Chapter 137: Making Money

Following the instructions of Lady Anping, Su Liluo headed toward the kitchen with her maids. A stick of incense later, she returned with her maids carrying several bowls. Upon seeing the Heir of Annan, she paused in surprise for a moment before quickly regaining her composure and offering a soft greeting, "The Heir has arrived."

"My sister mentioned that Miss Su was preparing something for her to eat, so I thought I would join in the fun. I hope Miss Su does not mind," the Heir of Annan said, rubbing his nose with a hint of embarrassment.

Although surprised, Su Liluo saw no issue with it. Even if he hadn't come, she would have asked Lady Anping to send for him. "The Heir need not worry. I had prepared a portion for you as well. If you hadn't come, I would have had to ask the Lady to send for you, so you have saved her the trouble."

The Heir of Annan gave a bitter smile. Su Liluo’s constant use of his sister as an excuse was a blow to his pride. With the atmosphere in the room currently pleasant, he suppressed his bitterness and asked with a soft smile, "What has Miss Su prepared?"

"Some light refreshments. Liuzhu, Liuying, please place them on the table." As they looked at the items, Lady Anping exclaimed in delight, "Aren't these the refreshments from that ice shop? I never expected you to know how to make them, Sister Liluo. Did you learn the secret trade by peeking?"

Su Liluo covered her mouth and laughed. "It is nothing like that, Lady. I simply observed them for a moment and tried my hand at it. Please, have a taste and see if it is to your liking." Looking at the icy, refreshing treat, Lady Anping’s appetite was piqued. She took a spoonful and nodded repeatedly. "It’s delicious! I never realized your skills were so good, Sister Liluo."

"You are too kind, Lady," Su Liluo replied shyly.

After tasting it, the Heir of Annan also nodded in praise. "Miss Su is truly a woman of keen intellect and heart." Privately, he suspected that this shaved ice was Su Liluo’s own invention, as he believed she could not have possibly accessed the core secrets of the shop. He would not be as easily convinced as his sister.

The Heir took a few more bites before slowing down. He looked at Su Liluo with a sense of regret; had Prince Yi not intervened, he and Su Liluo might have been partners by now, and he wouldn't be in the position of having to borrow his sister's influence just to speak with her.

Noticing his expression, Su Liluo feared her handiwork was not to his taste, so she lowered her head and sipped her shaved ice in silence.

Lady Anping was very enthusiastic, finishing her entire bowl. Looking at the empty dish, she sighed, "The business at that ice shop is so good, the owner must be making a fortune. If I opened a shop like that, wouldn't I make a great profit?"

The Heir of Annan laughed as he watched his sister daydream. She glared at him indignantly, "Brother, what do you mean by that? Are you mocking me?"

He shook his head quickly, fearing he might annoy her. "I only mean that your idea is good, but without the recipe, you won't be able to compete with them." As he said the word "them," the Heir of Annan glanced at Su Liluo, his implication clear.

This remark hit Lady Anping hard, and she turned to ask Su Liluo, "Sister Liluo, is it really as my brother says? Do I have no hope at all?" She only wanted to open a shop; she didn't see why it would be as difficult as her brother claimed. She began to suspect he was just teasing her.

Su Liluo nodded slightly. "It is as the Heir says. However, there are other ways to make money. As long as you wish to open a shop, there will always be a way." With the support of the Princess of Annan, a good family background and supportive relatives were Lady Anping's greatest assets.

"Really? Will you help me too, Sister Liluo?" A smile danced in Lady Anping’s eyes. Su Liluo sighed helplessly, "Naturally. Have you finished your refreshment, Lady?"

"I have. Are you planning to go somewhere, Sister Liluo?" Lady Anping asked, confused as to why Su Liluo would ask again when her bowl was clearly empty.

Su Liluo glanced at the Heir of Annan and lowered her voice. "It is nothing. I only wondered if you wanted another serving."

Lady Anping looked toward her brother, feeling a bit strange. Seeing Su Liluo wink at her, she suddenly understood. She acted coquettishly, "Brother, why don't you check if there is anything fresh at the estate? We should have something different for lunch; I want to try a new taste."

The Heir of Annan clearly understood the hint. "Very well. I will select some things you like for lunch. Miss Su, what do you prefer? I shall have them prepared."

Su Liluo smiled faintly. "I am not particular. Please do not worry about me, Heir; just order whatever you like." Su Liluo was indifferent toward food; as long as it was edible, she was satisfied. Now that she had something important to discuss with Lady Anping, she had no mind for food.

"As you wish." Seeing that Su Liluo was not very interested, the Heir decided he would pick something fresh later, hoping it might encourage her to eat more.

Once he had left the room, Su Liluo dismissed her maids, and Lady Anping did the same. Curious, she asked, "Sister Liluo, what is it you want to tell me? It sounds so mysterious."

"Does the Lady wish to make money?" Su Liluo said, stirring her bowl with a spoon as if it were a casual remark.

This hit the mark perfectly, as it was exactly what Lady Anping was thinking about. Excited, she replied, "Of course I do! Do you have a good method, Sister?"

"Yes, I have an idea, but I need a partner. I don't have enough capital, and I was wondering if you might be interested." Su Liluo sighed inwardly—she had the capital, but lacked a powerful backer. Since Lady Anping wanted to make money, she was the perfect partner, and Su Liluo would not have to come forward herself.

"You really are a wonderful sister! It’s like sending a pillow to someone who is sleepy. I’ve been thinking about making money—do you have a plan?" Lady Anping grabbed Su Liluo's hands, visibly moved.

"I do. However, it is inconvenient for me to come forward, and this business will be more profitable the fewer people are involved. If you want to do this, then what about the others?" Su Liluo hesitated, watching Lady Anping with concern before finally voicing her thoughts.

Lady Anping nodded smartly. "Don't worry, Sister. Other than the two of us, I will never tell a third person—not even my brother."

Su Liluo squeezed her hand back and smiled. "You are truly a noble person, Lady. I only mentioned it because I was worried. I hope you do not mind."

Lady Anping shook her head immediately. She wasn't a fool; she knew that to make money, one couldn't let too many people know, or they would lose their edge. Still, she was dying of curiosity about how Su Liluo planned to make money, especially since she knew how the massive daily profits of the Xuexiu shop made everyone green with envy.

"Tell me, Sister, what is the method? You are killing me with suspense!" Lady Anping shook Su Liluo’s hand, trying to coax her into revealing the secret so she could finally focus on lunch.

"All right, don't rush. Listen to me—I want to open a manor..." Before Su Liluo could finish, Lady Anping interrupted.

"Sister, have you lost your mind? The wealthy have plenty of manors. If we open one, there won't be any guests. That’s not a good idea." Lady Anping looked disappointed, her enthusiasm waning.

"You are too impatient, Lady; I hadn't finished. I am well aware of the state of manors, but I have a better idea. Would you like to hear it?" Su Liluo dangled the bait, hooking Lady Anping’s curiosity completely. Upon reflection, she thought, *Sister Liluo is smart; she wouldn't suggest something so simple. She must have a brilliant plan.*

"Tell me! Tell me, Sister!" Lady Anping’s interest was piqued, and she could hardly wait.