TRWSB – Chapter 98 Goddess’s Tears Sales Exhibition

Tianlan Academy

“Disciple, are you requisitioning the academy’s guard team?” Hu Feng asked.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Yes.”

Hu Feng looked at Qi Shaorong and asked, “What are you up to?”

“I have a big business deal and need more hands,” Qi Shaorong replied.

Hu Feng’s expression became animated. “A big business deal? How big? Don’t tell me you’re planning to hunt a Level 9 magical beast?”

Qi Shaorong shook his head. “No way. Hunting a Level 9 beast? I’m not suicidal. It’s just for selling a few items.”

“Selling a few items requires the academy’s guard team?” Hu Feng asked suspiciously.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Yes, just as a precaution.”

“How much are you expecting to sell?” Hu Feng asked curiously.

“If everything sells out, about 20 million,” Qi Shaorong replied.

“20 million gold coins?” Hu Feng exclaimed.

“Of course! A million silver coins wouldn’t amount to much,” Qi Shaorong scoffed.

Hu Feng chuckled dryly. “Disciple, you truly think big!”

Qi Shaorong smiled lightly. “It’s not a big deal.”

“How long do you need the guards for?” Hu Feng asked.

“Two days,” Qi Shaorong replied.

“Alright,” Hu Feng agreed.

The Zhuang Family

“Big brother, it’s confirmed that ‘Tears of the Goddess’ will be sold at Luohuaxuan. Previously, the details were vague, only stating it would be sold in the capital. I thought it would be distributed through one of the emperor’s cosmetic shops, but it’s all being sold at Luohuaxuan. Big brother, what do you think the owner of Charming Beauty Cosmetics is planning?” Zhuang Qian asked, puzzled.

Zhuang Hao glanced at Zhuang Qian and said, “Qi Shaorong’s plans are naturally different from others.”

“Big brother, are you confused? What does the owner of Charming Beauty Cosmetics have to do with Qi Fourth Young Master?”

“Qi Shaorong is the owner of Charming Beauty Cosmetics,” Zhuang Hao said.

Zhuang Qian spat out his water in shock. “Big brother, what did you say?”

Zhuang Hao took a deep breath. “I said, Charming Beauty Cosmetics was founded by Qi Shaorong.”

Zhuang Qian swallowed hard, staring at Zhuang Hao. “Big brother, are you sure you’re not mistaken?”

Zhuang Hao shook his head. “I’m not.”

“Qi Fourth Young Master… he’s incredible! Not only does he have another identity as an evil doctor, but he also founded Charming Beauty Cosmetics. And to think he always joked about running a flower house. I actually thought he was a brothel keeper!” Zhuang Qian chuckled, then suddenly remembered something. “Big brother, have I said something wrong in front of Qi Shaorong again?”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Yes. You said he was running a black market shop.”

Zhuang Qian slapped his forehead, suddenly wanting to bang his head against the wall. “Why do I always say such things?”

Zhuang Hao looked at him and said, “Don’t worry. When you owe so many debts, what’s one more? Qi Shaorong won’t hold it against you.”

Taking a deep breath, Zhuang Hao thought, Although Zhuang Qian has said plenty of foolish things in front of Qi Shaorong, the latter seems to have a surprisingly good impression of my brother—better than his impression of me, at least.

Zhuang Qian tilted his head and asked, “Big brother, what are you thinking?”

“Nothing,” Zhuang Hao replied, shaking his head. “I was just thinking that Qi Shaorong seems to like you quite a bit.”

“Really? Big brother, do you think Qi Fourth Young Master likes me?” Zhuang Qian asked excitedly.

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Yes, he seems to think well of you.”

Scratching his head, Zhuang Qian said, “You’re right! Although Qi Fourth Young Master doesn’t always have kind words for me and keeps saying I’m fat, I don’t feel like he dislikes me!”

Looking at Zhuang Qian’s gleeful expression, Zhuang Hao couldn’t help feeling slightly annoyed.

Luohuaxuan

Zhuang Hao stepped into Luohuaxuan, which was decorated lavishly for the upcoming product exhibition. Inside, everyone was busy preparing for the event, while outside, guards from Tianlan Academy stood watch.

“Isn’t that Zhuang Hao? He has a special status. Should we stop him?” one guard asked.

“Zhuang Hao seems to have a close relationship with our employer, Qi Shaorong. Let’s stay out of it,” another guard replied.

“True. After all, Zhuang Hao and Qi Shaorong were once engaged.”

“Young Master Zhuang, we’re closed during the day today. Activities won’t begin until tonight,” a dancer from Luohua Pavilion said, stopping Zhuang Hao.

“I know. I’m here to see your boss,” Zhuang Hao replied, walking straight into Luohua Pavilion.

“Zhuang Hao, our boss doesn’t take visitors.”

“Feiyue, Young Master Zhuang isn’t an outsider. You can leave,” Bi Liuyun said, descending gracefully from upstairs. “Young Master Zhuang, what a rare guest we have!”

Bi Liuyun waved his folding fan, looking at Zhuang Hao. “Young Master Zhuang, is there something I can help you with?”

“Is he here?” Zhuang Hao asked.

Bi Liuyun tilted his head, gazing at Zhuang Hao. “He? Who are you referring to?”

“Bi Qinshi, have you known him all along? Like Yifan, have you both been watching me make a fool of myself?” Zhuang Hao asked bitterly.

Bi Liuyun chuckled lightly. “You overthink, Young Master Zhuang. Who would dare mock you?”

