Chapter 357

Ningguang stared silently at the coins on the table.

Ying'er looked at her friend, grinning oddly. "Looks like your fated romance is on the way."

"I'm not entertaining that kind of thought right now."

"But the boss's reading is clear—you're getting both wealth and love next year!"

"'Love'..."

Ningguang's brows drew together slightly.

A woman like her—elegant, wealthy, and charismatic—never lacked suitors.

Scions of Yujing Terrace, successful young merchants, famous sea captains from across the Seven Nations… all tried in vain to win her favor.

There was even a powerful businessman from Fontaine who, after just a brief chat with her, signed a massive trade deal with Liyue Harbor, just to see her more often.

And yet, as she'd just told Ying'er, romance had never been on her mind.

She had always treated her admirers with grace—polite, poised, and just distant enough to keep them guessing.

But now…

There was one man who stood out.

He often got physically close to her—and she never minded.

If she truly had to choose a partner, she might be able to accept him.

Ningguang lifted her eyes and gave Xia Zhi a thoughtful glance.

She had been Tianquan Star for many years and met countless people.

She didn't believe she'd suddenly fall head over heels next year.

But if Xia Zhi's fortune was right—and she was destined to find love—then the only person she could accept was the one already in her heart.

In other words, next year… would their relationship surpass mere friendship?

She suddenly let out a soft laugh. "Thank you for the insight, Mr. Xia."

Xia Zhi scooped up the Mora. "The future is uncertain. Perhaps my reading was off. Just follow your heart."

Ningguang nodded, smiling. "I understand."

For some reason, Xia Zhi felt her gaze had become… different.

Then came the daily massage.

As she lay on the massage table, Ningguang asked casually, 

"Mr. Xia, have you ever read your own fortune?"

"Not usually."

"Why not?"

"It's boring."

"I thought maybe it was forbidden—like peeking into fate would backfire and shorten your life…"

"Ha! Where'd you hear that?"

"From that novel you wrote."

"Ah, that? Just made-up stuff. But honestly, reading your own fate can be unclear. The signs get muddled."

"Hmm."

"Fate is fickle. The future's still something we choose for ourselves."

"I know."

"Alright—leg up, please."

"Oh—okay… Mr. Xia, what kind of women do you like?"

"Me?"

"Yes. I'm curious. Mind sharing?"

"Not at all. I like someone with a nice figure."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"What if she's not pretty?"

"No problem."

"Why?"

"Because I'm blind, remember? Can't see anyway."

"…"

"Just kidding. I actually do like pretty girls."

"Mr. Xia, what if someone matches all your preferences… except she's not pretty?"

"Then I'll make her pretty."

"Huh?"

"You know I dabble in medicine. If her skin's not fair, I'll brighten it. If she has scars, I'll remove them. If she's short, I'll cook to help her grow. If she's chubby, I'll massage her to slim her down… See? Beauty's easy."

"…That's true."

"Right. Now, please turn over."

"Mm."

Ningguang went quiet for a while… then chuckled.

"What is it, Miss Ningguang?"

"That whitening formula you mentioned—does it actually exist?"

"Sure. The essential oil I'm using on you right now even has a whitening effect."

"Would you be interested in selling it?"

"Huh?"

"Like we do with lipstick—we can turn it into a cosmetic. It'd be a huge hit."

"Sure, though I'd use a different formula. It'd be slower."

"That's fine. I'm busy with Lantern Rite prep for now. We'll discuss it after."

"Alright."

Ningguang closed her eyes.

After the Lantern Rite, she'd have yet another lucrative venture.

Wait, after the Lantern Rite… that's next year, isn't it?

That aligns perfectly with "next year's windfall"...

So the fortune was right.

She thought.

Looks like I need to start being more proactive.

---

The next day.

Ningguang returned to the shop.

"Miss Shenhe, have you decided about the Mingxiao Lantern?"

"I have. I accept."

"That's great. I'll have the artists come this afternoon to—"

"No."

"Hmm?"

"I have one condition."

"What is it?"

"I don't want to use my own image."

Ningguang paused. "Then whose image do you want?"

Shenhe met her gaze with quiet resolve.

"I want to use Miss Yun Jin's image from The Divine Damsel of Devastation."

"…Understood."

---

Join my Patreon for early access to 100+ chapters and to support my work: Patreon.com/rivyura