Chapter 106: A Woeful Day

The situation with Xia Ningshuang was far better than Lin Li had anticipated. Judging by her progress, after three more treatment sessions, she would be completely healed. As the scars on Xia Ningshuang’s face gradually faded, the reputation of Henan grew ever more illustrious. Consequently, the number of visitors coming and going increased significantly.

Lin Li no longer had to worry about the business in Henan faltering. With their current influence in Jiangcheng, it was only a matter of time before they became the benchmark in their industry.

Meanwhile, Fang Tai did not disappoint. Soon, good news arrived. They had indeed encountered Ye Aotian along the way, and a fierce battle had ensued. It must be said that Ye Aotian had not taken them seriously at all. A normal person might have been cautious under such circumstances, but Ye Aotian was far too confident in his own strength. He never believed Lin Li had the courage to confront him, so he was completely unprepared.

The outcome was inevitable: Ye Aotian had to pay the price for his recklessness—a severe injury that left him bedridden. Upon receiving this news, Lin Li immediately sent Ning Yurou to visit Ye Aotian and assist with his treatment to ascertain the extent of his wounds. The information Ning Yurou brought back was much the same as what Fang Tai had reported. Ye Aotian was utterly incapacitated, likely unable to leave his bed for at least a month.

Having taken care of these matters, Lin Li finally exhaled in relief. According to the rules of the Star Palace organization, Luoshanhe and the Four Guardians had dared to treat Ye Aotian in such a manner. Even if there had been a misunderstanding, they would inevitably be sidelined in the future.

“Brother Lin, I did pretty well on this mission, right? If you have any other orders, just say the word,” Fang Tai confidently promised over the phone.

Lin Li merely smiled. Soon after, he summoned Luoshanhe and the Four Guardians to the villa’s courtyard.

When the five arrived, they were still basking in their own pride. Lin Li first placed five cards before them.

“You carried out the previous task quite well,” he said. “Under your assault, Ye Aotian is seriously injured and won’t be able to get out of bed for at least a month. So, for the time being, I don’t have to worry about him causing me any trouble.”

Lin Li smiled as he looked at Luoshanhe, who was still clueless about what had transpired. He scratched his head and patted his chest in assurance.

“Rest assured, Young Master. As long as that brat Ye Aotian dares to cause you trouble, just say the word. We’d gladly face any danger for you. A mere Ye Aotian is no match for us.”

Clearly, Luoshanhe had no idea what he had done. Despite Ye Aotian’s repeated explanations, Luoshanhe dismissed them as mere excuses.

Lin Li observed their smug expressions and then settled into the nearby armchair.

“Today, I have something important to tell you,” he began. “From now on, whether you stay or leave is entirely up to you.”

At this, Luoshanhe immediately dropped to his knees.

“Young Master, what do you mean? Have we displeased you recently? Are you trying to send us away?” The Four Guardians also knelt, disbelief written across their faces. They had just received orders from the organization to assist Lin Li, and now, after so little time, he was dismissing them. Anyone would find that hard to believe.

Lin Li shook his head.

“You haven’t made any mistakes—at least, not against me,” he said. “But I cannot keep something from you; it would weigh on my conscience.”

His words left them utterly confused. They had no idea what Lin Li meant but sensed that something significant was about to unfold.

“I don’t know what you want us to do,” Luoshanhe said hesitantly.

Lin Li’s gaze sharpened as he fixed him with a piercing look.

“I want you to know the truth,” he declared. “I am not the Ye Aotian you’re looking for. The real Ye Aotian was severely beaten by you not long ago and is now bedridden.”

After hearing this, Luoshanhe froze for a moment, then laughed and scratched his head.

“You really enjoy joking with us, Young Master, but this joke is cold and unpleasant,” he said. “Who else in the world could be as charming and dashing as you?”

Luoshanhe genuinely did not believe it. When they had first met, he had tested Lin Li from many angles—through intelligence and behavior. Lin Li had never shown the slightest flaw. If anyone was to doubt their Young Master’s identity, it would be Luoshanhe himself.

Yet, seeing Lin Li’s calm demeanor now, even he began to waver.

The Four Guardians fell silent.

“I know the Star Palace sent you here to assist Ye Aotian,” Lin Li continued. “With my strength, if you were to confront Ye Aotian directly, I would surely not stand a chance.”

“So, I had to mislead you first. Only by doing so could I control the situation.”

“But I am too kind-hearted to truly deceive you, so now I’m telling you the truth. You can choose whether to stay here or return to report.”

Lin Li crossed his legs and smiled at the four as if he had them completely under his control.

None of them had expected things to turn out this way. When Lin Li first spoke, they had taken it as a joke. But now that he had reached this point, they could no longer dismiss his words.

Luoshanhe looked up at Lin Li.

“That’s impossible. I investigated thoroughly. Both Leng Ningxue and Ning Yurou have impeccable backgrounds,” he argued. “If not for you, Young Master, I can’t imagine who else could command such loyalty from them.”

One had to admit, Luoshanhe’s loyalty to Ye Aotian was unwavering, earning even Lin Li’s admiration.

“I didn’t expect you to be so loyal to Ye Aotian,” Lin Li said with a smile. “I thought your earlier compliments were just flattery, but it seems you truly believe them.”

“Whether you believe me or not, the fact remains,” Lin Li continued. “As for Leng Ningxue and Ning Yurou, that only means Ye Aotian’s skills are lacking. Nothing more.”