Chapter 98: An Luwei

Liu Liwa was picked up like a tiny ant by that Zhang Fei-like figure, who was either Zhao Zhong or Zhao Cheng. Liu Liwa never expected that the woman who was tearing her own shirt and skirt yesterday would act like a stranger today—and even bring monster bodyguards. Strictly speaking, this was the young lady’s true nature.

The whole time, the young lady never once turned to look at him; she kept her eyes fixed on the girls selecting dresses, clearly enjoying the feeling of her creations being admired. Those girls didn’t glance over either—when faced with a choice between men and clothes, women always choose clothes first. A beautiful woman can have men easily.

Third Young Miss was completely absorbed in sketching heroes, Young Master Ye was deeply engrossed in his heroic thoughts, and no one paid any attention to Liu Liwa.

Just as the Zhang Fei-like monster was about to throw Liu Liwa out, a burst of noisy discussion came from outside: “What kind of shop is this? Why are there so many girls inside?”

A woman carrying a vegetable basket spoke up outside, and an older woman next to her, also out shopping, whispered, “Look at those girls—their clothes are revealing and they’re acting wild. Maybe this is a newly opened pleasure house?”

“What? Let’s get out of here quickly!”

The woman pulled the older lady away in a hurry. Then, a group of men arrived, craning their necks to peer inside, making flirty remarks to the girls in the shop. Miss Zhao finally lifted her head, her nose scrunched in anger. It was then that she finally noticed Liu Liwa, who was being held like a bug about to be tossed out. She paused slightly and asked, “What are you doing here?”

Liu Liwa broke out in a cold sweat. He struggled to lift his chin and gestured toward the big dark guy holding him. The young lady quickly said, “Zhao Zhong, put him down.”

The big dark guy obeyed and put Liu Liwa down, then corrected her, “Miss, I’m Zhao Cheng.”

The other big dark guy added, “Miss, I’m Zhao Zhong!”

Zhao Jiabi was speechless. Liu Liwa wiped his sweat beside her. These two big dark guys looked exactly alike—who could tell which one was the older and which one was the younger?

The young lady waved her hand impatiently. “Fine, both of you, go outside and chase those men away.”

The two big dark guys followed the order. As soon as they stepped outside, without speaking or lifting a hand, the crowd scattered like frightened animals, as if facing two terrifying soul-reaping demons from hell.

Zhao Jiabi glanced sideways at Liu Liwa, pulled him aside, and said, “You’re quite eager, aren’t you? Did you come with the girls to wait for your share of the profits? Don’t worry—I, Zhao Jiabi, always prioritize credibility in business. If I said a 40-60 split, you’ll get your share.”

“I completely trust you, Miss,” Liu Liwa quickly agreed. Seeing Zhao Zhong and Zhao Cheng, he had no choice but to believe—even if she went back on her word, what could he do? “But Miss, you heard what those people outside were saying. This location is good, with lots of foot traffic, and most of the passersby are decent women—perfect customers for a clothing boutique. So why don’t they seem to know this is a clothing shop?”

Zhao Jiabi frowned delicately, pinching her chin as she replied, “Yeah, I’ve been wondering about that too. I clearly hung up a sign.”

Liu Liwa couldn’t stop wiping his sweat. That sign of hers was hung high, with clear and beautiful lettering, but the name “An Luwei”—who would know what it meant? Even if it were a famous brand like “LV” in the future, people who didn’t know might mistake it for something else—like a public restroom, with “WC” written on it!

Liu Liwa couldn’t help asking, “Miss, how long has this place been open? Didn’t you think to let the neighbors know with an opening ceremony? Set off firecrackers, offer grand opening discounts, something like that?”

“Is all that really necessary?” Miss Zhao scratched her head, puzzled. “Isn’t hanging up the sign enough to mean we’re open?”

“That sign of yours—An Luwei?” Liu Liwa said irritably. “People who know you might think it’s your mother’s name and assume you’ve set up a memorial tablet for her here. Those who don’t know might think it’s a coffin shop—rest in peace, hallelujah!”

“You… How dare you insult my mother!” Zhao Jiabi didn’t understand the reference, but she was furious. Just as the two big dark monsters were about to charge over, Liu Liwa quickly waved his hands. “Misunderstanding! I’m talking about business, just business!”

“What do you mean, then?” Miss Zhao demanded, scowling.

“What I mean is, could you please have these two big dark… gentlemen step back a bit? Their nostrils are so big, it’s affecting my air quality.” Liu Liwa tried to nudge the two giant, iron-tower-like men, but they didn’t budge. The young lady waved her hand, and only then did the two step away. Liu Liwa took a deep breath and said, “Miss, this is basic common sense for running a physical retail business. At the very least, on opening day, you should make it lively and grand, so all the neighbors—even the whole city—know that a new shop has opened here, selling clothes. Otherwise, it’ll be like earlier: a crowd of girls gathered inside, and people think it’s a pleasure house!”

“Do we really need to go to all that trouble?” The young lady shook her head dismissively. In truth, Liu Liwa could tell she already agreed with his idea, but with her arrogant personality and need to control everything, she would never admit her own shortcomings, nor would she repeatedly follow Liu Liwa’s suggestions—that would make her feel useless. “Our Zhao Family has been grain merchants for generations. We’ve never held any grand ceremonies, yet grain merchants from everywhere still flock to us!”

Liu Liwa had nothing to say. Even he, as an outsider to this era, knew that neighboring Ningyuan County was one of the largest grain-producing bases in the entire Dongning Kingdom. The rice produced there was glossy, high-quality, and fragrant, designated for generations as the Imperial Family’s official rice. Besides supplying the Imperial Family, it also went to the soldiers at the northern border. Even so, Ningyuan County’s vast fields yielded endless harvests, filling granaries to the brim—all of which were the private property of the Zhao Family. Of course, grain merchants would come to them on their own.

Liu Liwa could tell she understood his point. She was just being stubborn to avoid admitting her lack of ability. But honestly, it wasn’t really his business. Only this group of girls concerned him—their spending meant a 40% share for him. So he cut to the chase: “All right, Miss, this business is yours. I shouldn’t say more. How about you give me the 40% share we agreed on yesterday? I need to go buy some winter clothes to prepare for the cold.”

He deliberately sounded pitiful, hoping to cut ties with her immediately. This woman was too arrogant, proud, and self-absorbed—yet at critical moments, she wasn’t above using her looks. She was impossible to deal with.

The young lady gave a mysterious smile. “Don’t be in such a hurry. I’m not short on silver taels. But I just thought of a great idea: I’ll have someone buy firecrackers later and hold a grand opening ceremony so everyone in the city knows this is a clothing boutique. We’ll also host a banquet and invite all the city’s merchants and gentry to bring their wives. We’ll make the name ‘An Luwei’ famous! But the cost will come from the silver taels these girls spent on clothes. So if you want your share, you’ll have to wait until we earn more from the next round of sales.”

Liu Liwa was speechless.