Xiao Jia's girl? Lin Wanrong was momentarily confused, then suddenly awakened. She was referring to Xiao Yuer.
Looking back, Lin Wanrong observed Miss Xiao clenching her delicate fist, her willow eyebrows furrowed, her face pale. She gazed at Liu Yue'e with irritation and said, "Sister Liu, what nonsense are you spouting?"
Liu Yue'e had a naturally loud voice. Though she had lowered it, sitting close to Miss, her words were still distinctly heard. Consequently, Miss's face changed color immediately.
Why would she have eyes on me? Lin Wanrong thought as he observed Miss's angry expression. Haven't I encountered numerous girls? None of them displayed such a domineering demeanor. Even if she were interested in me, I wouldn't bother with her.
Liu Yue'e was straightforward. Seeing Miss genuinely angered, she felt her words were inappropriate and quickly said, "Big sister, please don't be upset. It was just a playful joke. You know my straightforward nature. Lin San, don't take it to heart."
Lin Wanrong laughed, "Our Miss is beautiful, elegant, and exceptionally talented. The man she deserves should undoubtedly be peerless. How could someone like me, a mere mortal, compare? Sister Liu, please don't joke."
Miss cast a glance at him, snorted, and said, "You deliberately say these things to annoy me. I won't bother talking to you."
Seeing that Miss was still angry, Liu Yue'e hurriedly apologized and said some kind words to her. Knowing Liu Yue'e's straightforward personality, Miss understood. The two had formed a friendship during their previous travels. These harmless jokes were not taken seriously by Miss, and soon they resumed their laughter. However, when Miss looked at Lin Wanrong, there was a hint of something strange in her eyes.
Lin Wanrong was getting bored when Chairman Yu suddenly exclaimed, "Young Master Tao, you've finally arrived."
Hearing this, Lin Wanrong looked and saw Tao Dongcheng walking in with a smile. Accompanying him was a petite and exquisite lady in vibrant red attire, resembling a mature chili pepper in autumn.
This girl skipped class again to play. Goodness, taxpayers' money is raising a troublemaker. Lin Wanrong looked disdainfully at the girl, thinking, "That lady is Miss Tao Wanying, whom I had dealt with before. She seems to have changed her outfit today and looks quite alluring."
However, Miss Xiao seemed not to have noticed the Tao siblings. She continued conversing with Liu Yue'e.
Tao Wanying carefully searched and finally found Xiao Yuer. She became delighted and shouted, "Sister Yuer," preparing to run over. However, she noticed Lin San, the servant who had embarrassed her in front of everyone, looking at her with a smirk.
Tao Wanying's heart trembled, and she stopped in her tracks. The scene of humiliation from that day flashed before her eyes.
Feeling both ashamed and fearful of him, after hesitating for a while, she finally walked over. Facing Miss Xiao, she called out, "Sister Yuer, have you arrived early?"
While speaking, she glared at Lin San, seemingly trying to reassure herself.
Lin Wanrong chuckled, his gaze scanning her from head to toe. Tao Wanying seemed to recall something, hurriedly covered her small buttocks with both hands, her face flushing red.
Miss Xiao, seeing her expression, remembered that Lin San was the cause of her discomfort. Annoyed yet amused, she glared at Lin San and said to Wanying, "Miss Tao, why are you here too?"
Tao Wanying, seeing that Miss Xiao didn't seem to blame her, hurriedly said, "Sister Yuer, I came today specifically to apologize to you. What happened that morning was my fault. I sincerely apologize, and I hope you won't take offense."
Xiao Yuer calmly said, "Miss Wanying, I have already clarified that day. As long as you no longer blame our Xiao family, we can still be friends."
Tao Wanying nodded and said, "Sister, you are right. As long as your servant, Lin San, doesn't bully others anymore, I won't trouble him."
Damn, do I look like a thug? I don't need your warning. Lin Wanrong thought, feeling pleased with Miss Xiao's words. For girls like Wanying, a firm hand is necessary; otherwise, she'll become too presumptuous.
The business annual meeting is not very strict in its rules, allowing both men and women to sit together. Hence, it's understandable why Tao Wanying would make such a remark.
Upon seeing that Mr. Tao Dongcheng intended to sit beside her, Miss couldn't help but furrow her delicate brows. Unable to come up with a good reason to refuse, she involuntarily looked at Lin San.
Lin Wanrong, understanding Miss's silent plea, saw Wanying pushing Tao Dongcheng to the seat next to Miss. Just as he was about to sit down, Lin San said, "My apologies, Mr. Tao, but this seat is not for you."
Tao Dongcheng, having conversed with Lin San before, hadn't fully grasped his background. Hearing this, he looked at him and said, "Why?"
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Our young lady has been sincerely devoted to Buddhism recently. Just yesterday, she went to Lingyin Temple and paid respects to five hundred Buddhas. She made a wish and received a top-tier divination. The head monk at Lingyin Temple warned that this divination is extraordinary. To ensure its effectiveness, for the next few days, apart from the Xiao family and females, strangers should not approach. Therefore, Mr. Tao, you cannot sit here; the Buddha may hold you accountable."
