Chapter 571: Busy Underworld Lord, Postponing Meeting Qin Ruan

Huang Mao lowered his gaze, staring at the ground.

There were five people in the room: Huang Biao with his two subordinates, Qin Ruan, and Lin Hao. They all had their shadows.

Except Huang Mao, who had nothing beneath his feet.

Moreover, he noticed that his feet were off the ground.

He had clearly run over just now, but now it was difficult for him to touch the ground.

Qin Ruan pushed Huang Biao and Lin Hao aside and stood in front of Huang Mao.

Her words carried a hint of temptation, "Think carefully about what happened before, who turned you into this?"

Frowning, Huang Mao tried to remember and suddenly clutched his head.

His face turned pale, showing a painful expression, "I don't know, I don't know anything!"

"Do you remember how you died?" Qin Ruan asked with a cold face, her expression serious, her voice devoid of any emotion.

Huang Mao shook his head again.

Qin Ruan continued, "You were having nightmares like Huang Biao before, right?"

This time, Huang Mao answered, "Red clothes, it was someone wearing red clothes!"

His already twisted and eerie expression became bloodthirsty and terrifying.

His pitch-black eyes revealed a horrified crimson color, as if he was recalling something incredibly dreadful, about to explode in the next second.

Qin Ruan's eyes were deep like an ancient abyss as she coldly gazed at Huang Mao, "Did you see the person's face clearly?"

Huang Mao shook his head, "I don't remember."

"Do you know how you died?"

"I don't know!!"

Qin Ruan's eyes flickered with astonishment as she sensed that something was amiss.

Under normal circumstances, a person would not forget how they died.

She asked, "What do you remember?"

"I don't know, I don't know anything. My head hurts, my body is in pain!!" Huang Mao rolled on the ground, tormented and writhing in what seemed to be immense agony.

His ghost body gradually weakened, becoming translucent at a visible speed.

Qin Ruan ceased her questioning.

She had already figured out that Huang Mao was just a small fry.

His memories had been tampered with, and even his soul had been manipulated.

Continuing to stay in the mortal realm, he would soon vanish into nothingness.

The one who truly wanted to harm Huang Biao was not Huang Mao, but something hidden behind him.

Suddenly, the moonlight outside the window was obscured by dark clouds.

Qin Ruan felt a chill coming through the window.

She walked quickly to the window, and in the sky, the moonlight hung behind slowly moving black clouds, appearing and disappearing.

Under the illumination of the streetlights in the neighborhood, Qin Ruan saw a bizarre figure faintly standing under one of the lit streetlights downstairs.

As the dark clouds dispersed, the bright moonlight revealed itself.

Qin Ruan saw that it was a woman in a red dress.

No, that was not right!

The figure could not be called a human.

Under Qin Ruan's gaze, the evil entity in red disappeared from the spot.

Before the figure disappeared, Qin Ruan saw her raise her head, revealing a face shrouded in black mist.

That face was unclear to her.

Long dress, long hair—she could only roughly guess that the figure was female.

Not sure if it was her imagination, but from their brief encounter, she sensed provocation from the evil entity downstairs.

This feeling required no words; it emanated solely from the entity's aura.

Suddenly!

"Damn it, you are my woman. I like you so much, can't you feel it?"

"Damn woman, you stole my heart, and now you want to leave me. Why do you have to be so heartless?!"

In the quiet room, the television suddenly played cheesy lines from a modern urban romance drama with an overbearing president.

"XX, why can't you let go?"

"I don't love you anymore, I really don't love you anymore!"

The TV drama was filled with a man's loud declarations and a woman's tearful pleas for mercy, echoing in the silent room.

The atmosphere indoors became eerie in an instant.

Lin Hao had already broken free from Huang Biao's grasp and moved behind Qin Ruan.

His eyes swept over Huang Biao and his two subordinates, questioning, "Who turned on the TV?"

"It wasn't me!" Huang Biao shook his head.

The two subordinates were also frightened and shook their heads simultaneously.

They all remained still in their positions.

The TV remote was on a table a few meters away from them.

If they wanted to get the remote and turn off the TV, it would take some time.

As for Huang Mao, his situation was increasingly precarious, with his ghost body becoming weaker and weaker.

A sinister smile appeared at the corner of Qin Ruan's lips.

Her face showed a bloodthirsty and dangerously eager expression.

She was now certain that the evil entity downstairs had indeed provoked her.

How interesting.

An evil entity daring to challenge her.

They must be tired of living.

In Qin Ruan's eyes, being challenged in such a way was akin to seeking death.

"I feel so hot, so uncomfortable, someone please save me!"

