Unable to resist Yunxi's repeated pleas, Xing Ruyi had no choice but to accompany her to this so-called family gathering, the purpose of which was merely to meet the "Old Friend" that Yunxi had mentioned.
In early spring, the garden was somewhat quiet, but with the arrival of these elegantly dressed ladies, the entire garden became vibrant and lively. For a moment, it felt as if spring had burst forth, dazzling the eyes, and even butterflies were drawn in early, fluttering about the garden.
Xing Ruyi chose a secluded corner with a good view to stand in, sipping fragrant tea while admiring the various beauties in the garden. Just as she was enjoying herself, she saw Yunxi approaching with a woman.
The woman was dressed in plain clothes and appeared somewhat shabby compared to the well-dressed ladies around her. Her appearance could only be described as delicate, which made her stand out even less.
"Cousin, allow me to introduce you. This is Ruyi, who once helped me with my health. Ruyi, this is my cousin, Yun Zhu, who is also the old friend that Yunxi mentioned seeking beauty advice from."
"Hello, Madam!"
After hearing Yunxi's introduction, Xing Ruyi nodded at Yun Zhu as a form of greeting. Yun Zhu responded with a nod in return and cautiously glanced around before saying to the Fox Demon, "This place is not very suitable for conversation. If Ruyi doesn't mind, could we find another place?"
"The Fox Demon came today specifically to meet you. If you feel this place is inconvenient, we can certainly move to somewhere more appropriate for discussion."
Xing Ruyi stepped back slightly to indicate for Yun Zhu to go ahead while she and Yunxi followed closely behind.
Yun Zhu pursed her lips and chose a path through the garden. Xing Ruyi lowered her head slightly and supported Yunxi as they walked together. When she raised her head again, they had arrived at a semi-covered pavilion.
Yun Zhu appeared to be a reserved and gentle person, but when she spoke, there was an assertiveness that made her less likable than Yunxi.
Just as Xing Ruyi steadied herself while supporting Yunxi, Yun Zhu's eyes locked onto Xing Ruyi with urgency and eagerness as she asked, "How do you maintain your skin? It looks even better than Yunxi's. Although your looks may not rival hers, your skin is smooth and delicate, adding a touch of beauty to your refined features. Especially someone like me; I can't help but feel envious and jealous of you."
Xing Ruyi looked at Yun Zhu and was momentarily unsure whether her words were meant as a compliment or an insult. She thought about retorting but felt it inappropriate; yet if she didn't respond at all, it would leave her feeling unsatisfied. So she decided not to engage further.
"Cousin, why are you being so reckless with your words? Ruyi is here today to assist you," Yunxi interjected after hearing what Yun Zhu had said, feeling somewhat embarrassed. "Please reflect on what you just said; if you think it was inappropriate, apologize to Ruyi quickly. Don't let your careless words cause you to miss this opportunity."
Yun Zhu's neck stiffened slightly; she wanted to argue back but thought better of it after considering Yunxi's words and lowered her head in silence.
"Yun Zhu has never been one to speak much. If there are any inappropriate matters, I hope Ruyi will not hold it against Yun Zhu."
"Madam is being too polite."
Xing Ruyi replied lightly, raising her eyes and simultaneously activating the Ghost Eye. Her gaze swept across Yun Zhu's face, revealing a dark purple mist enveloping her cheeks. If the black mist represented ghostly energy, then this dark purple mist stemmed from deep-seated jealousy, lingering on her face. Especially when Yun Zhu's gaze fell upon Yun Xi, the jealousy on her face intensified slightly.
It seemed that Yun Xi's cousin did not hold as much affection for Yun Xi as Yun Xi did for her.
Seeing Yun Zhu like this, Xing Ruyi had a new idea. She gently cleared her throat to draw Yun Zhu's attention to herself.
"If Madam hadn't mentioned it, the Fox Demon wouldn't have noticed. Could it be that the Fox Demon truly has such good skin?"
"When it comes to facial features alone, Ruyi is not much better than Yun Zhu. However, in terms of skin, Yun Zhu is indeed far behind the young lady. Since I've called you here today, I have no intention of hiding anything from you. My husband has recently taken a liking to a maid. That maid is of average appearance but has skin as smooth as cream, which has captivated my husband completely. He not only desires to bring that maid into our household but even considers divorcing his first wife to make her his legitimate wife."
Yun Zhu straightened up: "I've heard Yun Xi mention a few things; you are in the business of selling Rouge and Face Powder. At this point, please do not keep me guessing any longer; just tell me how much your skincare prescription costs."
Xing Ruyi did not expect Yun Zhu to be so "direct." She smiled slightly and remained silent. Meanwhile, Yun Xi grew anxious again.
"Cousin's words may make Ruyi uncomfortable, and even I feel a bit uneasy hearing them. Ruyi indeed runs a Rouge shop, but Cousin, you are neither standing in Ruyi Rouge nor are you a customer of Ruyi today; please do not forget that Ruyi was invited here by me."
