Xiao Yusuang seemed as if she hadn't noticed him, just gazing at the moon in the sky, lost in thought, with a poignant expression that evoked sympathy.
Lin Wanrong hastily grabbed the maid beside him and asked, "What's wrong with Miss Second?"
The maid shook her head and said, "I don't know. A few days ago, on the day when Miss handled matters with the housekeepers, I don't know what happened to Miss Second. Her complexion was very pale. Later, Madam and Miss sent people to take her to the Suzhou uncle's house. She just returned today."
So that's what happened. Lin Wanrong sighed lightly. Since that day, he hadn't seen Miss Second again and hadn't inquired about her. He felt somewhat guilty. Seeing her absent-minded appearance now, compared to the clever and lively girl from before, it seemed as if she had changed completely.
Lin Wanrong didn't know what he felt. In his eyes, Miss Second was like a sixteen or seventeen-year-old child. He had never thought that this girl would develop feelings for him. However, the current Xiao Yusuang appeared so haggard; she was no longer the lively and adorable girl she used to be.
Damn, being secretly admired should be a good feeling. Why do I feel uneasy? He sighed helplessly, feeling a bit hesitant.
It's not that he cared about his identity; in his eyes, identity meant nothing. He had some fondness for Xiao Yusuang, but it didn't amount to romantic feelings. After all, he was more than ten years older than her, not to mention the difference in life experiences. If he got involved romantically with her, it felt a bit like an old bull eating tender grass, which seemed strange.
This situation is really tricky. If this girl were just a couple of years older, I would have accepted her without hesitation. Lin Wanrong felt a dilemma in his heart that he couldn't easily overcome.
With a guilty conscience, he didn't want Xiao Yusuang to see him. He hurriedly walked towards his residence.
It was already early winter, and a gentle breeze blew. Xiao Yusuang seemed oblivious to it, her body shivering slightly, evidently feeling the cold.
Frowning, Lin Wanrong said to the maid, "Hurry and bring a piece of clothing for Miss Second."
The maid complained, "Third Brother, I've gone a few times, but Miss Second doesn't allow anyone to follow her or bring anything. She said she doesn't want to be disturbed. If anyone bothers her, she'll set the fierce General Zhenyuan on them."
Lin Wanrong found it both infuriating and amusing to hear this. Even in such a state, this girl still thought of releasing the ferocious dog. She was indeed a young girl with a temper. However, this feeling made him feel familiar, as if he had seen that spirited girl with hands on her hips and a commanding gesture before, saying, "Mighty General, attack—"
The current Second Miss was really different from back then. He shook his head and asked, "What about Miss and Madam? Aren't they concerned about Miss Second?"
The maid replied, "When Miss Second came out, Miss and Madam were discussing matters in the room, and many female managers were present. They didn't know Miss Second had come out."
Lin Wanrong nodded. He didn't attend the "fashion show" that day, but Miss had talked to him about it after she returned. The fashion show was a great success; both cheongsams and women's underwear were well-received by the ladies. Even the "models" themselves were enamored with the products. This success wasn't only for Miss and her daughter; even Lin Wanrong found it quite unexpected. Reportedly, on-site orders exceeded a hundred sets. Lin Wanrong marveled at how, in this world, there were no limits to what could be achieved. Women in this era also pursued beauty and comfort. He wondered if Miss had also produced sanitary napkins; that could be a lucrative business.
Of course, the most popular item was the perfume. The three types of perfumes Miss brought were highly praised by all the female guests present. They had never encountered such a fragrant and pleasant scent before; the entire venue went crazy. At that time, the prices for the perfumes hadn't been set. Miss tentatively named a price of eighty taels of silver per bottle, and unexpectedly, she received orders for two hundred bottles immediately. Subsequently, she received three hundred additional orders. It was a sensational start.
Eighty taels of silver was considered very expensive in this era, but perfume, as a newly introduced luxury item, was not something everyone could afford.
Lin Wanrong, a shrewd businessman, was dissatisfied with Miss's quoted price of eighty taels. According to him, this product was a cash cow, and it should have been priced at over a hundred taels.
Miss Xiao, having a clearer understanding of this unscrupulous man's shamelessness, was already horrified by the initial price of eighty taels. Unexpectedly, this cunning businessman wanted to raise it even further, earning more profits. The result was that Miss Xiao gave him a resentful look.
In fact, the cost of producing this perfume was quite high, consuming a large quantity of flower petals daily. Even with the dedicated garden outside the city belonging to the Xiao family, it was still a considerable challenge. Despite various means employed by Fubo to purchase petals from other sources, the supply remained tight.
Lin Wanrong had made preliminary calculations. After the scale of production expanded, the cost per bottle would be around five taels of silver. He had negotiated with Fubo. The area of the garden outside the city had to be enlarged according to the seasons, planting new flowers to increase production next year.
However, at present, the perfume produced by Lin Wanrong's workshop was limited. Even with a full supply of flower petals, the monthly production wouldn't exceed five hundred bottles. Compared to the massive market demand, it was like a drop in the ocean.
