Mr. Li’s words brought the warm atmosphere to a freezing point.
Li Xiangfu’s heart moved, and he suddenly asked: “Sister, what is your first impression of Qin Jin?”
Li Xichun thought for a while: “Between five and six.”
Li Xiangfu’s eyes moved when he heard this, so average?
In the video, the gap between Mr. Li’s brows never widened. For various complicated reasons, he really didn’t like Qin Jin, so he immediately asked Li Xichun: “According to what you said, is it possible that Qin Jin is a good person?” The last sentence even brought out the meaning. Interrogation.
“…” Li Xichun: “What did I say?”
She just gave an impression score, and it was not an automatic detector.
Realizing that it was inappropriate to say this, Mr. Li quietly glanced at the other people on the table and motioned for someone to pick up the conversation and change the content.
Li Huaichen said directly: “I’m going to find someone to investigate.”
“It’s not good…” Li Xichun hesitated.
How can you conduct an investigation privately because of other people’s pursuits?
“It’s not about stalking and digging for privacy,” Li Huaichen said calmly: “Send the photo over later. I have a friend who owns a bar over there. Just ask around and you will find out.” If Li Xichun could have a good impression of him at the first meeting, he must be really skilled.
He could be a veteran, and he has probably done a lot of defrauding money and sex in the past. There is no need to search for such people. You can easily find out something by just asking about them at nightclubs.
“Okay.”
Li Xichun forced a smile.
“Sister, the food is getting cold.” Li Xiangfu reminded her.
Li Xichun picked up the chopsticks again.
Li Shasha and Mr. Li waved goodbye and turned off the video.
The meal was unusually silent, and Li Xiangfu comforted her with a contrast: “You can’t always meet good people in your life.”
For example, he and Qin Jiayu. He didn’t even know what kind of entanglement they had.
Li Xichun refrained from sighing as anticipated, her expression gradually turning solemn. “I’ve only just arrived in Yaochuan City. If the other party came here with a premeditated plan, they would know me too well. If they’ve been observing me for a while…”
Being in the city may have its advantages, but if the investigation reveals that he is a local resident who has been operating in Yaochuan for years, how he managed to ascertain her preferences and target her so swiftly is something to ponder.
Li Xiangfu chimed in, “Whoever they are, if they harbor ill intentions, they’ll face consequences.”
He added, passing a dish to Li Shasha, who nodded in agreement. “I agree.”
However, Li Xichun was less optimistic. “Even if the truth comes to light, he’ll likely spend just a few days detained in the bureau at most, and perhaps face moral condemnation.”
As they finished their meal, Li Shasha stroked his stomach to aid digestion. “God sees all that we do.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
The ‘Three Obediences and Four Virtues’ gift package might arrive late, but it will never be absent.
Fcjkjgf bo atf ecvfgislcu wfrrjuf, Ol Wlmtec fcregfv fnfgsbcf tjv olclrtfv fjalcu jcv tfiqfv mifjg atf ajyif. Pc atf wfjcalwf, rtf gfrqbcvfv ab rfnfgji wfrrjufr ogbw atf wjc.
Fqbc gfaegclcu ogbw vlrqbrlcu bo atf ujgyjuf, Ol Wljcuoe mblcmlvfcajiis jcrkfgfv atf qtbcf: “P’nf fwqtjrlhfv weialqif alwfr atja P’w cba lcafgfrafv lc rajgalcu j tberfxffqlcu mbwqjcs.”
“You can put aside the company startup for now. I’m inviting you to come and enjoy a show.”
Li Xiangfu questioned, “A show?”
When the drunkard was sober, his speech was more coherent. “I acquired a teahouse before. On the 15th, you can enjoy both tea and listen to the opera.” He seemed anxious to persuade Li Xiangfu: “Qin Jin will be there. Even if I hadn’t mentioned it, he would have invited you.” He then proceeded to extol the virtues of the troupe he had hired.
Li Xichun patted Li Xiangfu on the back and nodded, signaling her acceptance of the invitation.
Once Li Xiangfu agreed, the drunkard quickly ceased pestering him and ended the call promptly.
Li Xichun then remarked, “Xiang Tuo also invited me to the theater.”
“Xiang Tuo?”
Li Xichun shrugged, implying that Xiang Tuo was her current admirer, which Li Xiangfu instantly understood.
