SES Chapter 66 Part 1

Chapter 66

Luo Ren had a feeling—this woman was sharp.

If she wasn’t a master of business, then she was a master of testing people.

If he gave in and bought something, she’d make a sale. If he didn’t, he’d essentially be admitting he didn’t have a girlfriend—letting her pry into his private life for nothing.

As for him?

Buy it and feel like a fool, don’t buy it and you’re lying to yourself. Neither option was particularly comfortable.

He smiled and said, “When you’re giving a gift, it’s not about what you like—it’s about what she likes. No matter how nice it is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all gift.”

The woman paused and gave Luo Ren another once-over.

Usually, when customers came in, she would scan them with a glance, like a pre-screening. Some people, you could tell were broke just by looking—they never got a greeting. They’d get the hint and leave, sulking.

Others looked like they had money to spend. Those, she would approach, explain things, make recommendations—almost all of them ended up buying something. Rich people care about appearances, especially rich men. A few flattering words, a pretty smile, and they’d happily open their wallets.

But Luo Ren—his words had an edge to them. This was a first.

This man, she found interesting.

She neatly folded the piece of crimson silk and returned it to the black velvet tray. “Maybe someone else will appreciate it. If you don’t like this one, you can take a look at something else. If nothing suits your girlfriend, that would be a real shame.”

“Why would it be a shame?” Luo Ren asked.

She didn’t answer. Instead, she extended her hand. “Lian Shu.”

She was initiating an introduction—rude not to respond. Luo Ren reached out and gave her hand a light shake. “Luo Ren.”

Her hand was soft and smooth, and as she let go, her fingernail lightly grazed his palm.

Luo Ren wasn’t surprised. He expected something like this.

Still, he asked again, “Why would it be a shame?”

Lian Shu said, “The name of this shop is Lian Yan.”

So there was some story behind it?

Luo Ren smiled politely but not warmly. “I haven’t read much, so when I first saw the name, I thought it sounded tacky.”

The word yan—like garish flowers in hot pink and lime green—lacked elegance and subtlety. It was too much.

Lian Shu acted as if she didn’t catch the barb. “In the late Ming and early Qing, there was a woman named Dong Xiaowan. She compiled a book titled Lian Yan, claiming it would contain all things fragrant and beautiful belonging to women.”

So that’s the reference.

Luo Ren glanced around the shop. “So, your store has everything a woman could desire?”

To be fair, the place was exquisite. Phoenix-carved inkstones, velvet paper, embroidered sachets, pouches, and even some gaudy little gold buttons.

If the store aimed to showcase all things feminine and beautiful, leaving empty-handed felt almost inappropriate.

Luo Ren’s eyes landed on a small clay figurine.

It was of a young country girl, wearing an apron and a blue floral kerchief, holding a broom in one hand—made of actual fine bamboo slivers—and carrying a basket in the other. There was even a little cloth bundle hanging from her arm. If you looked closely, the basket held real grains of rice.

Price tag: 1,200 yuan.

Just a clay figurine—and yet Miss Lian Shu had a knack for making money.

Luo Ren smiled. “Thanks, but I’ll be going.”

As he opened the door to leave, Lian Shu called from behind, “Didn’t see anything you liked?”

Not exactly. He just didn’t feel like browsing anymore.

Maybe the store and his vibe just didn’t align.

“Or,” she said, “would you be interested in seeing the two signature pieces of my store?”

Signature pieces?

Luo Ren turned back. “Sure.”

What he was curious about was the price—how much would she mark these “signature” pieces?

Lian Shu walked over and flipped the “Open” sign hanging on the door to “Closed.” She then bent down and latched the glass door’s bolt. Straightening up, she gestured politely for him to follow.

From this new angle, Luo Ren noticed that the decorative embroidery hanging behind Lian Shu wasn’t just wall art—it was a curtain. There was a room behind it.

Seeing his slight hesitation, Lian Shu looked him straight in the eye and smiled. “What? Scared I’ll eat you alive?”

Luo Ren replied, “My bones are too hard—you’d probably choke.”

She lifted the embroidered curtain to reveal a tiny back room. All four walls were covered in black velvet. In the center stood a pedestal draped in bright red silk with golden trim, delicate tassels hanging from the corners.

It looked exactly like the red veil used to cover a bride’s head in ancient weddings. Whatever was underneath seemed to be a rectangular box.

The price tag was in plain view—pinned delicately to the silk, fluttering slightly with any movement.

188,000 yuan. Good luck charm, huh?

What could be under there that was so expensive it needed a bridal veil for dramatic effect?

Lian Shu approached, holding her breath like she was in a temple, and slowly lifted the veil.

Beneath it was a glass display case, like something out of a museum. A small side door allowed access.

Inside the case—

Luo Ren swore internally. What the hell?

There were two pairs of “three-inch golden lotus” shoes—tiny embroidered shoes worn by women with bound feet.

One pair was red silk embroidered with koi fish; the other was blue, decorated with chrysanthemums and orchids.