Chapter 146: Guaranteed Satisfaction

An architect? To think that such a profession existed in ancient times. Liu Ling’er had originally only intended to ask Baili Xian to help her scout for a few skilled carpenters. She never expected the pleasant surprise of finding an actual architect. With a professional, her vision for the restaurant’s interior could be realized to perfection.

"Prince Xian, I wonder who this person you speak of is. Are his architects truly so capable? The interior decoration I require for my restaurant is no simple task." The skill level among architects varied, and since Liu Ling’er was determined to do this, she wanted the best. It was necessary to clarify things in advance.

Baili Xian was not at all offended by her skepticism. "Decorating a restaurant is not the same as building an imperial palace. Rest assured, while I won't make other claims, the craftsmen I introduce will certainly satisfy you."

To be so confidently vouched for by Prince Xian, the man must have some real talent. "Oh? The person Prince Xian recommends must be extraordinary. Might I ask who he is?"

"Hehe, you have met him before," Baili Xian said with a mysterious air. Liu Ling’er mentally retraced every person she had encountered while in the Prince’s company, but ultimately shook her head; no one seemed to fit that description.

Seeing her deep in thought with no success, Baili Xian finally spoke: "Do you remember the person we met at the brothel?"

"Master Wuyou? How could it be him!" Liu Ling’er was stunned. She could never associate the bewitchingly handsome and enigmatic Master Wuyou with an architect. Furthermore, she had left a poor impression on him during their last meeting, even calling him a dim-witted child.

"Ling’er, what do you think of the layout of my study?" Baili Xian didn't seem surprised; many were shocked when he told them Wuyou was a master architect. He gestured to the decor in his room and asked for her opinion.

She looked around. Although she had seen the room many times before, she still found it remarkably unique, with brilliant details catching her eye at every turn. "Whoever designed this study for you is definitely a master. 'A work of divine craftsmanship' is the only way to describe it."

Baili Xian leaned back in his chair, saying triumphantly, "You have a good eye. This was designed by Master Wuyou himself, and he oversaw the construction personally. In the entire capital, the line of people waiting for Wuyou to take on their projects could wrap around the city ten times over."

*Good heavens*, he was popular—nearly as ubiquitous as a household brand! But with such skill, it would be strange if he weren't famous. Liu Ling’er couldn't wait to meet Wuyou, not out of any infatuation with his looks, but to discuss the renovation of her restaurant.

"However, Master Wuyou has his conditions: he only works for friends; he takes on only one project per month, and not even the Emperor himself could change that; and while he is working for you, you must provide him with fine wine every day, or he will go on strike."

Talented people always have their quirks. The conditions Baili Xian mentioned were not necessarily difficult, but they were peculiar. The "one project per month" rule alone turned away countless people.

"That is not a problem. I need a team of architects; it doesn't have to be Master Wuyou himself," Liu Ling’er reasoned. She wanted her restaurant to be unique, and she preferred to provide the designs herself to ensure the style was truly distinctive.

"Wuyou’s subordinates are also excellent. Anything produced by the Zhuji Hall is of exceptional quality." Many who failed to secure Wuyou’s personal services would settle for hiring the architects from his studio, the Zhuji Hall.

Upon hearing this, Liu Ling’er was eager to go. "Why wait for another day? Where is this Zhuji Hall? I should go pay a visit!"

Baili Xian pondered for a moment, then recalled that Liu Ling’er was notoriously bad with directions. If he simply told her where it was, she would likely be wandering until nightfall. "It is your lucky day. I happen to be free, so I shall accompany you."

That would be perfect. Liu Ling’er took a few steps forward, but noticed Baili Xian didn't follow. She turned back to see him still sitting on his tiger-skin chair, as if glued to the seat.

Seeing her impatient, suspicious gaze, Baili Xian stood up, forcing a look of composure. Just then, a *thud* sounded as a book fell from the chair. Disaster—it was just his luck. The very things one tries desperately to hide are often the first to be exposed, just like the book Baili Xian had been concealing.

Liu Ling’er blinked and walked over. "Prince Xian, you seem to have dropped something." She bent down to pick up the book. Baili Xian panicked; he absolutely could not let her see the contents, or he would never be able to hold his head up again.

He reached down to grab it, but Liu Ling’er was faster and snatched the book first. "What is this? Why are you so nervous? Let me take a look."

If there were a hole in the ground, Baili Xian would have crawled into it. The shame! Liu Ling’er scanned the pages and was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter. A beauty’s laughter was enchanting, but Baili Xian was in no mood to appreciate it.

Feeling as though he had been caught in the act of something scandalous, Baili Xian snapped, "Give that back."

Liu Ling’er tossed the book to him. "Hehe, I never thought the Prince would be so secretly sentimental! Reading 'How to Win a Lady’s Favor' and 'How to Make a Young Maiden Fall for You'... oh, I’m dying of laughter!"

Exposed, Baili Xian looked around nervously, fearing someone might pass by. "Can you keep your voice down? Do you want the whole world to know? I'll have you know I’m only reading this for Tie Wula. Yes, that’s it."

The excuse was flimsy at best. *Brother, do you take me for blind or illiterate? If Tie Wula wanted to read this, he would do it himself, not ask you to read it for him. Don't be ridiculous.*

Meanwhile, Tie Wula, who was out on a mission, sneezed twice for no apparent reason, almost suspecting he had caught a cold.

Baili Xian fled in embarrassment, with a grinning Liu Ling’er following close behind. He was her guide to the Zhuji Hall, after all; if he slipped away, she would have to find someone else.

Though Baili Xian walked with a huff, he was indeed leading her toward the Zhuji Hall. Upon arrival, he irritably addressed the guard at the entrance: "Call your Hall Master out. Tell him Baili Xian is here."

The guard knew the close relationship between the Prince and Master Wuyou. Even though Baili Xian looked like he was spoiling for a fight, they scurried off to inform their master.

As Liu Ling’er entered the Zhuji Hall, her eyes darted everywhere, unable to take it all in. From the gate onward, every detail was meticulously designed. The architecture was antique and elegant, appearing modest at first glance, yet every corner exuded luxury, sophistication, and refined taste.