Chapter 3: The First Transaction

Being cared for by a boy barely into his teens, Jiang Lihua felt a swirl of complicated emotions.

She took the steamed bun, grabbed one for herself, and handed the other to Ni Wenyu. “I only need one.”

He didn’t take it. “Lihua, I ate a lot last night, I’m not hungry. One is enough.”

No sooner had he spoken than his stomach let out a loud rumble, betraying him.

That was quick humiliation!

Jiang Lihua covered her mouth to stifle a laugh and shoved the bun into his hand. “Here, take it.”

Ni Wenyu blushed as he accepted the bun.

“Lihua, come with me to the study. After I return the books, I’ll take you around.”

Go around with him? How was she supposed to earn money then?

Jiang Lihua shook her head. “No, you go to the study to return your books. I’ll wander on my own, and we can meet at the city gate.”

Seeing the determination in her eyes, Ni Wenyu didn’t insist. “Alright, be careful on your own.”

She nodded, parted ways with him, and began to explore the streets.

Ni Wenyu followed her for a while, and after seeing no dangers, headed toward the study.

Jiang Lihua observed the shops lining the street: tailor’s shops, pawnshops, cosmetics stores, gold and silver jewelry shops—everything imaginable.

After some browsing, she had decided what to sell.

She slipped into a quiet alley unnoticed, summoned the spatial storage of the general store, and took out three bottles of affordable BB cream from the beauty section.

Choosing a high-end cosmetics shop, she stepped inside.

The hour was still early, and the shop had just opened with no customers. Upon entering, two maids immediately scrutinized her.

With her messy hair and ill-fitting jacket, she looked every bit the poor country girl.

The maid in the pink jacket sneered, broom in hand, and shooed her away.

“Hey, the things in our shop aren’t for poor girls like you. Get out before you dirty our floor.”

“Looking down on people with dog’s eyes,” Jiang Lihua muttered.

“What did you say, you brat?” the maid snapped, dropping her broom and readying to strike.

The other maid in a pale blue jacket quickly grabbed her. “Xiao Hong, stop it. I’ll tell her to leave, don’t bother with her.”

“Xiao Lan, let go! I’m going to teach this brat a lesson today.”

Xiao Lan didn’t let go but turned to Jiang Lihua with a gentle voice. “Little girl, please leave. Our things are expensive; you should buy at the makeup shop around the corner.”

“I’m here to sell something. Please call the madam for me,” Jiang Lihua said.

Xiao Hong barked at her again. “Brat, with your poor looks, what good could you possibly have to sell? Get out, or don’t blame me for being rude.”

Jiang Lihua sized her up and said, “Tsk, tsk, if you’re not poor, why aren’t you a lady at home?”

Her words struck a nerve.

“Xiao Lan, let me go! I won’t call myself Xiao Hong if I don’t teach this brat a lesson today!”

Suddenly, a stern female voice interrupted, “Xiao Hong, it’s early morning. What’s all this noise about?”

Xiao Lan and Xiao Hong quickly bowed. “Madam.”

Jiang Lihua looked at the woman—about thirty-five, round-faced, fair-skinned, with thick hair pinned up neatly with a white jade hairpin, dressed with elegance and poise.

Seeing Jiang Lihua, Madam Liu Yunxin frowned. “Xiao Hong, Xiao Lan, there’s a customer here. Why are you making such a ruckus instead of attending to her?”

Xiao Lan was about to reply but Xiao Hong beat her to it. “Madam, it’s this poor girl saying she wants to sell something.”

“Xiao Hong, how many times must I tell you? Every customer is a guest; you must not judge by appearance.”

With that, Liu Yunxin turned to Jiang Lihua and smiled gently. “I am the madam here, just call me Madam Liu. What do you want to sell? Show me.”

Jiang Lihua shot a glance at Xiao Hong before producing the BB cream. “Madam Liu, I want to sell this.”

Madam Liu examined the strange bottles in Jiang Lihua’s hand.

Despite her experience, she had never seen such items. “Girl, what are these?”

“Madam Liu, this is face cream. Applied to the skin, it makes it as soft and pink as a baby’s and can conceal facial blemishes.”

“Oh? Does it really work that well?”

Madam Liu was skeptical. Even the imperial concubines didn’t have such powders. How could a place like Lunan Town?

Jiang Lihua glanced at Xiao Lan and Xiao Hong, then pointed to Xiao Hong. “Madam, I see Xiao Hong has quite a few spots on her face. May I try it on her?”

Xiao Hong was terrified, eyes wide. “Madam, please don’t agree! This brat surely wants to take revenge on me.”

Jiang Lihua looked sincere. “Please rest assured, Madam. This product has absolutely no side effects.”

Out of Madam Liu’s sight, Jiang Lihua gave Xiao Hong an evil smile.

Xiao Hong grew even more frightened and knelt, begging Madam Liu. “Madam, you can’t let her do this! How could a poor girl have such things?”

Madam Liu, seeing Jiang Lihua’s honesty, thought for a moment and then consented. “Xiao Hong, cooperate and let this girl try it on you.”

Jiang Lihua smiled. “Miss Xiao Hong, please have a seat.”

Knowing Madam Liu was firm, Xiao Hong reluctantly stood and sat on the chair.

Seeing Xiao Hong trembling, Jiang Lihua whispered, “Don’t be afraid, this won’t damage your skin.”

Xiao Hong trembled more but dared not resist—Madam Liu’s punishments were not something she could bear.

Seeing her timidity, Jiang Lihua ceased teasing and got down to business.

She opened a bottle, squeezed out some BB cream, dabbed it on half of Xiao Hong’s face, and gently patted it smooth.

Madam Liu and Xiao Lan watched the gradual transformation in amazement.

Jiang Lihua only applied it to half the face for a clear contrast.

Within the time it took an incense stick to burn, she was done.

“All done, Madam Liu. Look, just a little makes this much difference. One bottle lasts about six months.”

Half of Xiao Hong’s face was smooth and pale, blemishes vanished—a stark contrast to the other half.

Most importantly, the cream blended seamlessly with the skin, unlike other powders that sat visibly on the surface.

Madam Liu saw a huge business opportunity and her gaze toward Jiang Lihua changed.

“What’s your name, young lady?”

“Jiang Lihua, Madam Liu. You may just call me Lihua.”

“Good. I can tell you’re straightforward. How much do you plan to sell this for?”

Jiang Lihua threw the question back. “Madam, what do you think it’s worth?”

In business, one mustn’t reveal their bottom line too soon.

Madam Liu smiled, impressed by Lihua’s shrewdness at such a young age. She liked dealing with clever people.

“The value depends on whose hands it’s in. If it can’t be sold, it’s worth nothing.”

Jiang Lihua understood perfectly. No matter how good, it depends on the purchasing power.

Given Lunan Town’s current economy, if the price was too high, it would be difficult to sell.