WWWASTJWTCAT?

12

Chapter 12

The girl with her hair tied up in twin buns and a round face was incredibly charming. She spoke sweetly, “Miss, my mistress would like to discuss something with you. Would you please come with me?”

Her train of thought interrupted, Xu Nian momentarily forgot her anger and followed the girl’s gesture. Wow, it was an impressively grand shop. The roof was covered with glazed tiles, mythical creatures adorned the eaves, and the elaborate carvings and decorations were stunning. The plaque read “Baibao Pavilion” in shining golden characters.

Xu Nian remembered this shop. After leaving the moneylender, she’d told Ji Yuebai that she wanted to visit this place after dinner. Naturally, the name reminded her of Du Shiniang’s treasure chest, leading her to think of shiny jewelry. The thought tickled her fancy, especially now that she was wealthy.

So, using ventriloquism, she whispered above Ji Yueba’s head, “I want to go, let’s take a look.”

Ji Yuebai initially wanted to refuse, but hearing Xu Nian’s wish, she nodded in agreement to the servant girl.

The maid led Ji Yuebai into the shop, they entered the shop, which was even more luxurious inside. Persian carpets covered the floor, an exquisite white fox specimen decorated the wall, and gorgeous enamel porcelain vases with blooming red plum blossoms stood on the counters. As they pushed through the beaded curtains, a pleasant tinkling sound filled the air.

A young lady in red was eagerly waiting, her beauty captivating as her gaze wandered. She had a melodious voice that wasn’t excessively sweet, “Luya, how did it go?”

Xu Nian couldn’t take her eyes off her, struck not only by her beauty but also by the jingling jewelry she wore. On her snow-white wrist was a translucent green bracelet, and colorful, expensive gems seemed worthless as they were strung with gold wires paired with beautiful jade hanging at her waist. With her movement, they reflected a dazzling and charming brilliance.

“Miss, I have brought the person,” Luya respectfully stepped aside.

Ji Yuebai looked up at this moment.

Mu Yanyu was also stunned when she saw her face, having only seen her ethereal aura from a distance before. Now, seeing her up close, she was even more indescribably beautiful. When those cool eyes looked at her, it made her feel a sense of inferiority.

However, she quickly brushed off the feeling.

Once Ji Yuebai was seated, Mu Yanyu personally poured her tea, smiling, “How may I address you, miss? My surname is Mu, and my name is Yanyu, as in the saying ‘a beauty named Yanyu found in books.'”

Apart from when she was with Xu Nian, Ji Yuebai was usually indifferent, responding simply, “Ji Yuebai.”

Mu Yanyu didn’t mind. She had an ulterior motive for inviting Ji Yuebai. She served herself some tea, took a small sip, and said, “Miss Ji, I noticed the lovely green snake hairpin you’re wearing from upstairs. It’s very lively and cute, and I’ve taken a liking to it. Would you consider parting with it?”

What, this beautiful lady has taken a liking to her? Oh, how flattering.

Xu Nian felt a mix of surprise and pride, soon followed by self-satisfaction. She knew it; she was a lovable, adorable little green snake. Just a casual stroll, and she had caught the fancy of this beautiful lady. She was so pleased, her tail almost lifted in pride.

Xu Nian even thought of boasting in Ji Yuebai’s ear, “You may not fancy me, but there are plenty who do. I, the snake, am quite in demand.”

Before Ji Yuebai could respond, Mu Yanyu clapped her hands. Two servants brought in a heavy wooden chest that thudded heavily as it was set down. Upon opening, a bright silver gleam dazzled Xu Nian’s eyes – a chest full of neatly stacked silver ingots.