Chapter 141
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Chapter 141 Fragrance in the Dark Night
Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely. Good heavens, the Eldest Miss had barged in at such a time - what were the odds?
As he pondered his next move, a voice called out from outside, "Yuruo, Yushuang, are you both in the room?" It was Madam Xiao's voice. Xiao Yuruo quickly threw on her robe and responded, "Mother, we are both here." Not bothering to change, she hurried to open the door.
Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat off his forehead, feeling immensely lucky. Madam Xiao had arrived like a lifesaver.
Madam Xiao, who had just bathed and whose hair was still damp, with a flush on her face, entered the room. Seeing both her daughters present, she walked up to them and said, "You two girls, so you are here."
The elder daughter nodded, "Mother, I am leaving for Hangzhou tomorrow and came to chat with Yushuang."
The younger daughter, Xiao Yushuang, threw herself into her mother's arms and exclaimed, "Mother, I also want to go to Hangzhou."
Madam Xiao, affectionately tapping her younger daughter's nose, said, "Nonsense, your sister is going there on serious business. What would you be doing there?"
Xiao Yushuang pouted slightly, "I am also going for business. I want to learn and ease the burden on Sister and Mother."
Madam Xiao and her elder daughter shared a heartening smile. Xiao Yuruo laughed and said, "You are still young, how about I teach you in a year or two? Besides, you are still in your month of worshiping Buddha. It has only been a few days, you can't be so insincere, can you?"
Thinking it over, Yushuang agreed. She had made a promise before Buddha and must keep it. "Then I will wait for Sister here at home. But, Sister, remember the matter I discussed with you last time."
Madam Xiao inquired curiously, "Yushuang, what matter did you discuss with Yuruo?"
The elder daughter replied, "Mother, Yushuang wants to pursue her studies."
Yushuang hastily added, "Yes, Mother. I can't learn anything alone at home. I want to go out and learn more so I can help Sister."
Madam Xiao expressed her worry, "How can I rest easy with you, a young girl, going to study alone in a foreign place?"
Xiao Yuruo comforted, "Mother, rest assured. After the New Year, I will go north to the capital to oversee our business there. Yushuang can go with me. She can study in the capital under my care. What do you think, Mother?"
Seeing the love between her daughters, Madam Xiao was moved. She said softly, "With Yuruo looking after Yushuang, I can be at ease. But if both of you go to the capital, and I am left alone in Jinling, how will I cope with missing you?"
Her words brought tears to the eyes of her daughters. Yushuang choked back her tears, "Mother, why don't you come with us to the capital?"
Madam Xiao, with affectionate eyes on Yushuang, said, "Silly girl, if we all go to the capital, what happens to our home here in Jinling? You both go ahead. I will come to see you whenever I can."
Lin Wanrong, hiding behind the screen, was quite uncomfortable as he listened to the family chatter of the three women. Yushuang seemed to have completely forgotten about him. Damn, this was a new low in his pursuit of girls. He was trapped in a room by a mother and her two daughters, unable to escape. It was truly a tragedy.
Madam Xiao let out a sigh, "Yuruo, after the New Year, you will be twenty. It's about time you consider matters of marriage."
The younger daughter immediately clapped her hands and laughed, "Great, we will help Sister choose the best husband in the world."
Xiao Yuruo, blushing, said, "Mother, there's no hurry about this. I'm not worried."
Madam Xiao sighed again, "Yuruo, you've been learning the business with me since you were fourteen. You've worked hard over these years. You mustn't delay matters of marriage any longer."
The elder daughter spoke with bitterness, "Mother, even if I have to delay a few more years for the growth of the Xiao family, I have no regrets."
Madam Xiao looked at her and said, "You've been so busy with business that you haven't given these matters any thought."
Madam Xiao sighed, "You are not young anymore; these matters need to be addressed promptly. I originally thought well of Young Master Tao and wanted to propose marriage on your behalf, but it seems you have no feelings for him. I know most of the Young Masters in Jinling city, but I can't find a suitable candidate. When we move to the capital, you must pay attention. If you meet a Young Master you like, you mustn't let him slip away. It's truly not easy for a woman to find a man she likes."
The elder daughter blushed, "Mother, don't worry. Do I look like someone who can't get married?"
Madam Xiao sighed, "I'm not worried about you getting married, I'm worried about you not marrying well. Yuruo, listen to your mother, you mustn't sacrifice your happiness for the sake of the Xiao family. If that happens, I'll never find peace."
Madam Xiao knew her daughter's mind all too well. The elder daughter was good in all respects, except that she cared too much about the family business. She would sacrifice anything for it. This determination made her a strong woman in the Xiao family, but Madam Xiao feared it would ruin her happiness.
The elder daughter hummed softly and lowered her head, lost in her thoughts.
