Chapter 89: Do You Know Why I’m Here?

"Oh my, Young Master Qin, so many people are watching—don't be reckless."
The woman's coy tone left little room for enthusiasm.
Immediately, Qin Lang's familiar laughter rang out: "Heh, who's watching? I'd like to see who dares to take a second look."
He barked out carelessly, "If anyone doesn't know their place, I'll gouge their eyes out."
Lately, Qin Lang had been living as extravagantly as one could imagine.
When Qin Guosheng was alive, he had kept him strictly in line.
But now, Lin Li was different.
He didn't have many demands for Qin Lang—so long as he obeyed his management, Lin Li didn't need to worry about much else.
Lin Li had already drawn a few red lines, and as long as Qin Lang stayed within those boundaries, there would be no major trouble.
Just then, Qin Lang happened to walk up behind Lin Li and cleared his throat.
The moment before, Qin Lang had been holding the beauty in his arms, but now he shivered: "Lin... Uncle Lin? Why are you here?"
Lin Li glanced at Qin Lang and pointed to the nearby lingerie shop. "I'm looking for someone. They won't let me in."
Qin Lang wiped his sleeve, exclaiming, "Well, isn't this something—these days, anyone dares to block Uncle Lin? Hold on, I'll go ask."
He had barely walked a few steps before he returned.
Lin Li raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Qin Lang looked utterly defeated.
"Uncle Lin, can't do it."
"This shop is owned by that woman, Xiao Meier. I don't dare."
The two sales assistants, seeing Qin Lang, were also startled. The reputation of Qin family's eldest son was well-known.
He had stirred up trouble here before, so they were all too familiar with his infamous deeds.
But it was said that once Xiao Meier happened to be present.
After Qin Lang caused trouble, she stepped in herself. No one knew what happened that day.
But ever since, Qin Lang hadn't dared to cause trouble here again.
Yet, it hadn't been long, and here he was again?
Lin Li hadn't expected Qin Lang to fear anyone at all.
But thinking about it, in the original account, the two hadn't had much direct interaction, but Qin Lang did indeed have a natural fear of Xiao Meier.
No one knew why.

"Uncle Lin, is it because you don't have a lady companion that you're not allowed in? Zhenzhen, go with Uncle Lin."
The girl named Zhenzhen immediately changed her expression, hurriedly protesting, "Young Master Qin, I..."
To suddenly accompany another strange man? She might be easygoing, but not that much.
Before she finished, Qin Lang slapped her face.
"Damn it, who do you think you are? Being at Uncle Lin's side is a blessing earned over eight lifetimes, yet you dare whine here—do you believe I'll beat you to death?"
Zhenzhen was terrified.
But then, from inside, a woman's voice called out.
"Young Master Qin, have you forgotten how you apologized to me last time? Seems you remember the pleasure but not the pain—you've already forgotten your lesson."
"Are you here today hoping I teach you another one?"
Xiao Meier's voice entered the scene, pausing briefly on Lin Li before settling on Qin Lang.
"Bringing this crowd to my domain, making trouble in a woman's territory—do you not find it shameful?"
At the sight of Xiao Meier, Qin Lang shrank like a mouse before a cat, immediately hiding behind Lin Li.
"Uncle Lin, that's Xiao Meier. I'll leave her to you."
"I... I'm not comfortable dealing with her myself."
Lin Li found Qin Lang's awkwardness amusing.
For a notorious young master of River City to cower like this—Xiao Meier truly lived up to her reputation.
Xiao Meier herself was surprised to see Qin Lang.
After Qin Guosheng's death, everyone knew the Qin family was in name only.
Especially after Lin Li's series of moves, it was clear the real power in the family was not the Qin Lang before her.
Yet, the subsequent events had made others wary of this family.
Unlike when Qin Guosheng was in power, now every change in the Qin family was meant to make their strength more formidable.
For them, this was a dangerous development.
"You brat, weren't you the tyrant of River City, so arrogant?"
Qin Lang gave an awkward smile, but dared not retort.
At that moment, Lin Li stepped forward and addressed Xiao Meier, "Miss Xiao, my name is Lin Li. Today, I represent the Qin family in business negotiations."
Xiao Meier was a bit surprised at Qin Lang's submissiveness.
From her memory, only Qin Guosheng ever made Qin Lang so obedient.
After a moment, Xiao Meier regained her composure, and her gaze toward Lin Li subtly changed.

"Mr. Lin? Haha, I've heard much about you—your name resounds throughout River City."
Lately, Lin Li had been the talk of the city.
In just a few short months, this man had taken firm control of the Qin family.
What was more alarming, under Lin Li's leadership, the Qin family was no longer easy to handle as before.
Su Lan alone was formidable, but with Lin Li, together they posed a real threat.
Many among the Four Great Families already felt the crisis.
But Xiao Meier and Lin Li had little prior interaction; she never expected him to seek her out personally.
"It's all empty reputation from others, really. I tend to keep a low profile," Lin Li replied with a smile.
Xiao Meier glanced at the two timid sales assistants, then at Qin Lang and the crowd of bodyguards behind Lin Li.
Low profile?
Lin Li shot a glance at Qin Lang and scolded, "Enough, you're not needed here—go home and stay in for a day."
"If I catch you sneaking out again, hmph."
Qin Lang didn't dare utter a word in protest, nodding hastily, "Uncle Lin, I'm leaving now."
He stole a nervous glance at Xiao Meier and dashed off as fast as he could.
The rest exchanged glances, but none dared linger, lest they spoil Lin Li's business.
"Ahem, Qin Lang is always like this—not my responsibility," Lin Li remarked.
Xiao Meier looked to her female assistant, likely the store manager. "Alright, I'll leave the rest to you. Make sure to calm the customers."
Turning to Lin Li, she said, "Mr. Lin, let's go; this isn't the place for business talks."
"If you don't have a preferred location, shall I choose one?"
Xiao Meier smiled, an enchantress whose mere smile seemed to draw Lin Li's soul away.
But don't be fooled by her charm.
If you think she's a docile beauty, you're gravely mistaken—she can be just as ruthless when she wants to.