Is this my nest? Why does it look different after not returning for a few days? Lin Wanrong inspected the surroundings and noticed several thread-bound books on the table. Upon picking one up, he found it to be the "Diamond Sutra."
He couldn't help but smile. Who else in the Xiao residence would read scriptures besides the Second Miss and her maid? Needless to say, she must have secretly tidied up the room.
This little maid, practicing Buddhism, naturally hoped that Lin San would also recite scriptures like her. Little did she know that Lin Wanrong had no interest in the "Diamond Sutra." If it were the "Jade Maiden Heart Sutra," it might have piqued his interest.
The next day, Lin Wanrong enjoyed a leisurely sleep. He was now the red figure in Madam and Misses' eyes, exempt from the Round Ding Department's work. Except for Madam and the two Misses, no one dared to assign tasks to him, leaving him to his own devices. Sleeping until he woke up naturally, counting money until his hands cramped—a life he dreamt of.
"Third Brother, Third Brother, the Young Miss invites you to the council hall to discuss matters," Lin Wanrong, in a daze, heard the call of a "maid" from outside, a voice that sounded somewhat familiar.
Lin Wanrong paid no attention, yawning, "Sister outside, what time is it?"
"It's noon, hehe," the maid outside chuckled.
"The day is not yet dark. Let me sleep a bit more," Lin Wanrong mumbled to himself.
The "maid" outside became impatient, hummed, and barged in, saying, "Lin San, get up quickly."
Lin Wanrong looked at Xiao Yushuang's small face and smiled, "Second Miss, why are you so interested today, pretending to be a maid? I can't bear it."
Xiao Yushuang knew he had already recognized her voice. Obviously, he was teasing her on purpose, blushing, she said, "You, last night, you came back and didn't tell me. I worried all day."
Lin Wanrong had already gotten up, smiling, "When we came back yesterday, the whole mansion knew. With such a commotion, how could no one have told you?"
The Second Miss blushed, "These days, I've been reciting Buddhist scriptures every day, not allowing anyone to disturb. Yesterday, I helped you tidy up this room. At night, I fell asleep while reciting, unaware that you had returned."
This maid, indeed devout. In the end, it's all for me. Lin Wanrong felt touched in his heart, grabbing her small hand, "It's alright. If you're tired, rest well. It doesn't matter if you don't recite the scriptures. The Buddhas in the sky enjoy incense and money, not these scriptures. I'll earn more money and offer more incense, that's enough."
The Second Miss urgently covered his mouth, "Lin San, don't speak nonsense. Last time, you and Sister returned unharmed, thanks to the Buddhas' blessing. Don't disrespect them. For you two, reciting Buddhist scriptures for a month is nothing. Even if it takes a lifetime, I'm willing."
Smelling the faint fragrance on her fingers, Lin Wanrong was surprised, "Second Miss, is this perfume you're using?"
Xiao Yushuang blushed, "I used some of Mother's rose perfume, Lin San. Does it smell good?"
It smells really good, extremely good. All three women in the Xiao family seem to like rose perfume. Interesting.
Lin Wanrong pulled her small hand, "Smells good, smells extremely good. Second Miss, I haven't seen you for a few days, and you've slimmed down quite a bit."
Xiao Yushuang nodded, "These days, I've been eating vegetarian dishes, naturally losing some weight."
Staring at her chest, which had just developed and was showing signs of blooming, Lin Wanrong said seriously, "Second Miss, you're in the stage of youth development. Many areas grow quickly. Just eating vegetarian is not enough. You must have a balanced diet to promote overall development. Come, let me hug you and see how much weight you've lost."
The Second Miss fled like a bird, her cheeks blushing, "You, always bullying me. Sister said, as young ladies, our bodies are as precious as our lives. We can't let others touch them."
Lin Wanrong remembered that night, hiding in Miss Xiao's room, hearing the self-defense techniques she taught to Yushuang. He felt a bit uncomfortable but laughed, "Second Miss, hiding a dagger on you is very dangerous. Let me keep it for you. I'm the most upright person and never take advantage of others."
The Second Miss lightly agreed, her face blushing, "Lin San, don't talk nonsense. Last time, Sister and you were safe, thanks to the Buddhas' blessings. For you two, even if I recite Buddhist scriptures for a month, or even a lifetime, I am willing."
Apart from being moved, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but marvel. Who said this maid is only sixteen or seventeen years old? The things she said are not something a twenty-six or twenty-seven-year-old maid would say. Truly touched.
Xiao Yushuang, still young, like a budding flower, Lin Wanrong adopted a mentality of fattening her up before enjoying. He didn't want to tease her excessively, just chatting occasionally, making the time spent together pleasant.
Lin Wanrong shared the experiences he had in Hangzhou with Yushuang. He was skilled in storytelling, with a melodious tone, intricate and indirect plots. The Second Miss listened with fascination, holding his hand, "If I had known it was so much fun, I would have gone too. Yesterday morning, Sister had already sent someone back in advance, reporting the details of this journey. Lin San, you have achieved a great feat. Mother speaks highly of you, saying you are the pillar of the Xiao family and will surely achieve extraordinary things in the future."