Madam Xiao's eyes reddened, and she sighed deeply, "Our Xiao family has a hard fate, without a single man. If we had a man in the family, there would be no need for us women to bear these burdens. Yuruo, you could comfortably be a lady, choose a good husband and marry. All these worries wouldn't exist."
Having been a widow for many years, raising two daughters on her own, Madam Xiao had endured countless hardships. Now, her sorrow welled up and she couldn't help but shed tears.
Seeing her mother crying, the elder daughter was reminded of the hardship they had suffered over the years and also began to cry softly. Though the younger daughter was young, she felt for her mother and sister. Mother and daughters held each other and wept.
Listening to the whimpering cries of the three women, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but shake his head. Women were indeed troublesome, recalling the past, nine out of ten would end up in tears. Weren't people born to endure suffering? Isn't that just life? If one didn't want to suffer, would marrying a man do the trick?
He sighed for a while, thinking about the three Xiao ladies outside, they did seem quite pitiful. A widow and her daughters, doing business, managing a large household, it was not easy indeed.
After a while, Madam Xiao, being older, stopped crying and told her daughters, "Yuruo, Yushuang, stop crying. You wouldn't want the servants to see and make a laughing stock out of us."
Mentioning the servants, Xiao Yushuang suddenly remembered that Lin Wanrong was hiding behind the screen. Had he heard their emotional breakdown? But he wasn't really an outsider, she thought sweetly.
"Yuruo, how's the business progress recently?" Madam Xiao asked.
The elder daughter nodded, "This month, our cloth business has seen a further decrease in sales and profits. However, our business direction has slowly shifted, so the impact isn't that significant. The underwear we've introduced has been well-promoted among the ladies in Jinling City. It seems to be selling well, and as for the perfume, needless to say, we're sold out, with orders received until the second month of next year. The soap we just introduced a few days ago has also been well received. Fubo and his team are setting up a production workshop, and we'll soon start formal production."
Madam Xiao nodded, "That Lin San is indeed a talent."
Seeing her mother praise Lin San, Xiao Yushuang's eyes brightened as she said, "Yes, mother, I told you he's a talent."
Madam Xiao looked meaningfully at her younger daughter and sighed, "It's a pity he's a servant."
The elder daughter also said, "This Lin San is intelligent, articulate, brave, and responsible. He's truly remarkable. His contributions to the resurgence of our Xiao family are immense."
Hiding behind the screen, Lin Wanrong listened and couldn't help but feel pleased. Was she talking about him? How did the Eldest Miss change her tune so quickly? Just a while ago she accused him of being a smooth talker, now he was lauded as articulate.
Madam Xiao nodded, "Indeed, we must retain such talent. Remember, he only signed a one-year contract with us."
The younger daughter gritted her teeth, "Mother, if you want Lin San to stay with us forever, I think he would agree."
‘You little girl, one can eat food freely, but words mustn't be spoken lightly. When did I ever say I'd stay in the Xiao family forever? Damn, I still plan to marry you and bring you back to serve me in the Lin family.’
Xiao Yuruo continued, "Lin San does have some talent, but he's a bit too self-important. We must not let him get too arrogant, he needs to be humbled."
Madam Xiao laughed, "Yuruo, you should take this trip to Hangzhou with Lin San as an opportunity to teach him properly. It's rare for our Xiao family to produce such a talent, and if taught well, it would greatly benefit you."
Listening to their conversation, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, was he such a useless person? To be taught by Xiao Yuruo? It should be him teaching her!
Madam Xiao continued, "Yuruo, you and Lin San should get along well. Don't argue with him as you did before."
Blushing, the elder daughter said, "I didn't argue with him, it's him who's so annoying."
Madam Xiao replied, "You have a gentle temperament with others, but why can't you maintain it with Lin San? In this aspect, I find Lin San better than you. He is thick-skinned and fears no one. I've never seen him at a disadvantage."
Lin Wanrong felt proud at first, but at the end, he snorted quietly, was he really thick-skinned? That was his broad-mindedness, his cultivation, these women really lacked understanding.
The elder daughter thought about Lin San's face and couldn't help but laugh, "I agree, he indeed has a thick face. His audacity seems borrowed from a leopard. Just today, he dared to hit the son of the Prefect."
Madam Xiao exclaimed, "Did that really happen?" The Second Miss was equally shocked.
The elder daughter recounted the day's events. Xiao Yushuang took a long breath and said, "Sister, if Lin San says it's fine, it will be. He never jokes about serious matters. If he's not confident, he wouldn't promise."
‘Ah, a kindred spirit.’ Lin Wanrong thought, this was the most satisfying thing he'd heard all night. He almost wanted to hold this girl in his arms and give her a dozen kisses.
The elder daughter nodded, "Although he's a bit crude, he is careful with his tasks. I heard he's friendly with Governor Luo's son and daughter, so things shouldn't go wrong. But we can't let him run wild, we should use this opportunity to teach him a lesson."