—
As anticipated by the collector, Qin Jin did indeed arrive in the afternoon. After the rain subsided, the two of them strolled along the lakeside. The earthy scent mingled with the fragrance of flowers in the air, creating a sense of relaxation with every breath.
“Most of the individuals who purchase tickets have some connections and an interest in collecting. Building friendships could assist you in selling paintings,” remarked Li Xiangfu, though his thoughts were focused more on Qin Jin himself.
He had noticed an intriguing aspect early on: while Qin Jin might appear unreasonable, he had a knack for disarming someone’s defenses if he chose to. At least, Li Xiangfu himself had let his guard down in the beginning.
The reflection in the water served as evidence of being observed. Qin Jin inquired, “What’s on your mind?”
Halting his steps, Li Xiangfu replied, “I’m trying to discern your moral character.”
Though inherently meaningless.
Qin Jin’s expression remained unchanged, as if he grasped the implication, and stated frankly, “I harbor no malicious intent toward you,” after a brief pause, he added, “Nor toward your family.”
Li Xiangfu continued, “You have worth.”
Qin Jin raised an eyebrow.
“It’s equivalent to a rating of 5.5,” Li Xiangfu clarified.
“…”
This wasn’t the first time Qin Jin struggled to comprehend his words. He had grown accustomed to it and automatically filtered out this aspect.
—
After eight o’clock, the teahouse bustled with activity, its exterior adorned with hanging lanterns.
Tonight, admission required tickets. Xiang Tuo felt a bit uneasy in his more formal attire, observing the affluent guests streaming into the teahouse.
In an effort to portray an image of affluence, his employer had sent him tickets, hoping to convey the impression that his family was prosperous. However, Xiang Tuo knew well that pretense could only go so far. Seeing the guests adorned with expensive jadeite and million-dollar watches, he couldn’t help but worry about the authenticity of his facade being exposed.
Li Xichun, on the other hand, appeared unperturbed by any need for ostentation. The curve of her red lips eased Xiang Tuo’s nerves as they entered together.
Seated in VIP positions as guests personally invited by the teahouse owner, Li Xiangfu and Qin Jin were joined by the collector, Zhong Yicang, at a neighboring table. After a play concluded on stage, Zhong Yicang beamed proudly, “How was it?”
Li Xiangfu refrained from commenting directly and inquired, “How much did it cost?”
“Twenty thousand for three plays,” Zhong Yicang responded, “They’re quite renowned, heavily promoted on social media.”
Li Xiangfu quipped, “I imagine those videos focus more on the mastery of genuine martial arts than the years of training.”
Though delivered lightly, Zhong Yicang took offense, retorting, “You clearly lack appreciation.”
Given that he had sold the flute to Zhong Yicang at a discount, Li Xiangfu felt obliged to offer some advice against unnecessary extravagance. Clearing his throat, he skillfully sang a few lines acapella, his demeanor suddenly transformed.
Though his voice wasn’t booming, Zhong Yicang’s initial amusement gave way to a subtle shift in expression, captivated by Li Xiangfu’s mesmerizing performance. Every movement exuded an irresistible allure, flowing effortlessly from his fingertips. Even the subtlest expressions conveyed the character’s emotions, drawing the audience into the narrative.
It had been too long since Li Xiangfu had showcased his vocal talents. After singing, his cheeks flushed slightly as he adjusted his breathing, akin to applying rouge.
Though the nearby guests could only faintly hear his intentionally lowered voice, his gestures and expressions held them spellbound.
Li Xiangfu turned to Zhong Yicang with a smile, asking, “How was that?”
“Wonderful!” Zhong Yicang couldn’t resist applauding, momentarily carried away by the enchanting performance, though he quickly realized the impropriety of his action and ceased abruptly.
While Qin Jin was a well-known public figure, recognizable to ordinary citizens, Li Xiangfu remained relatively unknown in Yaochuan, unseen by most.
Silent glances were exchanged among the guests, the implications left unsaid.
It was no wonder Qin Jin, untainted by scandal, would openly accompany a companion to the theater, braving the scrutiny.
Who, after all, could withstand such a test of public perception?
At that moment, even Qin Jin’s typically stoic expression wavered slightly. The distance between them was minimal, just half a table’s length apart, allowing him to sense the rhythm of Li Xiangfu’s breath.
