Literary and martial arts (1)

"What kind of literary and martial competition is this?" Xu Wei questioned, intrigued.

"This literary and martial competition is quite simple to explain. It involves the Xiao family and us. Each side selects a question, be it of literary or martial nature. If the opponent fails to answer or is defeated, they are deemed the loser. In case of a tie in one literary and one martial encounter, we request Lord Xu to propose another question to determine the winner," Tao Dongcheng explained.

Lin Wanrong understood, realizing it was essentially a best-of-three format. Although the concept of one literary and one martial encounter was unique, he felt confident. Despite being a businesswoman, Miss Xiao Yuruo's knowledge was praised even by Jingling's top literary figure, Luo Ning. As for the martial aspect, wasn't it just a brawl? Lin Wanrong, considering his experience, wasn't afraid of anyone.

"This is somewhat interesting," Xu Wei chuckled. "However, Mr. Tao, why are you engaging in this competition with the Xiao family?"

"If I lose, I will step down from the position of president of the Jingling Chamber of Commerce, and the business of our family's cloth mill will be transferred to the Xiao family without any compensation," Tao Dongcheng declared.

Miss Xiao Yuruo was surprised at this bold move. Although their cloth mill was not as extensive as the Xiao family's, it was a significant sacrifice. Tao Dongcheng had decided to go all-in.

Tao Wanying, his sister, was alarmed by her brother's decision, "Brother, you must not!"

Tao Dongcheng's eyes gleamed coldly, "Once I make a decision, I never go back on it."

Xu Wei nodded, a mysterious smile in his eyes, "What if the Xiao family loses? What do you want them to do?"

"If they lose, I want the Xiao family to apologize to me and President Yu for the beating by Lin San today. Moreover," he glanced at Xiao Yuruo, a hint of fanaticism in his eyes, "I want Miss Xiao to marry me."

The declaration shocked everyone present. Obtaining Miss Xiao Yuruo meant obtaining the Xiao family and, in turn, control of the business of perfumes and soaps. Tao Dongcheng's move was indeed cunning.

"Shameless!" Miss Xiao Yuruo blushed and scolded. Tao Dongcheng, who used to appear refined, revealed his true ruthless nature today. He was not any better than Lin San, who had always been 'bad.'

With this, Tao Dongcheng had completely torn his face with the Xiao family. This showdown was a fight to the death.

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "I didn't expect the distinguished Young Master Tao to resort to such tactics. Your audacity surpasses even mine." This guy's thick-skinned behavior was not new; he even let that cy go last time. Lin Wanrong now completely despised him.

Xu Wei, with a serious expression, looked at Miss Xiao Yuruo, "Miss Xiao, this matter concerns your lifelong happiness. You must consider it carefully and not act on impulse."

Indeed, Lord Xu had already settled things by ordering fifty lashes for each party. Now, would he be foolish enough to engage in another bloody battle? Lin Wanrong pondered and said to Miss Xiao Yuruo, "Miss, today's matter has been resolved by Lord Xu. It is no longer relevant to our Xiao family. There's no need to engage in a bloody fight."

Tao Dongcheng, seeing Miss Xiao Yuruo's thoughtful expression, couldn't help but laugh, "Miss, today, I am competing fairly in front of Lord Xu. There is no bias or cheating involved. If the Xiao family refuses to accept the challenge, then in the future, the Jingling Chamber of Commerce will no longer have a place for the Xiao family."

This arrogant Tao guy was really overbearing. Lin Wanrong felt furious. Although Xu Wei was a high-ranking official, he couldn't interfere in the affairs of the association. If they left the Jingling Chamber of Commerce, the Xiao family's position in Jingling would become extremely difficult. If they didn't deal with Tao Dongcheng, things would turn bad.

Miss Xiao Yuruo naturally understood the stakes. She clenched her little fists, biting her lip tightly, unsure of what to do.

On one side was her own lifelong happiness, and on the other was the livelihood of hundreds in the Xiao family. She had been pushed to the edge of a cliff, with no way out.

This matter was closely related to Miss Xiao Yuruo and the Xiao family. Lin Wanrong, for the first time, felt powerless. Based on his understanding of Miss Xiao Yuruo, he knew what she would choose.

Sighing lightly, Miss Xiao Yuruo looked at him, "Lin San, I—"

Lin Wanrong smiled, "Miss, you don't need to say it. I know what you'll choose. Rest assured, this talent is the second-best in the world, just a tiny bit worse than Mr. Wen Chang. I can handle both literary and martial aspects, fearless in every way."

Miss Xiao Yuruo nodded slightly, tears in her eyes. Lin Wanrong tilted his head, whispering in her ear, "Don't worry. Even if we lose, I'll find some people to kidnap you before you marry this Tao guy. Then, I'll become an outlaw and make you my bandit leader."

Hearing this, Miss Xiao Yuruo blushed, "At such a critical moment, you still can't be serious. What bandit leader nonsense is this? It's disgraceful."