So that was her plan. Lin Wanrong finally understood that the Eldest Miss was just looking for an excuse to discipline him. Damn, was he that arrogant? He didn't feel so. He just scolded those who deserved scolding and fought those who deserved fighting.
Madam Xiao laughed, "Then you should manage him well. But don't go too far. He's not someone who responds to force."
The elder daughter nodded, "I understand, mother. I will teach him well."
Lin Wanrong couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and amusement. Did he respond to softness? He didn't feel that way. Truly, like mother like daughter, both Madam Xiao and the elder daughter were master schemers.
After more conversation, Madam Xiao led the elder daughter to her room, instructing her about the next day's journey to Hangzhou.
The younger daughter pulled him out, pouting, "There, you've heard all about our family affairs."
"Not at all, I only heard half of it," Lin Wanrong laughed.
The room was suffused with the lingering fragrance of rose perfume, a scent so profound that Lin Wanrong took a deep breath to capture it. Was it the elder daughter or Madam Xiao who preferred this strong rose perfume?
"Do not speak of what you've seen and heard tonight to others," the Second Miss warned.
"And you must help my sister well, not bully me, nor her," the Second Miss stated assertively.
Lin Wanrong innocently asked, "But what if she bullies me? You know, I'm an easy person to be bullied."
Xiao Yushuang said, "Then you must let her bully you. She's my only sister and I allow her to bully me because she's kind to me. You and I are... well, you have to let her bully you too."
This left Lin Wanrong feeling dazed, the logic of young girls was truly peculiar.
After being authoritative for a while, the Second Miss suddenly became tender, gently holding his hand and asking softly, "Lin San, will you miss me when you're away?"
"There's only one moment I would think of you," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.
Her eyes reddened and her nose tingled, just as she was about to explode, she heard him continue, "-- when I breathe."
"You're annoying, so annoying!" Tears finally fell from the Second Miss' eyes, but she was extraordinarily happy. "You rascal, always teasing me."
She sniffed a few times, sighed softly, and her long lashes were wet with tears. "With your words, I could die content. You rascal, you've harmed many. If I die, it will be from missing you."
Lin Wanrong felt somewhat dizzy. Just how many romance novels had this girl read? Her words moved him so deeply. Turns out, after all the fuss, this little girl was the biggest schemer.
Their conversation was cut short as Yushuang, worried about her sister returning, had to hurry Lin Wanrong out. The supposed wolf of the west chamber tonight turned out to be just a shadow of the name. Lin Wanrong regretted this. Seeing the Second Miss' eyes as charming as a painting, bashful beyond words, he gently pecked her lips.
She felt both joy and embarrassment, pushed him out the door, quickly locked it, her heart pounding. She only felt that this rascal was thoroughly incorrigible, down to his bones.
Stealing the Second Miss' first kiss, Lin Wanrong was extremely pleased. The lingering fragrance in the dark night was truly a delightful sensation. He gave the chamber one last lingering look before stealthily slipping out of the courtyard.
No sooner had Lin Wanrong's figure disappeared from the doorway than the Eldest Miss Xiao appeared from somewhere. Watching his retreating figure, she stomped her foot in anger, "Shameless, rascal, indecent..."
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Chapter 141 Fragrance in the Dark Night
Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely. Good heavens, the Eldest Miss had barged in at such a time - what were the odds?
As he pondered his next move, a voice called out from outside, "Yuruo, Yushuang, are you both in the room?" It was Madam Xiao's voice. Xiao Yuruo quickly threw on her robe and responded, "Mother, we are both here." Not bothering to change, she hurried to open the door.
Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat off his forehead, feeling immensely lucky. Madam Xiao had arrived like a lifesaver.
Madam Xiao, who had just bathed and whose hair was still damp, with a flush on her face, entered the room. Seeing both her daughters present, she walked up to them and said, "You two girls, so you are here."
The elder daughter nodded, "Mother, I am leaving for Hangzhou tomorrow and came to chat with Yushuang."
The younger daughter, Xiao Yushuang, threw herself into her mother's arms and exclaimed, "Mother, I also want to go to Hangzhou."
Madam Xiao, affectionately tapping her younger daughter's nose, said, "Nonsense, your sister is going there on serious business. What would you be doing there?"
Xiao Yushuang pouted slightly, "I am also going for business. I want to learn and ease the burden on Sister and Mother."
Madam Xiao and her elder daughter shared a heartening smile. Xiao Yuruo laughed and said, "You are still young, how about I teach you in a year or two? Besides, you are still in your month of worshiping Buddha. It has only been a few days, you can't be so insincere, can you?"
Thinking it over, Yushuang agreed. She had made a promise before Buddha and must keep it. "Then I will wait for Sister here at home. But, Sister, remember the matter I discussed with you last time."
