Having finally completed the drawing, he looked at the pattern on the paper, chuckled heartily, and thought to himself, "I am truly a genius in making money." He wondered what the young lady would think when she saw these drawings. Surely, it would embarrass her to the point of feeling utterly humiliated. Ha, how explosively scandalous it would be! However, if the Xiao family really engaged in this business, it would be a great windfall, ensuring abundant profits.
Before going to sleep, he casually tossed the Yunjin left by Xiao Qingxuan aside. Thinking about the adorable and naive Qiao Qiao, he couldn't help but smile. This girl truly made him feel tender and affectionate. Suddenly, he remembered not visiting Qin Xian'er today, wondering what tricks that foxy lady might use to seduce him. In a moment of restlessness, thinking about both Qiao Qiao and Qin Xian'er, his body reacted, tossing and turning for a while before finally sinking into a deep sleep.
Early the next morning, Miss Xiao arrived, saying to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, today, Mr. Tao wants to discuss the joint venture. Come with me."
Lin Wanrong was momentarily surprised. He thought, "Why would they need a servant like me for their discussion?" Glancing at Miss Xiao's eyes, he understood. This young lady was having a hard time making a decision, so she deliberately brought him along.
As the two stepped outside, Miss Xiao entered the carriage, and Lin Wanrong was about to follow. However, a maid nearby said, "Third Brother, you can't go in."
"Oh," Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered. As a servant, how could he enter the young lady's carriage?
The carriage clattered away, and Lin Wanrong followed along with a troubled expression, thinking, "I have to compete with a horse. It's amazing that this young lady came up with such an idea."
Lin Wanrong initially thought Mr. Tao would choose a restaurant or teahouse for the discussion, but unexpectedly, the carriage headed out of the city.
After walking for about ten miles, Lin Wanrong felt blisters forming on his feet. In his heart, he cursed Tao Dongcheng and his entire family. When the carriage finally stopped, he raised his head and saw a lush green mountain with a beautiful scenery of clear streams, bird songs, and fragrant flowers.
The place they stopped at was a pavilion halfway up the mountain, with a majestic appearance and a plaque hanging overhead with the four characters – Resting Immortal Pavilion.
Tao Dongcheng was already waiting there. Seeing Miss Xiao's carriage approaching, he quickly stepped forward and respectfully said, "Sister-in-law has arrived. I've been waiting for a long time. This journey must have been tiring. Please rest in the pavilion."
Inwardly, Lin Wanrong cursed, thinking, "I walked over a dozen miles, blisters on my feet, just to witness their romantic rendezvous?" Tao Dongcheng's moves were quite savvy. If he could win Miss Xiao's heart, why bother discussing joint ventures? Just go for a direct marriage and skip the hassles.
This open and unabashed confession of love happened right under Lin Wanrong's nose. Tao Dongcheng spoke as naturally as drinking water, showing no signs of pretense. Handsome and eloquent, he managed to captivate the hearts of many women.
Miss Xiao blushed slightly, feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Tao Dongcheng had pushed her into a difficult position. She replied, "Brother Tao, your feelings are appreciated, but my responsibilities at the Xiao family are numerous. I haven't considered matters of love and marriage. Please understand."
This situation became awkward, but Tao Dongcheng nodded solemnly, "Sister-in-law, I understand. When you're ready, let me know. I will be patiently waiting for your good news."
The atmosphere became somewhat tense. Tao Dongcheng then shifted the topic, proposing a toast and suggesting to enjoy the beautiful scenery together.
After some time, Miss Xiao, with a calm expression, stated, "Brother Tao, I have some matters to attend to at home. Let's discuss the joint venture another day. I hope you won't mind."
Tao Dongcheng, without much resistance, agreed, "Of course, let's postpone the discussion. I'll escort you home."
Miss Xiao declined, "No need, Brother Tao. You are busy; I don't want to trouble you. I have my attendants to accompany me back."
Tao Dongcheng smiled and watched as Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong left. In his eyes, a hint of fierceness appeared.
Descending from the mountain, Lin Wanrong couldn't hold back his laughter. Miss Xiao blushed and said, "You, bad person, what are you laughing at?" The joint venture discussion was not successful today, and Miss Xiao was still uneasy. Tao Dongcheng, with his family's influence, could potentially force her into submission.
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss, why not accept Brother Tao's affectionate advances?"
Miss Xiao angrily stared at him, "What kind of person do you think I am? The Xiao family's matters are not settled, and I cannot consider matters of love and marriage."
Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs-up, "So you're a heroine. I didn't realize that."
Sighing, Miss Xiao admitted, "With the unpleasant encounter with Brother Tao today, he might intensify the pressure on the joint venture. If he uses his father's influence to force me, what should I do?"
Lin Wanrong, looking at her melancholy expression, knew that she was worried. He said, "Miss, you don't need to worry too much. I have some ideas. I'll talk to you about them later."
Miss Xiao sighed, "I don't know if your ideas will work. If not, I'll have no way out." She sounded uncertain, clearly lacking confidence in Lin Wanrong. No matter how persuasive he was, if there wasn't a viable solution, it would all be in vain.
As the carriage continued its journey, with a man and a woman alone together, only Miss Xiao understood the complex feelings involved. Lin Wanrong, carefree and unreserved, was now sleeping soundly in the carriage.