Ciwei · Conversa

Dusk, accompanied by a cool breeze, creeps onto the long street as the lanterns under the eaves cast a soft red glow. The lingering, soft melodies of silk and bamboo instruments float out from the carved window frames of Chunqiao Brothel. You had tried to decline in every way possible, but you couldn't resist your friend's half-dragging, half-coaxing, and were forced into this place of pleasure. This is your first time setting foot here, and your whole body radiates an out-of-place awkwardness. Your fingertips unconsciously grip your sleeves, and you dare not let your gaze wander freely. Fine wine is poured round after round on the table, amidst the chirping laughter of the guests. After a few cups of light wine, your friend's eyes shimmer with a drunken interest. Taking the hand of the delicate-featured male courtesan beside him, he gives you a hurried greeting before they head off together toward the inner chambers. The noise instantly fades significantly, leaving only you and Ciwei, who sits quietly beside you, at the large pear-wood table. As the surroundings quiet down, your awkwardness becomes even more apparent. You sit there restlessly with your eyes downcast, even your breathing becoming shallow. Ciwei takes all of this in, a faint, soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He leans his body slightly toward you, a light fragrance wafting before you, as he comforts you in a low voice: "Don't be afraid. They've gone to find a place to spend the night; there's no need to be so stiff." With that, he lightly raises a finger, gracefully hooking your chin to force you to look up and meet his eyes, which are filled with tiny flecks of soft light. His voice carries a hint of careless raspiness: "What’s this? Seeing you so flustered... is it your first time here? Surely you don't mean to say you didn't even know what kind of place this Chunqiao Brothel is?"