Huang Mao lay on the ground, his soul unable to move.

He could feel the taste of death.

Qin Ruan lowered her gaze and looked at Huang Mao, who was writhing in pain on the ground, with eyes devoid of much emotion.

Her tone softened slightly as she asked, "Have you remembered anything?"

"I really can't remember anything, I feel so uncomfortable, so much pain, I can't breathe. Save me, please save me!"

With what little strength he had left, Huang Mao crawled toward Qin Ruan's feet.

He had a feeling that the only person who could save him was this woman.

"I'll send you away."

Huang Mao had no real value; he was just another victim.

Qin Ruan absorbed the malevolent aura emanating from him, summoning the envoy of the underworld.

"I, an agent of the Ten Yama Kings, am instructed to kill evil spirits. With divine power, I command life and death. No deity can resist, no ghost can defy. The Ten Yama Kings decree, eradicate the evil!"

The command of the Ten Yama Kings flowed from Qin Ruan's lips.

The brightly lit room plunged into darkness in an instant.

The envoys of the underworld arrived swiftly.

They bowed to Qin Ruan and proceeded to skillfully chain Huang Mao with the soul-locking chains.

As they prepared to take Huang Mao away, Qin Ruan asked aloud, "How has the Lord of the Underworld been lately?"

The two envoys exchanged a glance, and Qin Ruan couldn't discern anything from their expressionless faces.

One of the envoys bowed respectfully to Qin Ruan and said, "The Lord of the Underworld has been busy with official duties recently. Upon learning that Miss Qin wishes to see him, he asked us to convey that he will come up as soon as possible."

Qin Ruan detected the insincerity in their words and a hint of mockery appeared in her clear eyes.

The Lord of the Underworld was simply being evasive.

Qin Ruan waved her hand dismissively at the two envoys and said, "You may leave."

"Yes—"

The two envoys disappeared into the black mist.

In the darkness, Huang Biao couldn't see anything in front of him.

Moments ago, the room was brightly lit, but now it was shrouded in darkness.

If he hadn't experienced this himself, he would never have believed such a thing could happen.

Huang Biao felt a sinister chill running down his spine, making his scalp tingle.

It felt like a pair of eyes was staring at him, an eerie sensation that made his heart race.

He cowered behind his henchmen, closed his eyes, and dared not look at the darkness around him.

He was terrified, and he didn't even dare to breathe.

Suddenly, something pulled his arm.

Huang Biao immediately jumped up, howling, "Ahhhh!!! Don't eat me, please! I don't taste good!!"

Chapter 570: Who gave you the courage to harm me?

Qin Ruan frowned and stared at the evil creature in her hand, scrutinizing it from top to bottom.

This ghost turned out to be Huang Mao, the one who had been following Huang Biao.

At that moment, Huang Mao suddenly opened his blood-stained mouth and bit towards Qin Ruan's fair wrist.

Narrowing her sharp eyes, Qin Ruan used her spiritual power to strike the ghost.

"Ahhhhh!!!!"

Huang Mao's sharp and piercing scream echoed in the spacious room.

Lin Hao and Huang Biao's expressions immediately changed. Lin Hao could clearly see the evil creature that Qin Ruan had grabbed from a distance, and he tensed up, not daring to move.

Huang Biao couldn't see the creature, but he could hear its voice. Just from its horrifying and inhuman wailing, he imagined terrifying scenes in his mind, causing his legs to tremble uncontrollably.

He tightly held onto the two bodyguards beside him, but his trembling was so intense that he could barely keep his grip.

Huang Biao's body shook like a sieve, and if he had to pee urgently, he might end up wetting himself out of fear.

Qin Ruan lazily glanced at Huang Mao, who was on all fours, ready to attack at any moment.

Her eyes emitted a chilling and fierce light, exuding an oppressive aura.

Huang Biao and his subordinates, as well as Lin Hao, all felt the anger emanating from Qin Ruan.

With steady steps, Qin Ruan approached Huang Mao step by step.

She taunted, "Just a little ghost, and you still want to harm me? Who gave you the courage?"

After all, she was the natural enemy of all evil and malevolent creatures in this world.

Huang Mao opened his mouth, threatening Qin Ruan as she got closer, "Ha!"

His mouth revealed a nauseating and bloody sight, filled with decaying flesh and bloody fluids.

Qin Ruan seemed to see worms wriggling inside the decaying flesh, and the sight was enough to make one's scalp crawl.

She lightly frowned, showing a look of disgust on her face.

What Qin Ruan saw, Lin Hao saw too.

"Ugh!"

