Chapter 109
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Chapter 109 The Heart of Man
Lin Wanrong did not know how long had passed when he slowly woke up. The first thing he saw was the Eldest Miss, staring at him with intense eyes. He couldn't guess what she was thinking.
Yawning, Lin Wanrong asked, "Miss, do you know what time it is? Oh, what hour is it?"
His possessions were limited to a few broken silver pieces and a spring palace painting booklet he always carried with him. Having so little, he had slept quite comfortably. The bandit leader, to reassure the Eldest Miss, had not searched Lin Wanrong at all, just paralyzing them both with pressure points.
They were both confined inside a carriage, unable to move. The carriage did not let in light, making it difficult to tell the time. Seeing Lin Wanrong awake, the Eldest Miss said, "I don't know the exact time, but at least four hours have passed."
"How do you know?" asked Lin Wanrong, surprised.
A blush spread across the Eldest Miss's face as she confessed, "I usually don't rest for more than four hours. Once that time has passed, I wake up naturally."
So, it was a biological clock, thought Lin Wanrong, nodding his understanding. If that was true, did it mean they had been on the move for four hours since leaving the city? Where was this bandit leader taking them? How far had they traveled? Judging by the carriage's movement, which was increasingly upward, it seemed like they were climbing a hill.
While lost in thought, the carriage curtain was lifted, and the bandit leader and another woman entered. They picked up Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss, taking them out of the carriage.
It was one thing for the Eldest Miss to be handled roughly, but when the bandit leader held Lin Wanrong, he showed no mercy, gripping him so hard that it hurt. ‘Damn you, one day I will castrate you,’ Lin Wanrong swore inwardly.
Once out of the carriage, Lin Wanrong noticed that they were on a mountainside. The mountain was so tall that he could not see the peak. The chill of the early winter morning, mixed with the slowly rising fog, enveloped the mountainside. Lin Wanrong could not help but shiver. He glanced at the Eldest Miss who was also shivering uncontrollably. Seeing him look at her with a gentle expression, her eyes welled up, but she held back the tears from falling.
These bandit scum led the two of them up the mountain. When they reached the peak, the scenery changed dramatically. There were several rows of houses hidden among the green trees on the mountain top. Without careful observation, one might not notice them at all. Seeing how familiar these bandits were with the place, Lin Wanrong realized that this must be their temporary hideout.
The bandit leader said to Xiao Yuruo, "Miss, I'm afraid you'll have to stay here for a few days. Once your family gathers the ten thousand taels of gold, I will let you go."
‘Damn, he makes it sound so pleasant,’ thought Lin Wanrong. ‘If it were really that simple, why did you bother to capture us and bring us here?’ Of course, he wouldn't dare to voice this thought aloud. His life was in their hands, after all.
The houses on the mountain were scarce. The bandit leader arranged for Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss to stay in two connected rooms. The Eldest Miss was placed in a large room with two connected spaces. Although simple, it was furnished with all necessary items. Lin Wanrong's room, however, was completely bare.
Lin Wanrong snorted inwardly. ‘Damn these White Lotus bandits, always looking down on others. One day, I will wipe you out.’
There was an iron gate connecting the two cells, but it was locked and could not be opened. Thus, they could see each other through the bars but could not be together. Lin Wanrong felt somewhat strange about this arrangement. Xiao Yuruo's face turned red. Such a setup seemed like they were sharing a room, but considering their current predicament as captives, what more could they ask for?
The cells were made of large stones, and apart from the main entrance, there wasn't a single window. Escape was impossible. There was a small hole in the main door through which their captors could occasionally peek inside. Even with limitless abilities, Lin Wanrong could find no way to hide.
Feeling utterly defeated, Lin Wanrong sat down heavily, his mood gloomy. He thought back to the note Qin Xian'er had sent yesterday, reminding him to leave Xiao Manor earlier. At that time, he had been busy making perfume and had not paid attention to her warning. The timing yesterday had been unfortunate; he had been running back and forth between the perfume workshop, Xiao Manor, and the tavern and had not received the critical message.
‘Damn, this is the consequence of poor communication. Is there such a thing as a mobile phone? I'd buy a dozen of them,’ he daydreamed.
From the current situation, it was clear that Qin Xian'er was somehow involved with the White Lotus sect, but her repeated warnings showed that she cared for him.
Reflecting deeply, Lin Wanrong realized that his predicament was partly due to inadequate communication and partly due to his lack of self-defense abilities.
