This was essentially an overtime match!
Deng Tianyu asked curiously, “So, what is the topic issued by the two factions this time?”
“This! Right here!” Qu Qirong took out an object resembling a roll of silk from her storage ring.
Deng Tianyu reached out to take it and felt it for a moment. It was extremely soft, comfortable, and smooth.
Yet, his brow furrowed: “This isn’t a material for refining Dharma Robes or artifacts, is it?”
He felt absolutely no trace of heaven-and-earth elemental energy in this object. Clearly, it was an ordinary mortal item, not a spiritual one.
Unlike the Spirit Wood from before, which, though mostly useless, had at least contained a tiny trace of lightning element.
“It’s just ordinary silk, albeit of very good quality!” Qu Qirong explained, meeting his gaze.
When she first received this silk, she thought there was a mistake. Only after asking around did she understand it was intentional.
After a moment of contemplation, Deng Tianyu spoke: “The topic this time targets ordinary mortals, not cultivators?”
Only spiritual materials could be used to refine Dharma Robes or artifacts—that was common knowledge.
Mortal materials like this silk could only produce mundane items.
Would cultivators buy ordinary mortal goods?
Perhaps some would, but very few!
From this, he deduced that the audience for this test was likely ordinary mortals.
Qu Qirong picked up another slice of Fire Crab, placed it in her mouth, chewed a few times gracefully, and then parted her red lips slightly: “That is precisely the clan’s intention.”
“In their view, the best test of commercial skill is to see what one can do with the most ordinary of items.”
“So, for this test, both ventures will use this exact same silk.”
Deng Tianyu smiled slightly: “Quite interesting!”
As expected of a power established on commerce, they had come up with this kind of test.
Still, it made sense!
In the Nine Provinces, although cultivators were numerous, ordinary mortals were far more so.
If done well, targeting mortals could yield immense profits.
His thoughts settling there, Deng Tianyu asked: “Does Aunt Rong have any ideas?”
“For ordinary people, silk like this is mostly used for close-fitting garments.”
“So I intend to combine it with Tianyu’s previous ideas and create a new set of intimate apparel specifically for women!”
Qu Qirong didn’t hide anything, voicing her thoughts.
Why target women?
Because that demographic had a vast consumer base. Items like intimate apparel were necessities.
“If Aunt Rong thinks this way, then the Mysterious Spirit Sect’s faction will likely think similarly.”
“If both sides launch new styles of intimate apparel, the winner will be decided by whose is more appealing!” Deng Tianyu mused for a moment before speaking.
To be a qualified merchant, one must not only have unique ideas but also understand what the competition was thinking.
Qu Qirong put down her bamboo chopsticks: “Aunt Rong knows this too, which is why I wanted to hear Tianyu’s opinion.”
She knew she wasn’t as good as Deng Tianyu in this area, so she wanted to incorporate his ideas.
Somehow, she had begun to feel a sense of reliance on this junior.
Although Qu Qirong knew it wasn’t entirely proper, she couldn’t help but enjoy it.
Because she was also a woman. No matter how strong she was, deep down she still craved protection and care.
Normally, she would never entertain such feelings, not until she recognized Deng Tianyu.
Qu Qirong basked in the meticulous care and filial devotion of this junior towards his elder.
Things like those interesting books that relieved boredom, the Fire Crab delicacy just now, his daily inquiries about her well-being, and that sincere way he called her “Aunt Rong.”
Through their interactions during this time, Qu Qirong had gradually come to feel what “family affection” truly meant.
Deng Tianyu gave a wry smile: “I do have an idea, but I’m afraid Aunt Rong might not be able to accept it.”
When it came to clothing design, with his memories from his past life, a lack of ideas was never an issue.
It was just that women’s intimate apparel from his past life was rather… bold. He wasn’t sure if the women of this world would accept it so easily!
“Last time, with that Spirit Wood matter, you came up with ‘Tender Affection’ and ‘Deeply Rooted Affection,’ and Aunt Rong never said a word to scold you.”
“Could this idea of yours possibly be even bolder than last time?”
Qu Qirong cast a reproachful, yet charming, glance at him.
Mentioning the bold ideas he’d had when they first met, even as his elder, she couldn’t help but feel a trace of shyness rising in her heart.
But this shyness was perfectly concealed and didn’t show, so Deng Tianyu didn’t notice it.
Compared to her, Qing’er beside them had already lowered her gaze, her pretty face flushed, even her delicate earlobes tinged with red.
Remembering that initial test, Deng Tianyu’s expression turned odd: “Last time, Aunt Rong even called me a ‘libertine.'”
Aunt Rong rolled her eyes at him: “As your elder, am I not allowed to say a single thing about you?”
Deng Tianyu nodded like a chick pecking at grain: “You can, Aunt Rong is completely right!”
“Then, can Tianyu finally tell us your idea?”
“Lady Qing’er, could we trouble you for a few sheets of paper?”
“Please wait a moment, Mr. Deng.” Qing’er turned and left, returning shortly with the paper.
Ever since she found out about Mr. Deng’s relationship with the Madam, she’d been stunned for a long time.
Remembering how happy the Madam had been when she returned that day, and how she’d praised Mr. Deng as a thoughtful and filial junior, everything finally made sense.
Of course, she was genuinely happy for the Madam that she had such a caring junior.
Since Deng Tianyu started visiting the Spirit Treasure Pavilion regularly, she noticed the Madam smiling more and more. And whenever they chatted idly, the conversation always revolved around him.
It was no longer like before, when the occasional smile she showed was tinged with a faint, inexplicable sadness.
“Tianyu, this style of drawing is very unique.”
“Not only are the lines elegant, but it can also clearly depict the intended object.”
At this moment, Qu Qirong sat beside Deng Tianyu, her fair chin resting on her delicate hand. Her proud, full curves swelled beneath her plain dress, revealing the graceful, voluptuous silhouette of a mature noblewoman.
“This drawing method is called sketching!”
As her fragrant breath lingered near him, a faint, delicate fragrance reached Deng Tianyu.
Without a doubt, in terms of both appearance and figure, Aunt Rong was someone who could stand toe-to-toe with his Shizun, Ning Wan.
Shizun Ning Wan was like an alluring, mature Datura flower, exuding seductive charm both inside and out.
Aunt Rong, on the other hand, was like a plum blossom—dignified and aloof outwardly, but noble, gentle, and soft inwardly.
As for his Fourth Aunt, Deng Tianyu had never seen her true appearance, but in terms of temperament, she embodied the poised elegance of a peony and the cool purity of a snow lotus.
In any case, all three of his elders had their own unique characteristics and were undoubtedly top-tier, calamity-inducing beauties of this era.
“Sketching, huh?”
Upon hearing the name of this novel drawing technique, a glint of interest shone brightly in Qu Qirong’s eyes.
“Alright, Aunt Rong, take a look!”
Before long, Deng Tianyu let out a breath of stale air and handed two drawings to her.
Qu Qirong took the drawings and began to examine them carefully.
The first drawing depicted two cup-like shapes woven from silk, with a strap extending from each side.
