Upon hearing this, Luochuan sneered repeatedly.
"He really knows how to brag, he clearly kicked me out of the house, and yet he still speaks so righteously. How shameless!"
Upon learning the truth, everyone exchanged glances.
Bai Yu patted Luochuanâs shoulder and said, "Donât pay attention to them. From now on, youâre with me. Just follow me, why bother with them? Donât waste your thoughts on them."
"Master, the thoughts Iâm wasting are about figuring out how to take his life!"
"I know you want to avenge your mother. Rest assured, weâll help you."
After Bai Yu finished speaking, Gu Sheng also nodded: "We promised you, and weâll definitely fulfill it. Just rest easy."
Hearing their words, a smile finally appeared on Luochuanâs face.
Lan Hua sighed on the side and said, "I never thought King Luo could be so biased. Theyâre both his sons, yet he treats them so differently!"
"The reason he differentiates between us is because he differentiates between our mothers. People like him will meet a bad end sooner or later!"
Luochuanâs words were harsh, and Lan Hua dared not bring up the topic again. She quickly invited them: "Iâve already asked my people to prepare the rooms. Youâve been traveling for a long time. Go rest quickly."
After a day of travail, everyone was indeed tired, and upon Lan Huaâs call, they each returned to their rooms.
After resting for a night, the fragrance of the food woke everyone.
When Gu Sheng stepped out, Lan Yao and others had also woken up.
They exchanged glances, and Shi Lou scratched his head saying: "Why does it smell so good early in the morning? Could Lan Hua have ordered food from some restaurant?"
Everyone thought it was indeed possible.
Following the aroma into the room, they immediately saw a table full of dishes.
"Lan Hua, from which restaurant did this food come from? Why does it look so exquisite?"
Upon hearing this, Lan Hua smiled slightly.
"This isnât from a restaurant. I made it myself. Come, taste it."
"All of this cooked by you?"
Asking this, Shi Louâs eyes widened.
"Yes, come try it."
Once affirmed, Shi Lou muttered: "Looks like weâre in for a treat this time."
After seating, Gu Sheng was the first to move his chopsticks.
A bite of meat entered his mouth, rich but not greasy, definitely a skilled hand.
Watching him, Lan Huaâs eyes sparkled.
"How is it? Delicious?"
"Delicious, rich but not greasy, definitely good skills."
"Try this too."
Lan Hua offered Gu Sheng some vegetables, eyes brightly fixed on him.
Gu Sheng, not overthinking, enjoyed a bite of fish tasting fresh and sweet.
"Itâs delicious, fresh and sweet without any fishy taste."
With the praise again, Lan Huaâs eyes crinkled into a smile.
"As long as you like it."
Lan Huaâs eyes remained on Gu Sheng, causing everyone to exchange looks, finally settling their gaze on Hong Mei.
Hong Mei was eating without much expression, seemingly indifferent, which made everyone unconsciously breathe a sigh of relief.
Just as breakfast was nearing its end, Lan Huaâs people rushed in.
"Shopkeeper, Luo Qin is increasing pressure on jewelry shopkeepers, and one across seems unable to bear it, now searching for gemstones while preparing an escape route."
Upon hearing this, Lan Hua instinctively looked at Gu Sheng.
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow and asked: "What escape plan did he prepare?"
"Heâs cleaned out valuables in the shop; half displayed is worthless, the other half counterfeits. I guess if he canât find anything, heâll run for survival."
Touching his chin, Gu Sheng nodded thoughtfully.
"If he dares defy Luo Qin, it benefits us. Howâs this shopkeeper? Do we have any dealings?"
"Shopkeeper Wang is inherently greedy, nearly diving into money. As long as you pay, thereâs nothing he wonât do. Our manager has some business interactions, but little personal dealings."
After speaking, Lan Hua nodded.
"This person is extremely greedy, driven solely by money. If not for two unavoidable instances, I wouldnât be acquainted. Everyone knows his reputation on the street; few wish to associate."
"This indeed benefits us. Lan Hua, can you arrange a private meeting with this shopkeeper under the guise of business? Iâd like to speak with him."
Understanding his intent, Lan Hua nodded.
"I can, Iâll use some Silver Tael to keep it discreet; better not alert Luo Qin. When do you want to meet?"
"As soon as possible, Luo Qin only gave him three days. We canât delay; settling this quickly benefits us."
"Alright, Iâll send someone to meet him."
Lan Hua summoned her helper, spoke to him, and he left holding a small box from the inner room.
Seeing the box, Gu Sheng became clear.
"Lan Hua, have your people calculate all funds spent dealing with Shopkeeper Wang on me."
"No need, I can afford it."
"Even if you can, you shouldnât. You running a shop alone isnât easy. We have many people; you shouldnât spend Silver."
Gu Sheng finished, and Lan Hua wanted to say more, but before she could, Lan Yao cheerfully said: "Lan Hua, let Gu Sheng pay. His pocket is too full of Silver. If you donât let him spend, heâll drown in it."
Upon this, everyone couldnât help but laugh, agreeing with Lan Yaoâs words.
Gu Shengâs wealth is beyond their imagination; such Silver is insignificant to him.
Listening to everyone, Lan Hua was quite surprised.
She hadnât expected Gu Sheng, a Jianghu figure, to be this wealthy, beyond her imagination.
"Alright, as you say."
That afternoon, Lan Huaâs people brought news that Shopkeeper Wang agreed to meet them at dusk but insisted on meeting at their shop.
Understanding why he chose this, Lan Hua naturally had no objections.
In her mind, their shop was undoubtedly the safest.
With details settled, everyone awaited dusk.
As night fell, Shopkeeper Wang arrived.
Upon entry, he swaggered in, glancing about, then tutted aloud.
"Manager Lan, your shop isnât good, everything looks old. Such business attracts no wealth. And your tree looks yellow, which is a big taboo for business. No, your setup is wrong too. Why donât you seek advice from me, and Iâll teach you?"
Hearing this, Lan Hua simply smiled.
"I only wish to sustain myself; Manager Wang, letâs talk inside."
Motioning inward, Manager Wang seized her hand.
"Since Manager Lan invited, I wonât stand on ceremony."
Seeing his leering, Lan Hua felt nauseated and forcefully shook his hand away, saying sternly: "Manager Wang, Iâm here for serious matters. Please be serious."
"Serious, Manager Lan rarely invites me, how can I not be serious? Just speak, and Iâll try to help. Iâm quite agreeable, my demands arenât high, having Manager Lan around is enough."
Thinking they were alone, Manager Wang spoke boldly, even openly demanding, turning everyoneâs faces black.
Just as they prepared to show themselves, Lan Hua clapped, shadows immediately emerged, surrounding Manager Wang.
He instantly panicked.
Seeing this, Lan Hua wore a cold smile.
"Manager Wang, I advise you to be sensible."