Chapter 87 Unexpected News

These two maidservants were quick to learn. After Lin Wanrong taught them for a while, they began to show some promise.

Seeing that it was getting late, Lin Wanrong didn't wish to stay any longer and decided to leave. Qin Xian'er, however, couldn't bear to see him go. "Young Master, will you be able to come back tomorrow?" she asked.

Lin Wanrong was taken aback. A hint of blush spread across Qin Xian'er's face as she whispered, "I don't know why, but I enjoy listening to you talk."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "It's just chatting. As long as I have time, I will come."

Qin Xian'er broke into a smile, "If Young Master doesn't come tomorrow, I will continue to send invitations."

Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, then began to leave. Qin Xian'er grabbed his sleeve, her eyes soft and watery. Gazing at him tenderly, she gently said, "Young Master, don't forget your promise to Xian'er. You must come to see me often."

Seeing her reluctance to part, Lin Wanrong found it somewhat amusing. Could it be that he had enchanted this famous courtesan? Qin Xian'er's fondness for him certainly satisfied his vanity.

This time, Young Master Guo had learned his lesson. Although he still reeked of alcohol when he left, he was not as disheveled as before. From his appearance, Lin Wanrong could tell that the courtesan had taken good care of him.

After returning to the manor with Young Master Guo and parting ways, Lin Wanrong was walking towards his courtyard when he saw a pretty figure pacing back and forth. She was mumbling something under her breath.

As Lin Wanrong approached, he recognized her as the second Miss from the Xiao family, Xiao Yushuang.

She had been pacing back and forth, tearing petals from the flowers in the garden and tossing them on the ground. It seemed she had been waiting for quite some time.

Unaware of his arrival, Xiao Yushuang muttered to herself, "That rascal, enjoying himself at that place. I hate him so much. If he doesn't come back to tell me stories in the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, I will, I will—"

She didn't seem to know what she would do, which made Lin Wanrong chuckle. He walked up to her and asked, "What will you do to me?"

Startled, Xiao Yushuang stepped back, "When did you get back?"

Lin Wanrong replied, "Not long ago. I heard someone threatening me."

Blushing, Xiao Yushuang retorted, "Finally, you're back. What, that vixen didn't keep you overnight?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Second Miss, what's going on in that little head of yours? We were just chatting. It's not as scandalous as you imagine."

Xiao Yushuang responded, "Today it's chatting, who knows what it will be next time."

Arguing with this child was pointless. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "It's getting late, Second Miss. You should go home now to prevent Eldest Miss from worrying."

"Then, aren't you going to tell me a story tonight?" Xiao Yushuang asked hopefully.

Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Not tonight. I'm a bit tired and want to rest early."

Xiao Yushuang looked disappointed and reluctantly turned to leave. After a few steps, she suddenly turned back and asked, "Lin San, I'll ask you one more time, is it really impossible

for my family to join forces with the Tao family?"

What on earth was going on in this young girl's head? Why did she suddenly bring up this question? But seeing the eagerness in her eyes, Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "For the Xiao family, joining forces would be a road to ruin."

Biting her lip, Xiao Yushuang nodded, took one last look at Lin Wanrong, and then ran off as if she was flying.

This girl really was a bit strange, Lin Wanrong thought, shaking his head. He walked into the courtyard and pushed the door open, only to see Xiao Qingxuan sitting quietly at the table, looking at him.

One left, another arrived. What a strange feeling. Lin Wanrong blinked and smiled, "Miss Xiao, why are you up so early?"

Without any expression, Xiao Qingxuan glanced at him and said, "I just came to see when you can fulfill the promise you made to me."

Lin Wanrong nodded, "Don't worry, you won't be left out."

He took out the glass bottles he had bought, poured the perfume into the bottles in different ratios, and made some markings. Finally, he let out a long breath. The first batch of the experiment was officially completed. Although it was simple, judging from Xiao Qingxuan's reaction that day, the effect was not bad.

Xiao Qingxuan watched his actions silently. After he finished, she curiously asked, "What are you doing?"

Lin Wanrong chuckled, "These are different scents. You can choose whichever you like in the future."

A hint of joy appeared on Xiao Qingxuan's face, "Really?"

