Chapter 59
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A single question instantly pierced into Liu Jingchen’s heart, almost making it difficult for him to control the resentment within.
Indeed, had they committed a crime? This was a question he had been self-reflecting on every day since the incident.
“Come back, and everything is possible,” Chu Lishu ambiguously said. “If you cooperate with me, I will help you achieve whatever you desire.”
Liu Jingchen relaxed his tightly clenched hands, and blinked slowly, forcing himself to calm down. After all, he bore the responsibility of the entire Liu family, and he couldn’t afford to be careless.
“What I want to do, it seems you know very well. But what do you want to do? I have no idea, making it really hard for people to believe what you’re saying.”
“Well, with your current status as the Liu family, can you find people in the capital who genuinely want to help you?”
Liu Jingchen fell silent.
“To seek benefits from a tiger or to shrink back in perpetual humiliation in Jiangnan, unable to protect even your kin in the capital? The choice is yours.”
The two silently locked eyes for a moment. Suddenly, Liu Jingchen softened his expression and personally poured a cup of tea for Chu Lishu.
“Go ahead and say everything. What else do you want?”
“I will fulfill the promises I made to you. All you need to do is to focus on your business. Within two years, I want you to control half of the wealth of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Also, stop investigating my identity. Just know that I pose no harm to your present and future.”
If Chu Lishu is genuinely harmless to Lin Qingyang and the others, then this matter could be all gain and no loss for the Liu family. After all, he only needs to focus on business, and there’s no need for them to involve themselves in risky matters in the capital.
“Young Master, you’re overestimating me. Setting aside other matters, for now, two years… half of the wealth?”
“Within two years, Young Master Liu alone may not achieve it, but with my assistance, it is possible.”
“Young Master, do you also understand the ways of commerce?”
As the conversation reached this point, Chu Lishu, without any reservation, began detailing the profitable businesses he had secretly maintained in Jiangnan. He also shared some special avenues of profit, as well as his innovative business ideas.
Liu Jingchen, equally versed in the ways of commerce, became increasingly astonished as he listened. This person’s talent was undoubtedly not inferior to his own. Compared to Liu Jingchen’s conservative approach to business, Chu Lishu displayed more daring and bold strategies, leaving Liu Jingchen in admiration of his ideas.
Chu Lishu demonstrated a deep understanding of various industries within the Great Zhou Dynasty. He was well-versed in the intricacies of imperial regulations, exploiting loopholes with finesse. His knowledge extended to the potential of trade along the border regions, both overland and maritime. In just a few sentences, he outlined the essence of his plans. Many of these ideas replayed in Liu Jingchen’s mind, as if, with the right funding, everything could be accomplished.
In the beginning, Liu Jingchen found Chu Lishu’s goals laughable, thinking he was being overly ambitious and engaging in wishful thinking. However, now he feels that he underestimated the person; this individual’s talent is undoubtedly not that of an ordinary person. If he were to focus on business, he would undoubtedly become his most formidable opponent.
But what exactly does such a person want to do? Enter the palace… Could it be related to the court’s political turmoil?
Just then, there was a commotion outside the door; Lin Qingyang had awakened and was being held back by others from entering. Liu Jingchen acknowledged with a sound, and soon after, he heard the sound of Lin Qingyang breaking in. Chu Lishu on the opposite side instantly tensed up, not turning around but clearly sensing the footsteps rapidly approaching from behind him.
In case the truth is exposed and the male lead, being suspicious, is forced to abandon this identity for self-preservation, wouldn’t it directly disrupt the main plot structure? What about the future missions? It’s like pulling at a thread and unraveling the entire story. That’s unacceptable!
Upon just waking up, he didn’t know what to do. He overheard the people outside saying that they had been talking inside for a long time. Lin Qingyang estimated that the male lead’s eloquence should be working, so he dared to take the risk and barge in.
After all, Lin Qingyang had the sword named “mission” hanging over his head, constantly cowering and waiting for results, which was more frightening. If, unknowingly, his mission was deemed a failure, it would be too casual to die like that. So, he entered with a brave face to probe a bit. In case the two of them hadn’t reached an agreement yet, he would have to figure out another way.
However, judging by Liu Jingchen’s current attitude, it seems… not bad.
Chu Lishu, who was beside them, heard Liu Jingchen’s words. His eyes flickered, and he was about to find an excuse when he heard Lin Qingyang boldly explaining for him, “It’s because your people were all crowded together, and Lishu definitely wanted to hit someone. I was accidentally injured.”
Liu Jingchen was shocked by his own younger cousin’s innocence. Having such a cousin placed beside such a clever person, is it really okay? Could it be the kind who gets sold but still helps count the money?
“Sorry, Cousin. It was my carelessness…” Chu Lishu also hesitated for a moment but quickly caught onto this reason.
Lin Qingyang immediately said, “It’s okay. I understand! I don’t blame you. It’s just that my eldest cousin didn’t trouble you, right? Don’t be angry; there must be a misunderstanding here.”
