29：Meng Xuanji

At this moment, Wenren Yiyi understood that she had been sold to the short-haired young man in front of her by her employer.

She glanced at Shen Hao but remained silent, her expression neutral, betraying no emotion.

Shen Hao, noticing the white cat in her arms, teased, "What's the name of that cat?"

Ji Dongge was momentarily taken aback, not expecting him to ask. "Its name is Roubao," she replied, then quickly added, "It likes to eat meat."

Shen Hao squinted his eyes. He'd had an unpleasant encounter with feral cats as a child, so he wasn't fond of them. "This cat's behavior seems a bit... wild," he remarked.

Ji Dongge hurriedly defended the cat, saying, "I found it when it was injured. It was in a bad condition."

As they spoke, the one-eyed white cat shot a glare at Shen Hao, its gaze as sharp as a predator eyeing its prey.

Shen Hao couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. How dare this cat glare at me? He frowned and remarked, "That cat seems a little too arrogant for my liking."

Ji Dongge quickly apologized, "Sorry, Young Master. I'll make sure to keep it in check."

"Just remember," Shen Hao warned, "If it's wild, it might be carrying diseases. If it scratches anyone, I'll throw it out."

Ji Dongge turned pale, not fully understanding what that meant but agreeing nonetheless. "I... I understand."

At that moment, Song Yongci walked out of the room, holding a pile of dirty laundry. Her face had a healthy flush, and she radiated the warmth of a caring woman.

Upon seeing Shen Hao and Ji Dongge, Song Yongci initially felt shy but quickly reassured Shen Hao. "Young Master, please don't be angry."

Turning to Ji Dongge, she gently urged, "Dongge, apologize to Young Master. He's a kind person."

Ji Dongge nodded obediently, "I'll be more careful next time."

Meanwhile, Shen Hao couldn't care less about the situation. He wasn't really upset, just mildly irritated by the cat. He had more important matters to attend to.

After lunch, Shen Hao gathered Song Yongci and Ji Dongge to teach them how to melt down gold. The sight of the molten metal amazed both women.

"The heat from this flame is incredible!" Song Yongci exclaimed.

Ji Dongge's eyes were wide with wonder as she watched the gold transform into liquid.

"Melting all twenty of these ingots," Shen Hao instructed.

Both women nodded and set to work, carefully following his orders. Shen Hao, meanwhile, relaxed in the sun, content and enjoying the calm.

As the sun began to set, Ji Dongge and Song Yongci returned, their faces glowing with excitement. Song Yongci proudly presented their work to Shen Hao.

Inside the wooden box were neatly stacked 500 gold bars, each weighing 100 grams.

"Not bad," Shen Hao praised, nodding. "You both did a good job."

Song Yongci beamed and handed the finished bars to Shen Hao. Ji Dongge, her face glowing with expectation, was hopeful for some praise.

Shen Hao smiled, "You did excellent. Here's a little treat for you both."

He pulled two pieces of chocolate from his pocket and handed them to the women.

They opened the chocolates, their faces full of curiosity as they saw the dark, round treat.

"Young Master, what is this?" Song Yongci asked. "It's black—can we eat it?"

"Just treat it like candy," Shen Hao said, popping another piece into his mouth.

Without hesitation, Song Yongci followed suit. After a moment, her eyes lit up. "It's a bit bitter at first, but then it turns sweet. This is incredible!"

"Do you like it?" Shen Hao asked with a smile.

"I love it! Thank you, Young Master!"

Curious, Ji Dongge tried hers as well. The taste was smooth and sweet, and she couldn't help but marvel at the difference compared to the sugary treats she was used to. "This is amazing! How does Young Master have such incredible things?"

Both women were increasingly amazed at Shen Hao's mysterious and extraordinary nature.

Meanwhile, Lai Yuejing, carrying a bottle of wine, arrived at a luxurious villa. After being announced, he entered with great excitement.

Seeing the woman sitting at the head of the table, Lai Yuejing respectfully bowed, "Greetings, Miss Wenren."

Wenren Yiyi, who sat with an air of indifference, replied, "Lai Yuejing, no need for such formalities. We don't have any particular relationship. Why have you come to see me?"

Feigning humility, Lai Yuejing explained, "Miss Wenren, I am merely a discarded son of the Lai family. But today, I bring you a rare treasure I wish to present to you."

Upon hearing this, Wenren Yiyi smirked, clearly unimpressed. "What kind of treasure could a discarded son like you possibly have? I've seen my fair share of treasures."

"Ah, but this is different," Lai Yuejing said, grinning. He pulled out the bottle of white liquor, and Wenren Yiyi's interest was immediately piqued as the smooth, polished bottle gleamed in the light.

She walked closer and, unable to resist, took a deep breath of the fragrance. "This... this is indeed something rare."

Lai Yuejing, ever the opportunist, smiled wider, already having anticipated this reaction. "Miss Wenren, please, drink and enjoy."

Wenren Yiyi didn't need any further persuasion. She grabbed the cup from the maid and poured herself a drink. As soon as the wine touched her lips, she felt a surge of warmth inside her.

"This is remarkable," she said, her icy demeanor momentarily softening. "Where did you find such wine?"

"I bought it from someone," Lai Yuejing explained, sensing her approval.

The woman's eyes softened for a moment, and then she continued, "This wine is good—its clarity and strength... I haven't tasted anything like it in a long time. Who is this person you bought it from?"

Lai Yuejing hesitated, but seeing her growing curiosity, he quickly responded, "A young man, tall and handsome. He had a presence about him, unlike anyone I've ever met."

At her mention of the young man, Wenren Yiyi's mind flashed back to a recent meeting. She suddenly realized who it might be.

"Well, well... bring me more of this wine, and I'll consider it a good investment," she said, impressed by the quality.

Lai Yuejing nodded eagerly, "Of course, Miss Wenren. I will make sure to bring more soon."