Simultaneously, Lin Wanrong believed that, as a newly introduced product, perfume needed to maintain a certain level of mystery and nobility in its initial stages. This approach would stimulate consumers' appetites. If everyone rushed to buy it at once, it would be a short-lived craze. So, he suggested a limited supply strategy to Miss Xiao, also a form of publicity.
Xiao Yuruo agreed with his idea wholeheartedly. As an expert in this field herself, the two of them found common ground for the first time.
Xiao family's perfume was limited to five hundred bottles per month. In the first few days of this month, it had already been sold out. Among the upper-class ladies in Jinling, this perfume had become a new luxury item. It was said that each bottle was being resold for a hundred and fifty taels, and it was still in high demand. Riding the wave of the perfume's popularity, the promotion of cheongsams and women's underwear from the Xiao family also went smoothly, indicating a bright future for the Xiao family.
Miss and Madam were very busy these days, preparing to showcase the cheongsams and women's underwear widely. The limited supply of perfume also added to their stress. Especially Miss Xiao, who was said to have been working tirelessly for two consecutive days and nights
without rest. Lin Wanrong marveled at her determination but couldn't help thinking, this girl, I wonder if she has dark circles under her eyes. For a while, the female clerks in the Xiao family's various stores became very popular. It seemed they were gearing towards the development of a specialty store for women's products.
After contemplating all this, Lin Wanrong knew that Madam and Miss were likely too busy with their affairs and had no time to look after Second Miss. Thinking about this poor girl, he couldn't help but sigh. Taking the coat from the maid's hands, he said, "You can go first, sister. I'll go and chat with Second Miss."
In recent days, Madam and Miss had summoned Lin San quite a few times. The maid naturally knew that Third Brother was highly regarded by Madam and Miss. She handed the clothes to him, curtsied, and left.
The closer Lin Wanrong got to the little maid, the more uncomfortable he felt. In just a few days, this girl had visibly lost weight. Her originally plump face had sunken, and her slender shoulders shivered in the cold wind.
Xiao Yusuang heard the footsteps behind her and couldn't help sighing softly, "Who sent you here? Didn't I say not to disturb me? Aren't you afraid of General Zhenyuan?"
"I'm not afraid of Mighty General; should I be afraid of your General Zhenyuan?" Lin Wanrong smiled.
Xiao Yusuang's body shivered slightly, seemingly unable to believe her ears. Slowly turning around, she saw the annoying person standing in front of her.
"Lin San—" Her eyes reddened, biting her lip tightly to prevent herself from crying out loud. Then, her expression slowly faded, and she said softly, "Why are you here? To mock me?"
Whether it was an illusion or not, Lin Wanrong felt that Second Miss in front of him seemed more mature than before. Although there was still a bit of childishness on her face, she already felt like a genuine young lady.
Lin Wanrong said, "I just came back from outside and saw Second Miss, so I came to say hello."
Xiao Yusuang snorted, "As a little girl like me, how can I be worthy of greetings from such a big figure like you?"
Lin Wanrong knew that she had heard his words that day. She was now complaining that he regarded her as a little girl. He couldn't help but smile and said, "Maturity is not determined by words but by actions. I see you fighting against yourself and mistreating your own well-being. It doesn't necessarily indicate maturity."
Second Miss snorted but couldn't find words to refute him. Hearing his words filled with concern, she felt a mix of sweetness and bitterness. She thought, he always treats me like a child. Even if he cares about me, it's probably because he sees me as a pitiful little girl. For a moment, she felt trapped in her own thoughts, unable to extricate herself.
Lin Wanrong, seeing her changing expression, even with all his abilities, couldn't fathom what this girl was thinking. He walked over and said, "It's cold in the night, Second Miss. It's better to wear more clothes."
He approached and handed the coat to Xiao Yusuang. She snorted, twisted her body, and ignored him.
This girl, she seemed to have grown up but also seemed not to have grown up. It felt quite strange. Lin Wanrong, seeing her act out, found it amusing and decided not to pay her any mind. He directly draped the coat over her shoulders.
Xiao Yushuang couldn't escape him, feeling a warmth on her body. A long gown was draped over her shoulders. She sniffled, turned her head away, and said, "You, the villain. Why do you care about me so much? Are you not satisfied with teasing me?"
Lin Wanrong sweated profusely. This girl was only sixteen or seventeen, in the prime of her youth, yet she spoke like a disgruntled woman. When did I ever tease her? It's more likely she teases me.
He didn't respond to her words, only saying, "It's late, Miss Second. You've had a tiring journey. Go back and rest."
Xiao Yushuang wiped away tears and sighed, "Lin San, it's been a long time since you talked with me. Can't we chat like we used to?"
"Like we used to? Probably not. Now, you, this girl, seem to have 'ulterior motives' towards me. I must be careful not to fall into your trap," Lin Wanrong thought shamelessly.
Seeing her soften, he couldn't bring himself to refuse outright. He sighed, "Alright, let's chat then. Miss Second, I heard you went to Suzhou?"
"Yes, went for a stroll," Xiao Yushuang said, emphasizing the word 'stroll.'