Lin Wanrong nodded, "When have I ever lied to you?" Saying this made him feel a little embarrassed, lying to young girls was his specialty after all.

Xiao Qingxuan carefully examined the glass bottles for a while before asking, "May I... smell them?"

Lin Wanrong shrugged, "Of course, you can."

Xiao Qingxuan carefully picked up a bottle, opened the cap, and took a sniff. She took a deep breath and after a while, she exhaled, "What kind of scent is this? It's so unique. It would be better if it was a little lighter."

The bottle she held was the one with the highest concentration. Lin Wanrong was secretly delighted. He didn't know Xiao Qingxuan's background, but judging from her demeanor, she definitely wasn't from an ordinary family. If she was praising it, it meant that this perfume would definitely sell well.

He waved his hand nonchalantly, "Miss Xiao, please continue to sample the scents."

One by one, Xiao Qingxuan opened the caps and savored the fragrances. The joy on her face grew. She held onto one bottle and said, "This one, can you give it to me?"

Seeing that she had chosen the lightest scent, which suited her character, Lin Wanrong thought it fitting. However, he couldn't agree to her taking away his sample.

Seeing Lin Wanrong shake his head, a hint of disappointment flashed across Xiao Qingxuan's face. She reluctantly put the perfume bottle back on the table. Watching her, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but smile, "Didn't I promise you? When the formal production starts, I'll definitely give you a bottle."

Xiao Qingxuan gave a bitter smile, "Of course I remember. But by the time you've made it, who knows where I will be."

Listening to her words, Lin Wanrong detected a hint of farewell. He asked, "Are you leaving?"

Xiao Qingxuan sighed, "I've been in Jinling for some time now and the things I came to do have not progressed. I'm not from Jinling, so it's normal for me to leave."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "With parting comes the joy of meeting again, don't be too sad."

Xiao Qingxuan glanced at him, bit her red lip lightly, and after a while, she quietly asked, "How are things going with you and that Qin Xian'er?"

Recalling Qin Xian'er's previous instructions to him, Lin Wanrong wondered if these two girls were rivals. Why did they both have something to do with him? He nodded and said, "Of course it's going well. We sing songs and talk about life together. It's quite pleasant."

Xiao Qingxuan sighed in disappointment, "Such days indeed sound pleasant, but I am not destined for them."

Seeing her despondent look, Lin Wanrong couldn't help shaking his head, "You're still young, why so melancholic? Open up your heart a little. You should know, you're not the most miserable person in the world. The most miserable one is standing right in front of you."

Xiao Qingxuan asked curiously, "What do you mean?"

Thinking of his own situation, unable to return home and stranded in this unfamiliar world, Lin Wanrong felt a bit upset. However, being naturally optimistic, he saw the concern on Xiao Qingxuan's face and decided to tease her, "You think I'm not miserable? Have you ever seen a talented person who gets kicked into the river after a disagreement? That's me, and I almost lost my life."

Xiao Qingxuan blushed, realizing he was referring to her, "It was clearly you who took advantage of me, how is it that you are the one wronged?"

Seeing her flushed face, looking even more attractive than Qin Xian'er, Lin Wanrong's heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, ‘Having such a beauty in front of me, but with a sword, something I can look at but not touch, isn't that torture?’

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Seeing Lin Wanrong looking at her without speaking for a long time, Xiao Qingxuan became a little flustered and her face turned even redder. In a hurry, she brandished her sword as if to intimidate him.

Lin Wanrong sighed, "Is the injury on your arm better?"

Hearing him ask about her injury, Xiao Qingxuan's heart softened for some reason, and she no longer had the heart to argue with him. With a shy look on her face, she gently nodded, "It's much better, thank you."

Lin Wanrong found it strange. The two women he knew, Qin Xian'er, although the courtesan, was mysterious, and the Xiao Qingxuan in front of him was even more of an enigma. ‘Why do they both have something to do with me? Could it really be because I'm too handsome? Otherwise, it makes no sense.’

"What are you thinking?" Xiao Qingxuan asked softly.

"Try to get into fewer fights in the future. Women should be gentle, like Qin Xian'er, she's very gentle." Lin Wanrong replied subconsciously.