Speaking of self-defense, he thought of Xiao Qingxuan's impressive skills. If possible, it would be best to hire a couple of bodyguards with similar abilities. He had no idea how much it would cost to hire such people. He knew Xiao Qingxuan was of noble birth and only staying temporarily in Jinling. It was impossible to hire her as his bodyguard, but perhaps she could recommend a few people with similar skills.
Lin Wanrong was lost in his pleasant thoughts, unaware that Xiao Qingxuan was one of the top figures in the martial arts world. Not only those who could match her, but even those with eighty percent of her skills were as rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn horns.
Lin Wanrong was now in danger, and since he couldn't compete in martial skills, he had to rely on his intellect. Reflecting on his capture, it was clear that the White Lotus bandits had come prepared. They had not only captured the Eldest Miss but also seemed to be interested in him. What could he possibly have that would attract their interest?
‘Could it be because I'm handsome, with the potential to be a gigolo?’ The thought alone disgusted him.
He then focused on his enemies. He had a minor quarrel with Cheng Ruinian, but they had not really clashed. Besides, their conflict was related to Qin Xian'er and had nothing to do with the Xiao family.
Another person was Tao Dongcheng. They had clashed before, and the only conflict related to the Xiao family involved this man surnamed Tao. But Tao Dongcheng's father was a silk weaver in Suzhou, and he himself was merely a cloth merchant. How could he be connected to the White Lotus Sect? As for him, Lin San, he was nothing more than a lowly servant who had exchanged a few harsh words with him. Would he really need the help of the White Lotus Sect? Furthermore, if he really despised him, wouldn't it have been more satisfying to kill him on the spot? Why bother bringing him there?
Seeing that he was lost in thought for a while, the Eldest Miss figured he must be pondering something. She found herself in the dull cell with only this detestable servant to keep her company, which alleviated her sense of loneliness to some extent.
"Lin San, what are you thinking about?" The Eldest Miss rarely initiated a conversation with him, and this time it felt rather strange.
Lin Wanrong smiled, "Eldest Miss, you rarely have such leisurely moments, right?"
Xiao Yuruo was taken aback. After a long pause, she said, "Indeed, it feels like I haven't sat quietly like this in a long time." As the head of the Xiao family, she had been bustling around handling family affairs since she was fifteen or sixteen. The tranquility of sitting idly had long since been lost to her. This ordeal provided her with some spare time, but it was rather filled with fear and trepidation. She could only respond with a wry smile.
"Eldest Miss, life is not only about work. There are many beautiful things to do, like family and affection. These are more important than work. Don't push yourself too hard. Learn to relax and enjoy life. Life is short. If there's no joy, then it's a wasted life," Lin Wanrong calmly advised.
"Hmph, you...where do you get all these deep thoughts?" The Eldest Miss snorted, but inwardly she felt comforted by his words. They resonated with her. However, looking at his calm expression, she wondered if he was afraid at all. This inscrutable servant always seemed unfathomable.
"Life is full of various hardships. Like this time, don't overthink it. Just treat it as a short journey. Once it's over, it will be fine," Lin Wanrong reassured her.
The Eldest Miss found his reasoning peculiar and retorted, "Aren't you afraid?"
"Of course, I am," Lin Wanrong admitted generously. "Everyone is afraid of death. That's normal. But fear doesn't change facts."
Xiao Yuruo snorted, acknowledging his point. Suddenly, she remembered something. "Lin San, were you with Yushuang yesterday?"
Seeing her expression, Lin Wanrong knew what she wanted to say. But after yesterday's incident, there was no way he could abandon that young girl. He didn't answer her question and instead asked, "Eldest Miss, you're Yushuang's elder sister, but do you truly understand her?"
Xiao Yuruo responded, "We grew up together. Of course, I know her well. She is still a child. I hope you won't harm her any further."
Lin Wanrong frowned, "Eldest Miss, I don't like what you just said. I've never harmed the second miss. Not in the past, and definitely not in the future. Before yesterday, I thought she was just a child, like you. But I was horribly wrong. I underestimated her. Every day, she worries about her mother and sister, prays for the Xiao family, and she is willing to sacrifice her life for someone she likes."
Just as Xiao Yuruo was about to speak, Lin Wanrong waved his hand to stop her, "To be honest, Eldest Miss, if it weren't for the kindness of the second miss, I wouldn't have interfered in the affairs of the Xiao family."
Hearing him speak to her in such a tone, Xiao Yuruo felt very annoyed. However, seeing his calm demeanor, so unlike his usual rogue ways, filled her with an unexplainable fear. Taken aback, she thought, 'Why has this man changed so much? I actually preferred our usual banter.'
