Chapter 67: Exposing the Truth

“So you think I know Ye Aotian, and that I’d even marry him?” Ning Yurou retorted.

As soon as she said this, even she found it amusing. If it were Leng Ningxue, that might actually be possible. After all, her influence within the family was not particularly high, and she lacked strong supporters. Many times, Leng Ningxue had no choice but to yield and make compromises. But Ning Yurou was different. She was a willful little princess—no one had ever been able to stop her from doing what she wanted.

Now that she had no desire to be with Ye Aotian, who in the family had the right to force her?

“I know you don’t want to believe it right now, Miss Ning, but who can say for sure about such things?”

“What if Ye Aotian presents you with a peerless medical manual?”

As the saying goes, to strike a snake, aim for its seven-inch. Since Ye Aotian was so clever, he would certainly know how to make Ning Yurou compromise.

There were plenty of ways to deal with Ning Yurou; Lin Li had long since realized Ye Aotian would use this method to build a relationship with her. When that time came, everything would fall into place naturally.

At first, Ning Yurou flatly refused to believe it. In her view, she was an independent person—how could she possibly be so easily swayed by someone else? Even if Ye Aotian had designs on her, she would never give in.

She refused to believe that her views on marriage could be changed so easily.

But now, after hearing Lin Li’s words, she began to doubt herself. Was it really possible? After all, she had been passionate about the study of traditional medicine for years. Unfortunately, much had been lost to history, with many things surviving only in ancient prescriptions.

Ning Yurou was now certain: if Ye Aotian really could produce such a treasure and give it to her, she would be overjoyed. She might even change her opinion of him entirely.

No wonder Lin Li had spoken with such confidence just now.

So, he knew what she liked.

“Since you know so much, you should know how best to get along with me. With your skills, I’m sure you could manage it,” she said.

Watching the serious expression on Ning Yurou’s face, Lin Li burst out laughing.

“You really are amusing, Miss Ning. As for the current state of the Qin family, you probably know better than I do since you’ve been closely following it these past days.”

“And you’re even clearer about whether I could produce such a thing. If the Qin family really had ancient prescriptions, your Ning family would have been crushed long ago.”

At this, Ning Yurou realized she had been a bit too self-assured. Over the years, though the Qin and Ning families had competed, overall the Ning family had always held the advantage. The Qin family was not particularly strong in this field; at most, it was a matter of them gnawing on bones after the Ning family had eaten the meat.

But Lin Li had made things clear earlier: if Ning Yurou refused to meet with him this time, the Qin family would completely turn the tables, and by then, even if she wanted to intervene, it would be too late.

That was why she had gone out of her way to come here, eager to see what Lin Li was capable of.

Still, up to now, she didn’t quite believe he was really so formidable as to leave her at a loss.

For his part, Lin Li remained completely calm. Regardless of their previous views, they had to admit that circumstances had changed.

So, when it came to handling the situation, a new approach was necessary.

“If it were the old Qin family, indeed, we would never have posed a threat to you. But we are not unchanging.”

“To tell you the truth, I recently acquired a secret manual.”

“And this manual is enough to completely transform the Qin family’s current situation.”

Ning Yurou was unwilling to believe that such strange things could happen in this world. Yet, looking into Lin Li’s eyes, she had to admit she felt a slight doubt. Perhaps he had no reason to lie to her.

If it were true, it would be a piece of intelligence the Ning family would need time to digest.

“I trust that by now, Miss Ning, you realize I’m not joking.”

“Ye Aotian’s next target is you, and he will do everything in his power to get close.”

“If the Ning family really wants to remain independent, I suggest you proceed with caution.”

Of course, Lin Li’s advice was rather redundant. Though Ye Aotian’s intentions were dubious this time, he had picked the wrong opponent. If it were anyone else, perhaps—but this was Ning Yurou.

With her cunning, and with Lin Li’s advance warning, she would likely have everything arranged in no time at all. By the time Ye Aotian thought he had her under control, he would realize he was the one being played.

“Regardless of whether this is true or not, I’ll make preparations in advance. If he really has such designs, I’ll make sure he understands just how grave a mistake he’s made.”

She smiled at Lin Li, then continued, “And of course, you’ll prove yourself through all of this.”

“If it’s all true, I’ll stop making trouble for the Qin family.”

Even now, Ning Yurou found it hard to believe. But judging by Lin Li’s current demeanor, he was likely the mysterious benefactor backing Leng Ningxue.

The thought of it was like a dream—not long ago, Lin Li had seemed nothing more than an ordinary underling in her eyes. In the blink of an eye, he had become the head of the Qin family.

Lin Li smiled at her.

“If Miss Ning is willing to cooperate, that’s for the best. It’s exactly what I hope for.”

“But some things are far more complicated than you or I imagine. What comes next, no one can predict.”

Being able to cooperate with the Ning family suited Lin Li perfectly, saving him much trouble. But it was clear that this was only the beginning.