Chapter 2: The First Step to Wealth

Chapter 2: The First Step to Wealth

Bai Zhi leaned back in her chair, swirling a cup of cheap tea in her hands. The teahouse was in a sorry state—rickety furniture, stained walls, and the lingering scent of damp wood. Yet, she didn't frown. Instead, she smirked.

"This place is a gold mine waiting to be dug."

She had just spent 50 silver taels to acquire this small, failing teahouse at the edge of the city. The owner, an elderly man drowning in debt, had been more than happy to sell it off. To the world, she was just a foolish girl wasting money on a dying business.

But she knew better.

Ding!

[Money-Spending System Activated!]

[Host has spent 50 silver taels. Rewards granted:]

Business Aptitude +5

Charm +3

10% Discount on All Future Property Purchases

Bai Zhi's eyes flickered with amusement. This system truly rewards spending. The more I throw money around, the more advantages I gain.

Her best friend, Xiao qian, sat across from her, chewing on a stale biscuit. She had followed Bai Zhi ever since she took over the orphanage, her loyalty unwavering. With short brown hair and a mischievous glint in her eyes, Xiao qian had always been Bai Zhi's partner in crime.

"You sure about this, Bai Zhi? The whole city thinks you're crazy for buying this dump," Xiao qian said, arching an eyebrow.

Bai Zhi chuckled. "Let them think that. In a month, this place will be the most profitable teahouse in the city."

Xiao qian whistled. "Bold words. What's the plan, boss?"

Bai Zhi's lips curled into a smirk. Step one: renovations.

The Spending Spree Begins

Bai Zhi didn't hold back.

She hired the best carpenters in the city, ordered exquisite furniture, and bought high-quality tea leaves imported from the southern regions. Within a week, the teahouse transformed from a run-down shack to a luxurious haven.

Golden lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. The wooden tables were polished to perfection, and the cushions were embroidered with intricate floral patterns. The scent of premium tea filled the air.

Ding!

[Host has spent 500 silver taels. Rewards granted:]

Business Aptitude +10

Aesthetic Sense +5

Influence +2

Bai Zhi smiled. The system was rewarding her investments, making her more attuned to business strategies and customer appeal.

Xiao qian gawked at the transformation. "Damn, Bai Zhi. This place looks like something only nobles can afford to visit."

Bai Zhi sipped her tea leisurely. "Exactly."

Xiao qian blinked. "Wait… you're targeting the nobles?"

Bai Zhi smirked. "Who else has money to burn?"

She wasn't just opening a teahouse. She was creating a brand—one that would become the center of high society.

The Grand Opening

The day of the grand opening arrived. Word had spread across the city like wildfire—a once-forgotten teahouse was now an extravagant retreat.

At first, the common folk hesitated to enter, intimidated by the luxurious setting. But when the first noble stepped in—a silver-haired young man dressed in embroidered robes—everything changed.

Xiao qian nudged Bai Zhi. "Who's that? He looks important."

Bai Zhi's eyes gleamed. "That, my dear Xiao qian, is Yan Jing, the third son of the city's wealthiest merchant family."

Yan Jing surveyed the teahouse, his sharp eyes filled with curiosity. "I heard rumors about this place… but I didn't expect it to be this grand."

Bai Zhi stepped forward with a graceful smile. "Young Master Yan, welcome to Moonlit Teahouse. May I recommend our finest tea?"

Yan Jing's lips twitched in amusement. "Confident, aren't you? Very well, impress me."

Bai Zhi waved a hand, and a server arrived with a jade teapot. As the tea was poured, its rich aroma filled the air. Yan Jing took a sip, his eyes widening slightly.

"This… is excellent," he admitted.

A satisfied smile played on Bai Zhi's lips. Hook, line, and sinker.

Word of Moonlit Teahouse's premium tea and elite customers spread like wildfire. Soon, more nobles flocked in, eager to experience the finest tea in the city.

Ding!

[Host has earned 200 silver taels in revenue. Rewards granted:]

Business Aptitude +7

Influence +3

Tea Mastery +5

Bai Zhi's grin widened. This was just the beginning.

But not everyone was pleased.

The Rival's Scheme

Across the street, a man watched with dark eyes.

