This witch

Lin Wanrong despised hearing such unremarkable words. He burst into laughter immediately and said, "Wealth in gold and silver, glory and prosperity? My dear friend, you are overly amusing. If you possess endless treasures of gold and silver, would you still need this perfume to make money?"

The elegantly dressed young man was taken aback. This Lin San's reaction was indeed swift. The usual phrase, when uttered by him, sounded full of flaws.

The refined young man, far from an ordinary person, simply smiled and said, "Truly a quick-witted speaker, quite to my liking. Since that's the case, Lin San, I won't conceal it from you. As long as you provide the formula for this perfume, I can offer you everything you desire—luxurious mansions, beautiful women, high-ranking officials, take your pick."

Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "Are you asking me to betray the Xiao family?"

The elegantly dressed young man burst into laughter and said, "Loyalty is just an excuse. Uttering words of loyalty is nothing more than using betrayal as a bargaining chip. Speaking of betrayal, that has also gone too far because, in a few days, the entire Xiao family will be under our control."

Lin Wanrong thought to himself that this fellow had quite a clear understanding of human nature. However, judging by his words, his identity was far from simple. Lin Wanrong's mind raced, and he inquired, "My good sir, are you a figure in the officialdom?"

The elegantly dressed young man replied, "I've already mentioned that knowing these things won't benefit you."

Damn it, acting all high and mighty. Who cares if I know or not? If it weren't for this grandson inviting me, I wouldn't want to associate with him at all. Even if he is an official, he's probably just a eunuch. Lin Wanrong thought maliciously, sneering.

This situation was plainly unsolvable. If he didn't hand over the formula, the other party would definitely find ways to torture him. Even a toddler could figure that out. But once he handed over the formula, he would lose any means of self-preservation, and his life and death would be entirely in the other party's hands. Even dealing with someone like Land Zhongping, who wanted to kill him, would be like squashing an ant.

Lin Wanrong pondered. He was a modern man, with some backbone, but he hadn't reached the point of being unmovable in the face of life and death. This was a critical moment. Perhaps one wrong step, and he would lose everything.

Seeing Lin Wanrong in contemplation, the elegantly dressed young man's face showed a faint smile. He didn't pressure him and quietly waited for his response.

"Is Tao Dongcheng here?" Lin Wanrong suddenly opened his eyes and asked.

The young man beside the elegantly dressed gentleman trembled slightly, and upon receiving a shake of the head from the elegantly dressed man, he calmed down.

"Who is Tao Dongcheng? I am not acquainted with him," the elegantly dressed young man calmly stated.

The elegant young man remarked, "What else do you need to contemplate?"

Lin Wanrong sneered, "If I surrender the formula to you, I will forfeit any negotiating leverage. At that point, life and death will be entirely in your hands. Do you think I don't need to consider that?"

"Wonderful, wonderful," the refined young man applauded, "Speaking with intelligent people saves a lot of effort."

"However," he continued with a shift in tone, "You don't have much time to consider. By tomorrow's hour of Chen, I hope to hear your response. Otherwise, I believe Zhongping will have a favorable opinion of you." His tone turned sinister. In stark contrast to his previous cheerfulness, Zhongping was already eager and ready for action.

Damn. This little guy is cunning as hell. Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly. He originally intended to buy some time, even if no one came to rescue him, he could have a bit more time for self-rescue. However, he didn't expect this little guy to seemingly see through this point and only gave him a few short hours.

The two people behind the screen no longer spoke to him, leaving with Zhongping through another door.

"Master, if Lin San refuses to hand over the formula, what should we do?" The young man beside the refined young man inquired.

The young master smiled faintly, a hint of sharpness flashing in his eyes. "What we cannot obtain, others won't even think about getting. If Lin San refuses, you should directly—"

He signaled to the young man, and the killing intent in his eyes couldn't be concealed. The young man hurriedly acknowledged.

"Oh, by the way, regarding Miss Xiao on the other side, spread some information. Say that Lin San has already handed over the formula to us and is now receiving our hospitality." The young master's face revealed a slight, gentle smile. "Remember, make it sound like 'accidentally' let Miss hear about it."

