the Moonlit Pavilion does not come from the courtesans but from the ‘Carefree Smoke’…”

Fully aware of its dangers, Jiang Fan knew that once addicted to this smoke, quitting was nearly impossible—more difficult than losing one’s life.

“Master, would you like to try some? The first puff might feel uncomfortable, but once you try it, you will feel incredibly carefree,” Xiao Lan smiled, adding, “The first puff is free.”

Jiang Fan did not expect this young girl to promote the Carefree Smoke to him, but how could he possibly touch such a thing?

He replied, “No, I’m just looking around. Let’s go back to the second floor; don’t want your girls to be waiting anxiously.”

“Master, it would be a pity if you don’t try our Moonlit Pavilion’s Carefree Smoke! Over ninety percent of the elites in Peaceful Town enjoy it. Wouldn’t you like to experience that blissful feeling? I assure you, it’s very pleasant,” Xiao Lan urged once more, eager to spread the word.

“Are you trying to force me?” Jiang Fan said coldly, then headed toward the refined standard room on the second floor.

“Xiao Lan... I wouldn’t dare!” she hurriedly followed his pace.

“By the way, have your Moonlit Pavilion courtesans also become addicted to the Carefree Smoke?” Jiang Fan couldn’t help asking.

“Yes, Master. At first, Miss Miaoyi refused, but after trying it once, she liked it! Actually, most of us at the Moonlit Pavilion are like this,” Xiao Lan said without hesitation.

Jiang Fan shook his head. It seemed everyone at the Moonlit Pavilion was controlled by the Wild Wolf Gang through the Carefree Smoke. Judging from Xiao Lan’s words, over ninety percent of the elites in Peaceful Town, and countless common folk, were similarly ‘controlled.’

The elites were fortunate—they could afford the Carefree Smoke.

But once ordinary folk became addicted, turning into carefree clients, tragedy followed. Their money would be squandered, and their families’ fates would be grim.

The Carefree Smoke not only harmed individuals but also devastated families. Its ravages surpassed even those wrought by the Everrich Casino and the Grand Pavilion Inn.

The Wild Wolf Gang’s three major industries in South Peace Street—the Grand Pavilion Inn, the Everrich Casino, and the Moonlit Pavilion—were all nefarious enterprises.

Though their deeds were brutal and ruthless, they filled their coffers handsomely, securing their position as the top power in Peaceful Town without challenge.

“Master, Miaoyi is ready! Please enjoy a private performance by my lady. I will fetch your meal immediately,” Xiao Lan said with a smile before gently closing the door behind Jiang Fan.

A fragrant breeze wafted in as the door on the left opened, revealing a graceful figure cradling a pipa lute.

She wore a white gown that clung tightly to her exquisite figure, her face veiled by a sheer white silk, though it could not conceal her stunning beauty.

Her skin was fair as polished jade, with a high nose bridge, rosy lips, and flowing ebony hair. Her bright eyes brimmed with endless charm, and her figure was flawless—curvaceous and slender, her snow-white abdomen free of any blemish.

Even Jiang Fan was thoroughly captivated, marveling silently: Truly, the Moonlit Pavilion’s star performer is incomparable. Such beauty—sharing a night with her would be worth everything!

“I am Miaoyi, at your service, Master!” The white-clad woman stood gracefully before an elegant chair, bowed slightly to Jiang Fan, cast a playful glance his way, and then took her seat, holding her pipa.

“Miaoyi is indeed a rare beauty in this world. Such a lovely name... But tell me, do you receive guests?” Jiang Fan smiled and asked.