TRWSB – Chapter 99 Engagement

Zhuang Qian sat restlessly in his seat, shifting his weight frequently.

Zhuang Renquan looked at him and asked, “Ah Qian, what’s wrong? You seem a bit off today!”

Zhuang Qian shook his head quickly. “Nothing, Third Uncle. By the way, do you know where my eldest brother went?”

“Your eldest brother won’t get lost. What’s the rush?” Zhuang Renquan replied.

“Third Uncle, don’t you think the ‘Tears of the Goddess’ are a bit overpriced at 200,000 gold coins?” Zhuang Qian asked.

Zhuang Renquan shook his head. “Not at all! It’s meant to be expensive; that’s the point. Those spoiled rich kids use this to woo girls, and it works every time!”

Zhuang Qian: “…”

“How many are you planning to get, Third Uncle?” Zhuang Qian asked.

“I heard there’s a limit of three bottles per person. You can buy three bottles,” Zhuang Renquan said.

Zhuang Qian’s eyes widened. “Third Uncle, I don’t have the money for that.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll cover it. Several women in our family have already asked me to get it for them. Altogether, I’ll need about ten bottles,” Zhuang Renquan said.

Zhuang Qian: “…”

On the stage, the dancers exited, and a sky-blue curtain fell.

Bi Liuyun, dressed in a flowing cyan outfit, stepped out.

“Bi Liuyun is making a personal appearance! He looks quite impressive,” someone remarked.

Zhuang Qian nodded. “Indeed, not bad.”

Qi Shaorong’s influence was undoubtedly pressuring his elder brother heavily.

“Thank you all, esteemed guests, for attending today’s ‘Tears of the Goddess’ showcase. Previously, the Allure Cosmetics Store distributed trial samples, and I believe many of you have already experienced the effects of the ‘Tears of the Goddess.'”

“The ingredients for ‘Tears of the Goddess’ are both precious and rare. Once this batch is sold, there may not be another for several years, so seize the opportunity while you can.”

“Without further ado, we will now begin the sale. There are a total of 100 bottles available, priced at 200,000 gold coins each, with a limit of three bottles per guest. Raise your paddle to purchase. First come, first served.”

The moment Bi Liuyun finished speaking, numerous guests began raising their paddles.

“I’ll take three bottles.”
“I’ll take three bottles.”
“I’ll take three bottles.”

…

“These people are crazy!” Qi Shaoru muttered.

The high demand quickly drove hesitant buyers to act, fearing they might miss out.

“Some of these buyers might be merchants planning to resell the product,” someone noted. Allure Cosmetics products were often resold in other countries, reportedly yielding great profits.

As the product rapidly dwindled, Qi Shaoru grew anxious. “Big Brother, it’s almost sold out! Get me one bottle, please!”

Qi Shaokang looked at her helplessly and nodded. “Alright.”

He raised his paddle but was too late—the last three bottles were snapped up by a female eighth-tier mage.

Qi Shaoru ground her teeth in frustration. “Who are these people?!”

Qi Shaokang consoled her, “Calm down. The effects of this potion aren’t extraordinary. You’re still young and don’t need it yet. By the time you do, there’ll probably be new products available.”

Qi Shaoru stomped her foot in anger.

“Fifth Sister, Second Brother is right! That stuff is a total rip-off at 200,000 gold coins. You’d be better off buying something else instead of lining the pockets of that greedy Allure Cosmetics owner,” Qi Shaofu added.

Qi Shaoru huffed and ignored him.

“Thank you all for your support! Who would have thought that all 100 bottles of ‘Tears of the Goddess’ would sell out so quickly? Next, let’s welcome the owner of Allure Cosmetics to give a speech,” Bi Liuyun announced.

Qi Shaoru blinked in surprise. “So that elusive owner is finally showing themselves!”

Qi Shaokang perked up, and many other guests focused their attention on the stage.

The blue curtain drew back, revealing Qi Shaorong stepping onto the stage.

Zhuang Renquan’s eyes widened. “It’s Qi Shaorong! How can it be him?”

“My elder brother was right,” Zhuang Qian remarked.

Zhuang Renquan turned to him. “Your brother knew?”

“Of course! He’s been working with Qi Shaorong for ages, so he had a pretty good idea,” Zhuang Qian replied.

Zhuang Renquan glanced toward Shen Yuan. “That guy Shen Yuan has really done something impressive this time.”

Zhuang Qian: “…”

“Thank you all for your continued support and love for Allure Cosmetics. The rapid growth and success of Allure Cosmetics over the past few years would not have been possible without your unwavering support…”

Qi Shaokang rubbed his forehead as he watched Qi Shaorong speak on stage. “I finally understand why he doesn’t want to return to the Qi family. Turns out, he’s the owner of Allure Cosmetics. No wonder he prefers his freedom here over returning to the family.”

Qi Shaofu massaged his temples. “Fourth Brother is wealthier than I ever imagined.”

Qi Shaoru clenched her fists and muttered unhappily, “How selfish of him! He’s so rich but only cares about his own enjoyment. He helps outsiders instead of benefiting his own family.”

