Song Xi stood before the bathhouse, torn between two minds.
She had never imagined that the bathhouse here would not distinguish between men and women. Were wealthy families so unreserved?
Although there were few people around now, she still felt a little scared.
Perhaps... she should just wait for Sister Ying to come and go together.
Just as she was about to leave, she heard someone call out to her from behind.
"Are you here to take a bath?"
Song Xi turned around, looked at the woman in her uniform maid outfit, and nodded.
"Don't worry, there are designated times for bathing. Men before seven o'clock, women after seven. You're just in time now, there won't be many people. Usually, we wait until the old madam and the others have retired before we wash."
Song Xi realized with a sudden understanding, "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
After Song Xi entered the bathhouse with peace of mind, the maid walked to the corner and said respectfully, "Miss, I have already reversed the times as you instructed."
Anna's lips curved into a cold smile, "Remember, you know what to say and what not to say."
"Yes."
Meanwhile, Lou Yu Ming had smoked several cigarettes before Shao Cheng finally stopped him.
"Alright, it's just a woman, is it necessary? Except for—"
He stopped himself, observing Lou Yu Ming's expression, "This is the first time I've seen you like this."
Lou Yu Ming's face was tense, his deep eyes flashing with a chilling glint. After a long pause, he finally uttered two words from his thin lips: "Nothing."
Shao Cheng, of course, didn't believe him and guessed, "It must be because of that Song Xi. If you can't find a way to resolve it, I can..."
"Don't mention her to me again!" his voice was chillingly cold, showing signs of anger.
Shao Cheng was taken aback, "What, you broke up?"
Lou Yu Ming offered no comment.
Shao Cheng became subtly excited, "It's good that you broke up! Out with the old, in with the new! That woman doesn't seem like a good sort. When did this happen? Did you initiate it?"
Sensing Lou Yu Ming's displeased expression, Shao Cheng was surprised, "She initiated it!? Alright, this Song Xi has some nerve, daring to break up with you!"
Lou Yu Ming threw his cigarette on the ground and crushed it fiercely, "She's just something I've grown tired of. Out with the old, in with the new, as you said."
As soon as he finished speaking, a piercing scream suddenly echoed through the dark night.
It was Song Xi!
Lou Yu Ming, who had just said he was tired of her, his eyes sharpened, and he strode forward.
Shao Cheng quickly followed.
Several people, men and women, stood outside the bathhouse.
"I really didn't see anything! She just grabbed the shampoo and smashed it in my face. My eyes still hurt."
"What's going on? Didn't the door have the bathing times posted? How did you get it wrong? Xiao Wang, are you alright?"
"That sign is gone! Who tore it down?"
"Song Xi, are you alright?" Sister Ying crouched down to comfort Song Xi, who was curled up in the corner.
Her hair was still wet, and she was trembling all over, wrapped only in a bath towel in her haste.
The man who had been hit cried out aggrievedly, "Quick, help me see if I'm bleeding..."
"You are bleeding, quickly report to Steward Liu! And you people, the young master agreed to take you in, but you can't go around hurting people!"
Sister Ying shielded Song Xi behind her, "If the sign had been posted on the door, this misunderstanding wouldn't have happened. We both share responsibility for this! I think the priority now is to treat this young man's wounds. I'll personally go and explain to your young master later!"
Two girls helped Song Xi up. She looked terrified, her body swaying weakly.
Her exposed shoulders were red, and it was unclear how she had been injured.
Lou Yu Ming's lips were tightly pressed together. Finally, he took off his coat and threw it to Shao Cheng.
Shao Cheng: "..."
Shao Cheng shot him a glare and walked over.
"Young Master!"
A chorus of voices.
Everyone had assumed the young master was there to champion their cause and were about to pour out their grievances. Who would have thought that the usually aloof and cold young master would personally drape his expensive coat over Song Xi?
Everyone was stunned into silence.