Chapter 34: Miss Mi’s Sulking

On the day of the presale event, Miss Mi arrived early at the venue. However, she held little hope for this event and only intended to make a modest investment, mainly to show face for Lu Chuan.

After all, the Mi family had invested 300 million yuan in Lu County, along with three commercial properties. No matter what, they had to maintain appearances.

As for whether the presale would succeed, Miss Mi was not optimistic in the slightest.

Also arriving early was Zhen Jiang.

Unlike Miss Mi, Zhen Jiang was very confident about the presale, and her entire demeanor reflected this renewed spirit.

It is worth mentioning that Zhen Jiang attended as the eldest daughter of the Zhen family, making no attempt to conceal her femininity, and was meticulously dressed for the occasion.

Even Zhen Mi, who accompanied her, had taken the time to dress well and wear new clothes before setting off.

This alone demonstrated how seriously Zhen Jiang regarded the presale.

Naturally, Zhen Jiang’s carefully prepared appearance immediately caught Miss Mi’s attention upon entering.

Miss Mi had long been aware of Zhen Jiang’s presence. It was precisely because Zhen Jiang represented the Zhen family in Lu County that Miss Mi had come.

Given the current situation in Lu County, the Mi and Zhen families were fierce rivals.

From Miss Mi’s perspective, Zhen Jiang’s appearance undeniably stole her spotlight.

Though she was now known as Young Master Jun, her feminine thoughts still made her reluctant to let Zhen Jiang attract too much attention, especially that of Lu Chuan.

So when she saw Zhen Jiang, Miss Mi snorted softly and turned her head away.

Zhen Jiang noticed Miss Mi, but unlike Miss Mi’s attitude, she walked over graciously and bowed.

“Your servant greets… Young Master Jun.”

The late patriarch of the Zhen family, Zhen Yi, had passed away early. As the eldest daughter, Zhen Jiang had taken over the family business and learned the ways of the world at a young age. Even though there was a subtle rivalry between the Zhen and Mi families, she would not take things too far, and on the surface, she would never give Miss Mi a chance to find fault.

When Zhen Jiang paused during her bow, it was because she had immediately seen through Miss Mi’s disguise.

The Mi family had two sons and one daughter—Mi Zhu and Mi Fang were known to her, though she had never met them but had seen their portraits. The only one she had never met was Miss Mi.

Yet Mi’s beauty had long been famous, so how could Zhen Jiang not know that the Mi family had produced a stunning beauty?

When Zhen Jiang learned that Young Master Jun represented the Mi family, she became cautious and observed carefully, confirming that the other party was a woman disguised as a man.

Women were very sensitive to such matters, and Miss Mi had one glaring flaw—no Adam’s apple.

So Zhen Jiang immediately discerned her true identity.

Miss Mi was displeased but could not afford to be rude and quickly stood up.

“So it is the eldest Miss of the Zhen family. Pardon my discourtesy!”

Miss Mi deliberately lowered her voice, thinking this would help conceal her secret.

Zhen Mi, standing next to Zhen Jiang, cocked her head and stared at Miss Mi. “Sister, you’re so beautiful!”

Miss Mi’s heart leapt with joy—after all, every woman liked being called beautiful—but she quickly regained composure. “What did you say? I am a man!”

Zhen Mi lifted her small hand to point at Miss Mi’s neck but was pulled back by Zhen Jiang.

“Apologies, Young Master Jun. My little sister has been spoiled since childhood and speaks without a filter. Please do not take offense.”

Miss Mi’s expression darkened because Zhen Jiang made no effort to correct Zhen Mi’s words, instead apologizing on her behalf for bluntness, revealing they had already seen through her disguise.

Knowing Miss Mi was somewhat embarrassed, Zhen Jiang said no more and quickly took Zhen Mi away, leaving Miss Mi to brood alone.

Once seated, Zhen Mi was still resentful.

“Sister, why didn’t you let me speak? That Mi family lady clearly is—”

“Shh!”

Zhen Jiang quickly covered Zhen Mi’s mouth and gestured for silence.

“Miss Mi must have her reasons for disguising herself. Since you’ve seen through it already, let it be. Please don’t make a fuss, alright?”

After all, there was already a latent rivalry between the Zhen and Mi families. If they antagonized each other from the start, future encounters would be awkward.

Fortunately, few people were nearby during their conversation, so the secret would likely remain safe; otherwise, Miss Mi’s true identity would be completely exposed.

As Zhen Jiang and Miss Mi entered, other merchants in Lu County gradually arrived, and the hall soon became lively.

Those doing business in Lu County were well-traveled and worldly, certainly familiar with both the Zhen and Mi families.

Almost every newcomer came forward to greet Zhen Jiang and Miss Mi, making acquaintances before finding their seats.

However, many revealed amused expressions when they saw Miss Mi.

Though Miss Mi had put great effort into her disguise, the missing Adam’s apple rendered her identity nearly transparent to these merchants.

They simply chose not to say anything.

When it came to Zhen Jiang, the merchants’ reactions were far more normal. Zhen Jiang handled herself with grace, and with the adorable Zhen Mi as a mascot, the Zhen family naturally enjoyed greater favor than the Mi family.

Seeing Zhen Jiang so warmly received, Miss Mi was inwardly displeased.

“If only I’m Young Master Jun today, I wouldn’t bother competing with you. If I resumed my true form and dressed up properly, you wouldn’t have the right to show off here.”

Only about seventy people were qualified to attend the presale, and with their attendants, the total was just over a hundred. When Lu Shui saw that most had arrived, he called Lu Chuan out.

As Lu Chuan and Lu Shui appeared together, all the merchants stood.

Lu Chuan never demanded this, but they felt it was necessary to show him due respect.

After all, Lu Chuan had given them countless opportunities to earn money and treated them with respect they had never experienced elsewhere.

Miss Mi was displeased that Lu Chuan did not acknowledge her presence and remained seated despite his arrival.

Zhen Jiang, on the other hand, though she had never met Lu Chuan or exchanged greetings and despite the Zhen family not yet benefiting tangibly from Lu County, still rose to show him proper courtesy.

Lu Chuan was unpretentious, warmly greeting all the merchants and thanking them for their contributions to Lu County’s economic development. His demeanor was approachable and sincere.

The merchants, moved by his genuine attitude, grew even more enthusiastic.

Though most were unconvinced about the presale, out of respect for Lu Chuan’s earnestness, they resolved not to dampen his enthusiasm. Even if it meant a loss, they would support him.

If the presale failed and Lu Chuan was displeased, how could they continue to profit under his patronage?

Their thinking was straightforward: never upset Lu Chuan, or no one would make money.

What they did not know was that Lu Chuan’s presale did not require their reluctant support.

He was confident that once the presale plan was announced, every single person present would rush to seize the opportunity.