Skinny Monkey's face immediately split into a grin that every man instinctively understood. "You finally get it," he said, lowering his voice. "This place is good. Really good. A place every man dreams about."
Hearing that, Lynn's curiosity visibly deepened. His gaze drifted toward the entrance of the pavilion, lingering just a little longer than before.
The sisters standing at the door noticed at once and hurried forward with practiced smiles.
"Oh my, Lord Monkey," one of them chimed sweetly. "You haven't been here in ages. Our Mammy mentions you every day~"
Skinny Monkey swallowed hard. Ever since being assigned to watch Lynn, he hadn't had a single chance to relax, let alone enjoy himself. Being surrounded by these soft voices and teasing smiles made all that pent-up frustration surge at once.
Another sister's eyes flicked toward Lynn, curiosity flashing briefly across her face. "So this is the famous Abacus Snake?" she said with a playful laugh. "No wonder everyone talks about you. You look much gentler than I imagined."
Lynn felt a chill run up his spine.
Before the situation could go any further, he reacted instantly, acting flustered and overwhelmed. He took a hurried step back, waving his hands in panic as if completely unable to handle the attention, then turned and bolted down the alley.
Skinny Monkey froze for a heartbeat, then let out a regretful groan before hurriedly bowing toward the sisters. "Next time, definitely next time!" he muttered, bending his back as he chased after Lynn.
Watching Skinny Monkey's hunched figure scrambling after him, Lynn finally felt his heart settle.
This little monkey was firmly in his grasp now.
The next day was the final day of the Talent Test. After the excitement of the first two days, the City Lord's Mansion had quieted noticeably. Most of the local youths had already been tested. Those arriving today were mainly from surrounding towns, still trickling in.
Lynn, accompanied by Skinny Monkey as always, continued his routine. He inspected businesses, checked supply purchases, and showed no sign of anything unusual.
By afternoon, the two arrived at the casino run by Vasa, preparing for another routine audit.
Vasa's attitude was, as always, flawless. He personally led them into the accounting room and served tea himself. Strictly speaking, someone of his status didn't need to treat Lynn with such care, but everyone knew what had happened to Ghost Fox.
And everyone knew that this young man now lived in the former Deputy Gang Leader's suite.
If not for Lynn's age, many believed One-Eyed Wolf would have already promoted him. At this point, it felt inevitable.
So Vasa didn't dare show the slightest negligence. The casino's books were immaculate, without a single issue.
After finishing the review, Lynn nodded with satisfaction. "Brother Vasa truly lives up to his reputation. Managing a place like this so cleanly isn't easy."
Vasa laughed, rubbing his bald head with a fat hand heavy with gemstone rings. "You flatter me. I just do my duty. Sitting in this seat, how could I dare slack off?"
Lynn sighed lightly. "If every brother were even half as diligent as you, I wouldn't have to run myself ragged every day."
He paused, then added calmly, "I'll report your recent contributions to the Gang Leader tonight."
Vasa's face instantly bloomed into a broad smile. "With those words, everything I've done is worth it. Brother Lynn, if you ever need anything, just say the word."
He stepped forward and gave Lynn a hearty embrace.
Only after they separated did Lynn notice a small money pouch pressed against his lower back.
Vasa met his gaze and smiled knowingly.
Lynn was briefly surprised.
So smooth?
The pouch wasn't heavy, but Lynn was certain it didn't contain copper or silver. This old fox knew exactly how things worked.
Skinny Monkey, meanwhile, noticed nothing. He was lounging with his legs crossed, sipping tea, his beady eyes roaming freely over the serving girls.
When everything was settled, Lynn stood. "Brother Vasa, we'll take our leave."
"No rush," Vasa replied warmly. "You've both worked hard. Why not head to the Nightingale Pavilion to rest a bit? I heard they got some fresh faces recently."
Skinny Monkey's eyes lit up immediately, and he shot Lynn a hopeful look. He already expected rejection.
But this time, Lynn hesitated.
Vasa noticed at once and seized the moment. "You've refused too many times, Brother Lynn. Refuse again and you'll be embarrassing this old brother."
Without waiting for an answer, he waved over a subordinate. "Hyena, take these two to the Nightingale Pavilion. My treat. Tell Mammy to take good care of them."
Turning back to Lynn, he smiled apologetically. "I have to watch the house. If you need anything, just tell Hyena."
Lynn looked conflicted, as if weighing the decision.
Skinny Monkey could barely contain himself, nudging Lynn insistently from behind.
Finally, Lynn sighed. "Since Brother Vasa insists… I'll go sit and rest for a bit."
Vasa laughed loudly. "That's more like it! Next time, I'll personally take you both to Heavenly Human Realm."
Skinny Monkey's eyes went wide, his throat bobbing as he swallowed.
Heavenly Human Realm?!
This job was amazing.
In the next life, he'd still follow Abacus Snake.
Watching Skinny Monkey's transparent excitement, Lynn finally felt the tension in his chest loosen.
The bait had been swallowed.
The two followed Hyena toward the Nightingale Pavilion. It was still daytime, so there weren't many guests. The sisters from the night before were lounging at the entrance, cracking seeds and chatting.
Seeing Hyena approach with them, they quickly straightened up and rushed forward.
The old Mammy leading them immediately latched onto Hyena with exaggerated enthusiasm, while the others crowded around, voices rising all at once.
"Oh my~ What a rare day! Lord Lynn, Lord Monkey, Lord Hyena, please, come inside~"
From within the pavilion came a chorus of sweet replies.
Inside, red lanterns glowed softly, perfumed air drifting through the halls as music and laughter filled the space.