"Little Bell, your words are really sweet," I complimented with a smile.
"Mr. Ye, I'm only speaking the truth," Little Bell replied seriously.
"Alright, Little Bell, I will befriend you. From now on, whenever I come to Haining, I'll come to you for a hairstyle," I said to Little Bell while putting on my top hat.
"Sure thing, Mr. Ye, you must remember to come!" Little Bell happily bid me farewell.
I picked up my saber and went downstairs to the carriage.
For tonight's international ball, I had a big plan prepared.
Sister Thirteen and the others also bought me gifts: a jade pendant, a wallet, and a Western snuff bottle, all of which were the latest fashionable items.
Sister Thirteen even gifted me a piece of hand-carved jade, which was quite luxurious.
"Thirteen, you spend money so lavishly; aren't you afraid of being looked down upon by your in-laws?" Mou Xiaoning teased.
"Mou Ge, if you keep saying that, I won't buy you any wine," Sister Thirteen threatened with a blush.
"No, no, Thirteen, I'm counting on your wine to get by," Mou Xiaoning quickly begged for mercy.
"My lord, that wine was bought for me by Thirteen; don't get ahead of yourself," Liu Liu interjected.
"Liu Liu, why are you so annoying with your words?" Sister Thirteen glared at Liu Liu in anger.
"Little Zhu, don't be mad. Liu Liu just has a big mouth; his heart is still good," Wang Ningyuan stepped in to mediate.
"Hmph, he thinks he can talk." Sister Thirteen shot Liu Liu a glance and turned away, ignoring him.
I watched the playful banter among the crowd, feeling warm inside.
When the carriage arrived at the theater, I got out and mimicked the wealthy young masters, brushing my hair back with my hand and tossing my head. Then I took out a few pieces of silver and threw them to the doorman.
Gao Fen played along, pulling out a piece of silver to toss to the doorman as well, saying, "This is from Master Ye."
The doorman accepted the silver and bowed his head, saying, "Thank you, Master Ye. Thank you, Young Master Gao."
I adjusted my clothes and stepped inside.
Tonight's international ball was being held on the top floor.
As I entered, I could clearly feel several gazes directed at me. Looking up, I saw some wealthy ladies and young misses pointing and whispering about me.
I smiled slightly at them; a few timid ones immediately lowered their heads, while the bolder ones smiled flirtatiously.
I turned and walked towards the stairs, hearing the ladies' discussions behind me.
"Which family's young master is this?"
"I don't know; I've never seen him before."
"He's so handsome!"
"Look at his outfit; that's from Jindu. And those shoes he's wearing are the most popular style from Haining right now. Just look at his hair; it's so shiny and beautiful."
"You see that smile of his, it's simply captivating."
As I stood by the staircase surveying my surroundings, two young ladies in gauzy skirts were standing nearby.
I turned slightly towards them, offering a faint smile and nodding my head.
The two ladies immediately turned to me and returned the gesture.
I gestured for them to go ahead, but they quickly waved their hands, insisting that I go first.
I smiled and, feeling no need to be polite, stepped up the stairs.
Two more guests walked by.
One was a lady dressed in a purple blouse, and the other appeared to be a butler in a blue outfit.
"Madam, you're here," Gao Fen greeted her promptly upon seeing her.
"Mr. Gau, hello," she replied with a slight smile and a nod.
"Madam Chen, this is Master Ye, Mr. Ge's nephew who has just returned from abroad," Gao Fen introduced them to each other.
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