The young man's eyes lit up, hastily saluting, "Master is brilliant."

The young master chuckled, gave him a glance, and said, "This Miss Xiao has a strong personality. If you force her, it might lead to unexpected resistance. Come up with a method that can take over the Xiao family and make her wholeheartedly give in. Cheng De's troops are already at the foot of the mountain, give them a signal anytime, and you can stage a good show. Do well, and I won't treat you unfairly!"

The young man hastily said, "For what my family and I have today, it's all thanks to the master's residence. For the master, even if we have to go through fire and water, we will never decline."

The young master smiled slightly, "How many years has your father followed my father the king?"

The young man respectfully replied, "My father has been with the king since he was ten, and now it's been forty years."

The young master nodded, "Both my father and I see your family's loyalty clearly. Letting your father stay in Suzhou's weaving for eight years has also been hard for him. But you know, Suzhou and Hangzhou are the wealthiest in the world, and Suzhou's weaving is of utmost importance. Ordinary people would not do. My father won't feel at ease. When this matter is resolved, I will talk to my father and submit a petition to the emperor. Next year, when the position of magistrate in Jinling is vacant, it will be kept for him."

The young man was grateful, kneeling on the ground, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your benevolence, and thank you, Young Highness, for your grace."

The young master smiled slightly but before he could speak, Zhongping rushed over, urgently saying, "Master, something big has happened to Miss Xiao!"

"What happened to Miss Xiao?" The young man exclaimed.

Zhongping softly said a few words in front of the two, and both were shocked, quickly heading towards the cell.

Lin Wanrong was trapped in the room, and even the other side with the young miss couldn't go back. The frustration in his heart could be imagined. Walking back and forth in the room, deep in thought, he heard a bang, and the door was opened.

Thinking it was the person sending someone to persuade him again, he didn't even turn his head, impatiently saying, "It's not time yet. What are you here for—"

Before he could finish his words, a fragrant breeze wafted in, and a charming figure appeared in front of him in the blink of an eye. "Young Master—"

The voice sounded a bit familiar, and upon closer inspection, the woman had a scarf covering her face. She was the woman kidnapped that night, referred to as the junior sister by Zhongping.

"You are—" Lin Wanrong felt doubtful.

The woman pulled down the scarf, and Lin Wanrong was surprised, "Miss Qin, why is it you?" The person in front of him turned out to be Qin Xian'er.

Miss Fairy held his hand and anxiously said, "Explanations can be made later. I'll take you out now."

Oh my, truly the compassionate Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. Lin Wanrong couldn't help but want to hug Qin Xian'er and kiss her in gratitude. After repeated warnings and even risking her life to save him, apart from offering herself, there was no better way to repay her kindness. Lin Wanrong felt no shame about being saved by a young lady, times have changed. Men and women are the same; he generously thought.

Miss Fairy held his hand and hurriedly walked out. Feeling the delicate and smooth hand in his palm, Lin Wanrong's obscene thoughts emerged again. He extended his finger and gently slid it across the small hand.

Qin Xian'er blushed, glanced at him, and lightly hummed. Lin Wanrong laughed, "Sorry, it's a habit."

As the door opened, a white Lotus Cultist lay softly on the ground at the entrance. Blood flowed from his neck, cut by a sword. Observing Qin Xian'er, there was no surprise on her face.

She must have done it, Lin Wanrong thought. This girl, who seemed gentle and charming in Miaoyu Pavilion, unexpectedly had such ruthless methods.

The night was dark, and Lin Wanrong looked at the distant cell where Miss Xiao Yu Ruo was held, surrounded by several people. A sudden feeling of urgency struck him. Could something have happened to the proud young miss?

Just as he was about to speak, he felt his body lighten. He was actually lifted by Qin Xian'er, and their figures soared into the air. Qin Xian'er's movements were gentle and considerate, making him feel thousands of times more comfortable than being grabbed by Zhongping. Lin Wanrong leaned back slowly and ended up leaning on Miss Qin's body.

This person is truly shameless. Qin Xian'er's face blushed, staring at him, but seeing his enjoyment, her anger had no effect on him.

Is this the servant of the Xiao family who is proficient in poetry and literature? Qin Xian'er was puzzled.

