Before transmigrating, Odis had certain moral standards for himself. But after arriving in this world, his mindset shifted...
He felt that since he'd been given a second life, he ought to experience something different.
With so many streetwalkers, both overt and covert, lining the streets, it would have been strange if Odis, now with a bit of money, hadn't been tempted.
But very quickly, he realized just how crude this world's sex industry was.
He had seen movies about refined courtesans and heard stories of "Yangzhou's slender horses" and certain pleasure houses.
He knew that in higher-end establishments, things should at least appear more dignified, more cultured. There should at least be some artistic performances, or a chance to chat with the ladies, right?
As he delved deeper into the industry, Odis was struck by the cruelty of this city. Many streetwalkers led miserable lives, especially those who contracted diseases and were dying in what should have been their prime...
Odis had tried to help in some ways... like using his connections with the Church of the God of Steam and Machinery to introduce some women to factory work.
But he soon discovered that many of these women eventually returned to the streets.
When he asked why, he learned that most had been laid off due to newer and more efficient machinery, while others had lost their jobs because of factory closures or dismissals by unscrupulous managers.
It was then that Odis began seriously contemplating the issue...
He realized that in this era, ordinary people had very few options... especially those from impoverished backgrounds.
Though society was progressing, even creating new professions, the poor lacked the knowledge and means to board this fast-moving train and share in the era's prosperity.
In the end, they remained trapped in poverty, often living tragic lives.
Odis finally understood what it meant to be "a tragedy of the times"... At the same time, he recognized that given his status and abilities, helping these women through legal and conventional means would be nearly impossible.
So he conceived the idea of reforming Backlund's streetwalking industry...
While drafting his plans, he rescued Mandy, who was about to be sold to a black-market dancehall due to debt, and began grooming her as his second-in-command.
With a detailed strategy in place, he used Mysticism to subdue the gang led by Enoch, gradually advancing his plan until he finally invested all his savings and every penny he could borrow into opening Rosewood Pavilion.
After the dancehall's launch, Odis realized that these women's demands were modest. They simply wanted a safe and protected place to conduct their business.
Yet without his efforts, even this basic request would have gone unfulfilled...
Over the next six months, Odis trained a group of streetwalkers to meet the standards of 'refined courtesans', imparting them with literary and artistic cultivation, proficiency in at least one musical instrument, and various social dances.
At this level, they could no longer be called streetwalkers. In Loen's terms, they were now socialites.
It was also around this time that Odis began building his intelligence network.
This novel 'business' attracted high-ranking nobles, wealthy elites, and even parliamentarians. Some princes had even visited in secret.
In effect, Odis had planted numerous informants within Backlund's upper echelons.
It was through this network that he had confirmed the recent activities of young nobles visiting the 'Roselle Memorial Exhibition' alone.
At the same time, he skillfully leveraged the influence of certain powerful figures to ensure Rosewood Pavilion's continued existence as a gray-market enterprise.
The tobacco in his pipe burned out. Odis cleared his throat, bringing his reminiscences to an end.
Glancing out the window, he turned his thoughts to the new knowledge he had gained after his advancement...
....
~Unit 15 Minsk Street, Cherwood Borough~
Klein returned home in the carriage hired by Mike...
As soon as he stepped inside, he casually pulled out a coin and silently recited:
"I have met Mr. Gale before."
"I have met Mr. Gale before..."
While repeating this, he flipped the coin. It landed on heads, meaning they had met before!
Klein shut the door and hurried to the sofa. After getting into position, he initiated a dream divination:
"The scene where I met Mr. Gale."
"The scene where I met Mr. Gale..."
After seven repetitions, he sat on the sofa and entered a meditative trance.
In the half-awake state, a small parlor appeared before his eyes. It was complete with luxurious sofas, a coffee table, and a cigar box.
This was the scene from their recent meeting...
But soon, the familiar setting was obscured by rolling gray fog, which blocked his vision entirely. Klein jolted awake.
He frowned, 'The divination failed... Is it due to insufficient information? Or had some high-level Sealed Artifact interfered?'
*Ding-a-ling~*
The doorbell interrupted his thoughts. When he answered, he found the maid of his landlady, Mrs. Stelyn Sammer, inviting him to a gathering.
Only then did Klein remember that he had promised Mrs. Sammer to attend today's matchmaking party.
As for the mystery of Mr. Gale, he could revisit it later, or simply drop it. After all, they moved in different circles, and there was no need to resort to the gray fog for answers...
....
~Shortly after 1 PM~
Odis arrived by carriage at the Backlund Fighting Club in Hillston Borough once again...
Head coach Fedray was his sparring partner today. After reviewing last night's session, he decided to employ 'Tai Chi' against Fedray.
Having learned Tai Chi in university physical education classes, Odis had a deeper understanding of this martial art than Bajiquan.
Moves like 'Parting the Wild Horse's Mane' and 'White Crane Spreads Its Wings' flowed from him one after another, leaving the club's other members dumbfounded.
Fedray mused inwardly: 'Has he learned yet another combat style? This one excels in redirecting and generating force… Why haven't I seen it before? Though the stances are a bit odd... If Odis fully masters this style, he'll be incredibly difficult to handle...'
Even now, Odis occasionally managed to counterattack.
After another hour of practice, Fedray nodded approvingly, "Excellent. I can tell you've put a lot of thought into this."
Odis thanked him. Then, just like yesterday, he began reviewing and analyzing his performance...
Fedray occasionally glanced over while instructing other members, and couldn't help but sigh: "At this rate, I might have nothing left to teach him in a week..."
...
By the time Odis left the club, evening had fallen again...
Unfazed by the fog outside, Odis smiled in satisfaction. He had gained much from today's session.
On his way to the public carriage stop, he spotted the same scruffy middle-aged man from yesterday.
This time, the man approached with a grin: "Friend, want to make some money?"
Odis studied the man, then replied, "Sure. What have you got? Something illegal?"
Inwardly, 'Please don't tell me this is some 'wealthy woman seeking a sperm donor' scam…' he thought wryly.