Wait and See Who Cries

Aunt Charlotte Evans nodded quickly and said, "Lily, we just wanted to ask for your opinion first. If you think it's not a good idea, we won't get involved and will look at other shops instead."

"No, I actually think Suxin Pavilion is a great choice!" Lily Evans waved her hand with a bright laugh. "Uncle Arthur, Aunt Charlotte, you two have excellent taste—no wonder your business is always thriving. Suxin Pavilion's location and foot traffic are ideal, so it's only natural that every merchant has their eye on it."

Aunt Charlotte Evans said, "Lily, so you don't mind if we join the auction? Suxin Pavilion is holding a bidding event—whoever bids highest gets it."

"An auction, tsk, Princess Mira really is a copycat—she's just lifted the whole spice shop routine!" Lily Evans curled her lip. "Did she ask me before stealing my idea? Tsk."

With that, Lily Evans stood and paced the room. "Princess Mira is riding my coattails—her shop’s price shot up because of me, and now she’s copying my tricks to inflate the value. Does she really think I’ll let her get her way? Dream on!"

Aunt Charlotte Evans and Uncle Arthur Evans exchanged glances, not sure what Lily was plotting.

Lily Evans looked at them, blinking mischievously. "Uncle Arthur, Aunt Charlotte, since you want Suxin Pavilion, how about we figure out a way to snag it for a bargain?"

Uncle Arthur Evans and Aunt Charlotte Evans’ eyes lit up. "Absolutely! Lily, what clever idea do you have?"

Lily Evans grinned mischievously and whispered her plan to Uncle Arthur and Aunt Charlotte. Their eyes sparkled, and they couldn’t stop praising her, "This idea is genius!"

"Uncle Arthur, Aunt Charlotte, the plan’s all yours now. From here on out, it’s up to you!" Lily’s smile was positively devilish.

"No problem! Princess Mira can get ready to cry!" Uncle Arthur Evans declared with a confident grin.

The next morning, Suxin Pavilion was bustling. Merchants crowded the entrance, eager to join the auction for the coveted shop.

Early that morning, Princess Mira strolled up to Suxin Pavilion, her entourage in tow. A long line had already formed outside—buyers hoping to snag the shop. Though many secretly mocked her for being duped out of her spices and silver, they all plastered on flattering smiles, desperate to win her favor.

"Princess Mira, you have such sharp business sense for picking Suxin Pavilion!"

"Indeed, truly a business genius! Your eye for opportunity is unmatched!"

One merchant piped up, "Princess Mira, you’re the star of the capital’s business world. We’re just here to learn from the best!"

The crowd showered Princess Mira with shameless praise, making her beam with satisfaction as she sauntered inside.

A servant approached and reported, "Princess, seven or eight buyers signed up yesterday, and this morning another dozen have lined up to register."

Princess Mira was thrilled. "Excellent! With so many bidders, my Suxin Pavilion is sure to fetch a fantastic price!"

Meanwhile, from the second floor, Princess Mira spotted the Evans family carriage—Lily was heading to Rare Treasures Pavilion for breakfast.

She frowned, muttering, "That Lily Evans—always acting so smug. Let’s see how she handles losing Suxin Pavilion today!"

Lily Evans, meanwhile, was laughing and chatting with Aunt Charlotte and Uncle Arthur as they entered Rare Treasures Pavilion.

"Uncle Arthur, Aunt Charlotte, I bet Princess Mira is watching us right now, plotting her next move!" Lily Evans quipped.

Aunt Charlotte Evans grinned, "Let her plot all she wants. Our Lily always has a trick up her sleeve!"