Madam Xiao inquired curiously, "Yushuang, what matter did you discuss with Yuruo?"
The elder daughter replied, "Mother, Yushuang wants to pursue her studies."
Yushuang hastily added, "Yes, Mother. I can't learn anything alone at home. I want to go out and learn more so I can help Sister."
Madam Xiao expressed her worry, "How can I rest easy with you, a young girl, going to study alone in a foreign place?"
Xiao Yuruo comforted, "Mother, rest assured. After the New Year, I will go north to the capital to oversee our business there. Yushuang can go with me. She can study in the capital under my care. What do you think, Mother?"
Seeing the love between her daughters, Madam Xiao was moved. She said softly, "With Yuruo looking after Yushuang, I can be at ease. But if both of you go to the capital, and I am left alone in Jinling, how will I cope with missing you?"
Her words brought tears to the eyes of her daughters. Yushuang choked back her tears, "Mother, why don't you come with us to the capital?"
Madam Xiao, with affectionate eyes on Yushuang, said, "Silly girl, if we all go to the capital, what happens to our home here in Jinling? You both go ahead. I will come to see you whenever I can."
Lin Wanrong, hiding behind the screen, was quite uncomfortable as he listened to the family chatter of the three women. Yushuang seemed to have completely forgotten about him. Damn, this was a new low in his pursuit of girls. He was trapped in a room by a mother and her two daughters, unable to escape. It was truly a tragedy.
Madam Xiao let out a sigh, "Yuruo, after the New Year, you will be twenty. It's about time you consider matters of marriage."
The younger daughter immediately clapped her hands and laughed, "Great, we will help Sister choose the best husband in the world."
Xiao Yuruo, blushing, said, "Mother, there's no hurry about this. I'm not worried."
Madam Xiao sighed again, "Yuruo, you've been learning the business with me since you were fourteen. You've worked hard over these years. You mustn't delay matters of marriage any longer."
The elder daughter spoke with bitterness, "Mother, even if I have to delay a few more years for the growth of the Xiao family, I have no regrets."
Madam Xiao looked at her and said, "You've been so busy with business that you haven't given these matters any thought."
Madam Xiao sighed, "You are not young anymore; these matters need to be addressed promptly. I originally thought well of Young Master Tao and wanted to propose marriage on your behalf, but it seems you have no feelings for him. I know most of the Young Masters in Jinling city, but I can't find a suitable candidate. When we move to the capital, you must pay attention. If you meet a Young Master you like, you mustn't let him slip away. It's truly not easy for a woman to find a man she likes."
The elder daughter blushed, "Mother, don't worry. Do I look like someone who can't get married?"
Madam Xiao sighed, "I'm not worried about you getting married, I'm worried about you not marrying well. Yuruo, listen to your mother, you mustn't sacrifice your happiness for the sake of the Xiao family. If that happens, I'll never find peace."
Madam Xiao knew her daughter's mind all too well. The elder daughter was good in all respects, except that she cared too much about the family business. She would sacrifice anything for it. This determination made her a strong woman in the Xiao family, but Madam Xiao feared it would ruin her happiness.
The elder daughter hummed softly and lowered her head, lost in her thoughts.
Madam Xiao's eyes reddened, and she sighed deeply, "Our Xiao family has a hard fate, without a single man. If we had a man in the family, there would be no need for us women to bear these burdens. Yuruo, you could comfortably be a lady, choose a good husband and marry. All these worries wouldn't exist."
Having been a widow for many years, raising two daughters on her own, Madam Xiao had endured countless hardships. Now, her sorrow welled up and she couldn't help but shed tears.
Seeing her mother crying, the elder daughter was reminded of the hardship they had suffered over the years and also began to cry softly. Though the younger daughter was young, she felt for her mother and sister. Mother and daughters held each other and wept.
Listening to the whimpering cries of the three women, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but shake his head. Women were indeed troublesome, recalling the past, nine out of ten would end up in tears. Weren't people born to endure suffering? Isn't that just life? If one didn't want to suffer, would marrying a man do the trick?
He sighed for a while, thinking about the three Xiao ladies outside, they did seem quite pitiful. A widow and her daughters, doing business, managing a large household, it was not easy indeed.
After a while, Madam Xiao, being older, stopped crying and told her daughters, "Yuruo, Yushuang, stop crying. You wouldn't want the servants to see and make a laughing stock out of us."
Mentioning the servants, Xiao Yushuang suddenly remembered that Lin Wanrong was hiding behind the screen. Had he heard their emotional breakdown? But he wasn't really an outsider, she thought sweetly.
"Yuruo, how's the business progress recently?" Madam Xiao asked.
