Amidst the crowd, several core members of the Hongxing gang mercilessly kicked at Wu Zhenghu's legs. There was a resounding scream from Wu Zhenghu, and Lin Wanrong could even hear the sound of bones breaking.
"Well, it seems that the Black Dragon Society has indeed stirred up public anger. Miss Tao, you've seen it too. I've repeatedly reminded everyone not to resort to violence, but this Mr. Wu has ignited public fury, and it seems unstoppable," Lin Wanrong said insincerely, observing that Wu Zhenghu was on the verge of collapsing.
Tao Wanying glanced at him but remained silent. Dong Qingshan, seeing that Wu Zhenghu had been thoroughly dealt with, nodded at Lin Wanrong. With a wave of his hand, the members of Hongxing swiftly and silently moved away.
As the Hongxing members disappeared from view, a loud cheer echoed from a distance, and a troop of cavalry rode towards them. Leading the group was Cheng De's son, Cheng Ruinian.
"The rescue is here, but a bit too late," Lin Wanrong smirked. He exchanged glances with Xiao Feng and others, and the servants of the Xiao family quickly retreated to the workshop, leaving Wu Zhenghu, with broken limbs and foaming at the mouth, lying there. Even if he miraculously survived, he would be a cripple.
Cheng Ruinian led his troops to the scene, but everyone had already vanished. Looking at the scattered black clothes, bloodstains, and the semi-conscious Wu Zhenghu, Cheng Ruinian's face turned pale. He rode back and forth on his horse, unwillingly glanced around, then waved his hand forcefully. "Let's go." Two soldiers lifted Wu Zhenghu, and the group quickly retreated.
Miss and the others in the workshop saw everything clearly. When all the troops had withdrawn, Miss let out a long sigh and looked at Lin Wanrong. "What should we do now? Go back?"
Lin Wanrong shook his head. Cheng Ruinian had just left, and the situation outside was still unstable. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Send someone clever to investigate. If there are no more troops nearby, we can return to the mansion."
This was a prudent decision. Lady Xiao nodded, "Lin San makes sense. Let's wait a moment before going back. Yu Ruo, today's incident was sudden, but our mansion handled it appropriately. Xiao Feng and the others have made significant contributions, and Lin San's role is commendable. After returning, we should reward them generously."
"Lady, you're too kind," Lin Wanrong grinned. "The Xiao family and I are like fish and water, breathing together, sharing destiny. These are things I should do."
Miss smiled at him, "You always like to say nice things. What plan do you have? Don't think I don't know."
What plan do I have? Heh heh. That would be more appropriate for Miss Er to say. Let's skip that; anyway, I won't be making any plans for you.
Tao Wanying held Xiao Yuruo's hand and said, "Sister Yuruo, it seems that there should be no more troubles here. I should leave now. Today, our escort was inadequate, causing you distress. Please don't mind."
In such a predicament, Tao Wanying had come alone to help, though her contribution might not be significant. However, her sincerity was evident. Miss thanked her sincerely, "Wanying, I appreciate your help today. Forget about the past. From now on, we are close sisters. Let's interact more in the future, and don't let any misunderstandings arise again."
For some reason, Tao Wanying seemed to feel wronged. Upon hearing this, she suddenly burst into tears, hugging Miss tightly and crying, "Sister Yuruo, thank you."
She had thought she was defiled and had lost interest in life, but Lin San's guidance and a thorough examination by experienced midwives dispelled her suspicions. Overwhelmed with surprise and joy, her emotions fluctuated between despair and elation. She had no one to confide in, but these few words from Miss touched her deeply. Unable to hold back, she cried in Miss's arms.
Our Xiao family's situation is much better than yours. Seeing her cry, Miss felt a sense of sorrow. Tears welled up in her eyes, and the two women embraced each other, crying together.
Hey, why are you crying for no reason? The current situation is not resolved yet. Lin Wanrong felt quite annoyed watching them cry and couldn't help coughing twice. "Miss, let's focus on the current matter first."
Miss hastily wiped away her tears, looking embarrassed. She glanced at him and sighed, "Look at the good deeds you've done. A perfectly fine woman, scared into this state by you."
"Miss, your compassion is too broad. When this Miss Tao was doing evil before, why didn't you say she was a perfectly fine woman? Now that she has changed and become a good woman in your eyes, am I suddenly the villain? This logic doesn't make sense. Besides, if it weren't for my good deeds, could she have become this obedient now? I cured her illness without asking for payment; that's already a favor to her."