He, a grown man, couldn't hold it in and turned around to vomit.

The sight of countless wriggling little bugs inside someone's mouth was beyond words to describe.

It was a visual shock.

As Lin Hao vomited, Huang Biao hid behind his two seemingly expressionless but actually trembling subordinates.

Hearing Lin Hao's dry heaving, one of his curious subordinates peeked out and asked, "Big brother, what's wrong with you?"

The man who had been threatening them with his imposing manner now looked weaker than him, making him wonder what had happened.

Lin Hao wiped his mouth and stared at Huang Biao with a gloomy look.

"Do you want to see it?" he asked.

"No, I don't want to!" Huang Biao was frightened by Lin Hao's eerie expression and kept shaking his head in refusal.

Unfortunately, Lin Hao had already approached them with large strides.

He roughly grabbed Huang Biao, who was hiding behind his subordinates.

"Let go of me! Let go! I don't want to see it, I don't want to!!" Huang Biao screamed in fear.

Lin Hao tightly held his hand and pointed towards where Huang Mao was confronting Qin Ruan.

"Look over there, do you see anything?" Lin Hao asked.

Huang Biao struggled violently but, out of curiosity, looked in the direction Lin Hao was pointing.

With just one glance, he was scared to the point of sweating in his palms, and his scalp and legs felt numb. His whole body was covered in cold sweat.

Huang Mao was in an extremely eerie position, resembling a creature with all four limbs on the ground.

His eyeless gaze was fixed on Qin Ruan, and he occasionally let out threatening roars.

His mouth was wide open, like a bowl, revealing a horrifying sight inside.

So many... so many bugs!

All of them were red, and they were moving around inside his mouth!

Huang Biao was so scared that he couldn't even make a sound, standing frozen in place, afraid to move.

At this moment, Huang Mao seemed like a devil in the darkness, ready to devour him at any moment.

Initially, Lin Hao wanted to try and see if Huang Biao could see the same images he saw through him as a medium.

Unexpectedly, Huang Biao could actually see them, unlocking a new discovery beyond Lin Hao's ability to see the ghost.

Qin Ruan noticed the change on Lin Hao's side.

She focused on their tightly held hands and then looked at Huang Biao, who was greatly frightened, with pupils shrinking in his eyes, looking like he wanted to escape but couldn't, wanting to cry but unable to. She understood what was happening.

With a mocking tone, Qin Ruan asked Huang Biao, "You said Huang Mao died by jumping off a building. Does he look like he jumped off to you?"

There was no trace of a suicide by jumping off a building on Huang Mao's body.

Huang Biao's mouth pouted, and big tears rolled down his eyes.

He wanted to rush out of the room, but Lin Hao held his hand tightly.

He tried to make a sound, but his throat felt like it was blocked, and he couldn't utter a single tone.

He was so scared!!!

Qin Ruan's expression became strange. She had encountered people who were frightened by seeing the ghost before, but Huang Biao's pitiful state was the first of its kind.

Seeing his miserable appearance, Qin Ruan couldn't bear to push him further.

She didn't want to drive him crazy again; that would be too cruel.

While Qin Ruan was speaking to Huang Biao, Huang Mao leaped and pounced.

He was incredibly fast and in the blink of an eye, he was in front of Qin Ruan.

Without even looking back, Qin Ruan quickly raised her hand and stopped him in mid-air.

The powerful dark soul force in her hand instantly enveloped Huang Mao's ghost body.

"Ah, ah, ah!!!"

"Ah, ah, ah, ah!!!"

This time, a more desperate and miserable scream came from Huang Mao's mouth.

Under the confinement of the dark soul force, his ghost body began to change gradually.

Distorted facial features, deformed body, and those eyes without whites slowly returned to a human-like appearance.

In an instant, Huang Mao returned to the state he was in before.

He looked human, but he was already dead.

Qin Ruan stared at Huang Mao with her deep eyes and coldly asked, "Are you awake now?"

Huang Mao blinked, looking around with a bewildered expression, as if he didn't know why he appeared there.

When he saw Huang Biao, his face showed the same humility and servility as before.

"Boss!"

He hurriedly rushed over.

"Ah, ah, ah!!! Don't come near me!"

In a life-threatening moment, Huang Biao struggled to break free from Lin Hao's grip and could only hide behind him.

Now, only Lin Hao was left to face the charging Huang Mao.

He gritted his teeth and pulled Huang Biao out from behind him, standing in front of him as a shield.

If Huang Biao wanted to use him as a human shield, he would see if Lin Hao would agree or not.

Lin Hao pushed Huang Biao away, trying to release his hand, but he couldn't break free. Huang Mao had already charged to Huang Biao's front.

