Chu Chen looked at the fireworks being set off in the distance and continued, "Those who come here to play are either wealthy or learned, fond of romance and elegance."
"And there are also those who pretend to be cultured."
"No matter what kind of person, they are easily tempted to spend money when they come here."
"As for the merchants, they are the smartest people in the world. If they want to cheat you out of your money and make you willing, they have countless ways to do it."
Hearing this, Li Xinyue's eyes widened, "Really? No way."
Chu Chen spoke with more enthusiasm, "Your Highness Princess, why not? Of course, they do."
"To make you spend money, these people will definitely come up with all sorts of methods and exert themselves to the utmost."
"If you don't buy their fireworks, you'll seem ungenerous. If you have a beautiful woman by your side, it's even easier to persuade tourists to buy fireworks."
Li Xinyue paused, looking confused, "How is it easier?"
Chu Chen smiled slightly, "Your Highness Princess, think about it. Who doesn't want to save face in front of a beautiful woman? If you don't even buy a few fireworks, isn't that a bit too embarrassing?"
Li Xinyue nodded, looking thoughtfully at Chu Chen, "If that's the case, then Chu Chen, are you willing to buy some fireworks for me?"
Chu Chen couldn't help but feel amused and exasperated, "Your Highness Princess, did you just take everything I told you as a story?"
Li Xinyue snorted, "I just want to know if you are willing to buy fireworks for me, and if you would buy them for other women."
Chu Chen quickly raised his hands in surrender.
He truly didn't understand why even a woman of Princess Xinyue's status would fall for such a cheap trick by merchants.
But then he thought about it and felt relieved. No matter how extraordinary Li Xinyue's status was, she was still a woman. Women have their inherent weaknesses, and there's no escaping them.
"Your Highness Princess, to allay your concerns, let's go buy some now. What do you say?"
Hearing this, Li Xinyue snorted and nodded, "That's more like it. Let's go now."
Chu Chen quickly rowed the boat, and they both arrived at the shore where several stalls were selling fireworks. The business seemed to be quite good.
The stall owners were all busy and smiling from ear to ear.
Being able to earn so much money was already satisfying for them.
But who would complain about having too much money?
Initially, these stall owners had almost sold out of fireworks, but then another batch arrived, and they continued to sell them.
These stall owners naturally knew when they could make the most money – when these tourists were caught up in the moment of spending.
To make these tourists spend more, these stall owners would even hire beautiful women to pretend to be alone by the lake and "accidentally" meet people.
As soon as they saw solitary men or small groups of men touring the lake, they would strike up a conversation and steer the topic towards watching fireworks within a few sentences.
After the fireworks were bought and lit, these beautiful women would leave under some pretext not long after.
"Young sir, would you like to buy some for this lady to watch?"
A merchant smiled and said to Chu Chen.
Chu Chen nodded and pointed to one type of firework, "I'll buy this one."
The merchant immediately smiled, "Young sir, all these fireworks are beautiful. Why don't you buy one of each?"
Hearing this, Li Xinyue immediately perked up.
"Yes, Chu Chen, since we're buying, let's buy a few more types. It's all for the beauty of it anyway."
"If we only buy one type, what's the difference between lighting it once and lighting it ten times?"
Hearing this, Chu Chen couldn't help but nod.
"Alright then, give me three of each you have. Here's the silver."
Chu Chen casually took out a piece of silver, and the stall owner's face lit up with joy.
"This young sir is truly generous. I have a special item, originally prepared for a distinguished guest."
"However, that distinguished guest doesn't usually come. Since I've met you, young sir, perhaps you can enjoy it."
Chu Chen's first thought upon hearing this was that the stall owner intended to overcharge him.
Chu Chen was about to leave with Li Xinyue when Li Xinyue stopped him.
"Don't go yet. Let's hear what this boss has to say about his special item. I'm quite interested."
Upon hearing this, the boss's smile widened even further, "This young lady indeed has outstanding气质 and is knowledgeable with refined taste."
"My special item costs twenty taels of silver. When lit, it can form characters in the sky."
Hearing this, Li Xinyue became excited.
"Really? What characters can it form? Let me see."
"There are two types: 'Hundred Years of Harmony' and 'May All Your Wishes Come True'."
Li Xinyue's heart filled with joy, "If that's the case, then I'll take them all."
As she spoke, Li Xinyue looked at Chu Chen, her gaze as clear as could be.
Chu Chen shrugged helplessly, "Young lady, spending money is a trivial matter. However, with so many fireworks, can we even finish lighting them?"
Li Xinyue pouted, "It's none of your business whether I can finish lighting them or not. You're leaving in a few days."
"Even if I can't finish them today, I'll take them back and light a few every day."
"This way, I can recall tonight, and it will feel as if you are still by my side."
Hearing this, Chu Chen's heart stirred, and he nodded without further comment.
After buying all the fireworks, Li Xinyue smiled and said to the stall owner.
"Please put all these fireworks onto our boat."
The stall owner quickly agreed and happily loaded the fireworks onto the boat.
Then, the stall owner asked curiously, "Young lady, do you want to buy anything else? I also have Kongming lanterns and other fun items."
Li Xinyue thought for a moment and nodded, "Then give me ten Kongming lanterns."
Hearing this, the stall owner's face beamed with joy. He had only asked casually and didn't expect Li Xinyue to agree.
Since Li Xinyue agreed, it was naturally a great thing.
The stall owner loaded the Kongming lanterns onto the boat and was about to try to sell something else, but Chu Chen waved him off.
"Alright, alright. If we need anything else, we'll find you. Let's go now, don't be annoying."
Hearing this, the stall owner understood and tactfully left.
Chu Chen and Li Xinyue then took torches and incense onto the boat and rowed to the center of the lake.
"Alright, this is good. Let's start setting off the fireworks."
Li Xinyue clapped her hands, saying excitedly.