Emma

Biodata

Background / History

Emma works as a saleswoman at Dolores Boutique. She helps Li Wei change into a Brunello Cucinelli suit and gold-rimmed glasses, then explains the heavy taxes and insurance costs that reduce workers' take-home income. 15

When an artwork crate blocks the boutique entrance, Emma initially doubts Li Wei can move it alone. She wagers a $150 steak-buffet lunch against him; after he succeeds, Li Wei receives the promised free luxury lunch. 19 20 21

By the start of the school term, Emma and Li Wei have become regular work partners. She messages him about his shifts, shares gossip about customers, and treats their workplace as a place for candid conversation. 39

Emma identifies Elizabeth Mellon as a member of the Mellon family and explains the scale and restrictions of Elizabeth's old-money wealth to Li Wei. She later encourages him to maintain Elizabeth as a valuable client after Elizabeth remembers him. 41 42 43

Appearance

Emma is described by Li Wei as beautiful and is of Russian descent. 28 40

• Has Russian heritage. 28 40
• Is conscious of her weight and says she needs to limit sweets. 40

Personality

Emma is teasing, sociable, and blunt with Li Wei. She jokes about his strength, appearance, and prospects with wealthy women, while also acting like an older-sister figure who wants him to take advantage of opportunities. 20 40

She is knowledgeable about luxury clients and high society, readily explaining Elizabeth Mellon's family background, trust-fund allowance, and potential value as a boutique customer. 41 42 43

Emma enjoys gossiping about customers' behavior and fashion choices. She also has a practical outlook on money, discussing taxes, expensive goods, and the financial gap between boutique employees and the clientele they serve. 15 39 43

Relationships

• Li Wei — Coworker and close work partner. She outfits him for work, jokes with him, teaches him Russian swear words, shares food and gossip with him, and encourages him to pursue wealthy clients. 15 20 28 39 40
• Madame Dolores — Employer and boutique owner. Emma is intimidated by Dolores but carries out her instructions, including arranging Li Wei's bonus after he moves the artwork crate. 21
• Elizabeth Mellon — A major boutique client whose family background Emma explains to Li Wei. Emma views Elizabeth as an exceptionally valuable connection for him. 41 42 43

Story Role / Major Arcs

Boutique Coworker

Emma serves as Li Wei's guide to the social and financial realities of luxury retail. She helps him navigate work attire, taxes, customer expectations, and workplace gossip. 15 39

Artwork Crate Incident

She witnesses Li Wei move a crate weighing at least 300 kilograms alone after doubting he could do it. Their lunch wager turns his feat into a friendly bonding moment. 19 20 21

Elizabeth Mellon's Visit

Emma first builds Li Wei's curiosity about an exceptionally beautiful and wealthy customer, then reveals that the visitor is Elizabeth Mellon. She encourages Li Wei to capitalize on Elizabeth's interest and buying power. 40 41 42 43

Trivia

• Emma teaches Li Wei Russian swear words, including how to pronounce “Suka blyat!” more naturally. 28
• She and Li Wei share boutique macarons and champagne in a lounge area she calls a “gossip sanctuary.” 40
• Emma states that she has a boyfriend and rejects Li Wei's joking suggestion that she might cheat on him. 40