CHAPTER 393: 378 COUNTER GENERAL STRATEGY (1)

"I couldn’t possibly accept payment. I did, however, bring a sample bottle of lemon essential oil. Auntie, you can try it out first. If it works, you can come back to me later—that won’t be too late." Giving it to her now was a gesture of goodwill, and if she came to her willingly later, it would create another favor. After all, Tian Sangsang and Mrs. Li weren’t close, so it wasn’t possible for Sangsang to just cure her face outright. In reality, to completely treat freckles required a package of essential oils; a single bottle of lemon essential oil couldn’t resolve them completely.

Saying this, she walked over to the table and reached into her bag. She did indeed have some lemon essential oil, but it was stored in her special space. Reaching into her bag was simply a cover. Her bag only held her house keys, a wallet, and a few samples of skincare products, with hardly any additional items.

However, as she reached in, her hand touched something icy cold. It seemed like a bracelet. Based on the texture, it didn’t feel like silver or gold—more like jade. Her expression didn’t change, but her eyes flickered subtly. The table was unattended, and Li Qiong’er was nowhere to be seen. She was certain this wasn’t hers. How intriguing.

Casually, she withdrew her hand, which now held a small glass bottle of lemon essential oil. She beamed as she handed it to Li Aihua.

Li Aihua took the tiny bottle excitedly, her voice trembling as she asked, "Only this small bottle? Can it really cure my face? Do you have more? I’ll buy as much as you’re willing to sell!"

She was utterly fed up with the freckles on her face, which constantly made her feel insecure. Even though she took steps to maintain her appearance, she always had to apply layers of powder before going out to cover the freckles. Last time, a colleague she didn’t get along with had even openly mocked her, saying that her powder was falling off her face and onto the documents she was handling.

Tian Sangsang put on an awkward expression. "I just happened to bring this one small bottle; it was a coincidence. If you want more, they take time to make and probably won’t be ready until my new store opens. Auntie Li, why not try this one first? If you’re truly interested, I’m based here in Beijing—I won’t sprout wings and fly away. This essential oil only requires a single drop, morning and evening, every day. Use it for about a week, and your freckles will fade by a quarter. Keep using it for two to three months, and your skin will regain its fair, smooth texture. It doesn’t just remove freckles; it also nourishes and beautifies your skin."

"Oh, and during the time you’re using the essential oil, Auntie, you’ll need to watch your diet. Avoid spicy foods, or it could affect the results."

"Alright! Once your store opens, I’ll be sure to visit!" Li Aihua’s heart swelled with excitement as she said, her face brimming with smiles, "I even watched your movie *Lushan Love*. In it, you mentioned the Yan Family from the restaurant Yi Pin Xiang Ju—you’re really something, Sangsang. Not only can you act in films, but you can also handle beauty treatments. I’ll never forget the awe I felt when I first watched your movie. When you mentioned the Yan Family, I just stared at you, thinking, ’This girl must be a fairy descended from the heavens.’ Whatever a fairy uses, I need to try, too—maybe I can become a little prettier, like a fairy myself."

Touched by her sincerity, Tian Sangsang smiled bashfully. She didn’t feel that Li Aihua’s words were over the top; in fact, they held admiration. Comparing this to her mother-in-law’s views, Sangsang felt even more despondent. Why couldn’t her mother-in-law look at her movies objectively?

After Tian Sangsang left, Mrs. Hua grabbed Li Aihua’s hand and said, "Aihua, you were way too eager just now. Do you have any idea how much of a bargain you just scored? Essential oils are rare commodities. Good ones, like that little bottle you’re holding, cost this much." She gestured with her hand to indicate a high figure.

Li Aihua didn’t know much about essential oils and was immediately stunned. "And yet she just gave it to me without even charging for it?"

Mrs. Hua chuckled and said, "She wants to build a good relationship with you. Aren’t we all part of the same social circle?" But in truth, she thought, that girl must be playing the long game. Give a little now, but not everything, leaving this simple-minded Li Aihua to willingly walk into her trap later.

Li Aihua, knowing she had some social standing, immediately felt at ease.

**

Tian Sangsang returned to her table, where Ye Binyi and Jia Wenxiu were already seated.

Ye Binyi furrowed her brow. "Sangsang, what were you talking to them about just now?"

"Mom, it was nothing much. Auntie Hua and Auntie Li heard my new store is about to open and said they’d stop by and visit."

Ye Binyi was a bit taken aback. She hadn’t expected Sangsang to get along so well with these ladies. It seemed that Sangsang had done her homework and had some clever strategy—otherwise, her son wouldn’t be so loyal to her. Before Binyi could say much, the others returned to their seats.

Ye Binyi, who was close to one of the women, struck up a conversation. "Xiuzhen, is that a new necklace you bought? It’s beautiful; the jade Buddha craftsmanship is simply lifelike."

The woman called Xiuzhen replied, "It is! They say it brings peace. If you like it, tell your family to get one for you. Doesn’t your husband always do whatever you say?"

The group erupted into laughter at her words.

Truthfully, in their circle, everyone envied Ye Binyi. She had a good husband who doted on her endlessly and listened to her every word—almost to the point of absolute obedience. If their husbands could be that considerate, these women would be overjoyed.

Ye Binyi smiled faintly, but it was a guarded smile. Everyone could see her high status at home, but no one knew why her husband treated her so well or what kind of pain she had endured to earn it. She didn’t value this so-called doting. Their relationship had been tainted by another person years ago.

"Did you get this from Jingyu Jewelry Store?" Ye Binyi asked.

"Yes, they’ve recently released several new designs."

Li Qiong’er covered her mouth and laughed. "Mrs. Lin, what a coincidence. Just a few days ago, I also bought something from Jingyu Jewelry Store—a jade bangle. Let me take it out and show everyone. Lately, their designs have truly become more exquisite."

One of the ladies immediately said, "Why on earth would you keep such an expensive item in your bag? If it gets bumped or scratched, it wouldn’t be worth it!"

Li Qiong’er replied, "I was actually wearing it, but I took it off while eating since it kept knocking against my glass... Ah!!!"

"What’s wrong?!" the woman asked urgently.

Everyone’s nerves tightened, and they all thought of the same possibility simultaneously—Li Qiong’er’s bangle was missing!

Tian Sangsang glanced at Li Qiong’er’s expression indifferently, a sinking sensation of dread washing over her.

Li Qiong’er’s face turned pale as she rummaged through her bag, exclaiming, "Where’s my bangle?!"

After searching frantically, she was on the verge of tears. "My bangle is gone! I clearly put it in my bag!" She patted herself down and let her panicked gaze dart across the table and the floor.

"How could your bangle just disappear? Qiong’er, keep looking!"

"It’s not here!" Li Qiong’er cried, her face a picture of despair as she stared into her bag, almost ready to tear it apart.

A group of women at the table quickly began chattering all at once.

"What should we do? Jingyu Jewelry Store’s items are incredibly expensive! It’d be such a pity if it’s lost!"

"Everyone here at this birthday banquet is someone of status—who would stoop to petty theft?"