From cannon fodder villain to superpowered queen

The dock in the neighboring town was even more bustling than Bi Yao had imagined. The crowds and the dazzling array of goods made her feel like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden—of course, an upgraded version, since she was now someone who had seen the world.

Bi Yao was efficient and decisive in unloading and arranging for the goods to be stored in the warehouse. Her subordinates were also well-trained and worked together seamlessly, which made many people around her nod in approval.

After finding out the location of the Chamber of Commerce in the neighboring town, Bi Yao and her assistant headed straight for their destination.

The neighboring town's chamber of commerce building was much more impressive than the town's, with carved beams and painted rafters, resplendent in gold, and two imposing stone lions at the entrance.

Bi Yao couldn't help but sigh, Zhou Zheng really knows how to enjoy life.

Upon meeting Zhou Zheng, Bi Yao got straight to the point, explaining her purpose: to try and get a share of the market in the neighboring town.

She confidently recounted her success story in the small town, explaining how she revitalized the market and boosted the economy. Her words were so eloquent that her assistant couldn't help but applaud and cheer.

However, Zhou Zheng looked disdainful, crossed his legs, and slowly sipped his tea, as if Bi Yao's words were all nonsense.

“Young lady, I understand what you’re saying, but the situation in our neighboring town is different from yours. As an outsider, you don’t know our rules. If you come in here rashly, you will only disrupt the market order.”

Bi Yao was immediately displeased. "President Zhou, rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Market competition and survival of the fittest are timeless principles. Since I can make the market in this small town thrive, I am naturally confident that I can achieve something similar in the neighboring town."

Zhou Zheng sneered, "Confidence? Heh, young lady, you're still too young. To gain a foothold in our neighboring town, confidence alone isn't enough. Here's what we'll do: I'll list a few conditions for you. If you can meet them, I'll consider letting you join our chamber of commerce."

Next, Zhou Zheng began to list a series of harsh conditions, such as paying a high deposit, providing guarantees from local residents, and accepting full supervision from the Chamber of Commerce, which was clearly a deliberate attempt to make things difficult.

Bi Yao frowned as she listened. This wasn't an invitation for her to join the Chamber of Commerce; it was clearly an attempt to shut her out.

She suppressed her anger and tried to reason with Zhou Zheng, but he remained unmoved and insisted on his own opinion.

Finally, Zhou Zheng waved his hand impatiently, "Alright, alright, stop talking. I have things to do today. If you don't have anything else, you can go back now."

Two burly security guards immediately stepped forward, one on each side, to "escort" Bi Yao out the door.

Bi Yao took a deep breath, trying to suppress her anger, and turned to leave.

As she reached the door, she suddenly stopped, glanced back at the magnificent Chamber of Commerce building, and a cold smile appeared on her lips.

"Zhou Zheng, do you think this will stop me? The game has only just begun."

Just then, a gentle voice sounded behind her: "Young lady, I see a dark aura around your face; you may be facing a bloody disaster..."

Bi Yao left the Chamber of Commerce without being discouraged; she was not the kind of person who gave up easily.

As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome. If the front door is blocked, then try the side door!

She decided to first go to the market to get a feel for the situation and see what the market in the neighboring town was like.

Good heavens, the market in this neighboring town is incredibly lively, packed with people, shoulder to shoulder, and a dazzling array of goods that makes Bi Yao's eyes dazzled.

As she walked and observed, she discovered that the people in the neighboring town were very interested in some novel trinkets, such as sparkly hair clips and colorful bracelets.

These things are everywhere in her hometown, they're practically common, but they've become hot commodities in the neighboring town.

Bi Yao had a sudden inspiration: wasn't this a breakthrough point?

She immediately contacted her subordinates and asked them to bring over a batch of these trinkets from her hometown.

The next day, Bi Yao set up a small stall at the market, filled with all sorts of trinkets, sparkling and attracting many customers.

