Chapter 40: Tit for Tat

Leng Ningxue, standing to the side, was visibly awkward.

Meanwhile, Lin Li only let out a faint chuckle.
“It seems Miss Ning has never really suffered a setback before, which is why you can still indulge in such trivial antics,” he remarked. “I know you’ve always looked down on people like Qin Lang, but there’s never been any real enmity between us. So why put on this act of bitter hatred in front of me?”

Lin Li understood Ning Yurou’s intentions. But with this girl, you couldn’t go along with her—he had to go against the grain. The more displeased she became, the more she’d be intrigued by him.

“Listen, brat, the fact that I’m even willing to step in and help today is already a stretch,” she huffed. “That Qin Lang is able to stand again is something you should be grateful for, and yet you still dare spout such nonsense in front of me?”

Watching her arrogance, Lin Li merely smiled coolly.
“Of course I should thank you for Qin Lang’s recovery. But that doesn’t mean I can’t question your character, Miss Ning.”

He met her head-on, not yielding an inch. Lin Li knew exactly what kind of person Ning Yurou was; if he had really backed down now and said nothing, she wouldn’t have let him off the hook—she’d only become more overbearing. No, the only way was to push back, to leave her speechless.

Clearly, his approach worked; Ning Yurou was flustered.

“I did help you, after all,” she fumed. “But your attitude right now is simply too disrespectful.”

She glared at Lin Li, barely able to believe that a mere henchman of the Qin family—a nobody who wouldn’t even have had the chance to speak to her if not for Leng Ningxue—dared to put on such airs.

“I’m very pleased that you were willing to help us, Miss Ning,” Lin Li replied. “And the Qin family is prepared to cooperate with you in every way we can. Whatever you want, we will strive to meet your demands. But I hope you won’t forget: though we are not one of the Four Great Families, it’s not for lack of ability. It’s simply a choice. I would hate to see things sour between the Ning and Qin families.”

He remained calm and dignified before this imperious young lady.

Ning Yurou, who had moments ago been looking down on everyone, was suddenly at a loss for words. Indeed, her earlier smugness had been far from the bearing of a proper person.

Leng Ningxue, watching from the side, was astonished. This Lin Li was truly impressive—she had never seen anyone push Ning Yurou to such a point. Judging by Ning Yurou’s helplessness, she really was too angry to speak.

Ning Yurou shot Lin Li a defiant look.
“Fine, Lin Li, bodyguard of the Qin family, is it? I’ll remember you. Qin Lang is only the first gift I’ve given you. You’ve made an enemy of me today—just wait and see how I’ll deal with you in the future.”

With that, she stormed off in a huff.

Lin Li, however, remained unfazed. Women like this required an even tougher approach. Don’t be fooled by Ning Yurou’s cute exterior; she was no easy opponent. Better to show her his mettle now, and save himself much trouble down the road—why not?

Leng Ningxue was baffled.
“You do realize this girl is still a member of the Ning family. If we could establish a solid partnership with her, the three of us could become an unbeatable alliance here in Jiangcheng. Negotiations were going smoothly, but now you’ve completely offended her. What are we supposed to do next?”

She had long wanted to cooperate with Ning Yurou, but had never had the chance, and her own resources were severely limited. Still, with Lin Li’s involvement, perhaps things could be salvaged.

Leng Ningxue had assumed that after what had just happened, Lin Li would immediately apologize. But to her surprise, Lin Li’s sharp tongue had left Ning Yurou speechless.

“It’s just a matter of investment,” he said lightly. “There’s no need to be anxious, Miss Leng. I have my reasons for handling things this way.”

He had to admit, Ye Aotian’s female leads all seemed a little unhinged—remembering their unique personalities was no easy task. Previously, because of Ye Aotian’s “dumb luck” aura, they had been easily won over.

But now Lin Li had finally seen their true colors. Thankfully, he had stepped in at the critical moment; otherwise, who knew what these women might become.

With his understanding of Ning Yurou, Lin Li had planned accordingly. She was always rebellious; even now, despite her maturity, the trait remained. The more you forbade her from something, the more determined she became to do it, as if only that could set her apart.

Leng Ningxue was nervous—their cooperation with Ning Yurou involved too many variables, and even she wasn’t fully confident. Seeing her anxiety, Lin Li smiled, standing at the door and watching the situation in the observation room.

Before he knew it, he and Leng Ningxue had become closely tied. For the sake of her freedom and ambitions, she had no choice but to work with him. With her help, Lin Li’s path was much smoother. Was it a blessing or a curse? Leng Ningxue seemed to have developed some feelings for him.

Lin Li shook his head—now was not the time for such thoughts. With Ning Yurou having helped Qin Lang to his feet, she would surely target him next as revenge for today. This girl was nothing if not patient.

Although Qin Lang, with his current abilities, could never control the Qin family, the boy was not very bright; even without his “dumb luck” aura, he was still a step behind most people, and no match for Ning Yurou.

Lin Li would have to devise a foolproof plan. If Ning Yurou really turned Qin Lang against him, he would have to face not only Ning Yurou, but also Qin Lang.

The thought alone was enough to give him a headache.

The only good news was that Su Lan would never betray him. The bad news was that everyone else around him seemed to be a turncoat.

Difficult, truly difficult.