Wu Fei, the owner of the most popular teahouse in the city, clenched his fists. Bai Zhi's sudden success had taken half his customers overnight.

"This little girl is ruining my business," he growled.

A man beside him smirked. "Shall I… handle it?"

Wu Fei sneered. "Do it. Make sure her teahouse never opens again."

That night, shadowy figures crept toward Moonlit Teahouse, their hands carrying torches.

But Bai Zhi had been expecting this.

As soon as they approached, a bucket of water tipped over them from the roof, dousing their torches. Before they could react, guards rushed in, swords drawn.

One of the men cursed. "She set us up!"

Bai Zhi stepped out, completely unfazed. "Gentlemen, do you really think I wouldn't anticipate a petty move like this?"

The men scrambled to escape, but the guards swiftly arrested them.

Ding!

[Host has defended her business successfully. Rewards granted:]

Negotiation Skill +5

Reputation +3

Enhanced Awareness: Detect Threats Nearby

Bai Zhi turned to the guards. "Send them back to their employer… with a message."

Wu Fei received a single note the next morning:

"Try again, and I'll make sure you lose more than just customers."

His face turned pale. Bai Zhi wasn't just a businesswoman. She was a predator.

And she was just getting started.

Bai Zhi's Next Move

Xiao qian crossed her arms. "What now? Wu Fei won't give up easily."

Bai Zhi's eyes glowed with confidence. "Let him try. The more he struggles, the more I'll profit."

Yan Jing, who had been quietly observing, chuckled. "You're quite ruthless, Miss Bai."

Bai Zhi met his gaze. "Only to those who deserve it."

Yan Jing's smile deepened. "Interesting… I think I'd like to invest in your business."

Bai Zhi arched a brow. "And why would I accept?"

Yan Jing leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Because I know how to destroy your enemies before they even make a move."

Bai Zhi's smile widened. Now things were getting fun.

The Art of Power and Profits

Moonlit Teahouse had become the most talked-about establishment in the city within a few weeks. The rich and powerful gathered here to enjoy the finest tea, discuss business, and flaunt their status.

Bai Zhi, sitting in the VIP lounge on the second floor, observed the crowd below with a satisfied smile. Her plan was working perfectly.

The aristocrats and merchants who once mocked her for wasting money now scrambled to reserve tables. The teahouse wasn't just a place to drink tea—it had become a symbol of wealth and status.

Yet, Bai Zhi knew that success always came with enemies.

A New Threat Emerges

Xiao qian slid into the seat beside her, tossing a parchment onto the table. "I found out something interesting."

Bai Zhi raised an eyebrow and picked up the parchment. It was a contract proposal—one that looked entirely legitimate at first glance.

"Wu Fei?" she guessed.

Xiao qian smirked. "Of course. He's trying a different approach this time. Instead of burning us down, he's offering to partner with us."

Bai Zhi chuckled. "How desperate."

The contract stated that Wu Fei's business would supply exclusive tea leaves to Moonlit Teahouse at a 'reasonable' price. In return, Bai Zhi would split 40% of her profits with him.

"What a joke." Bai Zhi tossed the contract aside. "Wu Fei is trying to infiltrate my business under the pretense of 'helping' me."

Xiao qian leaned forward. "So, what's the plan? Public humiliation or a private takedown?"

Bai Zhi smirked. "Neither. We'll bleed him dry."

The Counterattack Begins

Instead of rejecting the offer outright, Bai Zhi sent back a counterproposal.

She would accept the tea supply, but only at a heavily discounted rate.

Moonlit Teahouse would keep 90% of its profits.

Wu Fei's teahouse would be required to source from Bai Zhi's connections.

It was a one-sided agreement in her favor. If Wu Fei refused, it would look like he wasn't serious about cooperation. If he agreed, she would slowly tighten her grip on his business.

"Let's see how desperate he really is," Bai Zhi murmured.

Ding!

[Host has made a strategic business move. Rewards granted:]

Negotiation Skill +7

Business Aptitude +5

Reputation +3

Xiao qian grinned. "I love watching you destroy people."

Bai Zhi simply took a sip of tea.

A Mysterious Invitation

Just as Bai Zhi was preparing to leave, a server approached.

"Miss Bai, a messenger left this letter for you."