"Let's...let's not talk about this, Lin San. We are trapped in jail now, talking about this ruins the mood," Xiao Yuruo weakly said.
"Not only are we trapped in jail, but we are also alone together in a room. Eldest Miss, this could be the result of karma from three past lives," Lin Wanrong, seemingly reverting to his original character, began to tease again.
A tremor ran through the Eldest Miss. His words rang true. Despite the unyielding iron door between them, it added to the intimate atmosphere. Seeing him tease her, Xiao Yuruo became very angry and scolded, "Lin San, stop disrespecting me. If you continue to speak like this, I will, I will—"
"Will you move out?" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. Watching the proud Eldest Miss angry in the cell was very entertaining.
The Eldest Miss blushed and snorted, ignoring him.
"Has the Tao family reached out to you recently, Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong's voice calmed again. To Xiao Yuruo, his voice now seemed to carry a sense of wisdom.
Xiao Yuruo did not know why he asked this but responded, "No, they haven't contacted me, nor mentioned the alliance."
After Tao Dongcheng's confession, he surprisingly hadn't sought the Xiao family, and even the alliance was not mentioned? Something seemed odd. The quieter the Tao family, the more extraordinary the situation behind it.
"Do they know about the new lingerie and cheongsam introduced by the Xiao family?" Lin Wanrong asked as he paced slowly in his cell.
Xiao Yushuang leaned against the iron window and watched his movements. 'Can you really come up with a plan just like that?' But seeing his furrowed brow, she felt no resistance and simply answered, "News like this spreads fast. They should know by now."
Lin Wanrong stopped pacing, a sharp glint in his eyes, and asked with emphasis on each word, "Do they know about the perfume?"
Upon seeing a dangerous glint flash across Lin Wanrong's brow, Xiao Yuruo felt a twinge of fear. At that moment, Lin San seemed far removed from her, an unfamiliarity she did not appreciate. She huffed, "How would I know?"
As his gaze settled coldly on her, she could not help but feel cowed. In a soft voice, she conceded, "How could such matters be hidden? When we promote the perfume, they would naturally find out." A sudden realization hit her, and she gasped, "Are you suspecting Tao Dongcheng?"
With Lin Wanrong remaining silent, Xiao Yuruo furrowed her brows, "Although I don't know the Young Master Tao well, he is amiable and hails from a noble and official family. How could he possibly be involved with the evil cult of the White Lotus? You mustn't presumptuously gauge people's hearts."
A cold smirk emerged at the corner of Lin Wanrong's mouth, "Hearts? In this world, the most elusive thing is the human heart."
He sighed deeply, shaking his head, 'Damn, if this matter is as complicated as I suspect, then it's not going to be simple.'
The two were held in the room for a day and a night. Until the next day, at dusk, the door to Lin Wanrong's cell opened. A follower of the White Lotus outside called, "Lin San, come out."
'Here it comes, is it time?' Lin Wanrong gave a cold smile and stood up to leave.
As if sensing something, Xiao Yuruo hurriedly yelled, "Lin San, don't go—" Lin Wanrong turned back, smiling at her, then with a stride, he stepped out of the door.
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Chapter 109 The Heart of Man
Lin Wanrong did not know how long had passed when he slowly woke up. The first thing he saw was the Eldest Miss, staring at him with intense eyes. He couldn't guess what she was thinking.
Yawning, Lin Wanrong asked, "Miss, do you know what time it is? Oh, what hour is it?"
His possessions were limited to a few broken silver pieces and a spring palace painting booklet he always carried with him. Having so little, he had slept quite comfortably. The bandit leader, to reassure the Eldest Miss, had not searched Lin Wanrong at all, just paralyzing them both with pressure points.
They were both confined inside a carriage, unable to move. The carriage did not let in light, making it difficult to tell the time. Seeing Lin Wanrong awake, the Eldest Miss said, "I don't know the exact time, but at least four hours have passed."
"How do you know?" asked Lin Wanrong, surprised.
A blush spread across the Eldest Miss's face as she confessed, "I usually don't rest for more than four hours. Once that time has passed, I wake up naturally."
So, it was a biological clock, thought Lin Wanrong, nodding his understanding. If that was true, did it mean they had been on the move for four hours since leaving the city? Where was this bandit leader taking them? How far had they traveled? Judging by the carriage's movement, which was increasingly upward, it seemed like they were climbing a hill.
While lost in thought, the carriage curtain was lifted, and the bandit leader and another woman entered. They picked up Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss, taking them out of the carriage.