Unperturbed by the metaphorical ripples cast upon the serene lake, Li Xiangfu took a leisurely sip of tea, sitting tall and composed like a sturdy pine, addressing his counterpart, “The amount you’ve spent could have hired someone truly skilled.”
As the second scene commenced on stage, Zhong Yicang’s interest waned abruptly as he realized he’d been duped. The performer lacked even the most basic control over subtle emotional nuances.
Suddenly recalling their previous transaction, Zhong Yicang interjected, “Speaking of which, you purchased a flute from me. Seems like you’re quite versatile.”
To avoid being drawn into further conversation and potentially coerced into showcasing his talents, Li Xiangfu tactfully replied, “A little knowledge can go a long way, but it doesn’t make one a master at everything.”
Despite the financial investment, Zhong Yicang begrudgingly refocused on the stage performance. As he reached for a handful of melon seeds, he glanced sidelong at Qin Jin’s shirt sleeves and was astonished to discover hidden embroidery.
Qin Jin, casting a glance at Li Xiangfu, casually remarked, “He’s the one who stitched it.”
“…”
Confronted with the over-the-top performance on stage, Li Xiangfu quickly lost interest and excused himself to the restroom midway. As he turned a corner, he was unexpectedly accosted by a woman. “Hey, hold on a moment,” she called out.
Li Xiangfu turned back, slightly puzzled. “And you are…?”
The woman handed him a business card. “You can call me Sister Hua,” she said, her demeanor suggesting affluence. “I have a lucrative opportunity for you. I’m certain you can make easy money.”
Li Xiangfu’s initial assumption was bartending, so he scoffed and brushed past her, continuing on his way.
But Sister Hua intercepted him again. “It’s not what you think,” she insisted, her voice softening. “It’s about sperm donation.”
“…What?”
“I see potential in you—good looks, talent, good genes. I’m willing to pay…” She gestured with her hand, indicating a price.
Before he could respond, she clarified, “50,000, not 5,000. This is the highest offer I’ve ever made.”
Li Xiangfu’s expression shifted uncomfortably. “Sister, your proposition is illegal.”
“But think about it,” she pressed on. “Opportunities like this don’t come often. Others who want to donate don’t have this chance.”
Pushing her away, Li Xiangfu retorted, “Opportunities favor the prepared. I wasn’t prepared… Goodbye.”
He walked back around and shook his head as he returned to his seat.
Noticing his odd expression, Qin Jin raised an eyebrow. “What’s the matter?”
Li Xiangfu sighed. “I was just accosted by someone claiming to be Sister Hua, offering me a deal for sperm donation.” With a hint of sadness, he continued, “Am I really that much of a failure? So far, a rotating stage director has only approached me for collaborations and one offered to create a housekeeping company. This is even more absurd. She asked for 50,000 yuan for sperm donation…”
Qin Jin tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. “Absolutely not,” he declared firmly.
Li Xiangfu pursed his lips. “Anyway, thank you for your reassurance.”
His resilience under pressure was, in fact, stronger than a Category 10 hurricane.
Qin Jin spoke softly, “The same Sister Hua approached me a few years ago when my business was still in its infancy.”
“…”
“She offered seven thousand at the time.”
“Seven…” Li Xiangfu’s tone rose incredulously. “Only seven thousand?”
After a moment of silence, Qin Jin continued, “Her initial assessment was that I had a poor appearance and lacked kindness.”
Li Xiangfu’s throat tightened. “…What happened next?”
“Reporting illegal activities is the responsibility of every citizen,” Qin Jin remarked. “I didn’t expect she wouldn’t survive there and resorted to her old business in Yaochuan.”
Author’s note:
Everyone’s perception of Li Xiangfu: Gentle, seemingly naive, easily deceived, and approachable.
Everyone’s perception of Qin Jin: Brooding, cold, ruthless, and best kept at a distance.
Li Xichun: …Who gave you the audacity to mock my inaccuracies?
Thanks for the chapter!
I noticed xiangfu’s sister gender is wrongly mentioned everywhere as ‘he’ and some parts of the chapter are really confusing.
Oh! Thanks for mentioning it! I’ll edit them again soon ♡
Sister hua: wait, gentle man. How about I make it 55,000? Wait..
Li xiangfu: *singing acapella and spinning on top of a canvas.