She took the letter and opened it carefully. The handwriting was elegant, yet commanding.

"I've taken an interest in your business. Let's meet. The Phoenix Pavilion. Midnight."

— Yan Jing

Bai Zhi's eyes gleamed.

"Yan Jing, huh? Looks like the real game is about to begin."

The Phoenix Pavilion Meeting

The Phoenix Pavilion was a place only the most powerful could enter. Unlike the lively, chaotic streets of the city, this establishment exuded an eerie stillness, where whispers held more weight than gold.

Bai Zhi walked through the grand entrance, her steps steady. She could feel the weight of countless gazes resting on her, silent evaluations from men and women who had controlled commerce, trade, and power for decades.

They think I don't belong here.

A young girl entering their world? Amusing, perhaps. Threatening? Not yet.

But Bai Zhi didn't care about their judgments. Soon, they would know her name.

She was led to a private room, where a lone figure sat waiting.

Yan Jing.

His silver hair shimmered in the dim candlelight, and his obsidian-black robes contrasted with his almost ethereal beauty. Yet, his presence was anything but gentle.

A man like him wasn't just wealthy—he was dangerous.

As Bai Zhi stepped inside, he didn't bother standing. Instead, he tilted his head, his sharp eyes assessing her with a lazy amusement.

"You came," he said, swirling his wine glass. "That makes you either very confident… or very foolish."

Bai Zhi took a seat across from him, her gaze unyielding. "You invited me. What do you want?"

Yan Jing's lips curled into a smirk. "Straight to business. How refreshing."

He placed his glass down and leaned forward. "Let's talk about alliances."

The Power Struggle

Yan Jing tapped the table lightly, his fingers moving with measured precision, as if orchestrating an invisible game of chess.

"There are three major merchant alliances in this city," he began. "I control one. The second remains neutral. The third… is led by Wu Fei's backers."

Bai Zhi remained silent, digesting his words.

So, this wasn't just about tea. This was a war.

Yan Jing watched her closely, his smirk deepening. "You're sharp. I can see the gears turning in that clever little mind of yours."

Bai Zhi didn't rise to the provocation. Instead, she met his gaze head-on. "You want me to help you take them down?"

Yan Jing chuckled. "Yes. But let's not be dramatic. I simply want to… redistribute power."

Xiao qian, standing behind Bai Zhi, folded his arms. "And what do we get in return?"

Yan Jing leaned back, swirling his wine again. "Simple. I'll make Moonlit Teahouse the official supplier for my alliance. That means you'll have exclusive access to the most lucrative trade routes in the kingdom."

Bai Zhi's heartbeat quickened, though her face remained calm.

This was a golden opportunity.

With Yan Jing's backing, Moonlit Teahouse wouldn't just dominate one city—it could expand across entire regions.

But she knew better than to accept without caution.

Yan Jing wasn't the kind of man to give without expecting something in return.

The Negotiation Begins

Bai Zhi tapped her fingers against the table, mirroring Yan Jing's earlier motion.

"I accept," she finally said, "but on one condition."

Yan Jing's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "And that is?"

Bai Zhi smiled, slow and deliberate. "I will be your equal. Not your subordinate."

For the first time, Yan Jing's amusement faltered.

The air in the room grew heavy. The lazy arrogance in his gaze sharpened into something more dangerous.

Silence stretched between them, thick with tension.

Then—

Yan Jing laughed.

A deep, genuine laugh, as if he had just heard the most ridiculous thing in the world.

"You," he mused, shaking his head, "are truly fascinating."

Bai Zhi remained unfazed. "I take that as a yes."

Yan Jing studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, he leaned forward, his tone silken yet firm.

"Tell me," he murmured. "Do you really think you can stand on equal footing with me?"

Bai Zhi met his gaze without flinching.

"Not yet," she admitted. "But soon."

A spark of something—interest, perhaps—flashed in Yan Jing's eyes.

He exhaled, shaking his head. "Fine," he said. "We'll test your capabilities first."

Ding!

[Host has formed a strategic partnership. Rewards granted:]

Business Influence +10

Merchant Network Access Unlocked

Trade Mastery +5

Bai Zhi didn't need a system notification to know—this was only the beginning.

A war of commerce was about to erupt.

And she had every intention of winning.

To be continued....