Su Xiaoqi composed herself and walked out with Du Yiyi.
They arrived just in time, the Grand Princess was surrounded by a group of people asking questions.
Some of the questions they asked were ones the Grand Princess could answer, while others she couldn't.
She had been hoping Su Xiaoqi would come out.
With a thought, she saw Su Xiaoqi and Du Yiyi walking over together.
Feeling relieved, she waved her over, gestured to the noblewomen surrounding her, and said, "Here, look, the mistress of this estate has arrived. Ask her whatever questions you have."
Su Xiaoqi smiled and stepped forward, inviting everyone to ask.
Someone asked, "Madam Shen, your estate is so much fun. I wonder if we can come and play again in the future."
Su Xiaoqi looked up at the woman speaking. She saw it was Lady Ouyang, the wife of the heir of the Zhenguo Duke's mansion.
Lady Ouyang hailed from the Dingbian Marquis's mansion. Like Du Yiyi, she had grown up in the borderlands.
Consequently, she had developed a forthright and decisive personality.
Therefore, among this group of noblewomen, she was bound to be the one who couldn't hold back.
Su Xiaoqi smiled. Someone had to break the ice, and she was grateful it was Lady Ouyang.
Because according to Du Yiyi's introduction, Lady Ouyang, the wife of the Zhenguo Duke's heir, looked intimidating but was actually very easy to talk to.
As long as one stroked her the right way, she would be a great help.
Su Xiaoqi readily agreed, "Of course."
"Then how much will it cost?" As expected of Lady Ouyang, she got straight to the point, saving Su Xiaoqi from any awkwardness.
"Madam Shizi asks a good question. Liuyuan was intended to be a place for ladies and their friends to gather.
I have some membership cards here. I will explain to everyone how to use them.
Later, they can be distributed to the ladies according to their prices."
Su Xiaoqi had initially thought she would need to spend a lot of effort explaining that their clubhouse would have a fee.
However, thanks to Lady Ouyang's questions, the matter became much smoother.
Lady Ouyang became happy:
"Oh, membership cards, how novel. No, it doesn't seem entirely novel. I remember that the supermarket and a pastry shop I like to visit in the capital also have these 'membership cards'."
Su Xiaoqi smiled without speaking.
Lady Ouyang added, "Tell me quickly, how do your membership cards work."
Su Xiaoqi curtsied and spoke eloquently, "Liuyuan's membership cards are divided into annual, quarterly, monthly, and pay-per-use cards."
The annual card costs two thousand seven hundred taels after the discount, with a consumption limit of one hundred and twenty times, averaging once every three days.
The quarterly card costs nine hundred taels, with a limit of thirty times.
The monthly card costs three hundred and sixty taels, with a limit of ten times.
The pay-per-use card costs forty-five taels.
As it is newly opened, there is a promotional price. All cards are discounted by ten percent and include the cost for one additional person.
This means that one card can be used by two people.
As soon as she finished speaking, the hall became lively.
"Oh my, how expensive."
"Who says it isn't? Three thousand taels a year."
"No, that's not right. The annual card is discounted by ten percent, so it won't be three thousand taels. Hey, how much is it?"
Su Xiaoqi heard them and announced loudly, "After the ten percent discount, the annual card is two thousand seven hundred taels, the quarterly card is nine hundred taels.
The monthly card is three hundred and sixty taels, and the pay-per-use card also has a discount, at forty-five taels.
Except for the pay-per-use card, each card can be used by two people. This means the cost for one person per year is only a little over thirteen hundred taels, averaging only eleven taels per consumption."
"Oh, an annual card is only a little over a thousand taels, and we can play here all day, with food and entertainment all included?" Lady Ouyang asked.
Su Xiaoqi nodded gently.
She had to admit, she truly liked Lady Ouyang's personality.
She was forthright and genuine, speaking her mind without reservation.
"That's not bad. Thinking about it, I ate so many pastries from Chen Jin Ji today, and also a lot of fruit, like those big loquats.
These things can't be bought even with money. Today I probably ate several jin by myself.
And then there was soaking in the hot springs, boating on the lake, eating barbecue, and drinking lots of delicious milk tea...