It was one thing for the Eldest Miss to be handled roughly, but when the bandit leader held Lin Wanrong, he showed no mercy, gripping him so hard that it hurt. ‘Damn you, one day I will castrate you,’ Lin Wanrong swore inwardly.
Once out of the carriage, Lin Wanrong noticed that they were on a mountainside. The mountain was so tall that he could not see the peak. The chill of the early winter morning, mixed with the slowly rising fog, enveloped the mountainside. Lin Wanrong could not help but shiver. He glanced at the Eldest Miss who was also shivering uncontrollably. Seeing him look at her with a gentle expression, her eyes welled up, but she held back the tears from falling.
These bandit scum led the two of them up the mountain. When they reached the peak, the scenery changed dramatically. There were several rows of houses hidden among the green trees on the mountain top. Without careful observation, one might not notice them at all. Seeing how familiar these bandits were with the place, Lin Wanrong realized that this must be their temporary hideout.
The bandit leader said to Xiao Yuruo, "Miss, I'm afraid you'll have to stay here for a few days. Once your family gathers the ten thousand taels of gold, I will let you go."
‘Damn, he makes it sound so pleasant,’ thought Lin Wanrong. ‘If it were really that simple, why did you bother to capture us and bring us here?’ Of course, he wouldn't dare to voice this thought aloud. His life was in their hands, after all.
The houses on the mountain were scarce. The bandit leader arranged for Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss to stay in two connected rooms. The Eldest Miss was placed in a large room with two connected spaces. Although simple, it was furnished with all necessary items. Lin Wanrong's room, however, was completely bare.
Lin Wanrong snorted inwardly. ‘Damn these White Lotus bandits, always looking down on others. One day, I will wipe you out.’
There was an iron gate connecting the two cells, but it was locked and could not be opened. Thus, they could see each other through the bars but could not be together. Lin Wanrong felt somewhat strange about this arrangement. Xiao Yuruo's face turned red. Such a setup seemed like they were sharing a room, but considering their current predicament as captives, what more could they ask for?
The cells were made of large stones, and apart from the main entrance, there wasn't a single window. Escape was impossible. There was a small hole in the main door through which their captors could occasionally peek inside. Even with limitless abilities, Lin Wanrong could find no way to hide.
Feeling utterly defeated, Lin Wanrong sat down heavily, his mood gloomy. He thought back to the note Qin Xian'er had sent yesterday, reminding him to leave Xiao Manor earlier. At that time, he had been busy making perfume and had not paid attention to her warning. The timing yesterday had been unfortunate; he had been running back and forth between the perfume workshop, Xiao Manor, and the tavern and had not received the critical message.
‘Damn, this is the consequence of poor communication. Is there such a thing as a mobile phone? I'd buy a dozen of them,’ he daydreamed.
From the current situation, it was clear that Qin Xian'er was somehow involved with the White Lotus sect, but her repeated warnings showed that she cared for him.
Reflecting deeply, Lin Wanrong realized that his predicament was partly due to inadequate communication and partly due to his lack of self-defense abilities.
Speaking of self-defense, he thought of Xiao Qingxuan's impressive skills. If possible, it would be best to hire a couple of bodyguards with similar abilities. He had no idea how much it would cost to hire such people. He knew Xiao Qingxuan was of noble birth and only staying temporarily in Jinling. It was impossible to hire her as his bodyguard, but perhaps she could recommend a few people with similar skills.
Lin Wanrong was lost in his pleasant thoughts, unaware that Xiao Qingxuan was one of the top figures in the martial arts world. Not only those who could match her, but even those with eighty percent of her skills were as rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn horns.
Lin Wanrong was now in danger, and since he couldn't compete in martial skills, he had to rely on his intellect. Reflecting on his capture, it was clear that the White Lotus bandits had come prepared. They had not only captured the Eldest Miss but also seemed to be interested in him. What could he possibly have that would attract their interest?
‘Could it be because I'm handsome, with the potential to be a gigolo?’ The thought alone disgusted him.
He then focused on his enemies. He had a minor quarrel with Cheng Ruinian, but they had not really clashed. Besides, their conflict was related to Qin Xian'er and had nothing to do with the Xiao family.
Another person was Tao Dongcheng. They had clashed before, and the only conflict related to the Xiao family involved this man surnamed Tao. But Tao Dongcheng's father was a silk weaver in Suzhou, and he himself was merely a cloth merchant. How could he be connected to the White Lotus Sect? As for him, Lin San, he was nothing more than a lowly servant who had exchanged a few harsh words with him. Would he really need the help of the White Lotus Sect? Furthermore, if he really despised him, wouldn't it have been more satisfying to kill him on the spot? Why bother bringing him there?
