Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The night was pitch black, and the maids on night watch were all dozing off against the doorframes.

No one cared about me.

Only a fluffy little black dog ran over, pressing its warm body against mine.

I had rescued it from the heavy winter snows when it was just a tiny thing, and named it Heidou.

Xiao Qibai had kept it in the manor and spoiled it rotten.

The maids and old crones would gossip privately, “That low-born mutt is more precious than an actual master.”

But now, Heidou’s fur was matted and messy; clearly, it hadn’t been bathed in a long time.

Just like me, it had been forgotten by Xiao Qibai the moment Song Wanrong appeared.

“Come on, Heidou. Big sister is taking you home.”

After gnawing on a meaty bone, Heidou fell asleep contentedly, curled up against my pillow.

I stroked its head, threw on a cloak, and headed for the Ghost Market.

This was where all the shadiest business in Jiangling City took place.

After navigating the area for a long time, I finally found the human trafficker Xiao Qibai had mentioned.

She didn’t recognize me. Seeing me approach, she immediately greeted me with forced warmth.

“Young lady, are you short on silver?”

It was no wonder she was so eager.

The notice to buy a Lotus Girl had been posted in the Ghost Market for days, and so far, no suitable candidate had been found.

After all, everyone knew this was a deal that cost you your life.

I closed my eyes and, imitating a desperate girl from a poor family, asked in a raspy voice:

“How much silver are you willing to pay?”

The woman sized me up, seemingly very satisfied with what she saw.

She pulled back her lips to reveal a toothless grin.

“Silver isn’t an issue, young lady. Come with me, let’s have a little chat.”