Chapter 27: As If I’d Believe You

The next morning.

Li Luo escorted Qin Mian to catch his train, deliberately wearing the clothes he had bought for her.

Halfway there, he suddenly remembered something and said, “When I get to the Northwest, I’ll buy you another new set and mail it over, so you’ll have two to rotate.”

Li Luo smiled and politely declined. “Look at this outfit—just two days ago, the waistband couldn’t even be pinched. But now I can pinch up enough fabric to cover a fingernail. That means I’ve slimmed down quite a bit these past two days. If you buy me new clothes, they’ll soon be too big. Not cost-effective.”

Qin Mian fell silent.

Li Luo didn’t continue either.

On the way to the train station, they had to switch buses. While waiting, Li Luo suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned and found herself staring at Liu Erwang’s grinning face.

“Big Sis, what are you up to? Your goods—I already got them, last—”

The junk collector, surnamed Huang, was mentioned—

Li Luo quickly cut him off. “Who are you? I don’t know you. Must’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

Liu Erwang froze, dumbfounded. “Aren’t you Li Luo?”

Li Luo nearly exploded.

Idiot! Didn’t he see she was with someone?

Qin Mian’s eyes sharpened. He looked at Liu Erwang coldly and asked, “Who are you? What goods?”

Only then did Liu Erwang notice Qin Mian. The young man stood tall in a crisp white shirt and black trousers—clean, neat, and imposing, his cool features carrying an intimidating air.

Liu Erwang flinched but quickly caught on. The man knew Li Luo, and clearly, she didn’t want him revealing their dealings.

He instantly said, “My mistake,” and bolted.

Qin Mian lowered his gaze, fixing on the crown of Li Luo’s head. “Who was that? What goods?”

Li Luo’s mind blanked. “Let me… blow—uh, I mean, spin a tale—no, no, I mean… ugh, tongue slip!” She forced an awkward laugh to cover up. “He’s… a street punk! Here’s the thing: I was out running and stumbled across this underground market near our home. I got curious and went in. Then this uncle asked if I wanted soap. I said yes. Then, well… ah, the minibus is here.” She rushed to board.

Qin Mian followed, sat beside her, and pressed, “Go on.”

Li Luo quickly patched together a story. “After I bought soap, that uncle asked if I wanted to make money. Your niece always says I eat and drink for free. I felt terrible—I have pride too! So I said yes. He gave me the address of the soap factory. I bought a crate on my own and sold it. That punk just now? He’s some thug who wanted to collect protection fees. To brush him off, I told him the factory’s address. He made money and came here to show off.”

Qin Mian gave her a look that screamed: Do you think I’d believe that?

Her story was full of holes.
What soap dealer in his right mind would hand out his own supply chain? Clearly, she’d found the factory herself and persuaded them to sell to her.

And that punk collecting protection fees? Protection fees where they call her “Big Sis,” know her name, and greet her warmly? Please. He was obviously her customer.

She was unbelievable.

He had thought selling paintings was bold enough. Yet back home, she’d managed to find another business, even building a small supply chain with others buying from her wholesale.

Li Luo insisted, “It’s true! If I’m lying, may I instantly turn into a dog. See? I didn’t change.”

Qin Mian: “…”
She really won’t stop until she hits a wall. Fine. I’ll wait until she gets caught and comes crying to me.

“Alright then,” he finally said. “Just make sure to avoid that punk. If the neighbors see, it’ll look bad.”

Li Luo immediately promised, “I’m scared of him too! He tapped me from behind—I didn’t even see him. If I had, I’d have run off ages ago.”

Qin Mian: “…” As if I’d believe you.

Once Qin Mian left on the train, Li Luo felt completely unburdened. She went straight to the junk yard. The uncle there told her that Yu Gang and Wang Cheng’s goods had already been delivered, and Liu Erwang and Cheng Jianshe’s had been picked up too.

Li Luo settled the bill and left. Passing down a long street, she spotted Liu Erwang loitering and marched up. “You almost got me killed today!” Thank goodness she could make up stories on the spot—otherwise, she’d have been exposed.

“Who knew you had company?” Liu Erwang scratched his head. “Who was that guy anyway? Handsome fellow, stylish too—about on par with me.”

Li Luo sneered. Overconfident much? She snapped, “He’s stylish. You’re snotty.”

“Huh? Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Forget it.”

They then discussed setting up stalls.

Li Luo was wary. “You set it up yourself.” If not for him finding buyers, she wouldn’t bother supplying him.

“Don’t be like that.” Liu Erwang pressed, “Remember that night we set up a stall? After we left, the patrol came and nabbed everyone who stayed. If you hadn’t been there, I’d have been toast.”

Li Luo’s heart skipped. Thank goodness she reacted quickly that night. Otherwise, Grandpa’s birthday would’ve been ruined, and the whole family would’ve had to bail her out.

Qin Mian might have even divorced her out of anger—he’d warned her more than once.

Clearly, she needed to be more cautious in the future.

Liu Erwang kept pleading for her to bring him along. After some thought, she agreed. “Fine.” She’d just bring scissors for self-defense.

That afternoon, Li Luo picked up two crates of soap from the factory. She tried pitching them near a department store, but the clerks turned her down, saying the soap stank and wasn’t suitable for a high-end place. Even when she claimed it was mixed with medicinal herbs, they still refused.

After several failed attempts, she had no choice but to keep street vending.

That night, she went to the large trading market with Liu Erwang and the others. With the crowds, business was brisk.

Her two crates sold out in under an hour.

Liu Erwang and Cheng Jianshe had only one crate, and after selling out, they waited for Li Luo.

Liu Erwang was already planning to bring in two more crates the next day.

Cheng Jianshe, however, was eyeing the profits. “Don’t you think she’s skimming off us? We should just buy directly from the soap factory.”

“Think the factory will even deal with you?” Liu Erwang scoffed.

Cheng Jianshe hesitated. “But we can’t let her take all the profits.”

“If she doesn’t let us in, we won’t make a dime. You want to try, go ahead. Don’t drag me in.” Liu Erwang shrugged. If he went alone and got caught, what then?

At least working with Li Luo spread the risk, and he still made decent money. After a month of this, he could probably afford a bicycle—and even a wife.

…

When Li Luo finished for the night, she noticed they were still waiting.

“You two waiting for me? If you want more stock tomorrow, you’ll need to pay upfront.”

Cheng Jianshe tried, “We’re old acquaintances. Can’t you give us credit?”

Li Luo shook her head firmly. “Small business. No credit.” Credit was taboo in trade.

If they took the goods, sold them, and never paid her back, what risk would she be left carrying?

What would be the point?