Seeing that Lin Hao was about to leave him alone, Huang Biao exerted all his strength and held onto Lin Hao's hand tightly.

"Boss, what's wrong with you?"

Huang Mao looked at Huang Biao in confusion, as if he felt a bit wronged that Huang Biao wasn't paying attention to him.

Huang Biao trembled all over, holding onto Lin Hao's hand tightly, unable to say a word.

"You're dead."

Qin Ruan walked over and heartlessly informed Huang Mao of this fact.

"Impossible!"

Huang Mao retorted fiercely, coldly staring at Qin Ruan.

The malevolence enveloping his ghost body also showed some fluctuations.

Qin Ruan pointed at his feet, "We all have shadows, do you see yours?"

 Chapter 48: Is the Distinguished Guest in the Private Room Ou Yan?

 Chapter 114: Chenchen, It's Me

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 47: Pulling Her into His Arms

 Chapter 113: Is She His Woman?!

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 106: Making the Big Shot Climb the Roof

Six or seven tenths are in the hands of the big boss.

The remaining one or two are in the hands of people in another area after crossing the city; once out of the province, it's a different network.

If taking the water route, Jiang Zhen Gang can provide some information. He has been transporting goods on the river for over a decade.

Xiao Cheng, with slightly pursed lips, appeared contemplative.

After some thought, Yu Fugui said, "If there's something to sell in another province, taking the water route is relatively better. Fewer checkpoints, less conspicuous, and less strict cargo inspections, though it might be slower than land transportation."

Taking the water route is more convenient than land transport, with one-time fees and fewer checkpoints.

With Jiang Zhen Gang providing cover, cargo inspection shouldn't be a problem.

Xiao Cheng, playing with his teacup, observed the confident girl chatting across from him, a ripple of emotion gradually softening his gaze.

It's time to arrange a meeting with an old friend for tea.

After seeing off Wu Xiuyun and others, Bai Lu wandered around the vegetable garden, picking greens for lunch.

Old and partially damaged leaves were sorted out for feeding the chickens.

Returning to the front yard, she washed the vegetables by the well, lost in thought. Suddenly, a realization struck her.

Finishing washing the vegetables attentively, she put the basket back on the kitchen sink to drain.

Then, she went to the stove to watch the big shot frying chestnuts—or more precisely, supervising the electric chestnut-frying machine.

After observing for a while, Bai Lu casually threw out a topic, "The sun is so bright today, the weather is really nice."

Usually, when Bai Lu mentioned such mundane topics, Xiao Cheng would glance at her first and let her speak her mind. Now, not only did he not look at her, but he also calmly replied with three words, "Yes, quite good."

Bai Lu was momentarily speechless.

Considering his recent easily irritated temper, she chose a more tactful approach, "The sun is so good today, perfect for airing quilts. After drying, they'll be warm and ideal for moving to the storage room—no drafts, and definitely not cold."

Xiao Cheng turned with the pot spatula, deep eyes staring at Bai Lu, seemingly trying to engulf her in a profound gaze.

The spatula made a creaking sound.

Thinking he might get angry and scold her, Bai Lu was surprised when he said, "It was windy last night. Some roof tiles fell off the storage room—leaking wind, rain, and hail."

Despite no rain at the moment and no hail this season, he provided a comprehensive warning.

Baffled, Bai Lu asked, "Didn't you just fix the roof not long ago? How come the tiles were blown off again?"

"Don't know," Xiao Cheng said expressionlessly.

"Was it windy last night?" Bai Lu couldn't recall feeling any wind before going to bed.

Calmly, Xiao Cheng replied, "Yes, it was."

After saying that, he turned back, spatula in hand, effortlessly lifting the sand and chestnuts that had accidentally flipped onto the stove.

Bai Lu, holding numerous doubts, hurriedly went to the storage room to check if there was really a leak in the roof.

It was evident.

Yes.

As soon as Bai Lu entered, a beam of light shone through a large hole in the roof, covering her entire body.

Like a radiant sun bunny.

Standing there dumbfounded, she looked up at the multiple holes in the roof, more than last time, and six out of seven were directly above the bed. When the wind blew, it would leak air.

When it rained, she would get drenched.

And when it hailed, she'd be pelted from head to toe.

Bai Lu hurriedly went to the back corridor to take a look.

Fortunately, the roof tiles were intact, and there were no major holes. It seemed there were new tiles available for repairs.

After a quick count, there were more than enough tiles to fix the holes. Bai Lu ran back to the kitchen to find Xiao Cheng.

