The faint scent still lingered in the air, but the dizzy spell had faded away.
This fragrant aroma was still enticing enough to make one’s limbs go weak, but it was utterly useless against Li Mo, who was immune to all poisons.
It must be Luo Ji’s natural body fragrance, not that she was actively using any techniques.
This meant the other party’s initial probing had come to an end.
Luo Ji surveyed the young man across from her and put on a bright smile once more:
“I really can’t comprehend what could possibly draw Little Li Langjun’s interest in Wanchun Courtyard. It can’t be… this widow, can it?”
She leaned forward, modestly alluring, almost transparent.
“If that were the case, all you needed to do was let me know, no need for the adults to go to such lengths!”
Li Mo couldn’t take this naughty woman’s words seriously; this was all a ploy to figure out why he had come knocking.
But he was blissfully unaware that he was in the Imperial Capital’s Misty Rain Tower and couldn’t tell Luo Ji that it was a beautiful coincidence because she wouldn’t buy it.
But what can you do? Little Li was a genius!
After a quick thought, he came up with a reason.
Maintaining his Ice Chunk expression, he replied without a hint of emotion:
“The most troublesome thing about Misty Rain Tower is that it recognizes money, not people. Yet, that’s also what I like most about it.”
“Are you asking me to help you?”
Luo Ji squinted, slowly rising up and sitting next to him.
She personally brewed fragrant tea, crossing her legs and lowering her gaze, but her sidelong glance never left Li Mo’s face.
It seemed she wanted to catch a glimpse of something unusual in his expression.
“The famous beauties on the Hundred Rankings, aren’t they always the center of attention? If they’re staying here, it actually puts my mind at ease.”
“If I lend a hand, my price will be steep. Is it worth it for you to pay such a hefty price for this?”
“As long as it’s worth the cost, that’s all that matters.”
Li Mo remained impassive: “You wouldn’t happen to know that I’m acquainted with quite a few women from the rankings, would you?”
“Now you’ve met another one. However, this place is, after all, something dear to me. A gentleman doesn’t take what’s dear to others…”
Luo Ji poured tea into his cup, kindly offering it to him.
“The value of Wanchun Courtyard doesn’t lie in the place or the decor, but in you and your subordinates. Change the location a bit, and as long as you’re there, soon enough it’ll become the next Wanchun Courtyard.”
Li Mo took a sip of the tea and casually glanced at the ‘dreadfully ordinary’ naughty aunt, ignoring her subtle gestures:
“I don’t like using someone else’s things. This place belongs to me. You take your rewards, and feel free to find somewhere else.”
Overbearing Little Li, devoid of emotions.
Since they were discussing business, the more he could get out of it naturally would be better.
Using a heap of useless gold and silver to exchange for something useful? Why wouldn’t he want to?
“?”
Luo Ji narrowed her eyes.
Had she just thrown a flirtatious wink at a blind man?
A young man like Li Mo, bursting with vigor, her tried-and-true tactics failed spectacularly. He didn’t even spare her a glance, his interest in her not even close to that in the cup of fragrant tea in his hand.
What was worse?
This little brat was radiating such warmth, he was almost on fire, his physique outshining even the most stellar contenders.
Even though a mature woman might not look better than a young girl, it must be said: they had a greater impact on young men…
Of course, she didn’t know.
Little Li had been through the wringer, and in his dreams, he even had the Empress Teacher calling him ‘little darling!’
“All things in Misty Rain Tower have their price. Name yours.”
“I have a suggestion.”
Luo Ji crossed her legs and playfully tapped his calf with her toes, smiling sweetly:
“How about something for free?”
“?”
“For a talent like you, let’s say I invest in you. We could be friends…”
The closer she got, the more relentless she became.
But Little Li knew one thing for certain: the free stuff is often the most expensive.
And since he wouldn’t invest without spending a dime, how could he make this deal?
So he pulled out two deposit slips and held them up to block Luo Ji’s face.
She had just been about to chuckle when her smile was rudely eclipsed by bewilderment.
She recognized the bank deposit slips from Hengtong Trading Company but was stunned to see the withdrawal section was blank.
“Fill in the number for how much you want.”
“……”
Back when Ke Mo was ruling over Yunzhou, everyone in the Yunzhou Misty Rain Tower had acted as his bodyguards.
Initially, she had doubted the authenticity of the information.
But now, she found no reason to doubt.
“This tea isn’t bad; I’ll take some flowers to try.”
Ke Mo understood he’d passed this test; the deal was on.
So he grabbed a handful of floral tea, rubbed it against his neck, then stuffed two bags into his pocket.
As the crisp notification sound echoed in his ears, he pushed the door open and stepped out.
Watching him leave, it took a moment for Luo Ji to finally speak:
“Come out.”
As soon as her words fell, the music from behind the screen ceased, and a woman set down her instrument, gliding forward gracefully.
Dressed in maid attire, her features were slightly obscured, but gradually her true appearance was revealed.
“Yin Mianmian, your tastes seem a bit too high for your own good.”
“Recruiting talented individuals for the tower is my own business.”
Yin Mianmian’s eyes sparkled.
Luo Ji teased, “Since you think so little of him, I, as your widowed elder sister with ample time on my hands, might just…”
“Do not make such jokes!” Yin Mianmian suddenly became alert.
Luo Ji laughed even more, feigning grievance: “Look at you, why are you getting flustered? Wasn’t it reasonable just a second ago?”
“I’m just looking out for you.” Yin Mianmian shook her head.
“What do you mean?”
“If you wish to court d*ath at Ying Bing’s hands, don’t drag me into it.”
…
Back at the main hall, Li Mo looked up at the sky, noticing it was already midday.
After his collaboration with Wanchun Courtyard, Luo Ji had indeed done business—how many women from the list on that day were soon to arrive? A list quickly found its way into his hands.
Not just any list, but one filled with various details, even more thorough than the God’s Eye.
Including some who hadn’t even arrived.
Some were unlikely to show up, while others were on their way.
“Those who can arrive in a couple of days…Mao Zhen, Lu Yunyi…”
“And those whose arrival is uncertain, business…”
Li Mo turned the page, pretending not to see.
Since time was still plentiful, he decided to summon the flowers first, at least to gather some handover for the stage.
“Kindly inform them.”
“Of course, of course.”
“Oh, do you have a grill on hand?”
The little assistant, upon hearing this, went to inquire room by room.
Hmm, although he said he was preparing the performing props, he honestly had no clue what they needed.
No matter, he would ask about that later.
For now, let’s just start by grilling skewers.
“I’m so hungry today.”
Li Mo said this while brushing barbecue sauce onto the grill.
Yep, he was genuinely hungry.
Not at all because he feared being surrounded by various fragrant women later and being overwhelmed by their scents…
