Chapter 46 Infuriating Xiao Ling’er

She understood her close friend’s abilities far too well.

Bai Yuxiang’s father had once run an escort agency in Pingyang County City. From childhood, Bai Yuxiang had followed her father in martial training, tempering her strength and honing her skills until she became exceptionally capable. At fifteen, she had beaten down seven or eight thugs barehanded on the street when they tried to harass her, becoming famous in a single fight.

Later, when her father was escorting goods, he was ambushed and killed by mountain bandits. The case was reported to the authorities, yet they did nothing.

In a fit of rage, Bai Yuxiang led several escort masters in a night raid against the bandits. She cut down forty heads and emerged without a single scratch.

After that slaughter, she seemed to develop a taste for it. She gathered a group of like-minded people, seized a mountain stronghold, and became an outlaw.

From then on, Bai Yuxiang and her men specialized in robbing bandits, preying on the wicked. When times were hard, they would even target wealthy households known for their cruelty and greed.

Within a radius of 150 kilometers, she had built quite a formidable reputation.

Even the authorities could do nothing against her. All they could manage was to post notices and offer rewards for her capture.

Because of this, Lin Ling’er knew Bai Yuxiang’s capabilities better than anyone.

What she had not expected was that Bai Yuxiang, acting personally, would still lose track of him.

Did that not mean this young man’s abilities surpassed Bai Yuxiang’s?

And someone with such skill, how could he possibly be just an ordinary person?

Thus, even though Bai Yuxiang had lost him, Lin Ling’er grew even more convinced that Li Chen was the one who had saved her that night.

Yet the more certain she became, the angrier she felt.

If it truly was him, why would he deliberately pretend ignorance and refuse to admit it?

Was she truly so unworthy, so beneath his notice?

Did he only wish to do business with her, harboring not the slightest other thought?

These past few days, the proud and high-spirited Lin Ling’er had been so furious she nearly fell ill from anger.

When she saw Li Chen arrive today, if not for the sake of those 200 kilograms of Refined Salt, she would have exploded in rage on the spot.

In the end, reason prevailed over emotion.

Now Li Chen said he wished to discuss four matters with her, which piqued her curiosity.

What exactly did he intend to say?

What she had not anticipated was that his very first point stunned her.

“First, my name is Li Chen, and I live in Muer Village. Now that I have told you this, stop sending people to follow me.”

Li Chen raised one finger.

Lin Ling’er felt deeply embarrassed. Her expression shifted several times. She wanted to deny it, but in the end she merely flushed red and nodded, agreeing.

At the same time, she firmly memorized the key words: Muer Village, Li Chen.

“Second, give me another 1,000 kilograms of coarse salt. In three days, I will deliver 200 kilograms of Refined Salt.”

Li Chen raised a second finger.

“Agreed.”

Lin Ling’er nodded. This was normal, and it delighted her. If things continued this way, she would truly strike it rich.

She had already secured buyers willing to pay 12 taels of silver per kilogram of Refined Salt, with no upper limit on quantity.

“Third, I want to sign a red employment contract with you.”

Li Chen spoke again.

There was reason for revealing his identity and demanding the contract. Though only two days had passed, the situation had changed. To prevent risk, he had to take this step.

“Is that really necessary?”

Lin Ling’er was startled. She had not expected this to be his third request.

“It is.”

Li Chen nodded.

“Very well, then we shall sign.”

After a moment’s thought, Lin Ling’er agreed. It was not a bad thing. It signified long-term cooperation between them.

The process was simple. They summoned an old clerk from the official workshop to serve as witness. They filled out duplicate documents detailing the employment cooperation, signed and sealed them, and paid 100 copper coins.

The clerk stamped both copies with the government’s red seal. Each party kept one, and the red contract was complete.

“What is the fourth matter?”

Lin Ling’er asked with a trace of curiosity as Li Chen carefully put away the contract.

“Your shop steward has a problem. It must be dealt with. Otherwise, our cooperation will run into trouble.”

Li Chen looked up at her.

“What problem do you think he has?”

Lin Ling’er fixed her gaze on him, eyes flashing.

“He covets my craft. If he were to collude with criminals and abduct me, this business would be finished.”

Li Chen spoke bluntly.

Lin Ling’er had not expected such directness and was momentarily at a loss for words.

“In truth, I also covet your craft. Why not sell it to me? Name your price.”

She considered before replying.

“Young Proprietor, you understand what I mean. You may have your own plans. If so, tell me first. Mutual trust is the foundation of mutual benefit. Also, I do not like being used. When I come next time, give me your answer.”

Li Chen’s tone was calm.

No matter what tricks you play, I will meet you head-on. No matter how clever or circuitous you are, I will expose it directly and see what you do.

Sure enough, Lin Ling’er’s expression changed repeatedly. Her heart pounded violently. The young man’s gaze was so sharp that it felt as though he could see straight through her thoughts.

“Also, the person who followed me last time was a skilled expert, perhaps your trump card. Tell her to keep her distance from me to avoid misjudgment.”

Li Chen added.

Lin Ling’er stared in astonishment. He even knew Bai Yuxiang was a master?

With that, Li Chen tucked away the red contract, hoisted the money sack over his shoulder, and walked out.

The sound of hooves echoed as he drove the large cart onto the stone-paved road and gradually disappeared into the distance.

On the second floor, in her boudoir, Lin Ling’er, who had been completely suppressed by Li Chen and left breathless throughout their exchange, smashed several teacups in fury.

“I’m furious! Absolutely furious!”

That damned boy dared to act so arrogantly before her?

She, Lin Ling’er, Young Proprietor of Lin Family Salt, was a renowned figure in Pingyang County City. Yet before him she had been like a rag doll, toyed with at will, even stammering and unable to speak properly.

“Overbearing, arrogant, reckless, insolent… utterly infuriating!”

Lin Ling’er cursed with every word she could muster until her throat went dry. Only then did she sit down, breathing heavily, still burning with humiliation and anger.

A laugh sounded from behind her. “Oh my, what’s wrong with Xiao Ling’er? Why are there shards of porcelain all over the floor? Those were fine official kiln wares.”

Lin Ling’er turned to see Bai Yuxiang lightly leap in through the back window.

“Are you a monkey? There’s a door, yet you insist on climbing through windows every time like some flower-stealing bandit.”

Lin Ling’er glared at her, fury still simmering.

“I am a monkey. Did you forget? Maybe today I’ll steal you instead.”

Bai Yuxiang smiled as she sat down and poured herself tea from the only remaining cup.

“He nearly drove me to death with anger, and now you’re here to anger me too?”

Lin Ling’er shot her a glare.