Ch 207: Guide to Running a Shop in Another World

Lu Yao was sketching a magic array in the lounge when Ku Ba entered, saying a guest wanted to see her.

She asked him to bring the guest in.

It was Wan Baozhu’s first time in the cinema’s lounge. She sat down but fell into silence.

Lu Yao got up to make her a cup of tea and brought over some snacks, then returned to her magic array and casually asked, “What brings you here, Miss Wan?”

Wan Baozhu snapped out of her thoughts and leaned forward slightly. “What are you drawing?”

Putting down her pen, Lu Yao looked up. “I’m drafting the designs for a new screening room we’ll be expanding into soon.”

Wan Baozhu furrowed her brow. “Is this new screening room different from the 3D theater?”

Lu Yao nodded. “Theoretically, it will be quite different. The new screening room will use technology more advanced than 3D, though the new tech is still under development.”

Wan Baozhu could clearly sense the difference between the 3D theater and a regular one, as the visual experience was remarkably vivid. But something beyond even 3D was beyond her imagination.

“New technology?” Wan Baozhu absentmindedly tapped her fingers on the table. “Isn’t it too early to start drafting if the technology isn’t confirmed yet?”

Lu Yao smiled. “It’s not early at all. This isn’t actually the design for the room itself but part of the new technology.”

The research in Night light City was progressing well, so Lu Yao wanted to finalize the designs for the magic array. She would test it in the Sea of Eden, and if all went well, send it directly to Night light City for engraving.

Wan Baozhu looked down at the drawings on the table. Strange symbols and patterns were embedded within circles of various sizes, connected in seemingly random ways, including flat designs, side views, and complex perspective diagrams.

She couldn’t understand any of it.

“Are… are all people from your place like you?” Wan Baozhu abandoned any subtlety and asked directly.

Lu Yao tilted her head, thinking. “There aren’t many like me.”

Since she’d been tied to the Dream Fulfillment System, her life had indeed diverged from the ordinary.

Wan Baozhu felt unexpectedly reassured. “So, you’re one of the few.”

Lu Yao could guess Wan Baozhu’s line of thought. “Did you enjoy Moon Landing?”

Wan Baozhu nodded. “Very much.”

Lu Yao smiled. “I thought it was wonderful too. At first, I felt lost, uncertain about why I was on this journey or what it meant. Sometimes I grew anxious, not knowing what I was looking for. But when I reviewed Moon Landing, I suddenly felt calm. Whether we like it or not, everyone embarks on a journey—chasing fame, seeking fortune or love, exploring truth, or tasting life’s flavors. People search for something to find peace within. This path might be one I chose for myself.”

Wan Baozhu’s eyes widened slightly. “You mean you’re on a journey?”

“Surprised?” Lu Yao smiled.

Wan Baozhu nodded blankly. “So Liangjing is just a stop on your journey? Where do you plan to go next?”

Lu Yao shook her head, a hint of resignation in her voice. “I don’t know. It’s my journey, yet I’m not in control.”

Wan Baozhu looked down, falling silent again.

Lu Yao added, “But I’ve grown used to it—it’s not all that bad.”

Wan Baozhu looked up, the shadows in her gaze clearing. “Thank you, Lu Yao.”

She stood and said her goodbyes.

At the door, she was called back.

Lu Yao was tidying up the drawings on the table as she spoke. “Miss Wan, you mentioned I’m one of the few. But actually, I’m like most people—born ordinary, with no grand dreams, just working and living simply.”

Wan Baozhu turned back, her expression clearly saying, Who are you kidding? This is what you call ordinary?

Lu Yao smiled and continued, “You’re the same.”

The world is vast enough to hold any ambition, greed, or desire.

In the grand scheme of things, people are like dust in the wind.

Often, there’s no need to consider oneself too exceptional.

Wan Baozhu was momentarily stunned, lowering her head. “Thank you.”

The same as her?

Leaving the lounge, a faint smile tugged at the corners of Wan Baozhu’s lips.

Xie Wan and Sun Qinghe were seated at a corner table in the first-floor lounge. When they saw Wan Baozhu emerge, they quickly stood, called over Hongyu, who was surrounded by Xie Xu and others, and asked her to help pass on a message.

Xie Xu and Chen Yuning were busy examining Hongyu’s glasses. Xie Xu tried them on, but immediately felt dizzy and took them off. “These glasses aren’t the same as the ones in the upstairs theater, are they?”

Hongyu stood by awkwardly, nodding.

Having gotten used to wearing the glasses, she felt insecure without them, as everything blurred.

Chen Yuning tried them too, taking a few steps before removing them. “They make me dizzy and everything’s blurry. Why do you wear them?”