She didn't know what this feeling was, but after his playful remark, her mood had calmed considerably. One literary and one martial, with them handling the literary part, they had nothing to fear. As for the martial part, if they lost, there was still the third round with Xu Wei overseeing it. She believed Lord Xu wouldn't intentionally harm them.

With this thought, her heart lightened, and she smiled at Lin San, "At this crucial moment, you shouldn't joke around. If we lose, I'll deduct a year's salary from you."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "If we win, you'll wash my clothes for a year. That's fair, isn't it?"

Blushing, Miss Xiao Yuruo softly agreed.

Turning to Xu Wei, she said, "Lord Xu, I accept Mr. Tao's challenge."

Xu Wei, with a surprised expression, cautioned, "Miss Xiao, you must consider this carefully. It concerns your lifetime."

Miss Xiao Yuruo smiled gently, "Thank you for your concern, Lord Xu. I have confidence. Besides, I have Lin San."

The hall erupted into commotion. This turn of events was more entertaining than any business annual meeting, thrilling and stimulating. Liu Yue'e, eager to express support, grabbed Miss Xiao Yuruo's hand, "Sister, I support you."

Tao Dongcheng, with a cold smile, said to Xu Wei, "Lord, since Miss Xiao has agreed, for the sake of fairness, I suggest the order of proposing questions be decided by drawing lots."

"Of course," Xu Wei said solemnly.

The result of the draw was that Miss Xiao Yuruo drew 'A' and Tao Dongcheng drew 'B.'

Miss Xiao Yuruo chose

 the right to propose the first question, leaving Tao's family with the right to ask first. The right to propose a question meant that the Xiao family could choose the question for the literary or martial part. The remaining question would automatically go to the Tao family. The right to ask first meant the Tao family could start questioning on the chosen topic.

Miss Xiao Yuruo whispered to Lin Wanrong, "Should we choose literary or martial?"

Lin Wanrong thought for a moment, "Choose martial. With us in charge of literary questions, they won't be able to do anything tricky. As for martial questions, we're not familiar with them, so let them propose."

Miss Xiao Yuruo had the same idea and chose the right to propose the martial question. Tao Dongcheng, with a cold smile, declared, "The right to ask first is in my hands. Now, it's our turn to propose questions."

As the mediator, Xu Wei glanced at Miss Xiao Yuruo. Seeing her nod, he said to Tao Dongcheng, "Mr. Tao, please proceed."

Tao Dongcheng's eyes flashed with a hint of fierceness, "Since all present are businessmen, keen vision is our most common skill. The question I have prepared is a test of this keen vision and insight."

Miss Xiao Yuruo was surprised. She initially thought that Tao Dongcheng's literary test would involve discussing poetry and literature, not something related to vision. The world had countless things, and with their limited knowledge, winning this literary competition seemed challenging.

Lin Wanrong seemed to have seen through Miss Xiao Yuruo's thoughts, smiling as he said, "Don't worry, I'm here." Miss Xiao Yuruo smiled back. Lin Wanrong understood her feelings very well.

Seeing the hesitation in their eyes, Tao Dongcheng smiled triumphantly. He took out a small box from his pocket and opened it slowly. Inside was a small, fingernail-sized object, resembling a stone but not quite. It was made up of countless tiny, star-like stones gathered together. It was crystal clear, shining brightly with a colorful and captivating luster when the sunlight reflected on it.

Among the crowd, not to mention the young lady, even the knowledgeable Xu Wei was inexplicably astonished. What is this object? A stone, perhaps? So beautiful and dazzling, yet never seen before.

Tao Dongcheng observed the expressions of the crowd, a trace of satisfaction flashing across his face. He said, "Miss Xiao, may I inquire if you know what this object is? Do you know its origin? If you answer correctly, this round will be my defeat."

Xiao Yuruo clenched her silver teeth. Even the most learned Xu Wei couldn't identify this object; how could she? Would she lose this literary trial? Feeling disheartened, she looked towards Lin San, only to find him deep in thought.

Thinking that Lin San might not recognize it either, Miss Xiao Yuruo sighed, saying, "This stone, we—"

"This stone, we are familiar with—" Lin Wanrong, however, interrupted her, smiling as he spoke.

"Lin San, you—" Miss Xiao Yuruo was both surprised and delighted. Upon hearing Lin San's words, she instantly felt a sense of happiness akin to a rebirth.

"Do you recognize what this is?" Tao Dongcheng wore an incredulous expression, disdainfully stating.

Xu Wei, having a profound understanding of Lin San's extensive knowledge, being a scholarly man himself with a natural inclination towards peculiar objects, hastily said to Lin Wanrong, "Lin, please quickly enlighten us. What kind of object is this?"

With a smirk, Lin Wanrong looked at Tao Dongcheng and remarked, "If I'm not mistaken, this object is not produced in our great Middle Kingdom; it seems to be an exotic import."