Qin Xian'er's figure moved quickly, and in three or two steps, she jumped into an abandoned well. The well was very deep, but it was right in

 the center of the estate. Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. Why didn't she run far away, but instead came to the center of this den of thieves?

Seeing his confused expression, Qin Xian'er lightly smiled and said, "There is heavy vigilance outside, and it's difficult to escape for a while. I'll let them think you have been rescued, but they will never expect you to stay here. Wait a moment, I'll be right back."

Could this be what they call the most dangerous place being the safest place? Damn, is this young lady joking with my life? I can't afford to play this. If I'm caught again, there will be no place for me to bury myself. Lin Wanrong's heart pounded, and he hastily grabbed her hand, saying, "Miss, don't play with me. I have a heart condition."

Qin Xian'er covered her lips and smiled, saying, "Just now, with your misdeeds, why didn't you claim to be unwell?"

Lin Wanrong's old face blushed slightly, but being a thick-skinned individual, he shamelessly held Qin Xian'er's small hand and said, "Beneath this dry well, amidst the pack of wolves, the two of us sitting together, talking, chatting, admiring the moon, and privately settling our destinies—isn't it remarkably beautiful? Why hurry to leave!"

A flutter of anxiety crossed Qin Xian'er's heart. She was not accustomed to his whimsical way of thinking. A faint blush appeared on her face. She thought to herself that she had no idea how this man's thick skin had developed. Such words effortlessly rolled off his tongue. How many women had fallen for his charm?

Thinking about the woman, she felt a bit uncomfortable. Not being able to kill Xiao Qingxuan that day had always been her regret. However, seeing Lin Wanrong eagerly holding her hand, she felt a bit relieved. She gently asked, "Does the gentleman know my identity?"

Lin Wanrong lightly touched her small hand and said, "Of course, aren't you Miss Qin Xian'er, that beautiful flower in the Miaoyu Pavilion by the Qinhuai River? I greatly admire you."

His flattery was shameless and ruthless, as he touched and praised her. Qin Xian'er blushed, unable to speak. After a while, she asked softly, "Do you know my other identity? Don't hide it from the gentleman. I am a member of the White Lotus Sect, and others call me the Enchanting Lady."

"Enchanting Lady, that's fantastic," Lin Wanrong said casually, "I have seen chaste women, wanton women, virtuous women, mature women, but I have never seen an enchanting lady. The more enchanting, the more I like it."

Hearing these words, even the enchanting Qin Xian'er couldn't help but blush deeply. In her heart, she thought this man was thoroughly wicked. However, strangely, there was a hint of joy within her. She didn't know what devilry had possessed her.

"But I don't like the White Lotus Sect," Lin Wanrong's eyes flashed with anger. He snorted and looked at Qin Xian'er, teasing, "The enchanting ladies of the White Lotus Sect, the more I look, the more I like."

"Gentleman—" Qin Xian'er couldn't stand his disgusting and shameless words. Her face turned crimson, as if about to drip water. She said softly, "I am a member of the White Lotus Sect. If they find out I'm gone, they will suspect me."

"Suspect and let them suspect. At worst, I'll expose the White Lotus Sect. Anyway, the White Lotus Sect is not a good path. One day, I will destroy it," Lin Wanrong said. With this girl by his side, he wasn't afraid of those thieves.

"Gentleman, please don't speak like this." Qin Xian'er was shocked. "I am closely connected with the White Lotus Sect. If the White Lotus is gone, I will be gone too."

Seeing her so frightened, Lin Wanrong couldn't bear to continue. At worst, in the future, when dealing with the White Lotus Sect, he could incapacitate this girl in bed so that she couldn't rise. That way, she wouldn't have to face any difficulties.

"Then, you should go now," Lin Wanrong said.

Qin Xian'er nodded but then heard him say, "By the way, I saw a commotion over there just now. Did something happen to Miss Xiao?"

Qin Xian'er glanced at him and asked, "Are you so concerned about Miss Xiao Ruo?"

Seeing Lin Wanrong nod, Qin Xian'er tightly held his small hand, a hint of fierceness flashing in her eyes as she said, "She's dead."