Chapter 84: Sacrificing the Small Self

Miss Zhao didn’t quite believe Liu Liwa’s words. Besides, demanding a 60-40 split right off the bat was too greedy. Still, even though she had great confidence in her designs, the people of this era had lived under the weight of old customs and beliefs for too long. While hypocrisy and immorality ran rampant behind the scenes, on the surface, everyone pretended to be virtuous gentlemen and elegant ladies.

So, though her confidence was strong, she understood that accepting something new took time. Targeting pleasure houses as the primary market for her avant-garde, bold clothing was the smartest move. Miss Zhao pumped her fist fiercely. “Silver taels aren’t the issue,” she declared. “A 60-40 split isn’t the issue either. The biggest problem is that my Clothing Boutique needs to make a name for itself quickly. I need the entire world to know Zhao Jiabi is capable and resourceful!”

Huh? Liu Liwa watched her eagerness. He’d seen many women brimming with self-confidence, determined to soar high. Yet they often ended up as mistresses or working in bathhouses. Miss Zhao definitely wasn’t like that. But what did it mean when a spoiled second-generation heir couldn’t wait to break free and prove herself?

Liu Liwa finally couldn’t resist asking meekly, “Miss, might I ask… were you perhaps… running away from home?”

“Ah? How did you know?” Miss Zhao instantly grew tense, looking around nervously. “Has the news already spread this far?”

Liu Liwa nearly fainted. He’d thought striking gold by befriending another elite heiress was his big break. Turns out, she was a runaway rich girl, likely penniless now. But it didn’t make sense! A wealthy heiress like her, with so many resources, wouldn’t need to run away to start a business. He had to ask again, more timidly than before. “Miss, please don’t tell me… you ran away to escape an arranged marriage!”

“Oh ho! You are sharp. Good! I chose well!” Miss Zhao brightened. Though she played the tough businesswoman, a hint of girlish playfulness and stubbornness surfaced now. She even puffed her cheeks indignantly, looking rather cute.

But her cuteness meant nothing to Liu Liwa. He felt like he’d plunged into an ice cellar. The man she was escaping marriage to was probably none other than the present Emperor! This newly ascended ruler was barely twenty—a young man wielding immense power, feeling invincible. Defying him now was like challenging the heavens!

Liu Liwa wiped cold sweat off his brow and turned to leave. “Thank you for your high regard, Miss. Let’s never meet again!”

This life of his was chaos needing no justification! Countless women schemed day and night just to enter the palace and rise to power. Many court ladies fought desperately for the Emperor’s favor. Yet this lady played runaway bride against the Emperor? He was already banished to serve in a pleasure house! Getting involved with her could only mean getting reborn all over again.

“Halt!” Miss Zhao darted forward, blocking the door with her hands defiantly on her hips, like a bandit lady stealing a groom. “What? Think you can just run off?”

Liu Liwa looked utterly miserable. “Miss, your runaway marriage saga has nothing to do with me! You sell clothes, women’s clothes! What can a grown man like me possibly help you with? I really don’t want to waste your time.”

“Absolutely not!” Miss Zhao declared firmly. That “everything is under my control” expression settled back onto her face, like a powerful Empress issuing an imperial decree. “You know my secret now! We already agreed to our partnership terms—70-30! Starting right now, we are business partners. Wanting to quit? Not happening!”

“Please, Miss!” Liu Liwa panicked. “I’m just a errand boy at the pleasure house, a mere Brothel Steward! I have no abilities! No connections! I genuinely cannot help you! Why not find Brother Chun, Lord Zeng, Young Master Ye, or Supervisor Wen? They’re big shots! A powerful partnership! Build a business empire together!”

“No! I choose only you!” Miss Zhao proclaimed with absolute conviction. She waved Miss Liuyun’s photorealistic portrait right under his nose. “Because of this! Look at the woman in that painting! With your planning and direction, simple poses plus unique clothing made something truly special and beautiful! That aligns perfectly with my design philosophy and goals! Who else could I possibly find to partner with?”

“I really can’t do it!” Liu Liwa blurted out—the one phrase no man ever wants or should utter.

He didn’t want to get entangled further. There was no profit here, only peril. Getting involved with this woman? Just not worth the risk or hassle.

“Haaa…” He tried ducking past her towards the door while she was distracted. But Miss Zhao instantly wrapped him in a powerful grip.

Ah!” she let out a sharp scream.

Liu Liwa froze mid-scuffle, terrified. This lady was the young Emperor’s intended bride! Here they were—a guy and a girl, alone in a locked room. A girl screaming like that? If someone saw…

Miss Zhao smirked triumphantly at his fear. Cold sweat poured down Liu Liwa’s face. Staying meant more trouble. He faked left, then juked right—smooth, convincing moves bought him an opening. He lunged for the exit.

“Ah!” Another scream ripped from Miss Zhao. He ignored it. If he didn’t escape now, someone might actually come check. Then he’d be utterly doomed!

He charged headlong for the door. Scream after scream pierced his ears, frantic like she was trying to smash the door open herself. Miss Zhao realized the screaming tactic failed. For her goal, she had to go all in. So she…

Riiiiip! A sharp tearing sound filled the room. Her fashionable, party-like top tore open. The skirt, slit like a cheongsam, gave way. Smooth, fragrant shoulders and collarbones, breathtakingly exposed. A long, shapely leg gleamed into view. She threw herself bodily against Liu Liwa, wrapping him tightly. No talking, smiling, or fussing. She just held on—waiting for him to open the door.

His hand automatically shot out towards the deadbolt. Seeing… all this… felt like grabbing a live wire. He snatched his hand back, shoved the bolt deeper into place, and slammed his body against the door instead—ensuring maximum security. His eyes, however, strayed downward involuntarily. Legs… chest… Wow! Truly, a Miss had substance!

He caught just a glimpse of shadow between firm curves. So deep! It implied towering peaks below. Magnificent! That faintly glimpsed leg too—milky pale, looking ready to drip dew… But was this really the time for admiring stolen peeks?

“This move of yours… way too ruthless, Miss!” Liu Liwa groaned, looking down from his vantage point at the alluring depths. He felt half-tempted to just bury his head down there and suffocate.

Miss Zhao clung to his arm, striking a pose—though her own face blazed crimson. Yet fierce determination was written all over her features. At this crucial moment, her confidence blazed brighter than ever. “I will achieve whatever I set my mind to,” she declared. “No matter the method. Sacrificing my small self? That’s my guiding principle! I will build my own enterprise! I will prove to the world that even though the Zhao Family has no male heir, I—Zhao Jiabi—can inherit our legacy! I will never be married off to the Imperial Family!”