He gazed intently into Meng Zhao's eyes, his voice low and firm, "Perhaps I've concealed some things, but when it comes to loving you, there's absolutely no falsehood!"

Meng Zhao was taken aback by his sudden closeness, then pushed him away forcefully, her voice tinged with annoyance: "So you like me, just to set me up? How can there be someone like you in this world!"

Xiao Youzhi stumbled from her push, falling backward onto the soft couch. Instead of getting up, he chuckled and shook his head, slowly straightening his disheveled clothes. "That's not how it works. The news that the new city gate is about to open is absolutely true. I'm sure you've already verified it from various sources. Once the city gate opens, Zhuque Street will be packed with customers. At that time, the shops you've bought now will probably be worth several times more."

"Heh," Meng Zhao sneered, his anger blazing even brighter. "Yes, the news about the new city gate is true, but why didn't you tell me before that so many shops around Zhuque Street belong to your Xiao family?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Youzhi suddenly stepped forward, his eyes filled with tenderness and a hint of seduction: "This just proves that I truly like you, which is why I'm willing to take money from my own pocket for you to earn."

Meng Zhao's eyes reddened with anger. "Xiao Youzhi! You're still trying to fool me. Do you really think your stepmother and brothers are living saints? I bought these shops at a low price today. When the new city gates open, they'll realize what's going on and eat me alive. I'd be grateful if they had a change of heart!"

She had considered this possibility beforehand, so she decided to leave herself an out and be more flexible with the prices. She also avoided buying multiple shops from the same person, so that even if she was resented in the future, it would still be within her tolerance.

But when the broker brought Xiao Hengyu to the scene and mentioned that there were several Xiao family properties for sale near Zhuque Street, Meng Zhao immediately understood what Xiao Youzhi was thinking. This was clearly an internal power struggle within the Xiao family. He couldn't take action himself, so he found her as a "glove." That way, even if things came to light, Madam Xiao and Xiao Hengyu would only resent her and regard her as a thorn in their side.