The Cobra (2)

eservation."She finished instructing him, trembling as she walked towards the medicine cabinet to fetch the herbs. "Boy," she said, "this time the consultation fee and the cost of the medicine will b...Lin Yanhuan shook her head and reminded me, "Xiao Qiao, I've already told you - be careful what you say, especially to certain high-ranking people."

"I... I should pay attention to what" I looked at him helplessly.

How should I pay attention I only know to do my best and sincerely communicate some bad things to the other party, letting them know the problem and trying my best to remedy it.

I'm kindhearted, but Lin Yanhuan never likes my kindness.

"I told you, many people believe in these feng shui and supernatural things, but he can't say he believes them, nor can he show that he believes!"

He sighed, “Your intentions are good and kind. When you can't say it directly, you have to learn to communicate tactfully. Some people are very clever; you only need to say the beginning, and they can guess the ending.”

"Okay... I'll be more careful with my words from now on."

"Well, practice a bit more. Isn't there a saying that goes, 'Speak like a human when you see a human, and speak like a ghost when you see a ghost'" Lin Yanhuan laughed. "You should learn from your brother."

I nodded, and Lin Yanhuan continued, "After this business center was built, there have been incidents one after another in the past decade. There are small ripples every year, so it's nicknamed a 'death place'. However, despite the lack of warmth and bustle, it can still barely operate. Especially since the rent is much cheaper than surrounding areas, many businesses choose to open here, and the popularity is acceptable."

"My family needs to clear up these political risks as soon as possible. My aunt is afraid that malicious people will use these old stories against her, but she doesn't dare to find local Taoist priests because she's worried about the consequences of exposing this information. You guys are perfect for the job... No matter the outcome, it won't have much impact on her, at most it's just a cheap transaction."

I sighed and chuckled wryly, "Your family is so shrewd... even Lin Yanqin has been charmed by your aunt, thinking she had her support."

Lin Yanhuan smiled: "It's normal. She doesn't have malicious intent at this level of scheming, and I'm too lazy to criticize her... I think this is also an opportunity for you."

I nodded. “Well, there’s nothing like that. I didn’t know the Underworld deities here were so powerful. I’ll go pay my respects to City God and King Fuling Ming at their domains when I have time and see what their attitude is.”

"I can't help you with those things... but if you want to investigate this business center, I can be of assistance." Lin Yanhuan smiled.

"What convenience"

"I can shut this business center down indefinitely," he said with a light smile.

“You… is that okay”

"Of course, that's not difficult. Just wait until the next fire inspection fails and they order us to make changes..." His eyes held a hint of mockery.

But I felt a hint of darkness hidden deep within him: “ … So practiced with your schemes Have you done this many times before”

The chef pushed the dishes forward, halted mid-sentence as if in response to my question, and instead smiled, "Eat your meal... I've ordered some specialties. Try them."

The food here is delicious, enough to please Lin Yanhuan's palate. It must be a flavor that is hard to come by.

But I have too much on my mind to enjoy my meal.

He also saw through it and asked, "Is something the matter at home"

"No, it's okay. My family is coming over tomorrow... I can't bear to be away from my children for long; a few days apart and I feel so worried about them."

"At your age, you've taken on too much that shouldn't be yours to bear. If there's anything you need help with, just come to me." he said lightly.

"I... I always feel embarrassed when I come to see you." I couldn't help but put down my chopsticks.

He looked at me playfully and retorted, "Embarrassed"

"I always feel... I always feel that I shouldn't deserve your help because I can't reciprocate, your..." The word "affection" feels a bit hard to say.

Perhaps he has a good impression of other people too. Me saying it so directly seems like I'm putting gold on my own face.

I don't want to owe anyone favors. I want to help them as much as I can to repay them, but every time I have to ask him for help—the things in the world, sometimes I really feel helpless.

"Xiao Qiao, you just don't know how to take advantage of a situation. I really wish you would trouble me more." He narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly.

"I understand your confusion, you're a good girl, your heart is with someone else, so I don't want to put you in an awkward position, otherwise..." He smiled.

My heart skipped a beat. What else could it be

"Eat up, don't waste the chef's hard work."

"You, you finish your sentence, or else what" I looked at him nervously.

He raised his teacup and took a sip, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Or else Or else... I would have gone to any lengths to get you... Don't underestimate the wicked thoughts of an old man."

My face was flushed. Lin Yanhuan... when he's with me alone, he shows some rare emotions, and he doesn't shy away from expressing his feelings plainly. It makes it hard for me to cope.

I've never been confessed to or pursued by anyone, so I don't know how to handle such a situation. I also don't know how to politely decline.

"Alright... don't be so tense. I know you're shy, and simple and content. You've never even thought about flirting with other men, let alone how to refuse an older man." He smiled and poured me more tea.

"Why do you always say you're old You don't look a day over—" I mumbled. "You're so young and driven, even in twenty or thirty years there will be countless women vying for your attention."

He raised his hand and tapped his chest, calmly saying: "My heart is old. Otherwise, why wouldn't I try to fight for you I know you love him, so I gave up that idea... Forcing someone won't get you what you want... I understand."

"Forget it, let's eat first. I have two more meetings in a while. After lunch, I'll send you back and take a look at where you live."

He urged me, and I could only take a deep breath and eat quickly.

This man is good... unfortunately, from the day I was born, this blood jade dragon ring has doomed me to loneliness, my love.

When I returned to the doorstep of my temporary home, I saw Lao Su open half a wooden door and he was arguing with someone.

Who would come to the door and make a noise

I hurried forward and heard a familiar female voice shouting at Old Joe, "Stop talking nonsense to me! I know Mu Xiaoqiao is here! Tell her to come out and see me."

Lao Sao didn't back down, replying, "Hey, little girl, you call yourself 'Auntie' Even the old women who run street stalls call me 'Big Brother'. You come in front of me acting like an elder Don't you know how to behave I'll slap your mouth shut!"

On closer inspection, the red short hair, the punk style of dress...

Is Xi Linzhou!, right"Lin Yanqin is meddling in so many other people's business… I told you that they were just casual acquaintances, and they haven't even met a few times. There's no feeling there at all.” My brot...