Finest Servant

Chapter 155 Taking a Liking to You

Lin Wanrong burst into hearty laughter, but the Eldest Miss suddenly realized that she had just proven his vulgar words true. Immediately, her face flushed with urgency. Teardrops welled in her eyes as she retorted, “Are you saying I was born just for you to bully?”

The Eldest Miss was genuinely angry and ignored Lin San the whole way back. When she returned to the inn, she noticed everyone anxiously waiting. Despite their anxious expressions, she flung herself into Madam Zhang's arms and cried, “Madam Zhang—” She could no longer form words, her loud sobs filled the room.

The Eldest Miss's safe return brought relief and happiness to everyone, yet Lin San's expression was quite strange. He looked as if he wanted to laugh but dared not. The Eldest Miss’s countenance was even more peculiar, carrying a mixture of all the complex flavors of life. No one could understand her feelings.

The result of Lin San's boorish behavior was very clear. Until the next day, before leaving for the annual meeting, the Eldest Miss hadn't spoken another word to Lin Wanrong.

Lin Wanrong didn't particularly mind; teasing girls was not a new pastime for him. He simply continued as usual.

When they left the inn, the Eldest Miss quickly scrambled into the carriage, seemingly reluctant to see the uncouth Lin Wanrong, who was pleased with the peace and quiet.

The venue for the annual meeting was Sunshine and Rain Restaurant, a famous restaurant next to Su Causeway in Hangzhou. Lin Wanrong accompanied the Eldest Miss into the building and surveyed the surroundings with a cold snort.

He realized that the layout of Sunshine and Rain was strikingly similar to that of his own restaurant, Food for Immortals. What irked him the most was that the various promotional tactics hanging on the walls of Food for Immortals were replicated and displayed prominently here at Sunshine and Rain Restaurant. It was clear that they must have sent someone to investigate Food for Immortals in Jinling.

Lin Wanrong didn't know whether he should be happy or upset. The fact that these promotional methods had reached Hangzhou indicated that the reputation of Food for Immortals had spread far and wide, even inspiring out-of-town restaurants to emulate it. What was frustrating, however, was the complete lack of any patent protection at this time. His unique promotional tactics could not be kept confidential, and he was powerless to prevent others from copying them.

No matter what, seeing this did not bring any joy to Lin Wanrong. He let out a heavy huff of annoyance.

The Eldest Miss, who had not spoken to Lin Wanrong for quite some time, was walking ahead. Hearing his grunt, she couldn't help but turn around, looking back at him, she said, “The people you’ll be meeting later are all top figures in the business world of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. You should be careful.”

Lin Wanrong laughed, “Don't worry, Eldest Miss. I always behave myself in front of strangers.”

The Eldest Miss snorted lightly, “If you're calling yourself decent, the sun must be rising from the west. Never utter words like those you said yesterday, or I'll definitely stop talking to you.”

“Understood, understood,” Lin Wanrong chuckled, “I won't say such things to you in the future.”

However, the Eldest Miss detected the insinuation in his words and grunted, “Have you spoken those vulgar words to Miss Qingxuan as well?”

Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Why did this girl keep bringing up Qingxuan? He responded, "Such matters are private, it's not appropriate to disclose them to the Eldest Miss."

Xiao Yuruo bit her lip and stopped talking to him. As the two ascended the stairs, they saw a short, chubby old man approaching. He gave a fist-and-palm salute to the Eldest Miss and greeted her with a grin, “Miss Xiao, we're honored by your presence. My apologies for not welcoming you earlier.”

The Eldest Miss responded with a smile, “Chairman Yu, your words are too kind. It's a privilege for the younger generation like me to attend this annual meeting of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce. Your personal welcome is too much honor, it humbles Yuruo.”

The chubby old man, presumably in his forties or fifties, had a ruddy complexion. He wore a superficial smile. Lin Wanrong cast a glance at him. He must be the Chairman of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce. Judging by his plump belly, he probably wasn't up to any good.

Chairman Yu squinted his eyes and laughed, “Miss Xiao, please, don't be too humble. Your business acumen is the talk of the town in both Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Everyone is envious. Many colleagues would love to have a chat with you later.”

Reading between the lines of his words, the Eldest Miss pretended not to understand and nodded with a smile, “Chairman Yu, you're too kind. I look forward to learning from all of you.”

Chairman Yu glanced behind the Eldest Miss and wondered, “Did you come alone, Miss Xiao?”

In the eyes of this chubby president, a minor servant like Lin Wanrong surely didn't count as a person. Lin Wanrong wished he could kick the fat man's backside but, to spare the Eldest Miss any discomfort, he merely grunted without saying a word.

The Eldest Miss said, “I just brought one person with me. The others are irrelevant and would be useless here.”

Chairman Yu laughed, “Why isn't Young Master Tao with you?”

The pursuit of Miss Xiao by Tao Dongcheng was well known within the Chamber of Commerce of both Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Chairman Yu was teasing the Eldest Miss with his comment.