"After you finish roasting chestnuts, can I get some roof tiles? I'll help you patch up the holes on the roof."

Without lifting his head, Xiao Cheng had a valid reason to decline, "The ladder was borrowed by Xiao Dazhuang."

"Oh..." How coincidental!

Bai Lu ran back inside and outside the house, searching every nook and cranny, including the garden fence, but there was no sign of the ladder.

Did Xiao Dazhuang really borrow the ladder?

Even though she was at home all day yesterday except for buying groceries, she never saw Xiao Dazhuang come in and borrow the ladder.

Even if he went grocery shopping, Xiao Cheng left first, and Xiao Wei had already gone to school. No one was at home, so Xiao Dazhuang couldn't have borrowed the ladder.

Could he have borrowed it early this morning?

When Bai Lu woke up this morning, Xiao Cheng had already had breakfast and was roasting chestnuts in the front yard. There were already roasted chestnuts in the front yard.

Xiao Dazhuang should have borrowed the ladder at that time.

Bai Lu had to accept this sudden and harsh reality. "Did Xiao Dazhuang say when he would return the ladder?"

Xiao Cheng pursed his lips, "Don't know."

"He didn't say anything?" Bai Lu pressed.

"He didn't say?" Bai Lu inquired.

"He didn't."

Bai Lu, feeling like a frost-bitten eggplant, reluctantly accepted the situation, "Does Xiao Da Zhuang's house also leak wind? Many tiles fell off due to the wind. Will it take a long time to repair?"

Xiao Cheng nodded slightly, "Yes."

Bai Lu walked over, tugged at his sleeve, and spoke softly, "Can you climb up and fix it?"

Xiao Cheng didn't raise his head, calmly refusing with a legitimate reason, "No ladder, how do I get on the roof?"

Bai Lu shook his sleeve, "You climb up."

"Can't climb." For the first time, Xiao Cheng admitted there was something he couldn't do.

Bai Lu switched to shaking his arm, "You won't know until you try. Just try climbing; you'll make it up."

"Can't climb." Xiao Cheng remained resolute.

Bai Lu continued to shake his arm, "You won't know until you try. When you were a kid, you could climb trees. Climbing trees and climbing walls are equally simple. You climb a bit, and you'll get up there."

Xiao Cheng turned his head, looking at her fixedly, "How do you know I climbed trees when I was a kid?"

Bai Lu's smile stiffened for a moment. She shook his arm unconsciously, her brain working rapidly.

The last reason was somewhat strained but still normal: "I guessed."

"Isn't it normal for boys to climb trees when they were kids? You're so talented; you know everything. There's no reason you can't climb a simple tree. So, you can definitely climb onto the roof."

"How do you know I climbed trees when I was a kid?" Bai Lu's smile froze for a moment. She shook his arm, and her brain worked rapidly.

The last reason was somewhat strained but still normal: "I guessed."

"Isn't it normal for boys to climb trees when they were kids? You're so talented; you know everything. There's no reason you can't climb a simple tree. So, you can definitely climb onto the roof."

"You sure you can't climb up there?" Bai Lu persisted.

"Can't climb," Xiao Cheng repeated, his heart seemingly made of stone.

Bai Lu released his arm without saying a word, her mind racing. Suddenly, she had a flash of inspiration.

"I'll go borrow a ladder from Wang Cuihua. Last time, when Xiao Da Zhuang helped her fix the chimney, I saw there was a ladder!" 

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 105: I'm On Top

Talking about grabbing chestnuts is one thing, but saying that Chen Dafu is playing rogue with Wang Cuihua, he definitely wouldn't agree.

"I don't care about playing rogue with her!"

"I used to come at eight o'clock to get chestnuts. Today, I was late by half an hour due to some business, and she occupied my spot, grabbing my chestnuts all the time."

Chen Dafu went to a distant place, so Bai Lu asked him to come early to get chestnuts, always at eight in the morning.

Wang Cuihua went to Dashizhen, not too far away. She, along with the couple Wu Xiuyun, came to get chestnuts at nine in the morning.

As a result, today, Chen Dafu was half an hour late, and Wang Cuihua came half an hour early.

The two collided.

Still staring at the same basket of sugar-fried chestnuts.

Xiao Cheng scanned the five baskets of chestnuts and coldly said, "All the same weight, one basket for each person."

Wang Cuihua and Chen Dafu rushed to grab the same basket again, and it happened to be the one in the middle.

"Let go!"

"You let go, I grabbed it first!"

"Mine!"

"Mine!"

Xiao Cheng's deep eyes filled with impatience, and the word "roll" was about to land when Bai Lu quickly pulled his sleeve.

