Chapter 81: What Kind of Show Is This Now?

Although Ning Yurou had already considered many possibilities before coming here, she truly hadn’t anticipated what Lin Li was suggesting.

For so many years, the Qin family and the Ning family had always been rivals. Yet despite this, her family had always held the upper hand. The constant struggle between them, however, meant that the Ning family could never fully free themselves to expand and develop faster. They had to devote a great deal of effort to contending with the Qins. Only by truly suppressing their opponent could they even begin to consider other ambitions.

But now, what Lin Li was proposing opened up endless possibilities in Ning Yurou’s mind. If the Qin family chose to transform themselves at such a critical moment, then the Ning family could seize this golden opportunity to rise rapidly. By then, neither Ye Aotian nor any of Jiangcheng’s four great families would be able to stop them.

This was why Ning Yurou was left utterly stunned by Lin Li’s words. Such a thing seemed impossible unless the Qin family had gone mad.

“I know your methods are extraordinary, that you can control part of the Qin family’s people,” she said. “But what you’re planning now is simply too reckless. This would fundamentally alter the Qin family’s future. Do you really think you can gain enough support for such a decision?”

Even as she spoke, Ning Yurou still found it hard to believe.

“I told you before: what the Qin family intends to do next is not as simple as you think. This is the crucial moment for us to work together,” Lin Li replied. He knew she wouldn’t believe him, but he spoke nothing but his true thoughts. If the Qin family wanted to grow, snatching just one piece of the pie was far from enough; they needed to broaden the interests under their control.

Ning Yurou carefully watched Lin Li, as if searching his eyes for any sign of falsehood. But after some time, she had to admit that he betrayed no flaws—everything he said seemed genuine.

She sighed inwardly; perhaps she had been overcomplicating things.

“I can’t fully trust you yet, unless you can produce evidence to prove all this. Without that, any cooperation between us won’t come so easily.”

Although Lin Li now stood in opposition to Ye Aotian, Ning Yurou would never completely trust him. She had to prepare her own countermeasures—if Lin Li ever tried to betray her, she’d be able to respond swiftly.

Lin Li, for his part, had already anticipated Ning Yurou’s caution. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I’ll show you my sincerity.”

Just then, Lin Li’s expression suddenly changed. Ning Yurou rose to her feet as well. “What’s happened?” she asked. For Lin Li to grow tense, it was surely no small matter.

“Ye Aotian already placed people at your side. He’s been watching us throughout this meeting,” Lin Li said as he calmly collected the papers from the table. “But that’s fine. If he turns up early, I can help you cover our tracks.”

…

Ye Aotian had long since learned that Ning Yurou had met with Lin Li, though he didn’t know what had transpired. Based on Ning Yurou’s subsequent actions, however, he guessed that she and Lin Li would never truly cooperate. Even in front of Ning Yurou, he could never conceal his own thoughts. Though she seemed sweet and charming, when it came to certain matters she was exceedingly shrewd—no matter what means he used, he could never escape her control.

It was precisely for this reason that Ye Aotian believed Lin Li could never change Ning Yurou’s mind, no matter what he tried. This time, with the two meeting in private, Ye Aotian knew he couldn’t just sit idly by—his status was no longer what it had been.

“Are you sure they’re here?” Ye Aotian asked, scanning the shabby barbecue restaurant. He’d expected that, at the very least, the two would choose a luxurious hotel for their meeting, not a place as casual as this.

“They’re definitely inside, and there’s been no sign of anyone coming out,” replied Chen Along quietly. “Young master, since Lin Li returned, he has barely concerned himself with the Qin family’s affairs—he came straight here to meet Miss Ning.”

Ye Aotian sneered, “So, the brat can’t wait to make his move against me.”

“Well, in that case, it’s time I taught him a lesson.” A cold glint flashed in Ye Aotian’s eyes. With several men in tow, he strode into the barbecue shop. The owner, seeing so many people, greeted them with a nervous, ingratiating smile.

But Ye Aotian didn’t waste words. “Where are the two who just arrived? Take me to them. Now.”

The owner looked bewildered. “Those two are our customers, their identities—” He tried to refuse, but Ye Aotian’s blade was already at his throat.

“I’m done talking. Either you take me to them, or I’ll send you to meet the Buddha himself.”

Raising his hands in surrender, the owner quickly led them to a private room. The group kicked open the door.

But before they could enter, a clamor erupted from within. Dishes and chopsticks came flying out.

“You bastard! Do you think I’m afraid of you?” came a woman’s voice. “Hmph, the Qin family is nothing. All these years, you’ve been no match for the Nings, so what are you pretending for?”

Ye Aotian was momentarily at a loss. From the voices, it was clear that Lin Li and Ning Yurou were already arguing. Yet he couldn’t tell what they were fighting about. There was no time to wonder—without hesitation, he strode in.

“Lin Li, what are you trying to do?” Ye Aotian confronted Lin Li, placing himself protectively in front of Ning Yurou.

Lin Li, surprised to see Ye Aotian appear so suddenly, looked at him with raised brows. “Why are you here? Didn’t you learn your lesson last time?”