Chapter 98

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After an arduous effort of completing the drawing, he chuckled heartily while gazing at the patterns on the paper, thinking to himself, 'I truly am a genius at making money.' He wondered what Eldest Miss Xiao would think when she saw these drawings. Undoubtedly, she would blush in embarrassment. 'Ah, it's simply too explosive!' he thought. However, if the Xiao family actually went into this business, they would definitely make a fortune.

Before sleep, he carelessly tossed aside the Yunjin silk handkerchief left by Xiao Qingxuan. His thoughts drifted to the endearing, silly little girl, Qiaoqiao, and he couldn't help but smile. This girl truly held a special place in his heart. He made a mental note to find some time to spoil her. Suddenly, he remembered he hadn't visited Qin Xian'er today. He wondered what tricks the flirtatious vixen would employ to seduce him. His heart fluttered at the thought of both Qiaoqiao and Qin Xian'er, his body reacting to his wandering mind. He tossed and turned for a while before finally falling into a deep sleep.

Early the next morning, Eldest Miss Xiao came looking for him. "Lin San," she said to Lin Wanrong, "Today Young Master Tao is discussing the alliance with me. You should come with us."

Lin Wanrong was momentarily taken aback. 'Why would she need me, a mere servant, in their discussions?' he wondered. But a glance at Eldest Miss Xiao's gaze made him realize that she was having trouble deciding and had purposely brought him along for assistance.

The pair left the house. Eldest Miss Xiao climbed into the carriage, and just as Lin Wanrong was about to follow, a young maid by the side said, "Brother Lin, you can't go in."

'Oh,' thought Lin Wanrong, 'I forgot. I'm a servant. How could I climb into the young lady's carriage?'

As the carriage trundled off, Lin Wanrong followed alongside with a troubled expression, thinking, 'She expects me to match pace with a horse. What a ridiculous idea, Miss Xiao.'

He had assumed that Tao Dongcheng would have arranged their meeting at a restaurant or teahouse, but to his surprise, the carriage headed straight out of town.

After walking more than ten miles, Lin Wanrong felt blisters forming on his feet. He cursed Tao Dongcheng and his entire family. Finally, when the carriage came to a stop, he looked up to see a lush green mountain surrounded by trees. A clear stream ran down the mountain, birds sang, and flowers bloomed. The scenery was delightful.

The carriage had stopped at a small pavilion halfway up the mountain. Its flying eaves and walking galleries were impressively grand. A sign hanging above read "Resting Immortal Pavilion."

Tao Dongcheng was already waiting there. Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao's carriage approach, he hurried forward with a respectful smile, "Ah, my dear sister, you've finally arrived. I've been waiting for you. After such a tiring journey, please rest in the pavilion."

'Damn it,' thought Lin Wanrong, 'I walked more than ten miles, got blisters on my feet, just to hear your sweet nothings? How pathetic am I?'

Eldest Miss Xiao nodded slightly and smiled, "Thank you, Brother Tao. Lin San, come with me."

Tao Dongcheng was taken aback to see Lin San following Xiao Yuruo. He had a deep impression of Lin San, and now that he had something to discuss with Xiao Yuruo, what was he doing there?

While his mind raced with these thoughts, Tao Dongcheng managed to keep his face impassive, giving Lin Wanrong a cold glance before the trio moved towards the pavilion.

The space within the pavilion was quite expansive, and the table in the center was already set with food and wine. Once Xiao Yuruo had taken her seat, Tao Dongcheng let out a hearty laugh, saying, "I invited you here today to discuss business, but the taverns and tea houses in the city are rather superficial. A heavenly person like you, Xiao Yuruo, would be insulted by those places. Therefore, I took the liberty of being a gentleman today, inviting you to this pavilion on Purple Gold Mountain to appreciate the beautiful scenery together. I hope you don't mind my impertinence."

Lin Wanrong shook his head, thinking that this Tao guy was underestimating Eldest Miss Xiao if he thought wooing her would be that simple.

Eldest Miss Xiao replied with a light laugh, "You are being too courteous, Brother Tao. I am just a mundane woman. I am flattered that you value me so much and wish to make friends. I can only feel gratitude, not take offense."

Tao Dongcheng smiled, "Don't underestimate yourself. I've traveled far and wide, seen many famous mountains and rivers, and met countless women, yet I have never encountered someone as heavenly as you. I must confess, ever since I first saw you, I've been unable to eat or sleep. I made a vow to protect and cherish you for the rest of my life."

