Chapter 101: Intoxication Pavilion Model Team

Liu Liwa was inwardly shocked listening from outside the door. This woman simply used the resources around her and offered small benefits to easily solve a major problem. Moreover, she didn’t clearly explain the specific details of what she needed the girls to help with. Once the girls had picked their clothes, they would feel obliged and find it hard to refuse.

There was basically nothing left for him to do here. Dealing with such a woman was terrifying—it was best to slip away early.

Just as Liu Liwa was about to sneak off, Young Master Ye, looking distressed, grabbed him. With a pitiful expression, Young Master Ye said, “It’s over. My third sister has already gone mad. Your plan must be carried out today. I need to build an unbreakable heroic image in her heart.”

Liu Liwa forced a bitter smile and said, “Big brother, let’s just go. The women of the Zhao Family are not right for you.”

“No, third sister is the one my heart belongs to. In this lifetime, I will marry no one else,” Young Master Ye declared firmly, his vow touching heaven and earth. Then he turned to Liu Liwa and said, “I’ve already given you all the Silver Taels I have. If you don’t help, when I return, I’ll have to tell my father that my silver was stolen in Linyu County. The Ministry of Justice has been cracking down hard on theft recently, so Linyu County will probably become a key target.”

Damn it… Liu Liwa felt like he was going crazy. First, he had to deal with a young lady connected to the royal family, and now here was the son of a Vice Minister who oversaw the Ministry of War and held a title in the Ministry of Justice. Damn, do you all think this country belongs to you? That the laws exist just for you to vent your anger?

Only now did Liu Liwa realize that these second-generation elites weren’t as brainless as the rumors suggested—they were hard to handle.

“Hehe, Young Master Ye, what are you saying? I, Liu Xiaoqi, am a man of my word. Once I say something, I will do it,” Liu Liwa said with a bright smile, speaking righteously and solemnly. He had already spent a lot of the silver and couldn’t possibly pay it back, so he had to keep going.

Just then, the sound of gongs and drums erupted outside. A lion dance troupe arrived in a grand procession, full of energy and excitement, drawing many onlookers. At the same time, several groups of street performers appeared, performing thrilling acts like breaking stones on their chests and spitting fire right in front of the Clothing Boutique. Red silk ribbons were hung on the plaque, and firecrackers were set up on both sides. More and more people were drawn to the scene, swarming in like bees.

Liu Liwa spotted Zhao Zhong and Zhao Cheng in the crowd. They stood out so much—it was clear they had arranged all of this. Liu Liwa had only briefly mentioned the idea of an opening celebration, but in such a short time, they managed to make it so lively and grand. It really was true: with money, things get done easily. People say the rich get richer because they can afford to invest, take losses, and hold on…

A continuous stream of people poured in, drawn by the lively lion dance and various performances. At that moment, Zhao Zhong and Zhao Cheng directed over ten servants to quickly set up a high platform at the entrance. They worked efficiently and professionally. One side of the platform connected directly to the shop, leading through a folding screen with an opening in the middle and then onto the stage. It felt a bit like a magic trick where a person appears out of nowhere—quite creative.

Gradually, the fire-spitting and stone-breaking acts came to a stop. A majestic and agile lion dance, accompanied by a powerful rhythm, leapt onto the newly built stage. This lion, however, was smaller, looking more like a fluffy pet.

“Pop, pop, pop…” The firecrackers were lit, billowing smoke filled the air, and the atmosphere instantly peaked. More and more people gathered around. Brother Chun, Lord Zeng, and other wealthy merchants and local gentry from the city arrived in carriages. These men were always accompanied by women—during the day, their wives or concubines; at night, their lovers from the Pleasure House.

When the firecrackers ceased and the smoke cleared, people began to wonder: whose family was this, and why were they making such a grand scene?

Just then, a beautiful figure stepped through the folding screen. She wore a short, buttoned black jacket on top and fitted trousers below, giving her a neutral, suit-like appearance. This revolutionary outfit didn’t highlight much feminine softness but instead showcased a rare handsomeness and capability in a woman.

Her appearance immediately stirred the crowd below. The women pointed and commented on her clothes, while the men were captivated by her stunning beauty and charisma.

Miss Zhao held a silk banner bearing the words “An Luwei.” She stood confidently on the stage, without the usual shyness or affectations of a young lady. She looked like a general commanding thousands of troops, a confident smile on her face. As the murmurs died down, she spoke clearly and boldly: “Thank you, neighbors, elders, and fellow townspeople, for being here to celebrate the opening of our ‘An Luwei’ Clothing Boutique. I, a humble woman, am opening this shop to do business here, not seeking great wealth, but only enough for three meals a day. At the same time, I hope to bring some convenience in clothing. Though our shop is small, we offer a wide variety of styles at fair prices, with no deception toward the young or old. Please give us your support. Additionally, anyone who purchases clothing from our shop today will receive a 30% discount. But before that, to not waste your time, we will showcase the clothing we sell. Please take a look first and see if our garments suit you…”

Miss Zhao was elegant and articulate, briefly introducing the shop’s features, selling points, corporate culture, and image. These were all ideas and phrases that Liu Liwa had unintentionally mentioned last night and today, speaking out of habit from a 21st-century mindset. He hadn’t expected this young lady to remember it all, and even apply it flexibly, going beyond mere imitation.

However, these words didn’t seem to have much effect on the audience. It wasn’t unusual—even street performers would say a few polite words. There was nothing particularly novel about it. But just as Miss Zhao stepped down and the gongs and drums started again, the restless crowd suddenly quieted down. Those who had intended to leave found their feet rooted to the spot.

From behind the folding screen, a girl emerged, holding a scented fan that half-covered her face. Her beautiful hair fluttered in the breeze as she gracefully walked onto the high platform. She wore a light pink gauze dress, floating forward like a butterfly among flowers, enchanting and elegant.

This platform had been set up for a fashion show, but it was arranged in such a hurry that it didn’t resemble a runway so much as a stage for a martial arts contest to win a bride. The models were also hastily recruited from the Pleasure House. But that didn’t matter—these girls had performed on bigger stages than any other. They knew how to present themselves in any situation and how to attract men. A model’s task is to make the audience like the clothes through her, but a Pleasure House girl aims to make men like her through the clothes.

So, even though the stage was simple, they knew exactly how to work it: where to appear for the best visibility, where to turn to show the most graceful posture and best highlight their figures. They executed everything perfectly, as if it came naturally.