Quickly, she spoke to allocate, "The middle basket is for Auntie Wu, Chen Dafu, take the one on the left, Wang Cuihua, take the one on the right. Don't fight anymore."

Chen Dafu and Wang Cuihua came to their senses when they heard Bai Lu's words. Seeing Xiao Cheng's face ready to kill, they immediately put down the baskets.

Following Bai Lu's allocation, one person took the chestnuts on the left, and the other took the chestnuts on the right.

When they went to get the small wooden cart, they started fighting again.

"I got it first!"

"No, I did!"

There was only one small wooden cart in the front yard, and the large baskets were too heavy. Using the small wooden cart to pull them out of the door was more convenient.

Chen Dafu and Yu Fugui were both men and had strong strength. They usually didn't need the small wooden cart.

Wu Xiuyun had Yu Fugui's help and didn't need it either. It was usually Wang Cuihua who used it, but now, including Wu Fangli.

It's not clear what happened to Chen Dafu today, but he clashed with Wang Cuihua and insisted on grabbing the small wooden cart.

Wang Cuihua, angered, discarded her delicate appearance, "What does a big man like you need a small wooden cart for? Move it yourself. The small wooden cart is for us women!"

Chen Dafu, unwilling to yield, argued, "Who said men can't use a small wooden cart? I sold a lot of sugar-fried chestnuts yesterday. I told Bai Lu last night that I wanted to increase the quantity. Today's chestnuts are heavier, so of course, I need a small wooden cart to pull."

"You're not delicate like Bai Lu. Unable to carry and unable to lift, can't handle the basket, so you can only use a small wooden cart. You have tough skin and strong muscles, like a bull. Why use a small wooden cart? Move it yourself!"

Wang Cuihua choked and, angry and wronged, raised her pitiful face to silently complain to Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng wanted to throw both of them out.

Bai Lu helplessly suggested, "Then, pull it out together. Stack the two baskets of chestnuts, each person holds one side of the small wooden cart's handle. No need to argue."

Chen Dafu and Wang Cuihua agreed to this suggestion.

As a result, they started fighting again over whose chestnuts were on top.

"I'm on top!"

"You're a woman, you're at the bottom!"

"Men should let women, you're at the bottom!"

"Get lost!"

The big shot finally erupted, and a "get lost" resounded, instantly making Chen Dafu and Wang Cuihua dare not move.

The volcano hadn't stopped yet, "Don't sell them anymore."

Chen Dafu didn't dare to speak, put down the small wooden cart, and stood stiffly, like a little kid being scolded.

Wang Cuihua dared not speak either, putting down the small wooden cart at the same time, feeling wronged and almost crying.

Bai Lu felt that these two were just asking for trouble. They didn't listen to polite words and had to be scolded by the big shot to behave.

"You guys figure it out yourselves."

Leaving a self-explanatory look regarding chestnuts, Bai Lu then turned around, holding Xiao Cheng's arm, and went back to the kitchen.

If these two people don't behave, don't go out immediately to sell chestnuts and make money for her, she will see how the big shot handles it.

Chen Dafu was sensible, swept a disdainful glance at Wang Cuihua, and left with the chestnuts in his hands.

Wang Cuihua got the small wooden cart but was full of anger. She had to pull the chestnuts and leave.

When Yu Fugui, Wu Xiuyun, and Wu Fangli arrived, they saw Xiao Cheng's calm face again and Bai Lu's smiling face. They praised the two for having the appearance of a married couple.

They were all experienced business people, good at talking. Wu Fangli was not at all reserved and quickly became close to Bai Lu, letting her directly call her sister.

Although Wu Fangli was not as old as Wu Xiuyun, she was seven or eight years older than Bai Lu, making "sister" a more appropriate term.

Bai Lu naturally wouldn't refuse this friendly intention to strengthen business relationships, immediately inviting Sister Fang to have tea.

Not forgetting to invite Yu Fugui and Wu Xiuyun as well.

Currently, these three sales channels are the most stable and profitable. The future network of contacts they will establish is the widest.

Bai Lu wouldn't treat them badly, offering the best hospitality. The tea was a century-old good tea, and the fruits were the freshest of the season.

Eating and drinking were secondary; the main purpose was to chat and strengthen business relationships. Even so, the things presented had to be of high standard to make people feel valued.

Bai Lu and Wen Xiuyun and Wu Fangli chatted about typical women's topics and family matters.

Xiao Cheng and Yu Fugui were both big men and couldn't engage in family chatter. They couldn't establish connections in the usual way.

They chatted directly, discussing business matters.