“What about Shaorong?”

“Young Master, he’s in the inner courtyard.”

“Thank you,” Zhuang Hao said.

“Young Master Zhuang, no need to be so polite with me,” Bi Liuyun replied.

In the courtyard.

Several dancers were rehearsing for an upcoming performance.

Qi Shaorong stood in front of a group of dancers, giving them pointers. Although Qi Shaorong didn’t know much about dancing, his exposure to Earth’s various dance forms allowed him to offer unique suggestions.

Zhuang Hao watched Qi Shaorong. “You’re quite busy, aren’t you?”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Indeed. I’m nowhere near as idle as you, Young Master Zhuang.”

“Fourth Young Master Qi, you’re impressive,” Zhuang Hao remarked.

Qi Shaorong waved dismissively. “I’ve heard that so many times, my ears are practically calloused. Everyone knows it already, so you don’t need to say it.”

Zhuang Hao: “…”

“Disciple!”

As Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Hao spent time in the courtyard, Hu Feng suddenly barged in.

Qi Shaorong glanced at him. “Master, what brings you here?”

“I’m here to back you up!” Hu Feng patted his chest confidently.

Qi Shaorong smiled. “Thank you, Master.”

Hu Feng waved his hand. “No need for thanks. We’re master and disciple; no need for formalities.” Hu Feng’s gaze darted between Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Hao. “Disciple, I didn’t interrupt any private conversations between you two, did I?”

“Of course not. There’s nothing for us to talk about,” Qi Shaorong replied.

“Disciple, why did you have the guard squad come here? I heard there’s going to be a product launch for Goddess Tears by Qincheng Cosmetics. What’s your relationship with the owner of that shady shop?” Hu Feng asked curiously.

Qi Shaorong looked at him. “Master, I am that shady shop owner.”

Hu Feng: “…” “So that’s how it is! Disciple, your shop is doing well. Honestly, it’s not that shady.”

Qi Shaorong chuckled. “Of course, I know my shop isn’t shady. I’m a businessman with a conscience, morality, and principles. My shop has always been about fairness, transparency, and honesty. Many even think my prices are ridiculously low…”

Qi Heng leaned closer to Qi Shaorong. “Young Master, isn’t that a bit over the top?”

Qi Shaorong shot him a look. “What are you saying?”

Qi Heng laughed awkwardly. “Nothing, nothing.”

Yifan approached Qi Shaorong. “Shaorong, Liuyun says most of the guests have arrived, and we’ll be starting soon.”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Got it.”

A melody of guqin and flute harmonized, drifting from the front hall.

Hu Feng perked up. “What beautiful music! The guqin and flute are perfectly in sync. Both players must be sound masters, capable of helping others calm their minds and break through bottlenecks. I recognize Bi Liuyun on the guqin, but who’s playing the flute? It’s equally impressive.”

Qi Shaorong shrugged. “That’s Tingxuan.”

“Disciple, you’ve got some talented people under you!” Hu Feng remarked.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Naturally. With someone as outstanding as me, it’s only natural my team is exceptional.”

Hu Feng: “…”

Bi Liuyun stood upstairs, gazing at the stage below. The audience seats were packed, with many elegantly dressed noblewomen in attendance.

Onstage, dancers in vibrant costumes performed gracefully. Smoke billowed across the stage, and colorful crystals refracted dazzling light. Qi Shaorong observed the audience’s reactions, resting his chin on his hand. “The opening seems to be well-received.”

“The turnout is good,” Yifan commented.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “It seems so.”

Qi Shaoru sat beside Qi Shaokang, puzzled. “Second Brother, why is Qincheng Cosmetics’ Goddess Tears product launch being held at Luohua Pavilion?”

Qi Shaokang shook his head. “I’m not sure either. You’d have to ask the owner of Qincheng Cosmetics.”

“Is the owner of Qincheng Cosmetics out of their mind? Holding an event at a place like this? Aren’t they worried about lowering their image?” Qi Shaoru tugged at her sleeve.

“They’re just running a shady shop to begin with. There’s no image to protect,” Qi Shaofu commented.

Qi Shaokang: “…”

Qi Shaoru glanced around. Among the guests, several appeared to be royal consorts, veiled in elegance.

“Second Brother, can you bid for a bottle of Goddess Tears for me? I’ll pay you back with my allowance later,” Qi Shaoru asked.

Qi Shaokang looked at her. “Really?”

Qi Shaoru nodded earnestly. “Of course. I promise.”

Qi Shaokang chuckled. “Fifth Sister, your promises are worthless. Besides, your second brother isn’t exactly flush with cash right now.”

“Second Brother, if even you’re not doing well financially, then who is? Please, just this once!” Qi Shaoru pleaded.

“Your fourth brother has money. More than enough,” Qi Shaokang said sourly. “Luohua Pavilion’s security is being handled by Tianlan Academy’s guard squad. Over a hundred of them came, each paid a thousand gold coins in commission, plus a gift set of cosmetics worth another thousand.”

Qi Shaoru forced a smile. “Second Brother, you know how bad my relationship with him is. But what does this launch have to do with Fourth Brother? Why’s he involved?”

Qi Shaokang looked at her. “Your fourth brother might be quite closely tied to Qincheng Cosmetics.”

Qi Shaoru: “…”

“The owner of Qincheng Cosmetics is no ordinary person. They even managed to hire two sound masters,” Qi Shaokang remarked.