The group headed to Shufang Pavilion, a well-known rouge and powder shop in the area. It was said to be an old brand with high-quality rouge.
Su Miaomiao followed Madam Tao, taking in the sights and enjoying herself. After the hardships of escaping and then earning money since her transmigration, she could finally have some fun. She also thought about taking her childhood sweetheart on a date later. Their last date in Quezhou City felt like ages ago, and Su Miaomiao felt a little embarrassed.
The carriage stopped at Shufang Pavilion. The building was beautiful and elegant, with a meticulously decorated entrance and potted plants. As soon as they saw guests, the shop assistants hurried over, bowing and inviting them in.
Madam You, with her chin held high in an arrogant manner, entered first, her two maids scrambling to keep up, lest they be scolded. Madam Tao smiled and invited Su Miaomiao and Madam Yang to join them inside. They readily agreed.
Su Miaomiao found everything fascinating. Because she was a businesswoman herself, she couldn't help but view the shop through a merchant's eyes, noticing many clever details. She found it quite admirable; it was clear why it had been successful for so many years.
Madam Yang was also subtly observing Su Miaomiao. She found the young woman interesting. Although she appeared to be looking around with wide-eyed wonder, as if inexperienced, Madam Yang realized that this woman could not have come from a humble background. The reason was simple: if she were truly the country bumpkin Madam You assumed her to be, her first reaction to such a place would be nervousness, hesitation, or perhaps boisterous behavior and a loud voice. However, this young woman was clearly different. She was observing, assessing, and scrutinizing with an inquisitive gaze, maintaining her composure. She didn't seem intimidated by the opulence of the establishment.
Madam Yang knew Su Miaomiao was playing coy and found it amusing. She had come along to join the fun and seek entertainment. Otherwise, life would be too dull. She followed with a gentle smile and asked Su Miaomiao, "What do you think of this place? Is there anything you fancy?" Madam Yang smiled invitingly.
After a brief look, Su Miaomiao replied, "It's alright. The decoration is quite nice." Madam Yang immediately chuckled, her guess confirmed.
Just as she was about to say something, Madam Tao quickly linked arms with Su Miaomiao and said, "The items here are on the cheaper side. The good stuff is further inside, let's go!" She was afraid someone else might get friendly with Su Miaomiao, which would jeopardize their status as best friends. Madam Tao pulled Su Miaomiao further inside. Madam Yang shook her head with a smile, finding it even more interesting, and followed closely.
Inside, there were display shelves and counters. In the center, a small hall was set up with tables and chairs, displaying many wooden boxes filled with rouge and powder. There were also bottles and jars, all made of high-quality materials and exquisitely crafted. Su Miaomiao took a second look, realizing these were indeed fine products. So, the good things were hidden away here.
Madam You was being attended to by several maids, who were helping her try out various scented balms. An assistant served her fine tea. Madam Yang simply sat down, propped her chin on her hand, and watched them try the products.
Madam You, being the most ostentatious, spoke loudly. "These few are quite decent. The scents are rather unique. Wrap up this, this, and that for me. I'll buy them anyway; they'll look good displayed at home!" The maids and the accompanying shopkeeper were overjoyed and immediately agreed, offering compliments that made her beam.
Madam Tao, being more practical, said, "Even though we're not short of money, why buy things you don't particularly like? Isn't that a waste?" Her words hit the mark. Madam You's voice became even more affected as she replied, "What is this worth? I can buy it even if I don't like it. If I want to buy it, I'll buy it. I'll just keep it. It makes me happy, and I'm not short of money. What is this small amount?" She added that she was unlike some people who had to budget meticulously for every purchase. Her gaze was full of pride.
Madam Tao couldn't understand. She was willing to spend money on things she liked, such as storybooks or merchandise related to Su Miaomiao's works. But why buy things she didn't like? Just to fill space? Wasn't that foolish?
Madam You then turned to Su Miaomiao, who was smelling a pot of scented balm, and said, "My dear sister? I don't know your name, but meeting you for the first time today, I find you very interesting. How about this: pick something, and I'll buy it for you!" She added, "But don't even think about that one in your hand; it's very expensive."
Shufang Pavilion's products were categorized by the silk lining in the wooden boxes: orange was the lowest grade, and purple was the most expensive. The item Su Miaomiao was holding was the most expensive, costing at least one to two hundred taels per box, which was beyond the means of ordinary people. Even Madam You couldn't afford such a balm; she would be severely reprimanded if she bought it.
Su Miaomiao, however, had no such worries. She had so much money that she didn't know where to spend it. Her earnings this year were approaching ten thousand taels. The profits from storybooks and merchandise were tremendous; one should never underestimate the purchasing power of fans. The tips from the teahouse were also astonishing, sometimes reaching a thousand taels in a single night. She attributed this success to the thriving environment of the capital, with its talented individuals and wealthy households, which allowed her and Cheng Hao to prosper quickly.
A balm starting at two hundred taels. If it were when she and her childhood sweetheart first arrived in the capital, she would have been reluctant to buy it. But now, it felt like spending a mere two hundred yuan. She didn't pay it much mind. Primarily, she found it genuinely beautiful; the small white jade box was exquisite. Although the box was small, less than her palm, it was impeccably crafted. The exterior was smooth and round, like an oval pearl, but with a more refined and textured feel than a pearl. Being made of white jade, it was naturally extraordinary.
To her surprise, upon opening it, she found jade inside! It was emerald green. The inner side of the lid was carved with a crane, and beneath it was the balm. Su Miaomiao guessed that there might be a small design beneath the balm as well. She was very curious and felt that this small item was truly exquisite; two hundred taels was not expensive. The feel of it in her hand was so pleasant. Playing with it was delightful; it was smooth.
She immediately felt a fondness for it and asked the nearby maid how much it cost. The maid cautiously glanced at the purple silk lining and then produced a small tag indicating the price: two hundred and thirty taels of silver. Su Miaomiao smiled and said, "Then please wrap it up for me." She liked it. The maid immediately went to do so, her eyes filled with joy, as making a sale meant a bonus. She happily retreated.