Seeing that he was lost in thought for a while, the Eldest Miss figured he must be pondering something. She found herself in the dull cell with only this detestable servant to keep her company, which alleviated her sense of loneliness to some extent.
"Lin San, what are you thinking about?" The Eldest Miss rarely initiated a conversation with him, and this time it felt rather strange.
Lin Wanrong smiled, "Eldest Miss, you rarely have such leisurely moments, right?"
Xiao Yuruo was taken aback. After a long pause, she said, "Indeed, it feels like I haven't sat quietly like this in a long time." As the head of the Xiao family, she had been bustling around handling family affairs since she was fifteen or sixteen. The tranquility of sitting idly had long since been lost to her. This ordeal provided her with some spare time, but it was rather filled with fear and trepidation. She could only respond with a wry smile.
"Eldest Miss, life is not only about work. There are many beautiful things to do, like family and affection. These are more important than work. Don't push yourself too hard. Learn to relax and enjoy life. Life is short. If there's no joy, then it's a wasted life," Lin Wanrong calmly advised.
"Hmph, you...where do you get all these deep thoughts?" The Eldest Miss snorted, but inwardly she felt comforted by his words. They resonated with her. However, looking at his calm expression, she wondered if he was afraid at all. This inscrutable servant always seemed unfathomable.
"Life is full of various hardships. Like this time, don't overthink it. Just treat it as a short journey. Once it's over, it will be fine," Lin Wanrong reassured her.
The Eldest Miss found his reasoning peculiar and retorted, "Aren't you afraid?"
"Of course, I am," Lin Wanrong admitted generously. "Everyone is afraid of death. That's normal. But fear doesn't change facts."
Xiao Yuruo snorted, acknowledging his point. Suddenly, she remembered something. "Lin San, were you with Yushuang yesterday?"
Seeing her expression, Lin Wanrong knew what she wanted to say. But after yesterday's incident, there was no way he could abandon that young girl. He didn't answer her question and instead asked, "Eldest Miss, you're Yushuang's elder sister, but do you truly understand her?"
Xiao Yuruo responded, "We grew up together. Of course, I know her well. She is still a child. I hope you won't harm her any further."
Lin Wanrong frowned, "Eldest Miss, I don't like what you just said. I've never harmed the second miss. Not in the past, and definitely not in the future. Before yesterday, I thought she was just a child, like you. But I was horribly wrong. I underestimated her. Every day, she worries about her mother and sister, prays for the Xiao family, and she is willing to sacrifice her life for someone she likes."
Just as Xiao Yuruo was about to speak, Lin Wanrong waved his hand to stop her, "To be honest, Eldest Miss, if it weren't for the kindness of the second miss, I wouldn't have interfered in the affairs of the Xiao family."
Hearing him speak to her in such a tone, Xiao Yuruo felt very annoyed. However, seeing his calm demeanor, so unlike his usual rogue ways, filled her with an unexplainable fear. Taken aback, she thought, 'Why has this man changed so much? I actually preferred our usual banter.'
"Let's...let's not talk about this, Lin San. We are trapped in jail now, talking about this ruins the mood," Xiao Yuruo weakly said.
"Not only are we trapped in jail, but we are also alone together in a room. Eldest Miss, this could be the result of karma from three past lives," Lin Wanrong, seemingly reverting to his original character, began to tease again.
A tremor ran through the Eldest Miss. His words rang true. Despite the unyielding iron door between them, it added to the intimate atmosphere. Seeing him tease her, Xiao Yuruo became very angry and scolded, "Lin San, stop disrespecting me. If you continue to speak like this, I will, I will—"
"Will you move out?" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. Watching the proud Eldest Miss angry in the cell was very entertaining.
The Eldest Miss blushed and snorted, ignoring him.
"Has the Tao family reached out to you recently, Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong's voice calmed again. To Xiao Yuruo, his voice now seemed to carry a sense of wisdom.
Xiao Yuruo did not know why he asked this but responded, "No, they haven't contacted me, nor mentioned the alliance."
After Tao Dongcheng's confession, he surprisingly hadn't sought the Xiao family, and even the alliance was not mentioned? Something seemed odd. The quieter the Tao family, the more extraordinary the situation behind it.
"Do they know about the new lingerie and cheongsam introduced by the Xiao family?" Lin Wanrong asked as he paced slowly in his cell.
Xiao Yushuang leaned against the iron window and watched his movements. 'Can you really come up with a plan just like that?' But seeing his furrowed brow, she felt no resistance and simply answered, "News like this spreads fast. They should know by now."