Qi Shaokang gave her a glance. “Enough, stop complaining.”

Qi Shaoru: “…”

“Now that Fourth Brother has revealed himself, there’ll be more people keeping an eye on him. Even Hu Feng might not be able to protect him. I think it’s only a matter of time before he has to return to the Qi family,” Qi Shaokang said.

Qi Shaoru bit her lip, feeling a mix of emotions.

“…Today’s showcase has been a great success. Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Allure Cosmetics will continue striving to introduce more high-quality products…”

Backstage, Bi Liuyun observed Zhuang Hao and commented, “Young Master Zhuang, isn’t the boss simply captivating?”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Of course. Just look at all the people in the audience staring at him like wolves.”

“The boss is extraordinary. It’s no surprise that so many are drawn to him,” Bi Liuyun said.

As Zhuang Hao began walking toward the stage, Bi Liuyun quickly grabbed his arm. “Young Master Zhuang, where are you going?”

“I’m going up to say a few words.”

Bi Liuyun tried to stop him, but Zhuang Hao’s hand sparked with electric light, making Bi Liuyun release his grip involuntarily due to the pain.

“My speech is done…”

Before Qi Shaorong could finish, Zhuang Hao seized his hand and snatched the sound amplification stone. “I’d like to take this opportunity to make an announcement. Qi Shaorong and I will be getting engaged at the end of this month. I hope everyone here will join us for the occasion.”

Zhuang Hao raised Qi Shaorong’s right hand high in his left. The audience fell silent for a moment, then burst into applause.

The guests stood up, offering congratulations that surged toward the stage like waves.

Mu Tingxuan glanced at Bi Liuyun. “So Shaorong and Zhuang Hao are getting engaged? The boss didn’t let slip a single word about this!”

“Why would he? I bet even the boss didn’t know,” Bi Liuyun said irritably.

“Knowing the boss’s personality, if this was Zhuang Hao acting on his own, the boss would’ve slapped him already.”

Bi Liuyun: “…”

Backstage at Luohua Pavilion.

Qi Shaorong slapped Zhuang Hao hard across the face. “Zhuang Hao, are you crazy? Using a contract to bind me? What’s wrong with you?”

Zhuang Hao didn’t dodge, taking the slap head-on. “Yes, I am crazy. Qi Shaorong, we already had a marriage agreement. Getting engaged is perfectly logical.”

“Zhuang Hao, are you suffering from selective memory? You already broke off the engagement.”

“I wasn’t the one who initiated the break-off.”

“That has nothing to do with me. The engagement was annulled, wasn’t it?”

“Is that why you hate me? Qi Shaorong, when I broke off the engagement, weren’t you secretly delighted? You must’ve thought, ‘This fool doesn’t know what he’s missing—serves him right to be played like this.'”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “You’re absolutely right. I was thrilled when you broke it off.”

Zhuang Hao tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. “Do you have any idea the trouble you’ve stirred up today? There are countless eyes watching you now. The people around you may be capable, but they’re also experts at causing trouble.”

“What does that have to do with you?”

“We’re fated, so it absolutely has something to do with me,” Zhuang Hao said, frustrated.

“Qi Shaorong, being engaged to me costs you nothing. If you agree to this engagement, the Qi family won’t easily act against you. The Zhuang family can protect you. I won’t interfere with your business. Besides, it’s just an engagement, not a marriage. If you meet someone you truly love in the future, as long as they pass my evaluation, I’ll find a way to annul the contract,” Zhuang Hao said.

Qi Shaorong glanced at him. “The person I like has to pass your evaluation?”

Zhuang Hao ground his teeth. “Of course. I can’t just step aside for some random scumbag or vile character.”

Qi Shaorong smirked. “You should know that being a scumbag is quite popular these days.”

“So, you’re saying I’m not scummy enough to suit your taste?” Zhuang Hao asked.

“Don’t mix things up. You’re plenty scummy; I just don’t like your particular brand,” Qi Shaorong replied.

Zhuang Hao: “…”

Yi Fan approached Qi Shaorong. “Congratulations, young master! You’re getting engaged.”

Qi Shaorong glared at him. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Zhuang Hao is quite an excellent person,” Yi Fan said.

“You seem to think highly of him,” Qi Shaorong replied irritably.

Yi Fan nodded. “To be fair, Young Master Zhuang is indeed impressive.”

“Young people these days are so hot-headed, acting on impulse. What a mess!” Qi Shaorong grumbled.

“You talk like you’re an experienced elder. Young master, do you even have much experience in love?”

Qi Shaorong took a deep breath. In his past life, he had been too busy to date, and dying without ever experiencing love was something he deeply regretted.

“Do I look like a complete novice in matters of the heart?” Qi Shaorong asked.

Yi Fan nodded seriously. “Yes, you do.”

Qi Shaorong narrowed his eyes. “Ah Fan, are you trying to forfeit your bonus?”

“You give off the vibe of a player—someone who navigates countless romantic encounters without getting attached. Surely there are many admirers vying for your attention,” Yi Fan teased.

Qi Shaorong: “…”