This girl, Lin Wanrong thought, her words are sharp. Sensing her intense gaze, he felt uncomfortable.
Awkwardly, he smiled and said, "Suzhou is a great place, with classical gardens, Pingtan performances, and the beautiful scenery of the Suzhou River. When I have time, I'd like to go and explore."
He spoke a few more words, but Xiao Yushuang remained silent, staring at him. Feeling her intense gaze, he became uneasy.
Awkwardly, he said, "Suzhou is indeed a fascinating place with its classical gardens and Pingtan performances, not to mention the beautiful scenery along the Suzhou River. When I find the time, I would like to explore it."
After speaking, he noticed Xiao Yushuang saying nothing, just looking at him intently. Lin Wanrong wondered why she asked, "Is this all you want to say to me?"
Lin Wanrong was stunned, unsure how to answer her. It was strange; despite being much older, he always found himself at a loss when dealing with her. In their previous interactions, Lin Wanrong had always taken the lead, and this girl would occasionally interject. Today, the roles seemed reversed.
Xiao Yushuang sighed and softly said, "Lin San, have you found someone you fancy?"
"Yes," Lin Wanrong admitted without hesitation.
Seeing him truly interested in someone else made Xiao Yushuang feel inexplicably uncomfortable. Biting her jade-like lips, she asked, "Is she gentle and beautiful?"
Lin Wanrong, sensing her strange demeanor, nodded, "She is beautiful and gentle."
"Lin San, do you find me beautiful?" Xiao Yushuang gathered courage, slowly getting closer to him, and asked, "Am I not beautiful enough?"
Lin Wanrong, taken aback, observed Xiao Yushuang—a naturally outstanding beauty. In the moonlight, she appeared delicate and alluring, with tears in her eyes, evoking a sense of vulnerability. Lin Wanrong had to admit, "Miss Second, you are indeed beautiful."
"Why don't you like me, then?" Xiao Yushuang asked with a hint of a sob, suddenly hugging him tightly, crying, "Is it because I'm too young? But I'll grow up, Mother said, at my age, she was already married. Why don't you like me? Why?"
Holding him close, she buried her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.
Feeling the soft body trembling against him, Lin Wanrong struggled to suppress his desires. Despite the tempting warmth, he scolded himself internally for the inappropriate thoughts. Lin Wanrong managed to push her away with great effort.
"Miss Second..." Lin Wanrong said, resisting the urge, but he saw her eyes red, tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Lin San, why don't you like me? Is it because I'm not gentle enough? But I've changed a lot," Xiao Yushuang murmured. Huddled against his chest, her tears stained his clothes.
Lin Wanrong, a mature man, felt the alluring warmth of her body against his. Although he reminded himself not to have inappropriate thoughts, the betraying warmth underneath him stirred desires. He held her tightly, and his hands slowly explored her recently developed hips.
Xiao Yushuang let out a soft moan, clinging to him. Her body, warm and tender, pressed against his chest. Lin Wanrong scolded himself inwardly, realizing the situation was escalating too quickly. "Miss Second..." he uttered with great determination, pushing her away. But she held onto him, and her enticing body continued to rub against him.
Lin Wanrong, aware of his own desires, scolded himself. However, Xiao Yushuang held onto him even tighter, her body gently rubbing against him.
Caught in the moment, Lin Wanrong knew he had to stop this. If anything were to happen, it should be done in the privacy of a room. It was too forward to engage in such acts outside.
"Miss Second," he mustered all his willpower to break free, and he saw her with reddened eyes, tears streaming down her face.
"Lin San, why don't you like me? Am I not gentle enough? But I've changed a lot," Xiao Yushuang whispered. Nestled against his chest, her tears had soaked his clothes.
Lin Wanrong, a mature man, felt a mixture of relief and guilt. Even if he didn't like her, his little brother surely would.
"Miss Second, let's discuss this another day, alright?" Lin Wanrong softened his tone to comfort the distressed girl.
Xiao Yushuang nodded gently, her face blushing. She seemed to feel embarrassed about her bold actions.
Lin Wanrong secretly breathed a sigh of relief, suppressing his desires. Continuing down this path would lead to unforeseen consequences—wild encounters weren't suitable for a first time.
After some words and tears, Xiao Yushuang's expression improved. Not having talked to Lin San for a while, she missed him but couldn't bring herself to approach him. The bitterness in her heart was evident.
"Miss Second, it's late. You should go back and rest," Lin Wanrong urged, noticing her shivering in the night breeze. He helped her put on the fallen gown.
Miss Second obediently agreed but didn't leave. Instead, she looked at him and said, "Lin San, can you tell me a story tonight? I really feel—"
Her face turned red, and she didn't finish her sentence.
Lin Wanrong felt a headache coming on. Just as she seemed mature earlier, now she wanted to hear a story, clearly trying to play on my guilty conscience.
"Miss Second, it's late. You must be tired. Let's talk when I have some free time," Lin Wanrong suggested.
Miss Second nodded softly, but she noticed the paper in his hand and asked, "Is this from Qin Xian'er? She's still sending you messages so late; she seems quite fond of you."
Her tone was