Hearing Xiao Cheng inquire about the situation with the transport fleet, Yu Fugui also spoke frankly, "There is only one large truck transport fleet in Pingcheng. It is said that the boss behind it is Li Chengbin's person. They set their own standards for fees, and there are also their people at the toll booth. Other transport vehicles leaving the city have to pay a high crossing fee, very high."

"Very high" is an industry euphemism, equivalent to controlling the market, with the pricing power in the hands of a few people.

"The neighboring counties are all the same. I have a few old buddies in the adjacent counties, and the situation is similar. Although it's not all Li Chengbin's doing, there are people from Nanshi behind it. For other vehicles to leave, they have to establish relationships with those people first." Yu Fugui knew what Xiao Cheng wanted to know and focused on the key points.

The situation at the toll booth, Xiao Cheng had also inquired before, but not in such detail. It was more general.

The ten-day deadline for the Chinese fir was approaching. Selling it to the local wood factory was a waste, but selling it outside was different.

Last year, when Xiao Cheng went to collect an account from a wood merchant in Nanshi, the other party wanted a few more days. In the process, he revealed some insider information about the wood industry. Prices outside the province were more than ten times higher than those of local wood factories.

But there was a catch; crossing the checkpoint was troublesome.

Buying low locally and selling high outside the province could bring in significant profits. However, if the checkpoint becomes an obstacle, it's impossible to make big money.

If not for this, the funds wouldn't be so tight, and they would be able to wait a little longer.

Xiao Cheng pondered for a moment, picked up the tea, and took a sip. "What about water transport?"

"The canal from Pingcheng to the neighboring province goes through the city's wharf, crossing provinces. About twenty percent is guarded by Li Chengbin's people, and the rest, I heard, is controlled by a powerful force in Nanshi." Yu Fugui also took a sip of tea, revealing the real situation he had learned over the years.

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 114: Direct Ignoring

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 113: Meeting Tang Rou

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Chapter 569: When the Madam is in a bad mood, your grave will grow grass.

Lin Hao's desire to hit someone was evident in his expression, and Huang Biao couldn't help but feel panic in his heart.

For some reason, he had an inexplicable sense of familiarity with this young man.

Lin Hao grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, and his sharp gaze looked deep and dangerous.

"Boss Huang, let me give you a piece of advice: be careful what you say, as words can bring trouble."

His words were a threat.

Over a month ago, when Huang Biao had shown disrespect to Qin Ruan, Lin Hao didn't hesitate to act against him without any mercy.

Now, after all this time had passed, there were still some scars on Huang Biao's face.

Lin Hao had been considerate enough not to inflict serious damage. He was sure that if Huang Biao tried to stand up and walk a few steps, he wouldn't be agile at all.

Frightened by Lin Hao's threat, Huang Biao's body shrunk.

He wiped the sweat that was emerging on his forehead and nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, I will control my mouth. Little brother, please don't take offense."

Seeing Qin Ruan's thoughtful expression, Lin Hao smiled, baring his teeth and stared intently at Huang Biao.

"It's not about whether I take offense or not. If the Madam is upset, your grave will be overgrown with grass in no time."

After Lin Hao finished speaking, Huang Biao's face became even sweatier.

Suddenly, a light laughter broke out.

Qin Ruan playfully observed the terrified Huang Biao.

She chuckled and said, "Interesting. To prevent you from refusing, your rival went to great lengths by sending you a big gift."

Qin Ruan's face remained smiling, but her gaze held a sinister and icy glint.

Seeing that she didn't get angry about his previous words, Huang Biao hurriedly added, "It seems that after sleeping with that woman, I've been having continuous nightmares."

Qin Ruan pointed her index finger to her chin, her gaze slightly lowered. "You mentioned earlier that Huang Mao died, and he personally sent that woman to you?"

"Yes!" Huang Biao nodded.

Qin Ruan narrowed her eyes, her voice cold. "Let's go, let's visit your home. Apart from the heavy aura on your body, there might be some evil spirit lingering at your place."

"Okay!" Huang Biao was eager for Qin Ruan to take action.

If this problem could be resolved, he would vow to avoid lustful desires for the rest of his life and do good deeds.

The fear of walking toward his own death had almost driven him insane.

Before leaving, Qin Ruan thanked Song Banxian.

Originally, she was just trying her luck, but unexpectedly, she received a big commission.

Song Banxian waved his hand, knowing that his abilities were limited and he couldn't save Huang Biao. If Qin Ruan could help him, it would be a virtuous deed.

After all, Huang Biao's fate should not be doomed.