Lin Wanrong stopped pacing, a sharp glint in his eyes, and asked with emphasis on each word, "Do they know about the perfume?"
Upon seeing a dangerous glint flash across Lin Wanrong's brow, Xiao Yuruo felt a twinge of fear. At that moment, Lin San seemed far removed from her, an unfamiliarity she did not appreciate. She huffed, "How would I know?"
As his gaze settled coldly on her, she could not help but feel cowed. In a soft voice, she conceded, "How could such matters be hidden? When we promote the perfume, they would naturally find out." A sudden realization hit her, and she gasped, "Are you suspecting Tao Dongcheng?"
With Lin Wanrong remaining silent, Xiao Yuruo furrowed her brows, "Although I don't know the Young Master Tao well, he is amiable and hails from a noble and official family. How could he possibly be involved with the evil cult of the White Lotus? You mustn't presumptuously gauge people's hearts."
A cold smirk emerged at the corner of Lin Wanrong's mouth, "Hearts? In this world, the most elusive thing is the human heart."
He sighed deeply, shaking his head, 'Damn, if this matter is as complicated as I suspect, then it's not going to be simple.'
The two were held in the room for a day and a night. Until the next day, at dusk, the door to Lin Wanrong's cell opened. A follower of the White Lotus outside called, "Lin San, come out."
'Here it comes, is it time?' Lin Wanrong gave a cold smile and stood up to leave.
As if sensing something, Xiao Yuruo hurriedly yelled, "Lin San, don't go—" Lin Wanrong turned back, smiling at her, then with a stride, he stepped out of the door.
Chapter 109 The Heart of ManLin Wanrong did not know how long had passed when he slowly woke up. The first thing he saw was the Eldest Miss, staring at him with intense eyes. He couldn't guess what she was thinking.Yawning, Lin Wanrong asked, "Miss, do you know what time it is? Oh, what hour is it?"His possessions were limited to a few broken silver pieces and a spring palace painting booklet he always carried with him. Having so little, he had slept quite comfortably. The bandit leader, to reassure the Eldest Miss, had not searched Lin Wanrong at all, just paralyzing them both with pressure points.They were both confined inside a carriage, unable to move. The carriage did not let in light, making it difficult to tell the time. Seeing Lin Wanrong awake, the Eldest Miss said, "I don't know the exact time, but at least four hours have passed.""How do you know?" asked Lin Wanrong, surprised.A blush spread across the Eldest Miss's face as she confessed, "I usually don't rest for more than four hours. Once that time has passed, I wake up naturally."So, it was a biological clock, thought Lin Wanrong, nodding his understanding. If that was true, did it mean they had been on the move for four hours since leaving the city? Where was this bandit leader taking them? How far had they traveled? Judging by the carriage's movement, which was increasingly upward, it seemed like they were climbing a hill.While lost in thought, the carriage curtain was lifted, and the bandit leader and another woman entered. They picked up Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss, taking them out of the carriage.It was one thing for the Eldest Miss to be handled roughly, but when the bandit leader held Lin Wanrong, he showed no mercy, gripping him so hard that it hurt. Damn you, one day I will castrate you,' Lin Wanrong swore inwardly.Once out of the carriage, Lin Wanrong noticed that they were on a mountainside. The mountain was so tall that he could not see the peak. The chill of the early winter morning, mixed with the slowly rising fog, enveloped the mountainside. Lin Wanrong could not help but shiver. He glanced at the Eldest Miss who was also shivering uncontrollably. Seeing him look at her with a gentle expression, her eyes welled up, but she held back the tears from falling.These bandit scum led the two of them up the mountain. When they reached the peak, the scenery changed dramatically. There were several rows of houses hidden among the green trees on the mountain top. Without careful observation, one might not notice them at all. Seeing how familiar these bandits were with the place, Lin Wanrong realized that this must be their temporary hideout.The bandit leader said to Xiao Yuruo, "Miss, I'm afraid you'll have to stay here for a few days. Once your family gathers the ten thousand taels of gold, I will let you go."Damn, he makes it sound so pleasant,' thought Lin Wanrong. If it were really that simple, why did you bother to capture us and bring us here?' Of course, he wouldn't dare to voice this thought aloud. His life was in their hands, after all.The houses on the mountain were scarce. The bandit leader arranged for Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss to stay in two connected rooms. The Eldest Miss was placed in a large room with two connected spaces. Although simple, it was furnished with all necessary items. Lin Wanrong's room, however, was completely bare.Lin Wanrong snorted inwardly. Damn these White Lotus bandits, always