This matter was like a long story that had only just begun—there were many loose ends and suspicions, but all of them required time to unravel.

Shi Buyu was fond of solving mysteries, and she thoroughly enjoyed the process of piecing things together. Her entire being radiated joy, and she was so eager to uncover the emperor’s secrets that her eyes sparkled more than usual.

Yan Shian had been feeling a whirlwind of emotions all morning. But seeing this version of Miss Shi brought him unexpected calm—like perhaps, this matter wasn’t such a big deal after all. Yet he also knew very clearly that anyone else in his position would be pushing him, telling him how significant this was, urging him to do more, and repeatedly warning him not to relax.

He looked down and chuckled. People truly were different.

Shi Buyu had already turned her attention to something else. “How’s the preparation for my business going?”

“Everything should be ready by the end of the month,” Yan Shian replied. “In a month, the autumn imperial exams will begin. The capital will grow livelier by the day. If you can open by the end of the month, you’ll catch the perfect timing.”

Of course she intended to catch it. Shi Buyu said at once, “I’ll go to Seventh Brother this afternoon to ask for people.”

Yan Shian nodded. “I’ve been frequently attending poetry gatherings and banquets lately and may not be able to keep up with all the incoming messages. I’d like to trouble you to help me out, if that’s all right?”

“Leave it in your study. I’ll go through it when you’re not around.” Shi Buyu suddenly smiled. “Just remember to hide anything you don’t want me to see. I won’t hold back. Who knows, I might just turn your study upside down.”

“Feel free to do so.”

Whether or not he was just being polite, Shi Buyu took him seriously.

In the afternoon, once the sun wasn’t so harsh, Shi Buyu left her house. She didn’t go to the bookstore—she went straight to Seventh Brother’s home. Unsurprisingly, the master of the house wasn’t there.

Fortunately, Cheng Junyu knew Xiao Twelve well. He had already instructed the household staff to report her arrival to him and treat her well. He even specified her favorite fruit tea flavor. They kept her entertained for a bit until he returned, carrying a few packets of pastries.

“Next time, let someone send a message ahead,” Cheng Junyu said as he opened a packet of pastries and offered them to Xiao Twelve, trying to use the fragrance to mask the smell of alcohol on him.

“Nope,” Xiao Twelve replied while munching on the pastries, her rebellious nature undeterred.

Cheng Junyu smiled and held them higher to make it easier for her to eat.

“You reek of alcohol—it’s even tainted the pastries.” Shi Buyu’s disdain was written all over her face. She took the pastries from him and pushed him away. “I’m telling Fifth Brother you’re out carousing all day so he can make you get to work.”

“You ungrateful brat! You eat my food and then rat me out?” Cheng Junyu scolded, laughing. “What good does it do you if I suffer?”

“It makes me feel better.”

“Evil little thing. You’re miserable, so I’m not allowed to be happy either? And anyway, who was it who came to me asking for help? Who do you think I’ve been out carousing for?”

Shi Buyu snorted. “Weren’t you already carousing every day before I asked for help? That’s exactly why I came to you in the first place.”

“You’re always right.” A few rounds of banter with Xiao Twelve and most of Cheng Junyu’s exhaustion seemed to melt away. He slouched back even more casually. “I’ve found six people for you. Three others need to see the place before deciding. But let’s put that aside—there are a few I think are excellent. Good looks, good talent—but they come with some complications.”

“Can’t money fix it? Yan Shian is very, very rich. Don’t try to save him any.”

“You’re getting really skilled at spending other people’s money,” Cheng Junyu said with a laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ve never tried to save him any. Otherwise, how do you think I convinced these people? But money’s not the problem here. The issue is their mamas want to come with them. In this trade, the mamas are usually former courtesans themselves. They’re too old for that life now, so they manage the younger ones. These women are hard to control. If a wealthy client comes around with enough silver, they might just break whatever rules you’ve set.”

“My place doesn’t need mamas. Qiqi can manage everything.”

Cheng Junyu looked surprised. “Qiqi is going to be your manager?”

“Huh? I never told you?”

“When did you ever tell me that!” Cheng Junyu rolled his eyes. He immediately understood why they had pulled that stunt before. With Qiqi as the manager, no one would connect it back to Yan Shian. So that means…

“Don’t tell me you’re planning to put the whole place under my name?”

Shi Buyu looked even more surprised. “Who doesn’t know you’re out recruiting people? Even if you say it’s not your place, who would believe you?”

Cheng Junyu looked around and tossed an unopened packet of pastries at her.

Shi Buyu caught it, opened it, and began eating with a grin. Sweet!

To be fair, Cheng Junyu had expected he might get entangled in this business since he had found all the staff. But being associated and being the boss were two very different things.

“Ah-Brother, you said before you didn’t plan to take the exams. Have you changed your mind now?”

Hearing her bring that up suddenly made Cheng Junyu laugh. “If I decide to take the exams, you won’t let me be the boss?”

“Of course not. If you’re going to take the exams, it means you’ve made up your mind—your future should take priority,” Shi Buyu said as if it were the most natural thing. “If you don’t plan to take them, then instead of wasting your time partying with those people, you might as well run your own place. That way, no one can scheme against you, and if someone you dislike tries to visit, you can just kick them out. That’d be so satisfying.”

She really did make a good case.

Cheng Junyu looked at her, amused. “With all my years of experience, I can tell the nicer Little Twelve makes something sound, the more trouble it is.”

That’s the problem with being too familiar—they knew each other too well. But of course, Shi Buyu wouldn’t admit that and deflected, “Then tell me, how could this possibly be bad for you?”

“You’ll go complain to our teacher and say I lack ambition?”

“When have you ever shown ambition?”

“…!” Cheng Junyu glared at her.

Shi Buyu giggled. “Even without ambition, you’re still amazing. Some people study day and night, but they’re still not half as good as you. Doesn’t that just prove how awesome you are, Seventh Brother?”

Cheng Junyu wanted to keep up the act, but it crumbled quickly. After all, Little Twelve didn’t usually sweet-talk people. When she did, it was truly persuasive.

“Being the boss isn’t out of the question—but you both need to agree: I set the rules.”

Shi Buyu readily agreed. “Deal!”

“Your agreement isn’t enough. Yan Shian has to agree too.”

“This place is mine—I make the decisions. You’re my brother, so naturally, it’ll be done your way.”

Shi Buyu stubbornly reasoned with her own logic. “Just know this, Ah-Brother: the place must be elegant and high-class—good enough to attract those snobby court officials and young noblemen. If it’s just another brothel, there’ll be no difference from all the others, and it’ll hurt your reputation. But if we do it right, it’ll become a hub for literary competition—a place where scholars gather and duel with words. Given Dayou’s current cultural climate, others will come flocking just from the scent of it. If we reach that level, your name as the boss will rise with it. No matter what you plan to do in the future, it’ll benefit you.”

—