Xiao Qingxuan huffed coldly, turning her head to say, "Gentle, is she? Perhaps only in front of you. This injury of mine is due to—"

She stopped abruptly, and Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Regardless, it's not good for women to fight. If you want to fight in the future, you can find me. I have a bunch of little brothers who might not be good at anything else, but they do know how to fight."

Xiao Qingxuan covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, "Me, fighting? You make it sound so crude. Your men can't—" She paused mid-sentence, as if remembering something, and gave him a look before falling silent.

Lin Wanrong laughed it off, "I know you look down on us who don't know martial arts. But, Miss Xiao, don't forget, it's the common people who hold up this world. If they rise, even you, with your high martial arts skills, won't be able to escape. This is called a people's war."

Xiao Qingxuan lowered her head, barely managing to mumble, "It's not that I look down on you. You're just the best at talking nonsense." Spending more time with Xiao Qingxuan, she didn't seem as cold as long as he didn't flirt with her. Everything was negotiable.

This Xiao Qingxuan, with her noble demeanor, elegant speech, and deep concern for national affairs, intrigued Lin Wanrong, a seasoned storyteller. For every topic she brought up, Lin Wanrong could offer unique insights and perspectives based on his past experiences.

His rich life experiences and understanding of society and human nature were beyond what Xiao Qingxuan could compare. Although not every word was a gem, he often hit the nail on the head. After a conversation with him, Xiao Qingxuan always gained something.

In the following days, Lin Wanrong fully committed to the creation of the perfume. He no longer needed to stand by in the study room, and used all his free time on the perfume. It filled his mind when he walked on the street and even while he ate.

The second Miss Xiao didn't bother him these days, and Lin Wanrong, enjoying the peace, was instead invited by Qin Xian'er daily.

Out of no choice, Lin Wanrong had to accompany Young Master Guo on their visits to the Miaoyu Pavilion under the pretext of studying. In the process, he also taught the two young maidservants a thing or two; he didn't want to have his grand opening ruined.

Qin Xian'er composed some more melodies, becoming increasingly joyful. Her previous melancholy seemed to have vanished. Lin Wanrong found it strange, wondering if her radiant look was due to consuming ginseng.

Meanwhile, Xiao Qingxuan seemed to have arranged with Qin Xian'er. Every day when Lin Wanrong returned from Qin Xian'er's place, Xiao Qingxuan was already waiting for him in the room.

The two would discuss national affairs. Lin Wanrong had no reservations and dared to say anything, which made Xiao Qingxuan break out in cold sweat. She thought to herself, ‘This reckless man, if he hadn't met me, he'd have probably been executed hundreds of times.’

As Lin Wanrong was speaking enthusiastically, he noticed her strange expression and asked, "What's wrong? Did my words scare you?"

Biting her lip, Xiao Qingxuan said, "Just keep these words between us. Never mention them to others."

Lin Wanrong laughed and said, "I only speak like this because we are close. Even if others want to hear it, I wouldn't bother to mention it."

Xiao Qingxuan blushed and glanced at him, "You're such a smooth talker."

Her smiling and shy expression contrasted with her usually cold demeanor. Lin Wanrong stared in surprise and said, "Miss Xiao, you should smile more. You look so beautiful like this."

Xiao Qingxuan stomped her foot and said, "Why do you keep making these frivolous remarks? I can't be bothered with you." However, for some reason, hearing these "frivolous" words gave her a subtle thrill of pleasure.

These past few days were incredibly comfortable for Lin Wanrong. He spent his days studying perfume and his nights studying beautiful women, making him wonder if he was dreaming. Being a servant to this extent, he thought, was probably unmatched.

One morning, while Lin Wanrong was deep in a pleasant dream, a maid's voice suddenly came from outside the door, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin—"

‘Goodness!’ Lin Wanrong shouted in his mind, ‘Is there no peace for sleep? Was it Qin Xian'er again, visiting him with an invitation card?’ That Qin Xian'er, now even delivering an invitation card in broad daylight. Didn't he just teach her the song "On the Golden Mountain of Beijing" last night? Why was she looking for him so early today?

Lin Wanrong got dressed and came out, grumbling, "I'm here, I'm here, who is it this time?"

A little maid hurried over, gasping for breath, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin, quick, quick, Madam is going to punish Second Miss."