"Wow, this little hair clip is so pretty!"

"How much is this bracelet? I'll take one!"

"Boss, do you have any other styles?"

Bi Yao's stall was packed with people and doing booming business, even more so than the candied hawthorn stall next door.

Seeing the customers admiring the trinkets she had carefully selected, Bi Yao was overjoyed.

What is this called?

This is what you call a roundabout way to achieve your goal!

When the news reached Zhou Zheng's ears, he was so angry he almost smashed his teacup.

"This Bi Yao actually dared to play dirty tricks on me!" He gritted his teeth, never expecting that Bi Yao would take an unconventional approach and set up a stall directly in the market.

Just as Bi Yao was extremely busy, a familiar figure appeared in front of her.

That's right, it was that mysterious wealthy businessman—Xiao Wuhen.

Today he was dressed in a moon-white long robe, holding a folding fan in his hand, exuding elegance, like a celestial being descended to earth.

"Young lady, your business is really booming," Xiao Wuhen said with a smile, his eyes full of admiration.

Bi Yao politely replied, "Thank you for your kind words, young master."

Next, Xiao Wuhen became Bi Yao's "volunteer shop assistant," helping her attract customers and giving her some exquisite gifts, such as a beautifully carved jade hairpin and a priceless jade pendant.

Bi Yao was confused by his actions, but she couldn't refuse.

Xiao Wuhen's gaze towards Bi Yao was filled with ambiguity, making Bi Yao feel uneasy.

What does this man want to do?

Is it...

Xiao Wuhen gently held Bi Yao's hand and said, "Girl, you are like a..." Xiao Wuhen gently held Bi Yao's hand and said that she was like a pearl covered in dust, and she would surely shine brightly in this small town.

Bi Yao blushed slightly and withdrew her hand as if she had been electrocuted, thinking to herself: Do we know this young master?

They started touching and groping right away.

She coughed lightly, "Young master, you flatter me. I just want to make a living." Xiao Wuhen didn't seem to mind, waving his folding fan with an air of confidence, "With your intelligence, how could you be satisfied with just a small stall? I'd like to lend you a hand. What do you say?" Bi Yao rolled her eyes inwardly: All talk and no action, who knows what you're really up to.

Bi Yao's eyes rolled and a plan came to mind.

She feigned shyness, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, young master. However... I am new here and unfamiliar with the place, and I only have these small items in my possession, which I am afraid will not be of interest to you." As she spoke, she opened a box containing a special product she had brought from her hometown—a kind of luminous pearl that could automatically light up. In modern society, it would be a cheap children's toy, but in this world, it seemed particularly novel.

Sure enough, the appearance of the luminous pearl immediately attracted the attention of those around it.

"Wow, what a treasure! It even glows!" "It's amazing! How much is one?" The crowd instantly became lively, and Bi Yao's stall was packed with people, making her business even more booming than before.

Zhou Zheng, who was observing from the shadows, turned green with rage upon seeing this scene.

He originally thought Bi Yao was just a minor character, but he didn't expect her to have such methods.

This made him begin to doubt whether his previous decision had been too hasty.

Bi Yao was overjoyed to see the endless stream of customers, but she also knew that this was only a temporary measure. To truly enter the market of the neighboring town, she would need to gain the approval of the Chamber of Commerce.

Xiao Wuhen stood aside, watching Bi Yao calmly handle the customers, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, but more of a look of inquiry.

What exactly is his purpose?

In the stillness of the night, Bi Yao sat by the window, gazing at the luminous pearl in her hand, lost in thought.

Xiao Wuhen's appearance undoubtedly brought her new opportunities, but also new challenges.

How can she deal with the Chamber of Commerce while also maintaining her relationship with Xiao Wuhen?

She rubbed her temples, feeling a headache.

Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the silence.

Bi Yao opened the door, and a man dressed as a butler stood respectfully outside. "Miss Bi, my master invites you in."