Chapter Twenty-Five: The Black Market.

Manna was completely bewildered by Lu Xia’s reaction. She never expected that once Lu Xia decided she no longer needed her, she would cut her off without a hint of hesitation or room for negotiation.

As she was being escorted out by the old butler, she was still in a daze. It wasn't until she saw her agent that she couldn't help but complain, "What kind of person is she? Kicking me out just like that in the middle of our conversation!"

Her agent, Qiao Lan, had already heard the situation from the old butler. Her face was dark with fury. "Before we came, didn't I warn you to behave yourself? The person on the other side is of high status. What is wrong with you? Did you not read the documents I gave you? Do you really think that just because you have a bit of traffic now, you’ve forgotten who you are?"

Qiao Lan was also a female with a humble background, but she had managed to establish herself in the entertainment industry through years of hard work. She knew that most female artists who entered the limelight came from ordinary backgrounds; those with truly prestigious origins would never have to work this hard. She had assumed Manna would understand such a simple truth—even though the Empire prioritized females, there were still hierarchies among them. She hadn't expected that as soon as Manna achieved a little success, she would adopt the typical arrogant attitude of some females, looking down on everyone.

Manna felt deeply aggrieved by her agent’s outburst. Ever since her popularity surged, Qiao Lan had been much gentler with her, and she had forgotten the last time she was scolded like this. She never imagined that today, she would be berated on the street simply for losing a minor endorsement. What exactly had she done wrong?

"Forget it. I see you don’t have the destiny to become a major star. Get in the car; don't make a scene here." Qiao Lan opened the door and sat inside first. After a long moment, Manna climbed in. "Sister Lan, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize this endorsement was so important."

Qiao Lan didn't want to say anything more to her. She opened the holographic screen on her terminal and pushed it toward Manna. "See for yourself."

Manna stopped speaking and carefully read the content on the screen. She discovered that the beauty cream developed by Number One Courtyard had already gone viral on the hot search list before even being officially launched. Many people were eagerly awaiting its release. In her view, with such massive popularity and buzz, the product didn't even need a celebrity endorsement to sell well. People were interested in the product itself, not because of any particular star. In fact, the celebrity who endorsed it would likely gain much more fame from the product than the other way around.

For an artist, this was an incredibly valuable endorsement, and she had ruined it with her condescending attitude. She finally understood why Qiao Lan was so angry.

Realizing what she had lost, Manna looked at Qiao Lan and pleaded, "I was wrong, Sister Lan. Is there really no chance left? I’m willing to apologize."

"Who do you think you are? Do you think they’ll accept your apology? Do you know who she is? She is a Duchess; do you think she needs you? Honestly, I was surprised she came to talk to you personally today—it showed how much she valued this project. And look at you, putting on airs in front of her. Forget it, stop talking. If something isn't meant for you, you won't be able to hold onto it even if it's handed to you. I don't want to completely offend her because of you."

Qiao Lan’s meaning was clear: she would not offend a figure like Duchess Lu Xia for Manna’s sake.

Meanwhile, Lu Xia had already put Manna out of her mind. After all, she was meeting with more than just her that day. Having shortlisted several candidates earlier, Lu Xia interviewed three more people after Manna and ultimately selected one female and one male to be the ambassadors for the Number One Courtyard beauty cream. Once the candidates were confirmed, she met with the director to finalize the advertisement script, effectively concluding the preparations before the product launch.

As she left Number One Courtyard and returned to her car, Lu Xia asked, "Where can one purchase a gene fusion serum?"

The old butler was momentarily stunned by the question. "They are generally only sold by the Genetic Research Institute, and they are only released once a year in July. That time has already passed. If you want to buy one now, you can only try your luck at the black market."

The old butler couldn't help but wonder if Duchess Lu Xia intended to buy it for Grace. He was well aware that Grace had been spending his nights in the master bedroom recently. For a male, receiving the favor of his female mistress all night long was a supreme honor—especially for a 'defective' male. The butler even felt that the treatment Grace received was better than what most primary spouses enjoyed; it was far beyond what a concubine should expect.

"Where is the black market, and can anyone go?" Lu Xia was not surprised that the Empire had a black market; after all, every place had its shadows.

She simply needed to understand the rules of the black market, as she required a gene fusion serum for her upcoming research. She wasn't in a great rush, however, as she wouldn't initiate the Number Two Courtyard project until the first one was on the right track.

"The black market has no rules, and anyone can go. However, if you wish to go, it is best not to go alone. You might want to ask Grace about this," the old butler suggested.

Lu Xia leaned back in her seat and raised an eyebrow. "Is he knowledgeable about such things?"

"Grace is, after all, part of the military, and the military has annual tasks to raid the black market. He should have some information."

Lu Xia nodded, deciding to ask Grace about it when she returned home.

By the time she arrived, Grace had already prepared dinner. Seeing her enter, he stepped forward to take her bag and coat. "Did everything go well today?"

Grace asked naturally, having shed the restraint he felt when they first met. The old butler watched him closely; he had witnessed Grace’s transformation and even felt that Grace was not like an ordinary 'defective' male. On second thought, an ordinary 'defective' male wouldn't be able to rise to the rank of Colonel in the military on his own merit.

"It went well. I have something to ask you. Do you have a moment?"

"Yes, what is it?" Grace asked, following Lu Xia to her room.

Once inside, Lu Xia went to the dressing room. Grace stood outside, listening as she spoke: "How much do you know about the black market? I plan to go there soon to purchase a gene fusion serum for my research. The butler said the Genetic Research Institute only sells them in July, and since that time has passed, the black market is the only option. But I know nothing about it."

Upon hearing Lu Xia mention the black market, Grace’s gaze darkened, but he quickly returned to his calm demeanor. "When do you plan to go? I can accompany you."