The　night　of　her　first　performance　arrived，　and　Sukie　felt　a　mixture　of　excitement　and　nerves.　She　dressed　in　a　stunning　silk　gown，　her　hair　adorned　with　delicate　flowers.　As　she　stepped　onto　the　stage，　the　room　fell　silent，　all　eyes　on　her.　The

The　doorman　raised　an　eyebrow，　clearly　intrigued.　“We　don’t　take　just　anyone.　You’ll　have　to　prove　yourself.”

“What　do　you　want?”　he　growled.

Sukie　met　her　gaze　without　flinching.　“I　have　skills　that　could　be　valuable　to　your　establishment.　I’m　confident　I　can　entertain　your　most　discerning　clients.”

“Why　do　you　want　to　work　here?”　she　asked，　her　tone　skeptical.

nce.　The　doorman，　a　burly　man　with　a　scar　running　down　his　cheek，　eyed　her　suspiciously.

He　led　her　inside，　where　she　was　introduced　to　the　madam，　a　shrewd　woman　with　a　keen　eye　for　talent.　The　madam　looked　Sukie　up　and　down，　her　gaze　piercing.

Sukie　agreed，　and　her　training　began　immediately.　The　days　that　followed　were　grueling，　filled　with　lessons　in　dance，　music，　and　conversation.　Sukie’s　determination　never　wavered，　and　she　quickly　proved　herself　to　be　a　fast　learner.　The　other　courtesans，　initially　wary　of　the　newcomer，　began　to　warm　to　her　as　they　saw　her　dedication　and　skill.

Sukie　nodded，　her　voice　steady.　“I　understand.　I’m　ready.”

As　she　immersed　herself　in　her　new　role，　Sukie　kept　her　true　mission　at　the　forefront　of　her　mind.　She　needed　to　gain　the　trust　of　the　brothel’s　most　influential　clients，　especially　those　with　connections　to　the　palace.　One　such　client　was　Lord　Wei，　a　powerful　noble　known　for　his　extravagant　tastes　and　close　ties　to　the　royal　family.

Sukie　straightened　her　posture，　exuding　an　air　of　confidence　and　grace.　“I　seek　employment　as　a　courtesan.　I’ve　heard　this　is　the　finest　establishment　in　the　city.”

The　madam’s　eyes　narrowed，　but　she　nodded.　“Very　well.　You’ll　have　a　trial　period.　If　you　impress　me，　you’ll　stay.　If　not，　you’re　out.”