4 The First Leading Lady 1 (1/2)

The sun still hung below the horizon but villagers filled the market streets as they prepared for the day to come. Squeezing through the crowd was a worried San'er struggling to catch up to the young miss.

Up ahead, Li Wei excitedly scanned all the stalls on both sides of the road. She moved through the shortcuts with expertise. When she stood in front of a big building with white peonies in front, she stopped. In her last life, she liked this store the most. Madam Yan was the owner of this fabric store and she had the newest and prettiest dresses. Of course, this was also the most expensive store in the city.

San'er was panting heavily when she finally caught up to the young miss. ”Miss, here you are. I think I've improved since last time but make sure you don't do this again or Madam Rin will force this servant out the doors.”

Actually, Li Wei waited for the girl to arrive. It was fun to tease San'er who always took things too seriously. Li Wei smiled secretly as she walked up the entrance of the store.

Madam Yan was no ordinary woman. On the outside, she was a talkative naïve woman in her forties who seemed obsessed with beauty. However, she was a cunning woman who did all things with calculations. When she saw Li Wei at the entrance, she immediately plastered on a smile, ”My my, look who we have here on this early morning. What does the second young miss of the Li Manor have in mind today?”

Li Wei stared at the woman she used to confide in. In her past life, Madam Yan was one of the few she trusted. She used to think Madam Yan was full of warmth, similar to a mother's. Now she almost wanted to slap herself for not being able to see the intentions behind those fake smiles. Of course, Li Wei was not a good woman either. In fact, she was much worse. Seeing Madam Yan again reminded her of the things she did.

”Are you also looking for a dress to attend tonight's royal banquet?” Madam Yan pushed after Li Wei stood there blankly. It was unsual for a young lady to not respond to Madam Yan. She was not used to being ignored and it annoyed her.

Li Wei put on an innocent smile that covered her inner thoughts. She indeed, headed here to look for a new dress. Now that she's here, Li Wei changed her mind. She didn't want to go to the banquet anymore. What was the point? She quickly made an excuse, ”No, actually I got lost and accidently came here. Aunt Rin wanted me to pick up something for her but I remembered incorrectly.”

Before Madam Yan could say anything else, Li Wei turned around to leave. Poor San'er was so confused as she followed the young miss towards the door. Li Wei hurriedly walked to the entrance when a familiar voice suddenly made her stop in her tracks.

”Madam Yan, do you have more of this pattern in storage?”

”Miss? Is something the matter?” San'er asked at the young miss' sudden stop.

”No, let's go. Aunt Rin is waiting.”

The voice came again, this time louder and closer as the owner came towards them.

”Li Wei, is that you?”

This voice was sweet and filled with excitement.

This voice belonged to none other than the first leading lady, Li Zhilan.