Lin Wanrong was flabbergasted. He thought he was the most shameless, but it seemed this Tao guy was not so simple. Originally, the meeting was about the alliance, but Tao Dongcheng didn't even mention it, choosing instead to express his feelings to Xiao Yuruo. If he could win over Xiao Yuruo's heart, he could skip the business partnership and go straight to marriage, eliminating many complications.

This brazen confession took place right under Lin Wanrong's nose. Tao Dongcheng spoke as naturally as if he were drinking water, without a hint of pretense. With his handsome and charming appearance, combined with his heartfelt confession, he was indeed captivating.

Eldest Miss Xiao's face flushed. She hadn't expected Tao Dongcheng to be so forward, and she quickly said, "Brother Tao, I'm flattered by your affection, but I am in charge of the Xiao family affairs and have never had time to consider romantic feelings. I ask for your understanding."

"Yuruo," Tao Dongcheng persisted, his gaze locked onto Xiao Yuruo's eyes. "Don't you understand my feelings by now? I truly love you. From the moment I saw you, I fell for you. Yuruo, I am sincere..."

As Tao Dongcheng spoke, a fiery glint in his eyes, he reached out to grasp Xiao Yuruo's hand.

"Miss—" Seeing Xiao Yuruo cornered and her face showing a trace of fear, Lin Wanrong could no longer sit idle. He quickly stepped forward to stop Tao Dongcheng, turning to Xiao Yuruo, "On our way here, your mother mentioned that the son of the Governor, Young Master Luo, is visiting today. She asked that you return home as soon as possible if there's nothing urgent here."

Tao Dongcheng's hand hung in mid-air, his gaze filled with annoyance as he looked at the servant who had just ruined his plans. He snapped, "I was talking to your mistress. When is it your place to interrupt?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, retorting, "I was talking to my young mistress. When is it the place of an animal like you to interrupt?"

A flicker of rage passed through Tao Dongcheng's eyes. If it hadn't been for this servant, he might have resorted to some force to compel Xiao Yuruo today.

Seeing the look of fear and determination on Xiao Yuruo's face, Tao Dongcheng shot a glance at Lin Wanrong. A murderous glint appeared in his eyes before he quickly regained his composure. He said, "My dear sister, my words are sincere, and my heart is pure. Please consider them carefully."

Xiao Yuruo's expression calmed somewhat, and she nodded, "Brother Tao, I am well aware of your feelings towards me. However, at present, the affairs of the Xiao family are numerous. I can't consider such matters for now."

The atmosphere grew tense. Tao Dongcheng nodded and said solemnly, "In that case, I'll be waiting for your good news."

Xiao Yuruo didn't know what to do. Seeing Lin Wanrong making faces at her, seemingly mocking her, she felt a hint of irritation. She thought, 'You rascal, enjoying my embarrassment.' While she was usually composed in front of others, she seemed to lose her cool in front of this Lin Wanrong, which she found strange.

"In that case, Brother Tao, I have some matters at home and shouldn't linger here. We shall part for today and discuss other matters on another day." Seeing that there was nothing left to do, Xiao Yuruo hurriedly suggested leaving. She had no interest in discussing the alliance today, especially after learning from Lin Wanrong's analysis that Tao Dongcheng had ulterior motives. If it wasn't for Tao Dongcheng's insistence, she wouldn't have come at all.

Strangely, although Tao Dongcheng had invited Xiao Yuruo to discuss the alliance, he had not brought up the matter at all, as if he was not in a hurry. Seeing Xiao Yuruo wanting to leave, he didn't try to stop her, but simply nodded and said, "If that's the case, we'll discuss the alliance another day. Let me accompany you home."

Xiao Yuruo quickly declined, "There's no need. You're busy, Brother Tao, and I wouldn't want to inconvenience you. Having this servant escort me home is enough."

Tao Dongcheng nodded and smiled, watching as Eldest Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong left, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

As they descended the mountain, Lin Wanrong could no longer hold back his laughter. Xiao Yuruo's face flushed with anger as she spat, "What are you laughing at, you rascal?" Today's meeting about the alliance had ended without a conclusion, and Xiao Yuruo felt somewhat uneasy. Tao Dongcheng came from an extraordinary family, and she couldn't afford to offend him lightly.

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Miss, this Young Master Tao is so smitten with you. Why won't you accept him?"