Liu Jingchen couldn’t describe his feelings watching Lin Qingyang’s behavior at the moment. He felt like he couldn’t find the right words to describe it, as if Lin Qingyang, and not Chu Lishu, was the one he feared might get angry for making a mistake.
Chu Lishu exchanged a glance with Liu Jingchen, and Liu Jingchen cleared his throat. “I didn’t trouble him. However, I must apologize; it was my misunderstanding of Young Master Chu.”
The title ‘Young Master Chu’ seemed to carry some weight, as if many decisions had been made implicitly.
Upon hearing this address, Lin Qingyang understood that Liu Jingchen must have been persuaded. Indeed, he lived up to being the male lead.
The following events became much simpler. Lin Qingyang pretended to be ignorant and explained the plan for investing money with his eldest cousin in the business.
After explaining, Lin Qingyang expressed his lack of understanding and delegated full decision-making authority to Chu Lishu.
Liu Jingchen genuinely realized that his younger cousin trusted the fake Chu Lishu too much. In general, in such situations, shouldn’t he directly trust his blood-related eldest cousin rather than indirectly involve this outsider, Chu Lishu?
He couldn’t help but comment, “You really trust your younger cousin. He’s even younger than you, you know?”
“But he is smarter than me,” Lin Qingyang said without any jealousy, unlike his previous demeanor.
Liu Jingchen shook his head and chuckled, “If someone didn’t know, they would think you two are real brothers. Your relationship seems so good.”
Lin Qingyang shamelessly flattered, “Cousin and I have been through thick and thin together, even closer than real brothers!”
Chu Lishu, who was sipping tea, paused upon hearing this.
Liu Jingchen felt that his cousin’s approach was not good. Even though he would assign people to keep an eye on Chu Lishu, preventing him from harming Lin Qingyang and the others, watching Lin Qingyang completely trust Chu Lishu still made Liu Jingchen feel a headache coming.
“Even if you’re closer than real brothers, you’re not a kid anymore. There are many things you should decide for yourself,” Liu Jingchen advised.
However, Lin Qingyang appeared nonchalant. In Liu Jingchen’s eyes, it seemed like he had been brainwashed by Chu Lishu.
Well, Liu Jingchen was really misunderstanding Lin Qingyang. Lin Qingyang was just instinctively following the male lead’s lead, and Liu Jingchen was relatively unfamiliar to him.
And so, amidst the warm atmosphere of ‘plotting big things behind the back of the little fool’ and ‘they think they’ve fooled me, but I’m actually cooperating with their performance,’ Lin Qingyang successfully skipped the morning classes at the academy.
Before leaving, Liu Jingchen and Chu Lishu finally confirmed their decision to establish a business association.
Lin Qingyang was instantly excited; it seemed like the mission was about to be accomplished.
Hearing the two discussing the name of the business association, Lin Qingyang promptly suggested, “How about the Chen Lan Merchant Agency?”
Chu Lishu didn’t mind, but Liu Jingchen looked at Lin Qingyang with some surprise.
Lin Qingyang smiled, not saying much. In fact, when he had guessed that Liu Jingchen was the owner of the Merchant Agency, he understood the significance of the name of the association. It seemed that the eldest cousin still had thoughts about his eldest sister.
However, with the eldest sister now safe and sound in the Marquis’s residence, Liu Jingchen probably wouldn’t have chosen that name. For the sake of the mission or to create opportunities for them, Lin Qingyang had no reservations and said, “I think the name sounds nice.”
Liu Jingchen silently looked at Lin Qingyang for a while, then nodded and said, “Alright.”
With everything settled, Liu Jingchen left a special contact method for Chu Lishu and prepared to take his leave.
Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu sat on their horses, watching as Liu Jingchen’s carriage disappeared into the distance. This thrilling morning had finally come to an end.
Lin Qingyang smiled, but suddenly felt something was wrong.
Where was the system?
Wasn’t the mission considered completed?
Why wasn’t there a reminder?
Lin Qingyang looked at the system interface with a puzzled expression. The mission was still ongoing, but the plot progress had taken a significant step forward, reaching 8%.
Does supporting Liu Jingchen through the establishment of the Chen Lan Merchant Agency require actual assistance to him after the agency is established?
Lin Qingyang was exasperated. He had been happy for nothing before. He was still a pitiful cannon fodder on the edge of death.
But, well, as long as it wasn’t a mission failure, he could consider it as an early investment.
As the two returned to the city in the carriage, they were about to head to the academy.
Lin Qingyang remembered that Chu Lishu’s hand was injured and couldn’t help but ask. Chu Lishu was still reviewing the recent events, as meticulous as he was. Not wanting to make any mistakes, he responded to Lin Qingyang’s inquiry, “It’s fine.”
The next moment, the carriage jolted, causing Chu Lishu to collide with the carriage wall. His injured arm stiffened instantly. Though the pain was negligible, it intensified under Lin Qingyang’s worried gaze.
Chu Lishu furrowed his brows, and Lin Qingyang naturally noticed.
Hastily, Lin Qingyang took out the injury ointment given by the escorts before they left.