The elder daughter nodded, "This month, our cloth business has seen a further decrease in sales and profits. However, our business direction has slowly shifted, so the impact isn't that significant. The underwear we've introduced has been well-promoted among the ladies in Jinling City. It seems to be selling well, and as for the perfume, needless to say, we're sold out, with orders received until the second month of next year. The soap we just introduced a few days ago has also been well received. Fubo and his team are setting up a production workshop, and we'll soon start formal production."
Madam Xiao nodded, "That Lin San is indeed a talent."
Seeing her mother praise Lin San, Xiao Yushuang's eyes brightened as she said, "Yes, mother, I told you he's a talent."
Madam Xiao looked meaningfully at her younger daughter and sighed, "It's a pity he's a servant."
The elder daughter also said, "This Lin San is intelligent, articulate, brave, and responsible. He's truly remarkable. His contributions to the resurgence of our Xiao family are immense."
Hiding behind the screen, Lin Wanrong listened and couldn't help but feel pleased. Was she talking about him? How did the Eldest Miss change her tune so quickly? Just a while ago she accused him of being a smooth talker, now he was lauded as articulate.
Madam Xiao nodded, "Indeed, we must retain such talent. Remember, he only signed a one-year contract with us."
The younger daughter gritted her teeth, "Mother, if you want Lin San to stay with us forever, I think he would agree."
‘You little girl, one can eat food freely, but words mustn't be spoken lightly. When did I ever say I'd stay in the Xiao family forever? Damn, I still plan to marry you and bring you back to serve me in the Lin family.’
Xiao Yuruo continued, "Lin San does have some talent, but he's a bit too self-important. We must not let him get too arrogant, he needs to be humbled."
Madam Xiao laughed, "Yuruo, you should take this trip to Hangzhou with Lin San as an opportunity to teach him properly. It's rare for our Xiao family to produce such a talent, and if taught well, it would greatly benefit you."
Listening to their conversation, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, was he such a useless person? To be taught by Xiao Yuruo? It should be him teaching her!
Madam Xiao continued, "Yuruo, you and Lin San should get along well. Don't argue with him as you did before."
Blushing, the elder daughter said, "I didn't argue with him, it's him who's so annoying."
Madam Xiao replied, "You have a gentle temperament with others, but why can't you maintain it with Lin San? In this aspect, I find Lin San better than you. He is thick-skinned and fears no one. I've never seen him at a disadvantage."
Lin Wanrong felt proud at first, but at the end, he snorted quietly, was he really thick-skinned? That was his broad-mindedness, his cultivation, these women really lacked understanding.
The elder daughter thought about Lin San's face and couldn't help but laugh, "I agree, he indeed has a thick face. His audacity seems borrowed from a leopard. Just today, he dared to hit the son of the Prefect."
Madam Xiao exclaimed, "Did that really happen?" The Second Miss was equally shocked.
The elder daughter recounted the day's events. Xiao Yushuang took a long breath and said, "Sister, if Lin San says it's fine, it will be. He never jokes about serious matters. If he's not confident, he wouldn't promise."
‘Ah, a kindred spirit.’ Lin Wanrong thought, this was the most satisfying thing he'd heard all night. He almost wanted to hold this girl in his arms and give her a dozen kisses.
The elder daughter nodded, "Although he's a bit crude, he is careful with his tasks. I heard he's friendly with Governor Luo's son and daughter, so things shouldn't go wrong. But we can't let him run wild, we should use this opportunity to teach him a lesson."
So that was her plan. Lin Wanrong finally understood that the Eldest Miss was just looking for an excuse to discipline him. Damn, was he that arrogant? He didn't feel so. He just scolded those who deserved scolding and fought those who deserved fighting.
Madam Xiao laughed, "Then you should manage him well. But don't go too far. He's not someone who responds to force."
The elder daughter nodded, "I understand, mother. I will teach him well."
Lin Wanrong couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and amusement. Did he respond to softness? He didn't feel that way. Truly, like mother like daughter, both Madam Xiao and the elder daughter were master schemers.
After more conversation, Madam Xiao led the elder daughter to her room, instructing her about the next day's journey to Hangzhou.
The younger daughter pulled him out, pouting, "There, you've heard all about our family affairs."
"Not at all, I only heard half of it," Lin Wanrong laughed.
The room was suffused with the lingering fragrance of rose perfume, a scent so profound that Lin Wanrong took a deep breath to capture it. Was it the elder daughter or Madam Xiao who preferred this strong rose perfume?
"Do not speak of what you've seen and heard tonight to others," the Second Miss warned.
"And you must help my sister well, not bully me, nor her," the Second Miss stated assertively.
Lin Wanrong innocently asked, "But what if she bullies me? You know, I'm an easy person to be bullied."
Xiao Yushuang said, "Then you must let her bully you. She's my only sister and I allow her to bully me because she's kind to me. You and I are... well, you have to let her bully you too."