Miss, hearing this concocted story, found it amusing yet somewhat plausible. Having been to Lingyin Temple and obtained a divination herself, the first half of Lin San's statement was true, while the second half was false. His words, even when false, were so convincing that it was difficult to discern their authenticity.
Tao Dongcheng, infuriated but unsure how to respond, saw the awkwardness of the situation. Even if the prophecy was fabricated, he had to treat it seriously. Tao Wanying, however, exclaimed, "He's just talking nonsense."
Lin Wanrong glared at her menacingly and said, "Who's talking nonsense?"
This statement ignited a collective indignation. Everyone holds a sense of reverence, especially the business merchants present. To blaspheme the Buddha is an unforgivable offense.
Tao Dongcheng hastily pulled Wanying's sleeve and bowed to everyone, "Fellow colleagues, my sister is young and ignorant. Please don't mind her."
Wanying realized her words were inappropriate, glanced at Lin Wanrong, who was standing aside with a carefree smile. She knew she had fallen into the villain's trap again.
Realizing that neither words nor actions could match Lin San, she grabbed Xiao Yuer and said, "Sister Yuer, that day I stopped you on the road. After returning home, my brother scolded me severely and brought me to Hangzhou to apologize to you. He cares about you deeply, probably more than anyone else. My past mistakes were due to my own recklessness. Please don't misunderstand my brother."
Such overly sentimental words from this girl. Can't believe she can say such things. Lin Wanrong sighed. This Wanying has a terrible temperament, traveling all the way from Jinling to Hangzhou just to play matchmaker for Miss and Tao Dongcheng. This persistence is beyond reason.
Wanying expressed herself so explicitly in front of so many people, making Xiao Yuer feel embarrassed. Seeing Lin San's nonchalant smile, she couldn't help but hum in annoyance. She decided to end the conversation and said to the Tao siblings, "The annual meeting is about to begin. Please return quickly, dear siblings."
Although she was aware of the perilous situation, her strong-willed nature prevented her from getting entangled in this matter. After declining, she fell silent. However, upon seeing Lin San's faint smile, seemingly indifferent, she couldn't help but snort, refusing to look at him. She said to Tao Dongcheng and his sister, "The annual meeting is about to start. Kind siblings, please take your leave."
Tao Wanying, anxious to say more, was interrupted when Liu Yue'e, sitting next to Miss, stood up and said, "Isn't this Miss Wanying? It's been a while since you visited our store to choose jewelry. How have you been lately?"
Interrupted, Wanying had to respond, "Sister Liu, these days have been busy. When I have time, I'll come over. Ah..." Before she could finish, Tao Dongcheng directly pulled her away.
Being the president of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, being directly rejected by Miss Xiao, Tao Dongcheng was unable to save face. With a stern face, he grabbed Wanying's hand and walked towards Chairman Yu's table.
Liu Yue'e glanced at Miss and said, "Miss, you have offended Mr. Tao. What should we do?"
Miss thought, someone had already been offended long before, and today's episode was just another incident. She couldn't help but glance at Lin San, who was standing aside.
After a deafening burst of firecrackers, the chubby Chairman Yu stood on the stage, clasped his fists, and said, "Colleagues from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, I am Yu Zhenqian. I extend my greetings."
Applause resounded, and the commerce annual meeting of Jiangsu and Zhejiang had officially begun. As expected, the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce gave considerable face by inviting the magistrate of Hangzhou to deliver a speech, shining light on Chairman Yu's face.
Next was the speeches from the Chamber of Commerce presidents of both Jiangsu and Zhejiang. When Tao Dongcheng took the stage, he spoke eloquently, giving the impression that the prosperity of Jiangsu merchants was solely attributed to him. Lin Wanrong snorted; a role model? If not for his father's privilege, this guy wouldn't even be worth mentioning.
After that was a summary of the year's business, presented grandiosely by Chairman Yu. The essence of it was the remarkable progress made in the business of both chambers in the past year, including the total turnover, the growth of new industries, and so on. Lin Wanrong wondered how Chairman Yu obtained such data, suspecting it might be exaggerated.
Following the summaries, the representatives from both regions gave speeches. These business people were skilled in the art of speech, making it seem like a walk in the park. After a representative from Zhejiang spoke, it was Liu Yue'e's turn as the representative of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce. Despite her bold appearance, her speech was well-organized, and her jade and jadeite business had expanded greatly in the past year, earning admiration. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but nod; this sister indeed possessed a subtle charm within her boldness.
When the two representatives finished their speeches, Chairman Yu nodded to everyone and said, "In addition to our distinguished colleagues, you all know that this year there is excellent news in Jinling's business world. For those of you with female relatives, wives, or concubines, you've probably heard something. Now, the two treasures, hitherto unheard of and unseen, have become the talk of Jinling and Hangzhou. Even the capital will soon be stirred by them. Now, let's welcome Miss Xiao Yuer from Jinling to talk about these treasures—perfume and soap."