Targeting the Eldest Miss (1)

"Scholars signing up too?" Lin Wanrong frowned.

In this era, "scholar" was a golden title—hot stuff. Anyone with that label, skilled or not, carried an air of arrogance. They read Confucius and preached morals while dreaming of the Qin-Huai brothels. That was the scholar's life. Even with a hundred taels a month, they'd scoff at lowering themselves to be servants. So what was up today? Had they lost their minds? Why were they so eager to be lowly houseboys?

The uncle, clearly a born gossip, gave Lin Wanrong a once-over before leaning in close and whispering, "Kid, you don't know the inside scoop, do you? Word is, the Xiao family's eldest miss is twenty and ripe for marriage. These scholars are all gunning for that. Think about it—since Old Master Xiao passed, the family's thin on men. It's just Madame Xiao and her three daughters. The eldest miss runs all their businesses, big and small. Whoever marries her gets the whole Xiao fortune, doesn't he?"

Lin Wanrong let out a long, "Ohhh." So that was it. This eldest Miss Xiao—young, beautiful, and loaded—was like sweet nectar in a flower. Naturally, scholars big and small buzzed over like horny bees. No surprise there. Flies swarm a stinking egg the same way.

In the TV shows and novels Lin Wanrong had seen, every rich miss was a stunning beauty. Honestly, he didn't buy it. Real lookers were rare—how could they come by the dozen like in those stories? Just a bunch of authors' wet dreams.

"So, sir," Lin Wanrong asked slyly, "how's this eldest Miss Xiao look?"

"Well—" The uncle hesitated. "No one's really seen her. Since Old Master Xiao died, she's been running the family business. Keeps a low profile, rarely shows her face. Not many know what she looks like. But judging by Madame Xiao's appearance, the eldest miss can't be far off."

The uncle's eyes glinted with that universal guy-knows-guy look. Lin Wanrong smirked inwardly—Madame Xiao must be a real beauty. From what this guy said, these scholars hadn't seen the eldest miss either. An idea sparked in Lin Wanrong's mind. Uncle Wei had forced him into this servant gig, but he wasn't about to eat a loss. He'd use the Xiao family to make a quick buck—only fair for all his trouble.

He glanced at the uncle, flashing a "sincere" smile. "Sir, you're hardworking, but your business tricks could use some polish."

The uncle blinked. "Oh? Please enlighten me, young man."

Lin Wanrong nodded, scanned the street, then grabbed a scruffy-looking guy nearby who dressed like him. "Brother, I've got a spare map for the Xiao servant exam. Bought one too many in a rush. Selling it cheap—four coppers. You know these are hot today—I paid five coppers to this old man here."

The guy's eyes flickered, "smartly" countering, "Secondhand stuff? Three coppers, and it's mine."

Lin Wanrong feigned a pained look, sighed, and said, "Fine, I'll take the loss today. Deal!" He handed over the map, pocketing three coppers with a sly grin.

The uncle watched, dumbfounded. In a flash, Lin Wanrong had nabbed an extra map and turned a profit—all from thin air.

"See that, sir?" Lin Wanrong sidled up, smiling.

"Brilliant move, young master!" The uncle's face lit up with admiration.

"It's called marketing—spread the cost, rake in the profit," Lin Wanrong said, tossing out a simple theory whether the guy got it or not.

He'd been a marketing manager back in his old company, overseeing dozens of folks. Tricks like this were child's play to him.

The uncle pondered, then nodded. "I get it, young master."

Maybe it was a fellow hustler's vibe, but Lin Wanrong felt a kinship with this street vendor. "Sir, what's your family name?"

"No need for formalities. I'm Dong—Dong Rende," the uncle replied respectfully, unfazed by Lin Wanrong's shabby getup.

Dong Rende? Holy crap, what a name—sounds like "virtue and kindness."

"Uncle Dong, huh? Nice to meet you. I'm Lin Wanrong," he said with a nod and a smile.

"So it's Young Master Lin! Forgive my ignorance," Dong Rende said, hurriedly clasping his fists.

Lin Wanrong returned the gesture with a grin. "No worries. Uncle Dong, I just had a sudden idea—how about we team up for a little business?"

"Partner up?" Dong Rende stammered. "Uh, I don't have much capital."

Lin Wanrong saw right through him. They'd only just met, and here he was pitching a deal—naturally, the guy'd be wary.

Back in his old world, jumping in like this would've pegged him as a con artist. Plus, judging by Dong Rende's worn clothes, his pockets weren't exactly deep.

"Don't worry, Uncle Dong," Lin Wanrong said with a nod. "This is a no-investment gig. I'll cover all the costs—you just lend me a hand. We split the profits fifty-fifty."

Dong Rende eyed him skeptically. Fair enough—Lin Wanrong's ragged look didn't scream "businessman."

Catching the doubt, Lin Wanrong nodded. "Uncle Dong, you're out here every day, sizing folks up. I trust your eye. Don't judge a book by its cover—or measure the sea with a bucket. If you see things like most do, how'll you ever strike it big?"

Dong Rende hesitated. Lin Wanrong pressed on, "Heaven's fair—it gives everyone a shot. Those with vision step forward and find open skies. Those who shrink back miss out."

Recalling Lin Wanrong's slick sales move, Dong Rende saw the guy had skills. He finally nodded. "Alright, Young Master Lin, I'm in. What's the plan?"

Lin Wanrong smiled. "First, Uncle Dong, confirm this—has almost no one seen the Xiao eldest miss?"

Dong Rende nodded. "True enough. My daughter often makes clothes for the Xiao ladies. She says even Madame Xiao rarely sees the eldest miss."

"Oh, your daughter?" Lin Wanrong grinned. "She gets close to the Xiao women? Respect!"

Dong Rende beamed with pride. "My Qiaoqiao's clever and pretty—famous around here. The Xiao ladies adore her." Clearly, this girl was his treasure—his face glowed talking about her.

To hash out his plan, they needed a quiet spot. Dong Rende glanced at Lin Wanrong. "If you don't mind my humble home, Young Master, let's talk there."

This Old Dong was a straight shooter—once decided, he dove in full throttle, trusting without a second thought. He had some guts. Lin Wanrong's eye for people wasn't half bad.