Though he had been in the martial world, he hadn't committed any heinous crimes and couldn't be considered a truly wicked person.

Qin Ruan accepted Huang Biao's payment and took out a few bundles of money from the cash box, ignoring Song Banxian's refusal, and threw them on the table in front of his stall.

...

Huang Biao's home was in an upscale residential area.

Despite appearing prosperous on the surface, his life had been turbulent with a broken marriage and estranged family.

After the divorce, his son was taken away by his wife, and his elderly mother, who had health issues, resided in an expensive high-end nursing home, costing a six-figure sum annually.

The two-hundred-square-meter home was empty, except for occasional visits from his mistresses.

Huang Biao pushed open the door, welcoming Qin Ruan and Lin Hao inside.

Qin Ruan stood at the entrance without moving.

As the aura surged out from the room, she almost burst into laughter.

The attraction of this aura to her was irresistible.

Just like the kindness of the Third Young Master.

The analogy seemed inappropriate, but both were what she cared about the most now.

Qin Ruan's gaze swept through the living room, her eyes colder than the chilling atmosphere inside.

Sensing that she didn't look right, Huang Biao's face turned pale with panic. "Little Master, what's wrong?"

Qin Ruan chuckled softly, "Nothing."

Her face showed a teasing expression as she stepped into Huang Biao's home, with Lin Hao following closely behind.

No one noticed Lin Hao's pale face, which was not much different from Huang Biao's.

His eyes were fixed on the left corner of Huang Biao's home.

There was a display cabinet there, showcasing various elegant antiques, calligraphy, and some weapon models.

It was in that direction where Lin Hao saw a dark mist.

Huang Biao welcomed them inside and instructed his subordinates who came in with them to fetch some water.

Qin Ruan declined, saying, "No need, let's deal with the matter at hand first."

"Qin... Qin Xiaowu, there's something there!" Lin Hao's voice trembled with fear as he spoke up.

He saw the dark mist in the left corner move and drift towards the window.

Qin Ruan turned back and saw Lin Hao's pale face.

Seeing Lin Hao's face even paler than his, Huang Biao was also frightened and asked, "What's there? Where?"

He quickly walked to Qin Ruan's side, seeking refuge.

But Lin Hao pushed him several meters away, his action showing disgust.

In a cold tone, Lin Hao said, "Stay away!"

With just this thing, which was previously a "toad" that wanted to eat "swan meat," Lin Hao couldn't allow it to get too close to Qin Ruan.

Huang Biao, who was pushed away, was frightened and hurriedly stood in front of his two subordinates. He trembled all over with fear.

Qin Ruan followed Lin Hao's gaze to the window sill.

It was the window of Huang Biao's home, and there was a gap in the window, indicating that it wasn't tightly closed.

Outside, the sky was dark, and the night was pitch-black. The neighborhood wasn't completely silent tonight, but it was unusually eerie.

The wind started to blow, and the cold wind let out a low moan.

The people inside the hall clearly heard the rustling sound of leaves being blown by the wind outside.

Although it was only 8 o'clock in the evening, the sky was as dark as midnight.

Even though the lights in other households were brightly lit, the outside gave a terrifying feeling, as if the darkness wanted to devour the neighborhood.

Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed past the window.

"It's here again!" Lin Hao stood next to Qin Ruan and whispered.

Qin Ruan withdrew her gaze, her cold moon-like eyes flickering with disdain.

She calmly said to Lin Hao, "I saw it, it's just a little trick, no need to be afraid."

"I'm not really scared." Lin Hao tried to put up a brave front.

After encountering these things so many times, he had grown much bolder.

After all, it was an evil and eerie creature, and it was difficult for him not to be afraid in his heart.

"Little master, what, what is that thing?" Huang Biao listened to their conversation and couldn't help but imagine terrifying scenarios in his mind.

"Do you want to know?" Qin Ruan's eyes filled with a chilling gaze as she stared directly at Huang Biao.

This left Huang Biao unsure of how to respond. He wanted to know who was harming him, but the fear of the unknown made him want to escape.

Without giving him a chance to speak, Qin Ruan locked her eyes on the direction of the window and made a grabbing motion with her hand.

Even before entering the room, she had already seen the ghost standing in front of the display cabinet. She could see it clearer than Lin Hao.

She knew that it was a male ghost.

Using her spiritual power, Qin Ruan grabbed the ghost from a distance.

The male ghost in her hand had a pale face, pitch-black eyes, and was surrounded by powerful resentment, along with a dense and overwhelming black aura.

Face to face at close range, they stared at each other.

Without the thick black fog covering it, the true face of this ghost was clearly revealed.