Chapter 3
Victor stood besieged by a circle of audacious female cultivators, his expression a thundercloud of repressed irritation, yet bound by the training script to endure their advances.
Walter had retreated to a corner, softly plucking his guqin, while a cluster of overly attentive admirers vied to offer him spirit fruits.
Rayden had become the day's undisputed star, the line for his healing consultations snaked determinedly out the door.
When closing time finally arrived, the three of them collapsed into chairs, utterly spent.
Victor stared vacantly ahead. "I would rather single-handedly storm a demonic cultivator's lair..."
Rayden's professional smile seemed permanently etched onto his face. "My facial muscles... have completely seized."
Walter was already asleep, his guqin cradled in his arms like a lifeline.
I tallied the day's earnings, a grin spreading uncontrollably across my face.
*****
"Victor! You made another customer cry." I grabbed him by the ear and hauled him out of the VIP room.
Inside, a young female cultivator was sobbing into her sleeves.
"I was merely following instructions..." Victor muttered, a flicker of guilt crossing his features.
"I told you to embody the aloof, untouchable master, not to actually berate them!" I exclaimed, exasperated.
I snatched up the complaint ledger, scanning the latest entry.
"'Dumber than a forest boar'? 'Will never attain Foundation Establishment in this lifetime'? Is this cultivation guidance or your personal vendetta?" I demanded, tapping the page sharply.
Victor turned his head away. "The sword path values direct truth. I spoke only facts."
"Ten spirit stones deducted from your performance bonus this month," I declared.
"What?!" He whipped his head back, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
Unfazed, I produced a jade token. "Take a look at your customer satisfaction score, 2.3! The lowest in the entire establishment."
The token glowed, projecting a live rating system. It was my own innovation, blending modern Key Performance Indicators with cultivation-world mechanics.
Each customer channeled a wisp of spiritual energy into the token upon departure, leaving a rating that directly determined our monthly compensation.
Victor stared at his dismal score, then glanced at Rayden's gleaming 4.8 and Walter's respectable 4.5. His stormy expression shifted through shades of indignation before settling into a flush of frustration.
He gritted his teeth. "This system is biased. Rayden merely flatters his way through every session!"
"Rayden has the highest rate of returning clients and has already earned three commendation banners this month!" I retorted, pointing to the wall.
There they hung: [Skilled Hands, Compassionate Heart,] [A Trusted Confidant,] and [No.1 Nice Guy in the Cultivation World.]
Just then, Rayden was ushering out a beaming female cultivator. They lingered at the threshold, exchanging a few final, soft words.
"Remember," Rayden encouraged with his signature warm smile, "before you begin your daily meditation, affirm to yourself thrice: 'My path is clear.' Mindset shapes breakthrough."
"Thank you, Rayden! I will definitely seek your guidance again," she chirped before finally departing.
Now that was professionalism.
Victor let out a derisive snort and stalked away, hand clenched tightly around his sword hilt.
I shook my head and approached Walter, who was huddled in his usual corner, murmuring lines under his breath. "How's the preparation coming, Walter?"
He looked up, his face pale. "Boss, this line, 'Girl, were you nurtured on morning dew and starlight? For your sweetness eclipses all...' I-It's excessively saccharine. I fear my tongue may rebel..."
I gave his shoulder an encouraging squeeze. "Focus on the commission! Achieve a 4.8 this month, and I'll add five top-grade spirit stones to your bonus."
Walter's eyes instantly lit with newfound determination. He turned to the mirror, squaring his shoulders, and began rehearsing with renewed vigor.
His delivery remained slightly tremulous, but he now managed to complete the entire, cringe-inducing line without faltering. The progress was undeniable.
Just as I was beginning to feel a swell of pride at Walter's improvement, the shop door burst open with a violent crash.
A group of cultivators clad in the distinctive inner disciple robes of the Celestial Sect stormed in, their auras aggressive and their expressions severe.
"This is the place. A den of iniquity!" bellowed the square-jawed leader.
His whip cracked against the counter, sending the meticulously arranged spirit fruits I had spent hours polishing scattering across the floor.
My heart sank. Trouble had arrived.
"What business brings the honorable disciples of the Celestial Sect to our humble establishment?" I stepped forward, donning my most diplomatic smile.
The square-jawed man sneered. "We are from the Law Enforcement Hall. Your operation has been reported for conducting illicit business."
From the corner of my eye, I saw Victor's posture coil, his hand flying to his sword hilt. I shot him a sharp, warning glance to tell him stand down.
"A profound misunderstanding!" I interjected smoothly, swiftly producing a sheaf of official documents.
I added, "Serenity Lounge is a fully licensed mental cultivation and inner demon prevention center. All permits are in order, sanctioned by the Celestial Sect itself."
"Inner demon prevention?" He snatched the papers, skepticism etched on his face as he skimmed them.
"Then why have several female cultivators complained that you... that you..." His face flushed crimson. "That you provide lewd services?"
Understanding dawned immediately.
This was either the work of jealous rivals or puritanical traditionalists who couldn't abide our novel methods.