Chapter 9: It Still Has to Be Me, Young Master Qin

Jin Renfeng was dumbfounded. He knew that Leng Ningxue had come to negotiate this time—in plain terms, she was here to ask for a favor. But he never expected that Leng Ningxue could be so arrogant. She needed his help, yet dared to treat him this way?

“Leng Ningxue, what do you think you’re doing?”

Leng Ningxue looked at Jin Renfeng coldly.
“Mr. Jin, I invited you here today to discuss the project, not to let you play the scoundrel. You’re a man of some standing—do you really care so little for your reputation?”

Watching Leng Ningxue’s angry expression, Jin Renfeng let out a sneering laugh. Reputation? Everyone in Jiangcheng knew that what Jin Renfeng enjoyed most was conquering these aloof beauties. Leng Ningxue herself wouldn’t dare make a move, so what did he have to fear from a mere assistant?

“To tell you the truth, Miss Leng, if you really want to work with us this time, it’s not impossible. But you’ll have to agree to one condition.”

As Jin Renfeng’s face twisted into a lecherous grin, Leng Ningxue felt a foreboding sense of dread. Sure enough, nothing good could ever come from his mouth.

“I remember, your assistant is called Chen Yu, right? She’s been with you for a few years now, and usually handles your social engagements. Since you were willing to invite me here today, I’ll let bygones be bygones and give you some face. But if you want to discuss renewing our contract, it’s simple—tonight, before ten o’clock, I’ll be waiting right here for your assistant.”

As he spoke, he pulled out a room card and placed it on the table. Clearly, this man had arranged everything in advance; now it was just a matter of following the script.

“Remember, only tonight at ten. As long as she comes, we’ll continue our partnership, and even increasing the investment, as you suggested, won’t be a problem.”

Having said his piece, Jin Renfeng rose to leave, with no intention of staying any longer.
“Miss Leng, think it over,” he said, swaggering out.

Leng Ningxue sat where she was. Just now, she had truly wanted to lash out. If Chen Yu hadn’t held her back, she would have torn that man’s mouth to shreds.

“Miss, we’re at a critical moment,” Chen Yu said. “If you give up now, there will be no way to fight back.”

Chen Yu knew all too well that Leng Ningxue was a woman beset by misfortune. Outwardly she seemed to be the head of the Leng family, but in truth, many within the household wished to see her removed. Some of them had even done their homework well in advance.

Now, if Leng Ningxue’s project halted, she would be immediately ousted by the board. What would follow was a shift of power. From then on, there would be no more proud Miss Leng of Jiangcheng—only Leng Ningxue, shackled by a loveless marriage arranged by her family.

This thought filled Leng Ningxue with despair.

At that moment, Qin Lang smiled and said, “Uncle Lin, wait here. Don’t forget to carry out the plan later—I have to make sure this dinner goes on.”

He left before Lin Li could say anything, obviously stepping in to take over. Lin Li couldn’t be bothered to interfere and simply watched events unfold.

According to the original story, Qin Lang wasn’t supposed to be here. Jin Renfeng and Leng Ningxue’s negotiations shouldn’t have broken down so quickly, either. Who knew why things had gone off the rails today? But it didn’t matter. Could a scene like this really go on without Ye Aotian? Qin Lang, Qin Lang—go ahead and play your part. Lin Li was content to watch quietly and handle things as they came.

Just as Leng Ningxue was brooding, Qin Lang entered.

“Xue’er, you’re here too?” he said. “I only realized it when I saw your people outside. What a coincidence—I’m in the room next door.”

Qin Lang grinned as if nothing had happened yesterday.

Chen Yu, knowing full well what had occurred the day before, stepped in front of Leng Ningxue. “Qin Lang, don’t think your Qin family can do as it pleases in Jiangcheng. I advise you to leave right now, or we’ll call the police.”

Qin Lang waved dismissively. “Oh, come now, no need for that. I’m here to offer you an opportunity.”

He sat down shamelessly, picked up the room card, and scoffed, “What is this rubbish? Out it goes.” Before Chen Yu could snatch it from him, the card had already landed in the trash.

Leng Ningxue glared at Qin Lang, unsure what he was really after.
“Young Master Qin, I don’t believe we’re that close. If you have nothing else to say, I’ll be leaving.”

Seeing that Leng Ningxue was about to go, Qin Lang hurriedly stopped her.
“Wait, wait. Xue’er—”
Leng Ningxue’s face darkened. “Qin Lang, I suggest you don’t address me so intimately, or I won’t hesitate to tear your lips apart. We are not that familiar.”

Qin Lang nodded. “Alright, Miss Leng. I know you need investment. I’m here on behalf of the Qin family to negotiate with you.”

Qin Lang’s intervention managed to stabilize the situation. As the food was served, Lin Li, standing quietly in the hallway, flicked his right hand, and the Jade Maiden Powder was effortlessly added to the dishes. This substance was truly remarkable—colorless, tasteless, and highly soluble. It melted quickly with heat, leaving no trace.

Inside, the conversation continued. At first, Leng Ningxue had no interest in Qin Lang, especially after what had happened the previous day. She was in no mood for pleasantries. Yet when she saw Qin Lang, she couldn’t help but glance toward the door, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lin Li. But only Qin Lang had come. Leng Ningxue even considered calling Ye Aotian, thinking she might see Lin Li then. For reasons she couldn’t explain, she found herself strangely drawn to that man.

Chen Yu had been mentally prepared to make sacrifices, but Qin Lang’s appearance had managed to steady things, and the negotiations were proceeding smoothly for now. Lin Li, however, knew it was all a farce. Could Qin Lang really close a deal? Did he have the final say?

Meanwhile, our protagonist, Ye Aotian, was still on his way. Leng Ningxue and Chen Yu, however, had already eaten the drugged food, completely unaware of what had been done to it. The effects were beginning to manifest.

As for Qin Lang, he was full of anticipation. As soon as the two women showed any discomfort, he planned to take them away. What happened afterwards would be only natural.

[Ding! Detected villainous behavior by the host. You have gained 2,000 villain points!]

Well, well, two thousand points just for drugging someone?

The sudden system prompt made Lin Li pause. At that moment, Leng Ningxue and Chen Yu’s cheeks were flushed and they had already begun to remove their outer garments...