Because this shop specializes in selling pastries to the upper echelons of high society, Chi Huai has always maintained strict management standards in every aspect, including the shop’s environment and atmosphere. Public disturbances and disorderly conduct are strictly prohibited under Chi Huai’s stringent rules.
Unexpectedly, during a routine inspection, Chi Huai encountered such a commotion, and his expression instantly darkened. Now, don’t be fooled by how soft Chi Huai appears in front of You Qi—when dealing with outsiders or subordinates, he can be quite authoritative and commanding.
Seeing Chi Huai’s stern demeanor, the shop owner grew anxious.
This shop owner was honest and reliable, which was why Chi Huai had entrusted him with such an important establishment. Previously, the owner had managed everything flawlessly, never betraying Chi Huai’s trust. But now, during the rare inspection by the top boss, this incident occurred—what a blow to his reputation! Naturally, the shop owner’s face also turned grim.
Since this was a trusted subordinate who had served well for years, Chi Huai didn’t immediately reprimand him. Instead, he said, “Go see what’s happening outside.” This was his way of giving the owner a chance to rectify the situation.
Understanding Chi Huai’s intent, the shop owner hurriedly expressed his gratitude and rushed out, furious and determined to suppress the troublemakers. Meanwhile, Chi Huai found a discreet spot to observe the situation.
To his surprise, Chi Huai spotted a familiar figure—Qiu Liuyue.
Rubbing his forehead in exasperation, Chi Huai muttered, “Why does chaos always follow her?” What an uncanny talent for stirring up trouble!
In truth, Qiu Liuyue also felt rather wronged—she always seemed to be dragged into messy situations against her will. But once involved, she never backed down. Moreover, she harbored an unshakable confidence, never doubting her own righteousness. Even when at a disadvantage, she remained haughty and unyielding.
The incident today was rather complicated, and its roots traced back to the previous day.
Qiu Liuyue’s father, the arrogant Duke, believed himself underappreciated among the talented officials serving the Crown Prince. Thus, he decisively aligned himself with the Second Prince. As a master of expanding influence through marital alliances, the Duke naturally sought to strengthen ties between his daughters and the Second Prince.
Among them, Qiu Muxue was the most eager. After all, marrying a prince would elevate her to royal status, making her the most prestigious noblewoman. Naturally, she spared no effort to capture the Second Prince’s attention.
However, the Second Prince had no interest in such matters. Unlike his ambitious mother and her faction, his greatest dream was to live as a carefree, idle prince—traveling across the land, indulging in his passions, and avoiding the burdens of the throne.
But the Second Prince’s mother, the Imperial Consort, and her family had other plans. Under pressure, the reluctant prince found himself on a forced outing with the Duke’s eldest daughter to “cultivate feelings.”
Within the Duke’s household, the competition for this opportunity was fierce. Qiu Muxue held the advantage as the legitimate daughter, backed by her mother, the Duchess, and her elder sister, a consort allied with the Second Prince’s mother. The other concubine-born daughters knew they stood little chance and resigned themselves to being mere foils.
Except for one—Qiu Liuyue, who feared nothing and bowed to no one.
Having achieved success in her own right, Qiu Liuyue refused to play second fiddle to anyone. In her mind, she was the protagonist—how could she ever be a background character? Her motto was simple: if she did something, she would do it to the best of her ability.
Initially, she hadn’t cared about competing for the Second Prince’s favor. But once the Duke decreed that all eligible daughters—legitimate or not—must participate, she resolved to win at all costs.
Her pride wouldn’t allow her to lose to those she had never regarded as rivals, least of all her longtime nemesis, Qiu Muxue. Fueled by this determination, she gave her all.
True to her protagonist’s aura, despite the Duchess’s underhanded schemes to secure Qiu Muxue’s victory, Qiu Liuyue emerged triumphant. The Duke, who had overseen the selection, was unimpressed by Qiu Muxue’s defeat despite her privileged upbringing. In contrast, Qiu Liuyue’s victory earned her the Duke’s favor and a significant share of family resources.
After all, the Duke hoped to leverage Qiu Liuyue’s connection with the Second Prince for future political gains. If the Second Prince ascended the throne, the Duke’s household would rise alongside her.
Qiu Liuyue gladly accepted these benefits. Not only did they spite the haughty Duchess and Qiu Muxue, who had belittled her when she first transmigrated into this world, but they also bolstered her external business ventures.
As for whether she would remember the Duke’s household kindly in the future—that depended entirely on how they treated her. If they pleased her, she might reciprocate. If not, she wouldn’t hesitate to cut ties. After all, she wasn’t the original Qiu Liuyue, was she?
With the Duke and the Imperial Consort’s support, Qiu Liuyue now strolled through the capital in casual attire with the Second Prince.
The Second Prince was handsome, refined, and noble—exactly to Qiu Liuyue’s taste. Thus, she played her role flawlessly: witty, charming, and refreshingly different from the era’s conventional noblewomen. Though initially wary of her as his mother’s pawn, the prince gradually warmed to her.
While not yet smitten, he held a favorable impression of her. He understood the schemes behind their meeting, but he also knew that some things in life were beyond one’s control—even for a prince.
If even he lacked freedom, how much more constrained must Qiu Liuyue, a mere concubine-born daughter, be? This thought stirred a sense of empathy in him.
Their leisurely walk eventually led them to Chi Huai’s pastry shop.
Renowned among the capital’s elite, the shop was a well-established brand. The Second Prince, familiar with its reputation, suggested buying pastries for Qiu Liuyue and praised the shop’s quality.
This praise, however, irked Qiu Liuyue. She owned a pastry shop herself, and though profitable, it couldn’t rival this longstanding establishment.
In high society, pastries from this shop symbolized status and prestige—something her newer, untested business couldn’t yet match. Earlier, when they passed her shop, the prince hadn’t mentioned buying anything. Now, his eagerness to visit this rival shop and his compliments felt like a direct insult to her.
For someone as proud as Qiu Liuyue—who, as a transmigrator, looked down on others—this was nothing short of a blatant slap in the face. How could she tolerate such humiliation?
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