This left Lin Wanrong feeling dazed, the logic of young girls was truly peculiar.
After being authoritative for a while, the Second Miss suddenly became tender, gently holding his hand and asking softly, "Lin San, will you miss me when you're away?"
"There's only one moment I would think of you," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.
Her eyes reddened and her nose tingled, just as she was about to explode, she heard him continue, "-- when I breathe."
"You're annoying, so annoying!" Tears finally fell from the Second Miss' eyes, but she was extraordinarily happy. "You rascal, always teasing me."
She sniffed a few times, sighed softly, and her long lashes were wet with tears. "With your words, I could die content. You rascal, you've harmed many. If I die, it will be from missing you."
Lin Wanrong felt somewhat dizzy. Just how many romance novels had this girl read? Her words moved him so deeply. Turns out, after all the fuss, this little girl was the biggest schemer.
Their conversation was cut short as Yushuang, worried about her sister returning, had to hurry Lin Wanrong out. The supposed wolf of the west chamber tonight turned out to be just a shadow of the name. Lin Wanrong regretted this. Seeing the Second Miss' eyes as charming as a painting, bashful beyond words, he gently pecked her lips.
She felt both joy and embarrassment, pushed him out the door, quickly locked it, her heart pounding. She only felt that this rascal was thoroughly incorrigible, down to his bones.
Stealing the Second Miss' first kiss, Lin Wanrong was extremely pleased. The lingering fragrance in the dark night was truly a delightful sensation. He gave the chamber one last lingering look before stealthily slipping out of the courtyard.
No sooner had Lin Wanrong's figure disappeared from the doorway than the Eldest Miss Xiao appeared from somewhere. Watching his retreating figure, she stomped her foot in anger, "Shameless, rascal, indecent..."
Chapter 141 Fragrance in the Dark NightLin Wanrong was sweating profusely. Good heavens, the Eldest Miss had barged in at such a time - what were the odds?As he pondered his next move, a voice called out from outside, "Yuruo, Yushuang, are you both in the room?" It was Madam Xiao's voice. Xiao Yuruo quickly threw on her robe and responded, "Mother, we are both here." Not bothering to change, she hurried to open the door.Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat off his forehead, feeling immensely lucky. Madam Xiao had arrived like a lifesaver.Madam Xiao, who had just bathed and whose hair was still damp, with a flush on her face, entered the room. Seeing both her daughters present, she walked up to them and said, "You two girls, so you are here."The elder daughter nodded, "Mother, I am leaving for Hangzhou tomorrow and came to chat with Yushuang."The younger daughter, Xiao Yushuang, threw herself into her mother's arms and exclaimed, "Mother, I also want to go to Hangzhou."Madam Xiao, affectionately tapping her younger daughter's nose, said, "Nonsense, your sister is going there on serious business. What would you be doing there?"Xiao Yushuang pouted slightly, "I am also going for business. I want to learn and ease the burden on Sister and Mother."Madam Xiao and her elder daughter shared a heartening smile. Xiao Yuruo laughed and said, "You are still young, how about I teach you in a year or two? Besides, you are still in your month of worshiping Buddha. It has only been a few days, you can't be so insincere, can you?"Thinking it over, Yushuang agreed. She had made a promise before Buddha and must keep it. "Then I will wait for Sister here at home. But, Sister, remember the matter I discussed with you last time."Madam Xiao inquired curiously, "Yushuang, what matter did you discuss with Yuruo?"The elder daughter replied, "Mother, Yushuang wants to pursue her studies."Yushuang hastily added, "Yes, Mother. I can't learn anything alone at home. I want to go out and learn more so I can help Sister."Madam Xiao expressed her worry, "How can I rest easy with you, a young girl, going to study alone in a foreign place?"Xiao Yuruo comforted, "Mother, rest assured. After the New Year, I will go north to the capital to oversee our business there. Yushuang can go with me. She can study in the capital under my care. What do you think, Mother?"Seeing the love between her daughters, Madam Xiao was moved. She said softly, "With Yuruo looking after Yushuang, I can be at ease. But if both of you go to the capital, and I am left alone in Jinling, how will I cope with missing you?"Her words brought tears to the eyes of her daughters. Yushuang choked back her tears, "Mother, why don't you come with us to the capital?"Madam Xiao, with affectionate eyes on Yushuang, said, "Silly girl, if we all go to the capital, what happens to our home here in Jinling? You both go ahead. I will come to see you whenever I can."Lin Wanrong, hiding behind the screen, was quite uncomfortable as he listened to the family chatter of the three women. Yushuang seemed to have completely forgotten about him. Damn, this was a new low in his pursuit of girls. He was trapped in a room by a mother and her two daughters, unable to escape. It was truly a tragedy.Madam Xiao let out a sigh, "Yuruo, after the New Year, you will be twenty. It's about time you consider matters of marriage."The younger daughter immediately clapped her hands and laughed, "Great, we will help Sister choose the best