Reborn Aristocrat: Return of the Vicious Heiress

Wen Xinya was not affected by the Dream Girl voting at all, for she was busy with her academics as well as the renovation of the Lanxin Cosmetics shop front.

Wen Xinya was informed that the renovation company was acquainted with a calligraphic painting and porcelain ornament replica supplier. She hurriedly noted down the address and told Si Yiyan to send her there.

“Are you planning to open your shop before the end of this year?” Si Yiyan asked while driving.

Wen Xinya answered, “Of course. The year-end period is the peak period for cosmetic sales. I definitely can’t miss it. Besides, we’ve already signed a contract with Floral Lingo Pavilion and they’ve already started promoting the products in magazines. Given how prestigious and renowned Floral Lingo Pavilion is, I’m not worried about the sales at all. Hence, it’s obviously better to open for business as soon as possible.”

Si Yiyan nodded. He knew that she had always been systematic and cautious when handling business and that she knew how to take preventive measures. It was a brilliant move of hers to establish a partnership with Floral Lingo Pavilion, for she could keep a close relationship with the cosmetic magnate while still keeping the profits from the Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments.

Upon arriving at the antique replica store in the Southern District of the city, Si Yiyan and Wen Xinya knocked on the door quickly thrice and waited for a second before knocking twice more. It was a secret code that Li Mengjie had told them about.

Five minutes after they knocked, the door was pulled open from inside and a middle-aged man appeared, dressed in a traditional Chinese outfit.

Wen Xinya greeted smilingly. “Hello, Uncle! We were introduced to this place by a renovation company called Chao Yang Renovations. We’d like to discuss a deal with you.”

“Oh, please come in then!” the middle-aged man then moved away and allowed them to enter.

Si Yiyan and Wen Xinya entered the house together, after which the middle-aged man brought them to a shop. He then left.

Wen Xinya and Si Yiyan were left alone in the shop. Wen Xinya stared at the antiques and calligraphic paintings in great fascination. They were so finely made and exquisite, such that they could almost pass off as authentic. She would have thought that they were authentic goods had she not known that they were replicas.

The items on display were much more exquisite than the ones Gu Junling had.

Si Yiyan scanned his surroundings and said, “The things here look pretty good. I reckon you can get everything you need here.”

Staring at Si Yiyan, Wen Xinya said, “Tell me the truth. Just how are you related to Chao Yang Renovations? Don’t think I don’t know that most of the wood and materials used for the renovation of the shop came from Xiasi Group.”

Li Mengjie informed her beforehand that all the materials and wood used for the renovation were of superior quality. After looking at the price quote, she discovered that they were charged 40% less than the market price. Hence, she smelt a rat because it was way too low.

The Xiasi Group was in control of 70% of the superior wood market in the nation. Unlike for many others, obtaining 50-year-old wood was a piece of cake for the Xiasi Group.

Si Yiyan did not expect her to find out since he had been keeping it as secretive as he could. He said resignedly, “The owner of that renovation company used to be my father’s subordinate and hence, I told the Gu family to recommend it to you. As for the materials used during renovation, they were sold to you at a 10% profit. Hence, we didn’t make any losses.”

Despite having already expected it, Wen Xinya was filled with a mix of emotions. Si Yiyan knew that she was a prideful and independent person. Hence, he chose to help her that way. She was rather touched to hear about how much effort he had put into helping her. He would forever help her more than she imagined. “Does that mean that this antique replica shop has something to do with you, too?”

Si Yiyan answered with a nod, “It’s one of the miscellaneous business that I own!”

“Si Yiyan!” Wen Xinya called.

“Yes?” Si Yiyan asked, staring at her.

“Si Yiyan!” she again exclaimed while grinning widely.

“What’s up?” Si Yiyan asked smilingly while staring at his own reflection in her glistening eyes. He felt as if she was the only person in his world.

Wen Xinya dived into his embrace and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. “Si Yiyan, have I ever told you that I fancy you a lot and that you’re the best man I’ve ever met?”

“No, but you can tell me now,” Si Yiyan said while holding her waist gently. He was overwhelmed with joy because of how proactive Wen Xinya was.

“I’m not going to repeat myself.” Wen Xinya refuted bashfully, staring at Si Yiyan with her charming eyes.

“Repeat yourself, will you?” Unable to contain his emotions, Si Yiyan kissed her lips gently, treating them with tender care and affection.

Wen Xinya pushed him away and said, “I want to pick out some antiques. You must help me!”

Si Yiyan had no choice but to concede. However, he was not disappointed, for he was already pleased and surprised to hear her confession. He told himself that she was still young… and that he could not compel her too much too quickly. Hence, he decided to let nature take its course.

“What do you think of this one?” Si Yiyan asked, standing in front of a floral, porcelain vase from the Tang Dynasty and scrutinizing its details. The vase was a meter tall and was mainly covered in yellow, red and green, with some bits of blue and gray. It was extremely vibrant and elegant looking.

“I think it’s great, too!” Wen Xinya exclaimed merrily.

Wen Xinya then scurried away to look at the paintings that mostly revolved around graceful-looking women. They were suitable to be hung in the room of her shop front. Wen Xinya soon found a few paintings that she liked.

“By the way, have you completed the paintings that I requested?” Wen Xinya asked, suddenly reminded of the paintings. She had already sent him the rough sketches. However, she had forgotten about them because she was busy.

“I’m almost done,” Si Yiyan answered. Wen Xinya had requested him to paint some paintings of women applying cosmetic products in the palace during ancient times. The paintings were to be hung in the store for the customers to enjoy. Although she had already given him the sketches, he decided to search up on the relevant details in order to make the paintings as true to history as possible.

“Oh, I was just casually asking. They’re not that urgent,” said Wen Xinya, who began to regret letting him do the paintings, for he was too busy.