The purpose behind their pursuit of this perfume formula remains elusive. Lord Ning, a scion of a distinguished lineage, has reveled in generations of prosperity and wealth. Why, then, would he conspire with those demonic individuals of the White Lotus Sect?
Miss pondered, a hint of horror flickering in her eyes. "Could it be that they—"
Her complexion turned pallid, and she tightly bit her jade-like lips, hesitant to continue. It's no wonder they covet the perfume formula, seeking to seize the wealth of the Xiao family. In essence, it is all about accumulating riches, preparing for their grand plans.
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Miss, your speculation is not unfounded. Besides this, there is no other reason."
Listening to his words, Miss Xiao's brow furrowed even tighter, her face revealing deep-seated concerns. Witnessing her distress, Lin Wanrong consoled with a smile, "Miss, you should consider it this way—our luck is truly remarkable. We've encountered such a rare event in a century. Others envy us before they even get a chance."
Miss cast a disdainful glance at him, saying, "You, I'm on the verge of despair, and you're still there uttering such indifferent words. How can the Xiao family, entangled in such calamity, bear it?" After speaking, she involuntarily sighed.
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss, it's not that I'm indifferent. Ancient sages have long taught us that fortune or misfortune is beyond our control. Worrying and being anxious now will only needlessly disturb your state of mind."
Miss glanced at him and softly said, "Lin San, considering what you've just said, last time when you were captured by the White Lotus Sect, it was my Xiao family that implicated you. If it weren't for my family seeking your counsel, you wouldn't have attracted attention, let alone being captured by the White Lotus Sect."
Lin Wanrong grinned, "Miss, this has nothing to do with you. It's mainly because I'm too outstanding. No matter where I hide, I can be recognized at a glance, like a sturdy tree standing tall among the short ones, forever the focus of others. As a naturally outstanding person, being noticed and admired is inevitable. I can only slowly get used to it."
"Pfft," despite Miss's complex emotions, she couldn't help but laugh, "You, saying things like that. Every time I talk to you, it feels like I'm torn between crying and laughing. Do you, this person, not know about sorrow?"
"Miss, there's no need to panic. Although the Xiao family is involved in this matter, it's not that pessimistic. In my opinion, the young lord doesn't only want the Xiao family. Jiangnan has always been prosperous; the commercial strength of Jiangsu and Zhejiang is formidable. Any merchant with some strength in Jinling and Hangzhou is likely to be involved. He desires the wealth and resources of Jiangnan. When the scope expands infinitely, what do we have to fear? Everyone is in the same boat. In the face of an overwhelming disaster, who will come out unscathed? That's the logic." Lin Wanrong calmly explained.
Miss contemplated for a while, nodding gently, "Lin San, what you said is correct. When disaster strikes, no one can resist it, and worrying is useless. Mother said it well—although the Xiao family is a family of women, we won't allow others to bully us. If the Xiao family is pushed too hard, I would rather break like jade than stay intact like a tile."
In the midst of her statement, Miss Xiao displayed a resolute and strong-willed demeanor, reminiscent of Mrs. Xiao. Lin Wanrong secretly praised, "Miss, indeed a woman of character." After a moment of thought, he continued, "Miss, back in Hangzhou, I heard from Lord Xu that Madam had many old friends in the capital. If there's trouble, she won't just stand by."
Miss shook her head, "I've already asked Mother about this when I returned from Hangzhou. She mentioned that back in the capital, she had casual acquaintances with those people. Moreover, she has left the capital for many years, and those old friends are long gone. If it's trouble knocking on our door, how can we rely on others? Although our Xiao family is a family of women, we have always operated with honesty, lived upright lives, deserving of heaven and earth. We don't engage in unscrupulous acts, unafraid even if ghosts come knocking. Even in death, we must maintain our integrity and never stoop to sycophancy."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss, I'm timid. Don't scare me. Ghosts, death, and all these serious matters. It seems like a farewell to life and death."
Miss smiled, "You speak lightly because you're you. We, the Xiao family, won't do anything against our hearts. But you, there's no guarantee. I don't know how many bad things you've done."
Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Those who understand me, Miss also does. Today, informing Miss about the mastermind behind the scenes is to alert you. Don't fall for the tricks of the wicked."
Miss jokingly said, "I'm not afraid of anyone, just afraid of falling for your tricks."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Since Miss is so enlightened, I'm not worried. Speaking of which, today I offended this supposed young lord. It may not necessarily be a bad thing. Think about it; this matter is widely known in Jinling. The Virtuous Prince and his son are notorious for wanting the best of both worlds. They won't let this incident give others an opportunity to criticize them, earning an irredeemable reputation behind their backs. In my
opinion, after this incident, the Xiao family may be safer than before, free from their constant scrutiny. As for whether they truly want to rebel, that's beyond our control. If it's destined to happen, worrying is futile. We just need to continue with our business, keep making money."