husband in the world."Xiao Yuruo, blushing, said, "Mother, there's no hurry about this. I'm not worried."Madam Xiao sighed again, "Yuruo, you've been learning the business with me since you were fourteen. You've worked hard over these years. You mustn't delay matters of marriage any longer."The elder daughter spoke with bitterness, "Mother, even if I have to delay a few more years for the growth of the Xiao family, I have no regrets."Madam Xiao looked at her and said, "You've been so busy with business that you haven't given these matters any thought."Madam Xiao sighed, "You are not young anymore; these matters need to be addressed promptly. I originally thought well of Young Master Tao and wanted to propose marriage on your behalf, but it seems you have no feelings for him. I know most of the Young Masters in Jinling city, but I can't find a suitable candidate. When we move to the capital, you must pay attention. If you meet a Young Master you like, you mustn't let him slip away. It's truly not easy for a woman to find a man she likes."The elder daughter blushed, "Mother, don't worry. Do I look like someone who can't get married?"Madam Xiao sighed, "I'm not worried about you getting married, I'm worried about you not marrying well. Yuruo, listen to your mother, you mustn't sacrifice your happiness for the sake of the Xiao family. If that happens, I'll never find peace."Madam Xiao knew her daughter's mind all too well. The elder daughter was good in all respects, except that she cared too much about the family business. She would sacrifice anything for it. This determination made her a strong woman in the Xiao family, but Madam Xiao feared it would ruin her happiness.The elder daughter hummed softly and lowered her head, lost in her thoughts.Madam Xiao's eyes reddened, and she sighed deeply, "Our Xiao family has a hard fate, without a single man. If we had a man in the family, there would be no need for us women to bear these burdens. Yuruo, you could comfortably be a lady, choose a good husband and marry. All these worries wouldn't exist."Having been a widow for many years, raising two daughters on her own, Madam Xiao had endured countless hardships. Now, her sorrow welled up and she couldn't help but shed tears.Seeing her mother crying, the elder daughter was reminded of the hardship they had suffered over the years and also began to cry softly. Though the younger daughter was young, she felt for her mother and sister. Mother and daughters held each other and wept.Listening to the whimpering cries of the three women, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but shake his head. Women were indeed troublesome, recalling the past, nine out of ten would end up in tears. Weren't people born to endure suffering? Isn't that just life? If one didn't want to suffer, would marrying a man do the trick?He sighed for a while, thinking about the three Xiao ladies outside, they did seem quite pitiful. A widow and her daughters, doing business, managing a large household, it was not easy indeed.After a while, Madam Xiao, being older, stopped crying and told her daughters, "Yuruo, Yushuang, stop crying. You wouldn't want the servants to see and make a laughing stock out of us."Mentioning the servants, Xiao Yushuang suddenly remembered that Lin Wanrong was hiding behind the screen. Had he heard their emotional breakdown? But he wasn't really an outsider, she thought sweetly."Yuruo, how's the business progress recently?" Madam Xiao asked.The elder daughter nodded, "This month, our cloth business has seen a further decrease in sales and profits. However, our business direction has slowly shifted, so the impact isn't that significant. The underwear we've introduced has been well-promoted among the ladies in Jinling City. It seems to be selling well, and as for the perfume, needless to say, we're sold out, with orders received until the second month of next year. The soap we just introduced a few days ago has also been well received. Fubo and his team are setting up a production workshop, and we'll soon start formal production."Madam Xiao nodded, "That Lin San is indeed a talent."Seeing her mother praise Lin San, Xiao Yushuang's eyes brightened as she said, "Yes, mother, I told you he's a talent."Madam Xiao looked meaningfully at her younger daughter and sighed, "It's a pity he's a servant."The elder daughter also said, "This Lin San is intelligent, articulate, brave, and responsible. He's truly remarkable. His contributions to the resurgence of our Xiao family are immense."Hiding behind the screen, Lin Wanrong listened and couldn't help but feel pleased. Was she talking about him? How did the Eldest Miss change her tune so quickly? Just a while ago she accused him of being a smooth talker, now he was lauded as articulate.Madam Xiao nodded, "Indeed, we must retain such talent. Remember, he only signed a one-year contract with us."The younger daughter gritted her teeth, "Mother, if you want Lin San to stay with us forever, I think he would agree."You little girl, one can eat food freely, but words mustn't be spoken lightly. When did I ever say I'd stay in the Xiao family forever? Damn, I still plan to marry you and bring you back to serve me in the Lin family.'Xiao Yuruo continued, "Lin San does have some talent, but he's a bit too self-important. We must not let him get too arrogant, he needs to be humbled."Madam Xiao laughed, "Yuruo, you should take this trip to Hangzhou with Lin San