"Is there a difference?" Yun Zhu raised an eyebrow and glared at Yun Xi. "Ruyi is the shopkeeper of the Rouge store; that much is correct, isn't it?"
"That is correct!"
Xing Ruyi responded with a smile.
"Since she is the shopkeeper of the Rouge store, she is always a merchant no matter where she is; that much is also correct, isn't it?"
"This is natural! The Fox Demon runs a Rouge shop, and the business involves selling Rouge and Face Powder. If we don't talk about business, how can we earn money to support our families?"
Xing Ruyi slightly retracted her smile.
"Since Ruyi is a business person, then today, whether it is Yun Zhu coming to seek a prescription or the young lady being invited to my residence for a prescription, this Prescription still requires payment, right?"
"No—" Yun Xi was about to say no. She recalled that when she first visited the Ruyi Rouge shop for a consultation, the Fox Demon did not charge her any money and even provided her with many considerations. However, she was interrupted by Xing Ruyi.
At that moment, Xing Ruyi's smile faded completely as she looked at Yun Zhu's dark purple face and said, "This is natural. The Rouge and Face Powder are part of my business. The Fox Demon is a business person; how could she give away things for free? If I were to give them away without charge, wouldn't that reveal my nature as a business person?"
"Ruyi, you are indeed straightforward." Yun Zhu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "Since I am willing to spend money, please write down your skincare Method for me. Oh no, I mean please write it down."
Yun Zhu continued and glanced at Yun Xi, who was eager to speak beside her, adding, "Also, since I have paid for this Prescription, please do not sell it to anyone else. Otherwise... your Ruyi Rouge shop might not be able to continue operating in the Yun family market."
"This is natural. My Ruyi Rouge shop conducts exclusive business, especially with this kind of Prescription; it is usually tailored to individuals and has no duplicates. However, the Fox Demon would like to ask you one more question: do you simply want your skin to become as smooth and delicate as the Fox Demon's, or do you hope for an overall transformation of your face? For example, becoming more beautiful than your cousin Yun Xi?"
"More beautiful than Yun Xi?" Yun Zhu was somewhat skeptical. "Is that true?"
"The Ruyi Rouge shop operates on honesty; what is true is true, and what is false is false. Since I need you to make a choice, my Rouge shop can at least offer you these two options. If you don't believe me, you can come to my Rouge shop tomorrow afternoon. I will prepare a suitable beauty cream for you first; you can decide after seeing the results."
"No need for a deposit?"
"No need!"
"Since you are so certain, if Yun Zhu doesn't go, it would instead make me doubt you. Alright then, tomorrow afternoon works well; there isn't much for me to do at home anyway. I will take some time to visit your Rouge shop. I hope I won't be disappointed by the cream you prepare." Yun Zhu smiled. "Of course, if your cream works well, I will pay double."
Xing Ruyi simply lowered her head and replied, "Alright then, tomorrow afternoon at the Ruyi Rouge shop; the Fox Demon will personally await your arrival."
She gave Yunxi a glance and left first.
Over here, just as Xing Ruyi stepped out, Yunxi found an excuse and followed closely behind. Seeing Xing Ruyi standing at the door, she couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. "Fortunately, you haven't left!"
"The Fox Demon came with you, Young Lady, so it is only right that she leaves with you as well. Besides, you are pregnant, and having a Female Doctor by your side during this bumpy journey is certainly for the best."
Xing Ruyi smiled, stepped forward, and supported Yunxi while also checking her pulse.
"You know you are pregnant and that the fetus is still stable; you shouldn't be so flustered. Luckily, the child seems to be sleeping soundly and hasn't been startled by your recklessness."
Yunxi shot her a playful glare filled with affection. "Just now in the garden, you called me Yunxi; why do you suddenly switch to calling me Young Lady now that we're outside? Ruyi, oh no, Fox Demon, I hope I can become friends with you like Luo Fu did. I also hope you won't mind calling me Yunxi."
"Moreover, this child in my womb relies on your care to remain safe and sound. I genuinely want to be friends with you."
"As for what happened today, it was indeed Yunxi's oversight. My cousin has always had such a temper since childhood. I thought that after marrying and experiencing some setbacks, she would have mellowed out a bit. Who knew that within the span of a tea break, her true nature would reveal itself again? It must have been hard on you, Fox Demon; you suffered her tantrum for no reason at all. If you're feeling frustrated about it, feel free to vent to me."
"The person who made me feel frustrated isn't you; why would I take it out on you? Besides, I'm in the business of dealing with all kinds of people; your cousin's behavior is nothing to me."
Hearing this from the Fox Demon eased Yunxi's anxious heart a little.
"Then were those words you said in the garden really true?" Yunxi stopped in her tracks and looked seriously into Xing Ruyi's eyes. "Can I really make my cousin more beautiful than me?"
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