Chapter 102: Two Preparations

Liu Liwa had attended a few second and third-rate fashion shows before, but compared to the girls on this stage, even professionally trained models would feel inferior. Compared to the free-flowing performances here, the models’ catwalks and poses seemed stiff and rigid.

The first girl moved like a butterfly flitting through flowers, graceful and elegant. The second girl wore a bright green gauze dress, tall and slender, holding an oil-paper umbrella. She looked like a delicate willow in a misty rain, fresh and tender. The third girl wore a bright red silk dress. At first glance, she seemed like a fiery cloud drifting in. She had a red bridal veil over her head, and with both hands, she lifted a corner of the veil slightly, revealing a shy face. She portrayed a bashful bride perfectly.

Next, each girl appeared one by one, each holding a small prop. It didn’t feel like a fashion show at all, but more like a grand stage play. Each person had her role, and each seemed to be telling a story, unique and memorable.

Of course, this method was borrowed from Liu Liwa’s idea. Last night, he had each girl carry a red lantern to create an ambiguous atmosphere and to make the guests focus on them instead of their appearances.

Now Miss Zhao used the same method with minor improvements, but each prop perfectly highlighted their temperament and clothing features. In such a short time, with just a little inspiration, Miss Zhao designed this nearly perfect fashion show. Calling her a genius was not enough.

However, in the end, her thinking was still not open-minded enough. After all, it was a public event, so some truly attractive backless or leg-revealing outfits still didn’t make it to the stage. Although the clothes that appeared were very beautiful, they only attracted noble ladies and well-bred young women. As for the wives and concubines who were no longer youthful and whose prime had passed, seeing these gorgeous dresses and young girls instead made them annoyed. Especially when their husbands stared with wide eyes, it made them burn with jealousy. For these wealthy ladies with purchasing power, her fashion show had the opposite effect.

Liu Liwa shook his head inwardly, sighing that Miss Zhao was still one step short. Pleasure house girls were only initial consumers and couldn’t last long. Moreover, they would affect the price and high-end route. The sales focus must shift to these rich, idle, and aging wealthy ladies.

As Liu Liwa analyzed this secretly, as if reading his mind—or perhaps he still underestimated Miss Zhao—just as this thought occurred to him, Miss Zhao personally walked over. Of course, it wasn’t for him. She went directly into the crowd. Among them, Lord Zeng and Brother Chun knew her background and origins, and since they would cooperate in the future, they were naturally happy to see this grand opening. The more An Luwei earned, the higher their profits would be.

At that moment, Brother Chun and Lord Zeng were introducing their family members to Miss Zhao. Other merchants and local gentry also knew about this young lady’s background and origins. However, since she didn’t acknowledge them, and due to status, position, and class differences, they didn’t dare approach her to greet her. But merchants chase profits by any means necessary. If these merchants couldn’t go, their wives and daughters had no such reservations. Under the pretext of asking about dress prices, they tried to build connections and get close to the young lady.

And this was exactly the effect Miss Zhao wanted. Naturally, she welcomed everyone, chatting and laughing with each person, appearing friendly and approachable. Soon, she proactively invited these wives and young ladies to visit the shop. The ladies happily agreed.

Liu Liwa watched clearly from the side. Miss Zhao was like a public relations manager organizing group purchases, followed by a group of wealthy ladies on a house-viewing tour. The taste was lowered, but the price increased. Moreover, this performance show really wasn’t suitable for these aging wives and ladies to continue watching. But what inside the shop could attract them?

With a curious heart, Liu Liwa followed, wanting to see what marketing methods Miss Zhao had to win over the ladies’ group.

Zhao Zhong and Zhao Cheng, two imposing young men, guarded the entrance like two fierce door gods, keeping strangers away. Fortunately, they recognized Liu Liwa and knew he had a special relationship with Miss Zhao, so they didn’t stop him. At the same time, Miss Zhao didn’t notice him. Liu Liwa felt particularly nervous at that moment. Entering the shop again was like stepping into the models’ backstage changing room. Liu Liwa watched as Miss Zhao led the ladies’ group through a small door. As the door closed, he caught a glimpse of the grand scene of models changing clothes and the embroidered silk bodices and underclothes scattered on the floor…

Liu Liwa didn’t go further because Zhao Zhong and Zhao Cheng were watching him. Maybe they were peeping too. In any case, it wouldn’t be fair if Liu Liwa went in without them.

But Liu Liwa finally understood Miss Zhao’s intention. Because in the backstage fitting room, another VIP-level fashion show would be performed exclusively for these wives and ladies. It was an adult-rated show, specially designed for these “senior” ladies who were no longer young but still wanted to keep their husbands’ hearts.

Miss Zhao’s shrewdness amazed Liu Liwa. In such a short time, she arranged everything so properly, with detailed plans for each step and ample preparation. She treated different people differently: outside were dignified, proper, and slightly creative dresses; inside was the adult-rated show. She shrewdly and accurately pleased everyone.

Liu Liwa quietly retreated. Young Master Ye was still leaning against the counter, ignoring the girls shuttling back and forth and constantly changing clothes. His eyes were fixed only on Third Miss Zhao. And Third Miss Zhao was still staring blankly at the portrait of the black-clad figure, seemingly lovesick. The two of them and one painting formed a strange love triangle.

Outside, the fashion show was still in full swing. Many moralists had already started criticizing this publicly seductive and morally corrupt behavior. Some even recognized these girls from Intoxication Pavilion and began spouting both good and bad comments. Actually, Liu Liwa understood their mentality very well: it was simply a case of sour grapes.

Of course, where there is light, there is darkness. While moralists heavily criticized, there were also people who liked it and immediately placed orders. Inside the shop, tailors were responsible for taking measurements.

Liu Liwa realized that he wasn’t needed here at all. He should first handle his promise to Young Master Ye. After settling this matter, he would never deal with this almost demonically clever Miss Zhao who liked to copy and seize others’ patents again.

Liu Liwa quietly slipped away and wandered around the street for a while. The shops on this street mostly sold daily necessities, like bedsheets, quilts, and washbasins. Of course, there were many clothing boutiques too. Liu Liwa chose one, bought four sets of black clothes, and to avoid suspicion, he also bought several sets of women’s clothing. Also, he really bought a cotton jacket. Then he found a bank and deposited all the silver he had gotten from Young Master Ye. At least there would be some interest, which was better than having it confiscated by Qin Wan’er.

After that, he returned to Intoxication Pavilion, chased Qin Wan’er and the other women out, and began discussing the night’s plan with his Leftover Warrior…