Lin Wanrong secretly chuckled. The Xiao family was dominated by women. This time, he, a man, could hold up half the sky. He was curious about Madam Xiao. According to Xu Wei's words, Madam Xiao was also a remarkable figure in the capital. Even someone like Xu Wei admired her. He wondered what stories she had.
"Oh—" Xiao Yushuang chatted with him for a while, suddenly exclaiming, "Oops. Lin San, Sister is still waiting for you to discuss matters. I forgot about it when I saw you. Hurry to the council hall."
Council hall? Lin Wanrong remembered the incident of intruding into the council hall and scolding Xiao Yushuang in anger. He couldn't help but smile.
It seemed like Xiao Yushuang had a telepathic connection with him. Looking at him shyly, she softly said, "When you go, talk nicely with Sister and Mother. Don't be as reckless as last time. If you don't listen to advice and get punished again, no one will stand up for you."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, leaving the small room and heading to the council hall. Along the way, he encountered the long-lost Guo Wuchang, the Young
Master from the Biao Tables. Guo Wuchang was leading several big and tall servants, excitedly heading out. Upon seeing Lin San, he joyfully exclaimed, "Lin San, you've done well this time. It's truly pleasing to the heart."
Lin Wanrong didn't understand but saw the delighted expression on Guo Wuchang's face. He didn't know what Guo Wuchang was up to, so he smiled, "Young Master, it's still early in the day. Miào Yù Fāng hasn't opened yet. If you want to 'exchange' ideas, you should wait until later."
Guo Wuchang awkwardly smiled, "Lin San, I'm not going to 'exchange' ideas. I'm going to stroll around the Tao family's shop. Oh, no, I should say the Xiao family's shop now. Pleased to the heart, pleased to the heart, let that Tao brat be arrogant now."
So, the Young Master was too impatient, leading people to raid the Tao family's shop. Lin Wanrong found it amusing, knowing that Guo Wuchang had no good feelings towards Tao Dongcheng. This time, beating a man while he's down was naturally urgent for him.
Lin Wanrong wondered if that guy named Tao had been saved by someone. Holding up a pillar of heaven was not easy. At least, he needed to find three little girls in the kiln to solve the problem. He genuinely worried about his fragile corpus cavernosum, hehe.
Arriving at the council hall, Lin Wanrong saw both the Young and Madame Xiao present. Various managers from different parts of the Xiao family were also sitting solemnly, seemingly waiting for his arrival. Madame Xiao, upon seeing him, gracefully stood up, saying, "Lin San, you've worked hard."
Lin Wanrong smiled, "Madame is too polite. I'm just a messenger. The hardest working person is the Second Miss." Xiao Yuruo glanced at him without saying a word.
"I have heard the story from Miss Yuruo. This trip to Hangzhou not only allowed our Xiao family to regain the leading position in the Jinling Chamber of Commerce but also acquired the Tao family's cloth workshop. Lin San, your contributions are the greatest. I will surely reward you generously." Madame Xiao smiled.
"Where, where, Madame is too kind. It is thanks to Madame's insightful vision and Miss Yuruo's down-to-earth and capable leadership that we could achieve such tremendous success. I played only a small—very small—role in the middle, insignificant, insignificant." Lin Wanrong "humbly" replied.
The Second Miss suppressed a smile, listening to him show off, and then said to the managers in the hall, "Lin San has the most significant merit this time. After discussing with Mother, we have decided that in the future, Lin San can participate in the council freely. Any objections?"
These were all Xiao family relatives. Seeing a mere servant sitting on par with them naturally made them dissatisfied, but the story of Lin San's battle with Tao Dongcheng in the Qing Yu Lou had already spread. Especially the mysterious and unpredictable frying pan hand, it left them in awe. No one raised objections.
Lin Wanrong found a seat and sat down. Looking around, he thought, it seems like I have entered the Xiao family's board of directors. I wonder when they will appoint me as the chairman of the Xiao family board?
The Second Miss nodded slightly when Lin Wanrong sat down, and then said to the people in the hall, "Regarding the smooth and convenient takeover of Tao family's cloth workshop, I would like to hear the opinions of each manager." The managers were Xiao family relatives, but when it came to business, the Second Miss showed great authority, addressing them as managers without using the title of uncles or elder brothers.
A man in the hall stood up and said, "Niece Yuruo, taking over Young Master Tao's cloth workshop is absolutely not advisable."
Lin Wanrong recognized this person. When he rescued the Second Miss that day, this manager was obstructing him. Lin Wanrong had scolded him for a while. It seemed like he was the fourth cousin, who, according to Madame Xiao, was called "Fourth Brother."
Sure enough, after the Second Miss heard his words, her expression changed. She coldly said, "Why not? Fourth Uncle, please elaborate."
The manager continued, "Niece Yuruo, taking over Young Master Tao's cloth workshop is absolutely not advisable.