"We're indeed going to hold a beauty pageant," the madam's face suddenly turned rather ugly. "But I only told my girls about this yesterday. How did you find out?"
July squinted and smiled. "Several of your girls suddenly came to our shop to buy clothes yesterday. Out of curiosity, I asked them, and they told me about the pageant. They even invited me to come and cheer them on."
The madam nodded upon hearing this. "Oh, so you saw this as an opportunity and came to me to propose a cooperation?"
July nodded. "We'll provide free clothes for your pageant. Your girls can dress up more beautifully than usual, which will attract more customers. It's a win - win situation. Why not, Madam?"
"Win - win?" The madam squinted and smiled. "Then what do you want in return?"
"As expected of you, Madam. It's always pleasant to talk to smart people."
July grinned. "I want your pageant's backdrop to be entirely made by our Sinnan Pavilion. I'd like to write the name of our pavilion on it and draw some pictures related to it. And most importantly, I want each of your girls to thank our Sinnan Pavilion for providing the clothes when they go on stage."
The madam's tightly furrowed eyebrows suddenly relaxed.
She looked at July in disbelief and after a long while, she asked, "Just... this?"
July nodded affirmatively. "Our request should be a piece of cake for you, Madam. It's hardly a request at all, as it won't affect the normal operation of your pageant."
The madam pondered for a long time. Then she suddenly smiled at Su Mingyu. "I didn't expect you to be such a shrewd businessperson."
"My pageant is going to be well - known throughout the capital. You've just provided a few sets of clothes but hitched a ride on my show to make your shop more famous. You're really smart."
Su Mingyu's expression couldn't be seen under her hat, but her voice sounded quite appreciative of the madam. "You're overpraising me, Madam."
"Moreover..." Su Mingyu paused slightly. "I'm also bringing new business opportunities for you, aren't I?"
"Since someone is willing to provide the clothes, what about the jewelry and rouge? The capital is so big. It shouldn't be difficult to find one or two discerning cosmetic shops. I'm sure you'll get what you want, Madam."
After Su Mingyu finished speaking, she and the madam exchanged a look through the thin veil of her hat. The smiles in their eyes were self - evident.
With the terms clearly stated, the madam slapped the table. "In that case, it's settled."
"However, I'm a person who values solid evidence. So if you're truly sincere about this cooperation, write me a written agreement, stating clearly why you're willing to give us the clothes."
July didn't expect it to go so smoothly. He immediately nodded. "Of course, no problem!"
After saying that, he asked for a writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and then wrote a long passage in a flurry.
The madam looked at the paper for a while, squinted, and smiled. "I didn't expect your calligraphy to be so good."
July blushed shyly. "I'm showing off."
"Since we've reached an agreement, we'll go back first. July will be in charge of the follow - up matters."
Su Mingyu said as she stood up and pointed at July beside her.
July was stunned. He thought they were just here to negotiate the terms, but he didn't expect to be responsible for the follow - up as well?
The madam had no objections. After all, July was a good - looking young man. Who wouldn't want to look at him a few more times?
After leaving the brothel, July looked at Su Mingyu uneasily, looking like he wanted to ask something but dared not.
Su Mingyu was annoyed by his look. "If you have something to say, just say it. If you have a fart to let out, just let it out."
July grinned. "Master, I'm just a bit curious... Sister Xiamian has more experience. Why didn't you let her handle this matter?"
"Because I know Xiamian will never let me down," Su Mingyu said as she turned around and walked away, leaving July utterly confused.
July stood there for a long time, lost in thought. Suddenly, he woke up. "Master! Wait for me! I understand. You're teaching me how to handle the shop's affairs in your own way, right?"
Su Mingyu could have let Xiamian do it, but she chose him instead. She even accompanied him on this trip.
Most importantly, although Su Mingyu said she didn't care, she came to the Sinnan Pavilion early in the morning to let him rehearse the speech to persuade the madam and even improved his requests.
If Su Mingyu really didn't want to care about him, why would she do these thankless things!
Thinking of this, July grinned from ear to ear. Su Mingyu was truly a paragon of being cold - faced but warm - hearted.
She had thought everything through for him, but always acted cold and reluctant to get close to him.
Following Su Mingyu's steps, July happily shared his discovery. Su Mingyu just gave him a sidelong glance and didn't say a word.
But this didn't bother July. His talkative nature allowed him to amuse himself even when alone.
The two of them returned to the Sinnan Pavilion noisily. Xiamian saw July's happy face and casually asked, "Did things go smoothly?"
If she hadn't asked, it would have been fine. But as soon as she did, July was like an opened chatterbox and told her the whole story.
Su Mingyu had no interest in listening at all. She immediately turned around and went up to the second floor. Before going up the stairs, she gave Xiamian a look that seemed to say "take care" and then disappeared from Xiamian's pleading gaze.
By the time Su Mingyu finished looking at the ledger and some new sketches, it was already very late.
As soon as Su Mingyu came downstairs, she saw a bustling store with people coming and going. She sized up July. Seeing that he was busy, she grabbed Xiamian. "Come on, go out with me."
Xiamian looked at her in confusion. "We're so busy. It's not appropriate for me to leave, is it?"
Su Mingyu raised her eyebrows. "What's inappropriate? I make the decision."
Saying that, Su Mingyu gave a shop assistant at the counter a look and pulled Xiamian out through the back door.
Walking quickly all the way, Xiamian saw the familiar mansion in front of her and couldn't help but smile. "I wondered what it was. So you brought me here. What happened?"
Su Mingyu didn't explain. She handed over the name - card and waited obediently for Mu Yi to come and pick them up.
Mu Yi and Xiamian had met several times. They just nodded at each other as a greeting.
Following Mu Yi into the backyard, Gu Ruobai was sipping tea and reading a book leisurely.