“They said this works well. Just apply and massage it, and it should recover quickly. Do you want to give it a try?”
Chu Lishu had no qualms with himself, so he took the ointment and intended to apply it. As he applied, memories of the earlier situation flashed through his mind.
He wanted to ask if Lin Qingyang truly harbored no suspicions. What if he wasn’t his cousin? How would Lin Qingyang react? However, when he raised his head and saw Lin Qingyang earnestly watching the reddened area on his arm, he couldn’t bring himself to speak.
Suddenly, he found it hard to comprehend why he was so afraid of Lin Qingyang discovering he was an imposter. Even if Lin Qingyang knew he wasn’t the real cousin, he wouldn’t learn about his true identity. It would be simple to discard the identity of “Chu Lishu.”
However, at that moment, he was genuinely flustered.
Chu Lishu paused in massaging his injured hand, furrowing his brow. His mind was in chaos, unable to comprehend why he had panicked back then.
Seeing him stop, Lin Qingyang thought he might be tired and offered, “Let me do it for you.”
Chu Lishu remained silent. Lin Qingyang took it as agreement and applied the ointment to his hands, gently massaging his arm.
Chu Lishu’s arm was slender and fair, the whitest parts almost translucent, revealing clear veins beneath the skin.
“Is it painful? Just let me know, and I’ll be gentler,” Lin Qingyang spoke softly, as if afraid to disturb something.
“Um…” Chu Lishu mumbled in response. Under his long eyelashes, his gaze focused on Lin Qingyang’s cheek. The area that had been pressed didn’t hurt at all, but it felt itchy. The itching sensation followed the path of Lin Qingyang’s fingers, penetrating his bones. Chu Lishu wanted to avoid it, yet was strangely captivated by this peculiar feeling.
This situation made Chu Lishu inexplicably irritable, especially since there were only two of them there.
Chu Lishu had to find a topic to discuss. He hadn’t informed Lin Qingyang about the matters concerning the Pei family and Lin Qingxu. Without hiding anything, Chu Lishu recounted the encounter with Yue Chen and the others when they were leaving, omitting the part about meeting Mr. Cao.
As Lin Qingyang listened, he became bewildered. He hadn’t expected that behind his seemingly insignificant pawn, there were so many entanglements.
“So, will they continue to target me in the future?” Lin Qingyang asked.
“It’s hard to say. While they want the influence of your father, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll keep wasting resources to target you. When they feel it’s not worth the effort, they’ll naturally stop bothering with you. However, you should still be cautious, especially of Pei Jin, who’s also at the academy. Despite being low-key compared to others, he’s the most dangerous one,” Chu Lishu explained. He paused for a moment because he noticed Lin Qingyang staring at him with a strange expression.
“What’s wrong? Have you had any conflicts with him?” Chu Lishu asked, puzzled.
“I’ll tell you a big secret. You don’t know, but Pei Jin, he…” Lin Qingyang snapped out of his reverie, as if holding his breath, about to reveal something. However, halfway through, he suddenly stopped.
Lin Qingyang broke into a cold sweat.
Wait a minute, can I tell the male lead that Pei Jin is a woman disguised as a man now?!
That’s right, the heir of the Pei family in this generation is a woman, someone raised as a man since childhood.
In the original plot, she was a formidable opponent of the male lead. However, in novels, a beautiful and capable woman who disguises herself as a man is a classic plotline. As expected, she fell deeply in love with the male lead, who took advantage of her and destroyed the entire Pei family. She became the biggest sinner of the Pei family, imprisoned in the harem, occasionally staging some melodramatic scenes, inevitably becoming a member of the harem.
Lin Qingyang looked at the male lead, who was completely unaware of Pei Jin’s identity. Naturally, his gossiping nature couldn’t resist wanting to reveal the truth. However, he just remembered that Pei Jin’s identity was related to many plotlines. What if there were tasks related to it, such as a task suddenly appearing, like the male lead discovering that Pei Jin is a woman? Would prematurely spoiling this information have a detrimental effect?
The current plotline had already been messed up quite a bit by him. He couldn’t afford to make things more chaotic. The safest course of action was to remain silent and let everything follow the original plot trajectory.
“What about Pei Jin?” Chu Lishu saw Lin Qingyang’s changing expression but didn’t press further, harboring suspicions in his heart.
Lin Qingyang swallowed the gossip that reached his lips, feeling uncomfortable inside. But what was more troublesome now was that he had already aroused suspicion. If he didn’t say something sensational, the male lead would definitely think he was hiding something.
Lin Qingyang’s brain quickly worked, and following the tone of the previous gossip, he said, “Pei Jin likes men!”
Chu Lishu’s expression did change. Then his eyes looked probing as he stared at Lin Qingyang.
Lin Qingyang felt that this statement was true, and it was sensational enough. It should pass the test.
However, he heard Chu Lishu casually probing, “I haven’t heard of such a discreet matter, but you know about it. Could it be that you… also liked him?”
Lin Qingyang: …
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