Chapter 164: The Queen Flirts Boldly Before Rong, Suddenly Taking on the Hidden Wife Persona (1)
Despite raising her guard to the highest level, she wouldn't admit it outright.
"Handsome? He's just okay."
Her tone seemed casual, but Queen Eden noticed her small hand clutching the hem of her skirt, and her smile deepened.
"Ladies and gentlemen…"
On the stage, a gentle and clear voice rang out, belonging to a young man.
"I'm sure everyone is curious about the brewing methods of 'Drunken Dreams'."
"But actually, the brewing method is secondary. The key lies in adding a new process to the original brewing technique. Even wine brewed by other methods can see its flavor greatly enhanced."
Shia wasn't talking about Drunken Dreams but distillation brewing instead.
His voice carried a certain magnetism, describing the benefits of distillation brewing and naturally drawing people in.
Initially, the audience dismissed his claims.
They had tasted Drunken Dreams and thought this was just a ploy to hike up its price.
But as Shia explained the principles and methods of distillation, shock spread through the crowd.
"Of course, introducing a new process always requires time and guidance for adaptation."
"To that end, I am willing to share the distillation technique. All it takes is a 20,000-gold membership fee, and I will teach your guilds or wineries this method."
The room exploded into chatter.
The development of a groundbreaking technique with industry-shaking potential meant massive profits, something everyone understood.
And a 20,000-gold price tag? It wasn't even a fraction of what this was worth.
This was practically giving away a gold mine!
Shia waited patiently for the noise to subside before continuing.
"I have just one condition: I want naming rights."
Just naming rights?
Surely they couldn't let him walk away without a share of the profits, could they?
"Master Shia, this is too unfair to you."
"Master Shia is so magnanimous—truly deserving of the title of master!"
"Master, how can we take such advantage of you? You 'must' take a share of the profits!"
The banquet hall buzzed with voices of admiration and respect.
At this moment, everyone was completely awed by Shia's generosity and broad-mindedness.
This was precisely the effect Shia had aimed for.
With these influential figures spreading the word, the narrative would snowball into widespread recognition.
The wealth that would come later was secondary.
This was what it meant to have fame and fortune.
Though the presentation ended, Shia's moment in the spotlight was far from over.
Earlier, standing on the high stage, he had seemed distant from the crowd.
But now, as he stepped off the stage and the banquet hall lights brightened, he remained the center of attention.
In an instant, he was swarmed by a sea of admirers.
Noble ladies with restrained elegance and coquettish socialites alike flocked around him, their admiration for him undisguised.
Why were they all beautiful women?
—Because for someone like Shia, the most effective ploy was, naturally, the beauty trap.
Compared to the distillation technique, it was clear that the person himself was far more valuable.
Before long, Shia was surrounded by a blooming cluster of flowers—adoring women of every kind.
From sweet young girls to youthful beauties to mature noblewomen, every type was present.
"Shia, how did you come up with distillation brewing? You're so brilliant!"
"Master Shia, I've admired your talent for so long. May I have a word with you?"
"Master Shia, I'm still a bit unclear about the membership process. Could you explain it to me in detail?"
The melodic voices of women enveloped him, their diverse and alluring fragrances filling his senses.
Shia felt a bit dizzy—too many flowers, too much enthusiasm.
Their words varied, but their intentions were the same: each wanted a piece of him, almost as if they might devour him.
Some of the women even began to bicker among themselves, sniping at each other with veiled sarcasm.
Of course, as refined noblewomen, they wouldn't stoop to outright catfights.
Instead, their clashes took the form of biting wit and sharp retorts.
Others, however, seemed quite open to the idea of "sharing" him.
Looking at the scene before him, Shia thought that with his popularity, throwing a big party tonight wouldn't be out of the question.
But unfortunately, Shia wasn't interested in these women at all.
Amidst this chaotic competition for his attention, Queen Eden made her entrance.
A stunning and seductive older woman radiating an aura of enchantment, every movement of hers exuded intoxicating charm. Her flawless beauty made her the focus of all eyes.
Her voluptuous and sultry figure was the ultimate feminine ideal, easily overshadowing both young girls and mature women alike.
Wearing a black starry evening gown, she emanated a mysterious allure—a deadly temptation for an inexperienced young man.
"Well, isn't this lively?"
Her voice was languid and husky, tinged with an irresistible seductiveness.
Her arrival cast a shadow over the other women, who were suddenly subdued, instinctively making way for her.
Despite stepping aside, their gazes were full of disdain.
So what if she was beautiful?
She was still a lowly succubus—a creature despised by all.
They weren't intimidated; they simply didn't want to associate with her.
Some even exaggeratedly fanned the air in front of their noses, as if to disperse some imaginary unpleasant scent.
But Queen Eden, unfazed by their contemptuous looks, remained as proud as ever.
'Hmph! So what if you have a problem with me?'
'I'm prettier than you. Deal with it.'
She swayed her hips even more provocatively as she walked.
But competing with these women wasn't her goal.
Her gaze sparkled as she approached Shia, clearly interested not just in his skills but in the young man himself.
Standing before Shia, her tall figure, accentuated by ten-centimeter heels, made her tower over him.
Leaning slightly, she tilted his chin up with her finger, her eyes locking onto his with an unmistakable focus.
"Interested in becoming the exclusive brewmaster for Dreamland Enchantment?"
Her husky and alluring voice carried a commanding undertone, as if she weren't inviting him to work for her but rather declaring her intention to keep him for herself in true domineering CEO style.