Miss smiled at him and said, "Okay, I can't argue with you. You've made a great contribution today. How would you like to be rewarded?"
"Let it be. I do these things every day; I'm used to it. If we really talk about it, you won't be able to reward me enough." Lin Wanrong shook his head and refused.
From making perfumes and soaps to turning the tide at the Hangzhou Qingyu Building, Lin San's achievements were evident to all, especially Xiao Yuruo. It could be said that Lin San, with his own efforts, saved the Xiao family. When it came to rewards, she wasn't sure what would be sufficient.
However, Miss knew very well about Lin San's "ambition." She looked at him, faintly saying, "You've made great contributions today, but I wonder how long you can stay in my Xiao family?"
This question is indeed challenging to answer. With Lin San's capabilities, it's highly unlikely for him to be confined to the Xiao family for a lifetime. There was a hint of melancholy in the tone of the young lady, and Lin Wanrong could only sigh. Despite occasional arguments, their prolonged battles together had forged a deep and genuine friendship.
"The future is uncertain, but rest assured, even if I were to leave the Xiao family in the future, my loyalty would remain. Whatever difficulties arise, feel free to seek my assistance. You know, I have a knack for solving almost anything," Lin Wanrong said with a bashful expression.
"Don't speak in such a derogatory manner about leaving with loyalty. It sounds distasteful," the young lady retorted playfully, feeling slightly better. "You, your words are often deceitful. I don't believe you. Perhaps, as soon as you leave the Xiao family, you would have already forgotten about us."
Lin Wanrong chuckled and didn't dwell on this topic. He spoke earnestly, "Young lady, considering the current situation tonight, it seems that there might be significant events happening in Jinling soon. This workshop is our foundation, and to prevent any harm, we must increase the security."
"Exactly," Xiao Yuruo raised her eyebrows. "Choose more loyal and capable individuals from the Xiao family's servants to guard the workshop. Also, hire some martial arts instructors to train them. We cannot afford any incidents here."
When she shared this idea with her mother, Lady Xiao naturally approved and urged the young lady to implement it soon. Lin Wanrong had long calculated this move; the perfume and soap business was his industry and the foundation for future prosperity. Only by entrusting it to his people could he be at ease. The most crucial element was Hongxing, cultivated by his own hands. Selecting loyal and capable brothers from Qing Shan to join in, Hongxing belonged to him, and Xiao family was his Xiao family. He planned to establish a collaboration between the underworld and the business community, challenging anyone who dared to provoke him in the future.
"Second Miss is here, Second Miss is here!" A commotion outside the door, a carriage abruptly stopped at the workshop entrance. Xiao Yushuang hurriedly jumped down from the carriage, calling out, "Lin San, Lin San, where are you?"
The young lady rushed forward, surprised. "Yushuang, why did you come? It's not safe outside. Why did you come out?"
The Second Miss suddenly fell into her sister's arms, urgently saying, "Sister, where is Lin San? Where is Lin San?"
Xiao Yuruo affectionately patted her shoulder. "Why are you asking about him?"
With teary eyes, Xiao Yushuang said, "Sister, Lin San went out to fight with people. When I received the news, they had already gone somewhere unknown. He, that person, usually bullies me. What if something happens to him? This bad person, doesn't he know how worried I am? Sister, please save him, sister—"
"He usually bullies you? Am I that despicable?" Lin Wanrong sweated, watching the little girl cry, feeling deeply moved.
Seeing Yushuang's deep affection for Lin San, the young lady sighed faintly. With a somewhat gloomy expression, she bit her lip and, seeing Lin San hiding in the corner smirking, she harbored some resentment. "Are you proud? Lin San, I hate you!"
"Lin San?" Second Miss was startled, quickly looking up. Lin Wanrong elegantly adjusted his hat, waved his hand, and said, "Hey, Second Miss, I'm here."
"Lin San!" Second Miss was both surprised and delighted. Covering her cherry lips with her hands, she stared at him blankly for a moment, tears falling like raindrops. "You bad person, so bad—"
The young lady's eyes emitted fire, glaring fiercely at Lin San. She lightly patted her sister's shoulder and said, "This person is indeed bad, Yushuang, don't be afraid. From now on, I'll help you deal with him."