as an opportunity to teach him properly. It's rare for our Xiao family to produce such a talent, and if taught well, it would greatly benefit you."Listening to their conversation, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, was he such a useless person? To be taught by Xiao Yuruo? It should be him teaching her!Madam Xiao continued, "Yuruo, you and Lin San should get along well. Don't argue with him as you did before."Blushing, the elder daughter said, "I didn't argue with him, it's him who's so annoying."Madam Xiao replied, "You have a gentle temperament with others, but why can't you maintain it with Lin San? In this aspect, I find Lin San better than you. He is thick-skinned and fears no one. I've never seen him at a disadvantage."Lin Wanrong felt proud at first, but at the end, he snorted quietly, was he really thick-skinned? That was his broad-mindedness, his cultivation, these women really lacked understanding.The elder daughter thought about Lin San's face and couldn't help but laugh, "I agree, he indeed has a thick face. His audacity seems borrowed from a leopard. Just today, he dared to hit the son of the Prefect."Madam Xiao exclaimed, "Did that really happen?" The Second Miss was equally shocked.The elder daughter recounted the day's events. Xiao Yushuang took a long breath and said, "Sister, if Lin San says it's fine, it will be. He never jokes about serious matters. If he's not confident, he wouldn't promise."Ah, a kindred spirit.' Lin Wanrong thought, this was the most satisfying thing he'd heard all night. He almost wanted to hold this girl in his arms and give her a dozen kisses.The elder daughter nodded, "Although he's a bit crude, he is careful with his tasks. I heard he's friendly with Governor Luo's son and daughter, so things shouldn't go wrong. But we can't let him run wild, we should use this opportunity to teach him a lesson."So that was her plan. Lin Wanrong finally understood that the Eldest Miss was just looking for an excuse to discipline him. Damn, was he that arrogant? He didn't feel so. He just scolded those who deserved scolding and fought those who deserved fighting.Madam Xiao laughed, "Then you should manage him well. But don't go too far. He's not someone who responds to force."The elder daughter nodded, "I understand, mother. I will teach him well."Lin Wanrong couldn't help but feel a mix of annoyance and amusement. Did he respond to softness? He didn't feel that way. Truly, like mother like daughter, both Madam Xiao and the elder daughter were master schemers.After more conversation, Madam Xiao led the elder daughter to her room, instructing her about the next day's journey to Hangzhou.The younger daughter pulled him out, pouting, "There, you've heard all about our family affairs.""Not at all, I only heard half of it," Lin Wanrong laughed.The room was suffused with the lingering fragrance of rose perfume, a scent so profound that Lin Wanrong took a deep breath to capture it. Was it the elder daughter or Madam Xiao who preferred this strong rose perfume?"Do not speak of what you've seen and heard tonight to others," the Second Miss warned."And you must help my sister well, not bully me, nor her," the Second Miss stated assertively.Lin Wanrong innocently asked, "But what if she bullies me? You know, I'm an easy person to be bullied."Xiao Yushuang said, "Then you must let her bully you. She's my only sister and I allow her to bully me because she's kind to me. You and I are... well, you have to let her bully you too."This left Lin Wanrong feeling dazed, the logic of young girls was truly peculiar.After being authoritative for a while, the Second Miss suddenly became tender, gently holding his hand and asking softly, "Lin San, will you miss me when you're away?""There's only one moment I would think of you," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.Her eyes reddened and her nose tingled, just as she was about to explode, she heard him continue, "-- when I breathe.""You're annoying, so annoying!" Tears finally fell from the Second Miss' eyes, but she was extraordinarily happy. "You rascal, always teasing me."She sniffed a few times, sighed softly, and her long lashes were wet with tears. "With your words, I could die content. You rascal, you've harmed many. If I die, it will be from missing you."Lin Wanrong felt somewhat dizzy. Just how many romance novels had this girl read? Her words moved him so deeply. Turns out, after all the fuss, this little girl was the biggest schemer.Their conversation was cut short as Yushuang, worried about her sister returning, had to hurry Lin Wanrong out. The supposed wolf of the west chamber tonight turned out to be just a shadow of the name. Lin Wanrong regretted this. Seeing the Second Miss' eyes as charming as a painting, bashful beyond words, he gently pecked her lips.She felt both joy and embarrassment, pushed him out the door, quickly locked it, her heart pounding. She only felt that this rascal was thoroughly incorrigible, down to his bones.Stealing the Second Miss' first kiss, Lin Wanrong was extremely pleased. The lingering fragrance in the dark night was truly a delightful sensation. He gave the chamber one last lingering look before stealthily slipping out of the courtyard.No sooner had Lin Wanrong's figure disappeared from the doorway than the Eldest Miss Xiao appeared from somewhere. Watching his retreating figure, she stomped her foot in anger, "Shameless, rascal, indecent..."
