Chapter 60: This Old Trick Again?

It must be said that Leng Ningxue was incredibly efficient.

Lin Li had originally thought that these negotiations might take a considerable amount of time. Yet, unexpectedly, Leng Ningxue had already arranged everything in advance. She was well aware of how things would unfold afterwards.

“I haven’t yet decided how you’ll compensate me,” she said. “So we can leave that part for later.”

Lin Li leaned back against the sofa, smiling. “I’m rather curious—what are we doing now? Is this a date?”

Leng Ningxue didn’t rush to answer, simply smiling. In truth, she didn’t dislike Lin Li. In many ways, she even admired him greatly. From the most humble beginnings, he had clawed his way up step by step to where he stood today. No one truly knew how much effort Lin Li had expended.

Before long, dishes were brought in. The whole process lasted barely ten minutes.

“Since the business matters have been settled, let’s talk about something else,” Leng Ningxue said with a smile to Lin Li.

…

Neither of them knew that, not far away, someone had been watching their room the entire time.

Chen A-Long held a pair of binoculars, glancing every so often in the direction of the private room. Strangely, the curtains were drawn this time.

Suddenly, the phone rang.

“How’s it going?” Ye Ao-Tian inquired.

“Young master, they’ve only been inside for ten minutes. They must still be locked in fierce negotiations,” Chen A-Long replied. “If Miss Leng wants to maximize her interests, I imagine the tug-of-war will take some time.”

Ye Ao-Tian grunted. “Things are very complicated today. Be cautious. I’ll arrive a few minutes later than planned—my stomach’s acting up. Hold the fort for me.”

Chen A-Long hesitated, “Uh? Young master, is that even possible? What if Miss Leng…”

Ye Ao-Tian, growing impatient, snapped, “Stop mumbling! What are you thinking? Who told you to go straight in? Couldn’t you just tie her up?”

Only then did Chen A-Long nod blankly, realizing what was meant. “I’ll go check, young master.”

…

Something had happened.

Inside the private room, Lin Li and Leng Ningxue had been talking amicably. But as they ate, Lin Li noticed something was off—Leng Ningxue’s face was flushed, unnaturally so, and a peculiar scent seemed to emanate from her.

Ordinarily, Lin Li wouldn’t have thought much of it. But now, having acquired the system and knowing a bit about Ye Ao-Tian’s methods, he sensed trouble.

She’d been drugged.

It wasn’t the first time something like this had occurred, though Lin Li hadn’t expected he would encounter it again so soon.

Leng Ningxue herself realized something was wrong, her expression bewildered as she looked up at Lin Li.

“What’s happening to me?”

Lin Li stepped forward, placing a hand on her wrist. He had studied traditional medicine before—not expertly, but enough to recognize that her condition was dire.

“Your pulse is racing. Blood and qi are surging—you’ve been drugged.”

This hotel was one of Leng Ningxue’s own establishments, under her control. Whoever could pull this off here was obvious.

“Why would they do this?” Leng Ningxue asked, bewildered.

They had always wanted her to be with Ye Ao-Tian. Why would they drug her during negotiations with Lin Li?

Lin Li began to channel his true energy.

“I can suppress the toxins for now, but eventually they’ll erupt, more fiercely than before. You have two choices: confront them and demand the antidote, or wait it out and find someone to break the effect.”

He smiled warmly at her.

“If my guess is correct, this is yet another one of Ye Ao-Tian’s rotten schemes. If he wanted this, your father would surely agree—and would eagerly hope for success. Ye Ao-Tian hasn’t appeared yet because our negotiation was too brief and we ate quickly; his timing was off. But he’ll be here soon.”

Lin Li had foreseen it all. In Leng Ningxue’s mind, thoughts whirled, even as her body faltered. She knew what Lin Li said made sense.

She never intended to cooperate with Ye Ao-Tian, despite his affection for her and his desire to control the Star Group behind her. Most importantly, considering her own temperament, if Ye Ao-Tian succeeded, she would likely let him off, no matter how much she disliked him.

So if anyone had drugged her, Ye Ao-Tian was the most probable culprit.

“I didn’t expect that in just a few days, he could collude with my family,” she said, her voice trembling. She thought she had everything under control, but now realized she was the biggest joke of all—everyone was betraying her, and she had no way out.

Lin Li sat quietly, saying nothing more. Whatever happened next was up to her.

“Though I sympathize, it would be best for you to make a decision soon,” Lin Li advised, using his energy to forcibly suppress the surge within her.

At that moment, Leng Ningxue seemed to make up her mind. She picked up the contract beside her, scribbled something on it, and handed it to Lin Li.

“If you agree, as long as you’re willing, our negotiation is settled.”

She gazed at him intently.

Previously, she had only felt a faint affection for Lin Li. But today, perhaps due to the drug, her feelings were intensified, and everything that had transpired pushed her toward this impulsive decision.

Yet Leng Ningxue was certain she would not regret it.

Lin Li’s mood was equally complex. Looking at her, he didn’t know what to say. After pondering, he nodded in agreement.