Hongyu took the glasses back, put them on again, and replied, “I have a vision condition. Only with these can I see clearly. The young boss gave them to me.”

Lu Yao, stepping out for some air, overheard and casually explained, “Hongyu is nearsighted; she wears glasses to correct her vision. For those without vision issues, it’s uncomfortable to wear them. The lenses in the 3D glasses are different, with a different purpose. If you look closely, you should notice the difference.”

Xie Xu turned to Lu Yao. “I hadn’t noticed before. So glasses have multiple uses.”

Lu Yao nodded. “Certainly. Many older people have trouble seeing up close but can still see well at a distance and require more light to see clearly. This condition is known as presbyopia, and it can also be corrected with glasses.”

Old Master Jiang, seated nearby with the steward, exchanged glances, showing interest.

Prince Jin asked, “So if Hongyu wants to watch a 3D movie, does she need two pairs of glasses?”

Lu Yao shook her head. “It’s similar in principle, but we have clip-on lenses for such cases. If Hongyu wants to watch a 3D movie, she can just add a lens over her own glasses.”

Xie Xu and the others were about to continue talking when Xie Wan gently took Lu Yao’s wrist, slightly frowning with a hint of urgency. “Young boss, could we have a private word?”

Lu Yao glanced at her and Sun Qinghe, then turned toward the lounge. “Come with me.”

Xie Wan and Sun Qinghe followed Lu Yao into the lounge. Chen Yuning asked Xie Xu, “What’s your sister discussing with the young boss?”

Xie Xu shook his head. “I have no idea.”

Meanwhile, Old Master Jiang’s table had also been waiting to speak with Lu Yao, only to see her diverted once more.

Jiang Yudie and Jiang Cheng were becoming impatient, but the Old Master raised an eyebrow, his tone calm. “It seems the young boss is quite busy. Steward.”

The steward stood immediately. “Yes, sir.”

“Go buy a few more tickets. I haven’t yet watched any other films.”

The steward acknowledged and headed toward the ticket booth.

Inside the lounge, Xie Wan and Sun Qinghe sat across from Lu Yao, their eyes drawn around the room, taking in the unique yet simple decor.

Lu Yao poured them tea and offered some cookies before finally asking, “Ladies, what brings you to see me?”

Exchanging a glance, Xie Wan spoke up. “Young boss, we were inspired by the movies and wish to establish a women’s school in Liangjing. We have no experience, so we came to seek your advice.”

Sun Qinghe eagerly joined in, “Ever since The Sea Train, we’ve had this idea. Miss Annie is so clever, observant, and calm. And then in Someday or One Day, women studying alongside men… And now, with today’s Moon Landing, I can’t hold back anymore. Those women are every bit as capable as men. After talking it over with Wanwan, we think their excellence is due to having the same access to education as men.”

Xie Wan added, “And in When Blossoms Fall, Miss Hua Shi leaves Prime Minister Shen in the end and becomes a female teacher in the countryside, with students all across the land. That’s what gave us the idea that we could start a women’s school too.”

Lu Yao’s surprise was evident, a smile tugging at her lips. “Your idea is fascinating. What issues are you facing? Feel free to tell me.”

Although she hadn’t run a school before, having been a student for nearly twenty years, she felt qualified to advise.

Xie Wan pulled a stack of letters from her sleeve. “This is the plan Qinghe and I wrote after discussing it. Could you look it over?”

The stack was quite substantial; Lu Yao counted nine pages. “I’ll take a look. Help yourselves to some snacks and relax.”

Xie Wan and Sun Qinghe watched Lu Yao intently, each second feeling longer than the last.

To ease her nerves, Xie Wan reached for a cookie, savoring the crispy texture, balanced sweetness, and warmth of the tea, making it all the more enjoyable. She subtly nudged Sun Qinghe, urging her to try one too.

Sun Qinghe carefully picked a chocolate cookie, enjoying the slightly bitter flavor that left a pleasant aftertaste.

As they got absorbed in the treats, Lu Yao quickly browsed the plan. She was a bit surprised; these noble ladies indeed had more insight than the average person.

The plan was imperfect but, given the state of Great Wu Dynasty, it was truly groundbreaking.

Just as she looked up, ready to discuss the details of establishing the school with them, there was a sudden knock on the door.

“Come in,” Lu Yao said.

Hongyu opened the door, her face tense. “Boss, someone… someone from the palace is here.”

Lu Yao didn’t immediately react.

Xie Wan and Sun Qinghe exchanged glances, then stood up.

Seeing Lu Yao’s confusion, Xie Wan whispered, “Young boss, someone from the palace is here; you should go out to meet them.”