looking down on others. One day, I will wipe you out.'There was an iron gate connecting the two cells, but it was locked and could not be opened. Thus, they could see each other through the bars but could not be together. Lin Wanrong felt somewhat strange about this arrangement. Xiao Yuruo's face turned red. Such a setup seemed like they were sharing a room, but considering their current predicament as captives, what more could they ask for?The cells were made of large stones, and apart from the main entrance, there wasn't a single window. Escape was impossible. There was a small hole in the main door through which their captors could occasionally peek inside. Even with limitless abilities, Lin Wanrong could find no way to hide.Feeling utterly defeated, Lin Wanrong sat down heavily, his mood gloomy. He thought back to the note Qin Xian'er had sent yesterday, reminding him to leave Xiao Manor earlier. At that time, he had been busy making perfume and had not paid attention to her warning. The timing yesterday had been unfortunate; he had been running back and forth between the perfume workshop, Xiao Manor, and the tavern and had not received the critical message.Damn, this is the consequence of poor communication. Is there such a thing as a mobile phone? I'd buy a dozen of them,' he daydreamed.From the current situation, it was clear that Qin Xian'er was somehow involved with the White Lotus sect, but her repeated warnings showed that she cared for him.Reflecting deeply, Lin Wanrong realized that his predicament was partly due to inadequate communication and partly due to his lack of self-defense abilities.Speaking of self-defense, he thought of Xiao Qingxuan's impressive skills. If possible, it would be best to hire a couple of bodyguards with similar abilities. He had no idea how much it would cost to hire such people. He knew Xiao Qingxuan was of noble birth and only staying temporarily in Jinling. It was impossible to hire her as his bodyguard, but perhaps she could recommend a few people with similar skills.Lin Wanrong was lost in his pleasant thoughts, unaware that Xiao Qingxuan was one of the top figures in the martial arts world. Not only those who could match her, but even those with eighty percent of her skills were as rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn horns.Lin Wanrong was now in danger, and since he couldn't compete in martial skills, he had to rely on his intellect. Reflecting on his capture, it was clear that the White Lotus bandits had come prepared. They had not only captured the Eldest Miss but also seemed to be interested in him. What could he possibly have that would attract their interest?Could it be because I'm handsome, with the potential to be a gigolo?' The thought alone disgusted him.He then focused on his enemies. He had a minor quarrel with Cheng Ruinian, but they had not really clashed. Besides, their conflict was related to Qin Xian'er and had nothing to do with the Xiao family.Another person was Tao Dongcheng. They had clashed before, and the only conflict related to the Xiao family involved this man surnamed Tao. But Tao Dongcheng's father was a silk weaver in Suzhou, and he himself was merely a cloth merchant. How could he be connected to the White Lotus Sect? As for him, Lin San, he was nothing more than a lowly servant who had exchanged a few harsh words with him. Would he really need the help of the White Lotus Sect? Furthermore, if he really despised him, wouldn't it have been more satisfying to kill him on the spot? Why bother bringing him there?Seeing that he was lost in thought for a while, the Eldest Miss figured he must be pondering something. She found herself in the dull cell with only this detestable servant to keep her company, which alleviated her sense of loneliness to some extent."Lin San, what are you thinking about?" The Eldest Miss rarely initiated a conversation with him, and this time it felt rather strange.Lin Wanrong smiled, "Eldest Miss, you rarely have such leisurely moments, right?"Xiao Yuruo was taken aback. After a long pause, she said, "Indeed, it feels like I haven't sat quietly like this in a long time." As the head of the Xiao family, she had been bustling around handling family affairs since she was fifteen or sixteen. The tranquility of sitting idly had long since been lost to her. This ordeal provided her with some spare time, but it was rather filled with fear and trepidation. She could only respond with a wry smile."Eldest Miss, life is not only about work. There are many beautiful things to do, like family and affection. These are more important than work. Don't push yourself too hard. Learn to relax and enjoy life. Life is short. If there's no joy, then it's a wasted life," Lin Wanrong calmly advised."Hmph, you...where do you get all these deep thoughts?" The Eldest Miss snorted, but inwardly she felt comforted by his words. They resonated with her. However, looking at his calm expression, she wondered if he was afraid at all. This inscrutable servant always seemed unfathomable."Life is full of various hardships. Like