Miss nodded, feeling much more reassured after hearing these words. Her mood gradually improved, and looking at him, she smiled gently, "So, you've already planned all this. No wonder you're so bold."
"I'm bold?" Lin Wanrong protested, "Miss, you've seen it. I've always adhered to a conservative policy. I generally don't take the initiative unless provoked."
Miss fell silent, gazing at the gently rippling lake. She sighed softly, "How nice it would be if there were no such troublesome matters in the world."
"Life is meant for suffering. The more you think, the more pain you feel. It's better not to think about anything." Lin Wanrong sighed with emotion, "Life is short. If everyone lived like Miss, constantly frowning and only focusing on work, life would be meaningless."
Suddenly, Miss smiled and asked, "Lin San, do you think Miss Luo is beautiful?"
Lin Wanrong was taken aback, wondering how they circled back to this question. Seeing Miss's expectant eyes, he decided not to hide the truth and nodded, "Beautiful, exceptionally beautiful."
Miss lowered her eyelids, and two blushes appeared on her cheeks. Softly, she asked, "Between me and Miss Luo, who is more beautiful?"
This vexing and insubstantial query is truly challenging to address. Lin Wanrong chuckled, saying, "All are beautiful, truly captivating."
Objectively speaking, Miss and Luo Ning are two distinctly different women, both exceptionally striking in appearance. Luo Ning excels in being cheerful and amiable, while Miss Xiao possesses the demeanor of a strong and proud woman, difficult to conquer.
Upon hearing his smoothly evasive response, Miss, with a slight wrinkle of her petite nose, discontentedly remarked, "In vain did I engage in a cordial conversation with you earlier. Your answer is evasive, whether to avoid offending me or her."
Sweat, I'm not your husband, why would I be evasive with you?
"Regarding this, Miss, do you truly want me to speak the truth?" Lin Wanrong hesitated.
"Of course, who has the time to listen to your nonsense?" blushed Miss Xiao, speaking shyly.
"In that case, to be honest, when Miss Luo smiles—" Miss Xiao's heart skipped a beat, only to hear him continue, "she is as beautiful as Miss."
Miss Xiao made a sound of agreement, a faint blush appearing on her face. Biting her silver teeth, she whispered, "You're good at saying pleasing words." Sweat, my Miss, didn't you realize that it's essentially the same sentence, just worded differently? Women's intelligence is truly unpredictable.
"But, when you cry, it's more beautiful than hers," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.
Miss Xiao's heart skipped a beat, and she blushed, saying, "Why are you saying these things? I don't want to hear them—when have you seen her cry?"
"Yes, precisely because I haven't seen Miss Luo cry, I feel that when Miss cries, it is more beautiful," Lin Wanrong laughed heartily.
Miss Xiao finally realized she fell for his trick again. She had just cried in front of him a while ago, and he now looks down on me like this. She blushed and sternly said, "After speaking with you for a few sentences, you're no longer serious. Let's not mention today's events again."
Miss Xiao's temperament became increasingly unpredictable. She blushed after speaking a few sentences and, after getting on the sedan, didn't speak to Lin Wanrong all the way back to the Xiao residence. Thinking of the little face of Miss Xiao crying and laughing by the lake just now, and now looking at Miss Xiao's stern expression, Lin Wanrong suddenly had a strange feeling. Could this girl be played by two people? The change in expression is too rapid.
Lin Wanrong also didn't bother with her. Today, he played a lot at Old Luo's house, with gambling and dancing. Tired from the activities, he was about to take a good rest when he suddenly heard the maid Xiaocui calling from outside the door, "Third Brother, Third Brother!"
Lin Wanrong opened the door, and Xiaocui handed him a parcel, saying, "Third Brother, Miss asked me to bring you clothes."
Taking a look, it was the dirty clothes that Miss took away after returning from Hangzhou, now washed clean and neatly sent back. The clothes still carried a faint soap fragrance.
Lin Wanrong took the clothes, thanked her, and smiled, "Xiaocui, who washed these clothes for me? A lot of soap was used, costing quite a few taels of silver, right?"
Xiaocui shook her head, "I don't know. They have been in Miss's room all along."
In Miss's room? Sweat, wouldn't it be Miss who washed them? Has this little girl changed her nature? Lin Wanrong felt puzzled.