Lu Yao snapped back to the moment, internally tapping into the system. “What’s going on?”

The system teased her: “You’ve drawn enough attention with your cinema to catch the palace’s eye.”

Unhurried, Lu Yao rose and went outside to see three individuals standing there.

A high-ranking eunuch with a dust brush and two slender young eunuchs stood by the entrance.

The lounge was empty now; only Ye Xiao and Ku Ba were at the door, with Zhu Zhu hiding behind the counter.

When Qin Mingde saw her emerge, he immediately raised his voice, “Who here is Lu Yao? The Emperor has a decree.”

Lu Yao raised her hand and walked over slowly. “I am Lu Yao.”

Qin Mingde looked her up and down, surprised by her youth and lack of fear. He flicked his dust brush and unfurled a bright yellow scroll. “Lu Yao, prepare to receive the decree.”

Lu Yao stood at a distance, her head slightly lowered.

Qin Mingde looked up, a hint of annoyance in his gaze. “Lu Yao, receive the decree.”

Lu Yao raised her head with an innocent expression. “I’m listening.”

One of the young eunuchs frowned, lifting his sleeve and taking a step forward.

Lu Yao held up her hand. “Apologies, due to certain reasons, I have difficulty bending my knees. May I stand to receive the decree?”

She had, in fact, tried to kneel but found her legs as immovable as concrete.

System: “You’re carrying the Demon God’s finger bone and the Mother Goddess’s eye, essentially halves of deities themselves. The Emperor, as a demigod, cannot withstand your kneeling.”

In short, she’d never even kneeled before the gods, so why kneel for a mortal?

But to Chief Eunuch Qin, her attitude was unbearably arrogant.

Both Xie Wan and Sun Qinghe were visibly shocked.

Lu Yao felt rather helpless herself.

Two young eunuchs stepped forward, attempting to force Lu Yao to kneel.

Ye Xiao walked over and casually tossed them out the door, speaking calmly, “She doesn’t need to kneel to anyone.”

Qin Mingde was furious, thinking she truly had no fear of death. He ground his teeth, recited the decree, and left with a flick of his sleeve.

“Just wait until you’re in the palace; let’s see how much spine you still have,” he thought, heading back to report all about this cinema and its owner, Lu Yao, to the emperor.

Leaning by the door, Lu Yao watched the imperial carriage leave. “How am I supposed to enter the palace?”

Xie Wan and Sun Qinghe held their foreheads. This young boss was indeed fearless.

Originally, Eunuch Qin probably intended to bring her along, but in his fury, he’d left her behind.

Xie Wan thought it over and offered, “Boss, let me accompany you to Zhuque Gate.”

Lu Yao considered it. “Thank you for the kind offer, but I’ll go on my own. We can continue discussing the women’s school once I return.”

Xie Wan and Sun Qinghe exchanged glances and sighed.

Getting out might be harder than getting in.

Upon learning that Lu Yao was headed out, Harold hurried down from the second floor, insisting on accompanying her. Ye Xiao also offered, and the two exchanged competitive glances at the door.

Lu Yao changed her clothes and got ready. “Alright, let’s go.”

Harold stepped forward first. “I’ll escort you.”

Ye Xiao followed, handing Lu Yao a small item. “The Emperor only summoned you, so I’ll take you as far as Zhuque Gate. Wear this; if you encounter danger, just touch it.”

Lu Yao glanced at him, noting that he wasn’t even trying to hide his intentions. She looked at the item, surprised. “What… is this?”

In her palm lay a golden lotus flower with intricate detailing, attached to two rounded lotus leaves and a small unopened bud.

She examined it closely. “Is this… an earring?”

The lotus leaves and bud were connected by a thin gold stem shaped into a unique hook—hard to discern at first glance.

Ye Xiao pressed his lips together, saying nothing.

Harold scoffed, pulling a strange, dark hairpin from his clothing and handing it to her. “This is the hardest dragon scale I have, made by Ambrose. Wear it, and I’ll appear if there’s danger.”

The hairpin was exquisitely crafted, with faint patterns running along the scale’s surface. Although pitch black, it sparkled faintly in her hand.

Ambrose had a keen eye for detail, and Lu Yao admired the piece, pinning it in her hair. “How does it look?”

Harold shot a smug look at Ye Xiao and nodded proudly. “Not bad. When I’m grown, I’ll have a new scale, and I’ll have Ambrose make you another.”

Ye Xiao’s eyes darkened slightly but remained silent.

Lu Yao touched the dragon scale hairpin in her hair and carefully wrapped the lotus earring in a handkerchief before tucking it into her pocket. “Alright, I’m off now.”

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