this time, don't overthink it. Just treat it as a short journey. Once it's over, it will be fine," Lin Wanrong reassured her.The Eldest Miss found his reasoning peculiar and retorted, "Aren't you afraid?""Of course, I am," Lin Wanrong admitted generously. "Everyone is afraid of death. That's normal. But fear doesn't change facts."Xiao Yuruo snorted, acknowledging his point. Suddenly, she remembered something. "Lin San, were you with Yushuang yesterday?"Seeing her expression, Lin Wanrong knew what she wanted to say. But after yesterday's incident, there was no way he could abandon that young girl. He didn't answer her question and instead asked, "Eldest Miss, you're Yushuang's elder sister, but do you truly understand her?"Xiao Yuruo responded, "We grew up together. Of course, I know her well. She is still a child. I hope you won't harm her any further."Lin Wanrong frowned, "Eldest Miss, I don't like what you just said. I've never harmed the second miss. Not in the past, and definitely not in the future. Before yesterday, I thought she was just a child, like you. But I was horribly wrong. I underestimated her. Every day, she worries about her mother and sister, prays for the Xiao family, and she is willing to sacrifice her life for someone she likes."Just as Xiao Yuruo was about to speak, Lin Wanrong waved his hand to stop her, "To be honest, Eldest Miss, if it weren't for the kindness of the second miss, I wouldn't have interfered in the affairs of the Xiao family."Hearing him speak to her in such a tone, Xiao Yuruo felt very annoyed. However, seeing his calm demeanor, so unlike his usual rogue ways, filled her with an unexplainable fear. Taken aback, she thought, 'Why has this man changed so much? I actually preferred our usual banter.'"Let's...let's not talk about this, Lin San. We are trapped in jail now, talking about this ruins the mood," Xiao Yuruo weakly said."Not only are we trapped in jail, but we are also alone together in a room. Eldest Miss, this could be the result of karma from three past lives," Lin Wanrong, seemingly reverting to his original character, began to tease again.A tremor ran through the Eldest Miss. His words rang true. Despite the unyielding iron door between them, it added to the intimate atmosphere. Seeing him tease her, Xiao Yuruo became very angry and scolded, "Lin San, stop disrespecting me. If you continue to speak like this, I will, I will""Will you move out?" Lin Wanrong laughed heartily. Watching the proud Eldest Miss angry in the cell was very entertaining.The Eldest Miss blushed and snorted, ignoring him."Has the Tao family reached out to you recently, Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong's voice calmed again. To Xiao Yuruo, his voice now seemed to carry a sense of wisdom.Xiao Yuruo did not know why he asked this but responded, "No, they haven't contacted me, nor mentioned the alliance."After Tao Dongcheng's confession, he surprisingly hadn't sought the Xiao family, and even the alliance was not mentioned? Something seemed odd. The quieter the Tao family, the more extraordinary the situation behind it."Do they know about the new lingerie and cheongsam introduced by the Xiao family?" Lin Wanrong asked as he paced slowly in his cell.Xiao Yushuang leaned against the iron window and watched his movements. 'Can you really come up with a plan just like that?' But seeing his furrowed brow, she felt no resistance and simply answered, "News like this spreads fast. They should know by now."Lin Wanrong stopped pacing, a sharp glint in his eyes, and asked with emphasis on each word, "Do they know about the perfume?"Upon seeing a dangerous glint flash across Lin Wanrong's brow, Xiao Yuruo felt a twinge of fear. At that moment, Lin San seemed far removed from her, an unfamiliarity she did not appreciate. She huffed, "How would I know?"As his gaze settled coldly on her, she could not help but feel cowed. In a soft voice, she conceded, "How could such matters be hidden? When we promote the perfume, they would naturally find out." A sudden realization hit her, and she gasped, "Are you suspecting Tao Dongcheng?"With Lin Wanrong remaining silent, Xiao Yuruo furrowed her brows, "Although I don't know the Young Master Tao well, he is amiable and hails from a noble and official family. How could he possibly be involved with the evil cult of the White Lotus? You mustn't presumptuously gauge people's hearts."A cold smirk emerged at the corner of Lin Wanrong's mouth, "Hearts? In this world, the most elusive thing is the human heart."He sighed deeply, shaking his head, 'Damn, if this matter is as complicated as I suspect, then it's not going to be simple.'The two were held in the room for a day and a night. Until the next day, at dusk, the door to Lin Wanrong's cell opened. A follower of the White Lotus outside called, "Lin San, come out."'Here it comes, is it time?' Lin Wanrong gave a cold smile and stood up to leave.As if sensing something, Xiao Yuruo hurriedly yelled, "Lin San, don't go" Lin Wanrong turned back, smiling at her, then with a stride, he stepped out of the door.