Oh dear, Pingping, quickly help me calculate how much money I usually spend on these things?" Lady Ouyang was a bit flustered and urgently called for her head maidservant.
"Madam, when converted, it's about fifty to sixty taels, perhaps more."
"Wow, that's too cost-effective! I want to get an annual card." Lady Ouyang beckoned, and her decision was made.
Some impulsive attendees, upon hearing Lady Ouyang's words, also started calling out.
This one said they wanted one, that one said they wanted one.
Su Xiaoqi subtly observed. There were fifty-eight guests in total, and more than ten of them were saying this.
However, fearing they might be overly impulsive, Su Xiaoqi responsibly reminded them:
"Ladies, you can consider this carefully. There's no need to rush. This promotional price will continue until the hour of You tomorrow afternoon."
Upon hearing this, the enthusiasm of some impulsive individuals was somewhat dampened. However, those who were good with numbers immediately declared that there was no need to think further and would sign up now.
After all, Lady Ouyang, the wife of the Zhenguo Duke's heir, had already completed her transaction.
She happily took the annual card made of rosewood from Guo'er.
It was an exquisitely crafted and highly polished card, with "Liuyuan Annual Card" inscribed on it.
There were also lines of small print explaining its usage.
It detailed some of Liuyuan's services and usage rules.
It could not be lent out and was for personal use only. As it was an opening promotional card, it allowed one friend to enjoy services for free.
"Oh, what an exquisite card." Lady Ouyang examined it carefully and handed it to Pingping behind her, instructing her to keep it safe.
She blinked her eyes, thought for a moment, and then leaned closer to Su Xiaoqi, asking in a low voice, "Can I bring my Shizi here with me?"
Su Xiaoqi smiled inwardly, thinking this Shizi夫人 was truly genuine. She nodded and said yes, quietly adding:
"There are private rooms here. Even the hot springs are separated."
Lady Ouyang became even happier. Her mind was already conjuring images of her and her husband soaking in the hot springs and enjoying delicious food, feeling as blissful as immortals.
Su Xiaoqi was also infected by Lady Ouyang's unreserved smile. She parted her lips and smiled.
Her smile was as light and beautiful as the newly sprouted green buds in the spring mountain forest, fresh and ethereal.
"I'll take ten of them," the Grand Princess declared, causing everyone to be momentarily stunned.
It took a while for them to react, and they couldn't help but marvel at how the Grand Princess, being the Grand Princess, was truly lavish.
Su Xiaoqi blinked her eyes and stepped forward, saying, "Your Highness, you don't actually need to get a card. I've reserved a share of this clubhouse for you. You can come whenever you like."
The Grand Princess's eyes flickered, and she took Su Xiaoqi's hand. This girl...
"I'll still get ten cards, as I have quite a few people to give them to."
"We can also get them as gifts?" someone asked, as if discovering a new continent.
Su Xiaoqi nodded and said of course. As long as the recipient's real identity information was presented at the time of purchase, and it was registered, the card could be transferred to that person.
However, because this opening price was exceptionally low, there were only one hundred such cards available. Once these were sold out, they would have to be sold at the original price, and the promotional "family cards" would not be included.
Instead, it would be one card per person.
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately started discussing.
After a period of lively discussion, they all made their decisions.
Those with bulging purses, without hesitation, purchased annual cards, and not just one, but several.
Those who wanted to experience it but were reluctant to spend the money opted for quarterly cards, intending to bring their family members to experience it at least once.
However, the membership cards also stipulated that the cardholder must bring the same person each time they come; they could not bring one person this time and another next time.
There was no need for further conversation; everyone started signing up for cards.
Su Xiaoqi handed over the task to Zhang Yu and Guo'er.
She herself stood aside, answering everyone's questions.
In reality, there wasn't much to ask, as all the necessary information was clearly written on the membership cards.
As long as one could read, they would understand at a glance.
Therefore, Su Xiaoqi had quite a bit of free time.
Zhao Xiaohua had been watching the commotion for a long time. Seizing an opportunity during a lull, she walked up and stood in front of Su Xiaoqi.
With an unexplainable look of doubt in her eyes, she asked word by word, "Who exactly are you?"