Xiao Yuruo glared at him, "What do you take me for? The affairs of the Xiao family are unsettled, how can I consider personal feelings?"

Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs up, "You are indeed a strong woman. I really didn't see that coming."

Xiao Yuruo found herself getting used to the sharp tongue of this fierce servant. She sighed, "Today's quarrel with Young Master Tao was unpleasant. He will surely press harder for the partnership. If he uses his father's power to force me to submit, what am I to do?"

Seeing her wistful expression, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, 'Do you think it's easy being a strong woman? The hardest part is yet to come.' He nodded, "Miss, you need not worry too much. I already have a few ideas in mind, I'll share them with you later."

Xiao Yuruo sighed, "I'm not sure if your ideas will work, if not, I'll have no way out." Her tone was uncertain, clearly lacking confidence in Lin Wanrong. Even if he spoke persuasively, without a viable plan, it would all be in vain.

As Miss Xiao was about to climb into the carriage, she heard Lin Wanrong behind her, "Miss, I have a matter to discuss with you."

She turned around, furrowing her brows, "What is it?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "We still have over ten miles to return to the city. I'm quite tired, and your carriage is spacious. Could I perhaps join you inside for a rest?"

Xiao Yuruo was so angry she almost fainted. This servant, ignoring his own status, had the audacity to make such a request. Leaving aside the fact that he was a servant, he was a man. How could a man share a carriage with a woman? It was completely improper.

Seeing her face pale and her eyes blazing with anger, as if she wanted to kill him, Lin Wanrong knew what she was thinking. 'This Miss is too conservative,' he thought, 'If her mindset isn't adjusted, who knows what might happen.'

He put on a serious face, pretending to be earnest, "Miss, as the old saying goes, 'the upright need not fear the crooked shadow, the barefoot need not fear the shoed.' Oops, that's not the right one. I'm just a bit tired and would like to rest. You know I stayed up all night thinking about the affairs of the Xiao family, only sleeping in the morning. Then you called me here, and I walked over ten miles. I'm really tired. That's why I made this request, hoping you could understand."

Hearing him say he stayed up all night for the affairs of the Xiao family, Xiao Yuruo felt even more resentful. 'You're using this to coerce me. How are you different from Tao Dongcheng? Why must I suffer such fate, always being controlled by others?' She gritted her teeth, angrily said, "In that case, you ride in the carriage, and I'll walk."

Lin Wanrong looked at her curiously, nodded and said, "That works too. You rarely leave the house and lack exercise. Walking a few more steps could be considered an exercise. Since you insist, I won't be polite."

He was never polite to begin with. He turned and climbed into the carriage. Xiao Yuruo had spent many days traveling, often in this carriage, which was akin to her second boudoir.

As Lin Wanrong entered the carriage, he smelled a faint fragrance, not that of powder, but a natural body scent. The carriage was spacious with only a sleeping mat and a small table, leaving plenty of room.

Naturally, Lin Wanrong wouldn't be so bored as to lie on someone else's bed. He settled himself in a corner and closed his eyes to rest. He was genuinely tired and had not lied to the Miss. While he hadn't stayed up all night, he had indeed slept only a few hours. Leaning against the carriage, he unwittingly drifted off to sleep.

Xiao Yuruo didn't make it far before she felt a sour ache in her legs. As a pampered young mistress, she had never experienced such hardship. She resented Lin Wanrong to the point of gritting her teeth. If this rascal didn't produce a satisfactory answer, she might have to resort to using her sister's General Zhenyuan.

After a few more steps, she couldn't go on. She thought to herself, 'Am I actually afraid of this scoundrel? It's broad daylight. What can he possibly do?' With that thought, she gritted her teeth, lifted the curtain, only to see Lin Wanrong resting his head against the carriage, sound asleep, a trail of drool extending three feet.

Xiao Yuruo, suppressing her shyness, sat down on her own seat, her heart somewhat uneasy. But Lin Wanrong showed no signs of awareness of her entrance, sleeping soundly.

She didn't dare to let down her guard, gripping her protective scissors tightly in her hand, her gaze fixed on the servant. His body was twisted, his breathing rapid, and his drool had puddled on the ground. She wanted to laugh but restrained herself, thinking, 'This scoundrel isn't so annoying when he's not causing trouble.'

The carriage jolted on, leaving a lone man and woman in close quarters. The implications of this situation were understood only by Eldest Miss Xiao. Lin Wanrong, oblivious and unbothered, was sound asleep.

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