Xiao Yuruo shook her head with a smile, “Young Master Tao might be late due to some affairs. We share a professional relationship, so I don't know much about these matters.”

Chairman Yu chuckled and invited the Eldest Miss inside.

There were quite a number of people present, all of whom were renowned merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The Eldest Miss politely exchanged greetings with them. From her demeanor, it was apparent that this wasn't her first meeting with them.

Lin Wanrong stayed close to the Eldest Miss, carefully observing the expressions of these people. He saw both envy and jealousy in their eyes. Combining this observation with the insinuations in Chairman Yu's words, he guessed that they were all coveting the Xiao family's business.

The Eldest Miss found a table and took a seat. The others present were merchants from Jinling, all well-acquainted with each other. Next to the Eldest Miss was a woman in her thirties. She was tall with broad eyebrows and big eyes, exuding a strong and assertive aura.

On seeing the Eldest Miss, she grabbed her hand and laughed, “Big sis, come sit next to me.”

Her words carried a heavy Shandong accent. The term “big sis” made Lin Wanrong want to laugh, yet he also felt a sense of warmth.

The Eldest Miss sat down beside her and laughed, "Sister Liu, you arrived early?"

"I’ve just arrived," Sister Liu said casually, "Traveled all day yesterday, those animals didn't live up to it. They kicked their legs halfway and defecated, delaying the trip. Didn't get here till late into the night."

Upon hearing this, all the merchants at the table snickered. A blush spread across the Eldest Miss's face as she laughed, "Sister Liu, you still speak your mind so freely."

However, Lin Wanrong found it utterly refreshing. What a genuine language of the working people! Although Sister Liu was sturdy and spoke a bit coarsely, her straightforward temperament was something he admired greatly.

As the Eldest Miss and Sister Liu chatted, it turned out that Sister Liu was named Liu Yue'e, originally from Pei County in Shandong (note: Pei County is now part of Jiangsu). She married into an ordinary family in Jinling. Born robust, she found her husband to be quite the simpleton. However, Liu Yue'e was gifted in crafting jade and jadeite, a skill passed down from her ancestors. Gradually, she became known as the best in Jinling. As her business grew, she opened an antique shop specializing in jade and jadeite, expanding to Anhui and Zhejiang and accumulating considerable wealth. Liu Yue'e managed both the shop and her husband impeccably, making her a well-known, powerful woman.

Both the Eldest Miss and her were women who frequently traveled between provinces. They often kept each other company, and their relationship was quite good.

Liu Yue'e said, "Big sis, I heard you were kidnapped by those damned White Lotus cultists a while back. I was terribly worried about you. Thank goodness you returned safe and sound. Truly, a great relief."

The Eldest Miss pointed at Lin Wanrong and laughed, "Thanks to my loyal servant here, I was able to escape danger."

Liu Yue'e glanced at Lin Wanrong, "This young man is capable of such a feat?"

The Eldest Miss replied, "Indeed, he is quite resourceful. I'm afraid my household is too shallow to accommodate such a big fish."

‘What big fish? Clearly a dragon. What's with her eyes?’ Lin Wanrong thought indignantly.

Liu Yue'e immediately said, "If a remarkable person like you, big sis, praises him, this young man must indeed be capable. Young man, what's your name? How old are you?"

"My name is Lin San, and I am twenty years old," Lin Wanrong laughed. Among all these important people, only Sister Liu didn't treat him like a servant. How could he not appreciate her, even though she was a bit rough around the edges?

"Only twenty?" Liu Yue'e laughed heartily, "That's even more remarkable. Lin San, do you have a sweetheart?"

Her question was rather crude, but Lin Wanrong responded shyly, "Not yet."

Liu Yue'e laughed heartily, "Young man, if you have any girl in mind, just tell me. You saved my little sister's life. As a token of my gratitude, I'll introduce you to some good girls. Whether they're from the Yichun Courtyard or the Miaoyu Pavilion, I can find them for you."

The Eldest Miss covered her mouth and laughed, "Sister Liu, don't listen to Lin San's nonsense. He already has someone he admires, a woman as beautiful as a celestial being. There isn't a single woman in Jinling who can compare to her."

Liu Yue'e curiously asked, "Big sis, even you can't compare? I haven't seen a more beautiful woman than you in Jinling. Young man, is your sweetheart really more beautiful than my big sis here?"

That was a difficult question to answer. The Eldest Miss glanced at him and lowered her head in silence. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Fragrant peach and plum, each has its strengths."

The Eldest Miss humphed but it was unclear whether she was satisfied or not. She lowered her head and said, "Always knowing how to flatter people with sweet words."

Liu Yue'e glanced at the Eldest Miss, whose face was tinged with a bashful red, and let out an 'oh'. Then, she leaned toward Lin Wanrong and whispered, "Lin San, you might want to give up on your sweetheart."

Lin Wanrong was taken aback, but before he could respond, Liu Yue'e continued, "I think my big sis here has taken a liking to you."

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