After returning the money, Meng Zhao deliberately reduced unnecessary interactions with Xiao Youzhi. When Xiao Youzhi came to the Meng family before the New Year, Meng Zhao only met him briefly before making an excuse about having business at the shop and leaving.

Xiao Youzhi was very perceptive and naturally noticed her distance. Afterwards, Meng Zhao asked her parents about it and heard that Xiao Youzhi's expression was indeed a bit unpleasant at the time, but he didn't show any anger. He stayed for lunch before leaving. Later, she heard from Qiao Yanhe that he hadn't even spent the New Year in the capital and had returned to Jiangnan early.

"Madam Meng is truly capable. People always flock to her, begging her for favors. But you, you avoid her and even drive people away."

Meng Zhao didn't want to embarrass him in front of others, nor did she want any gossip to spread, so she frowned and explained, "You know that the old master of the Xiao family is seriously ill. He went back to Jiangnan to fulfill his filial duties. Please don't say such things again in the future."

Upon hearing this, Qiao Yanhe gently waved his fan, thinking that now that the Xiao family was under his control, there was no need for him to fulfill his filial duties. He probably didn't even wish for Old Master Xiao to die soon, which was considered as him showing some consideration for their blood ties.

***

Not long after the New Year, Meng Zhao sent He Jianxia south to investigate the market. After receiving a reply, she arrived in Jiangnan before the summer. He Jianxia told her that she had met Xiao Youzhi by chance when she bought the shop and that he had helped her. Meng Zhao should thank him for his help.

On this day, she specially prepared generous gifts to visit the Xiao residence, but was told by the steward that the head of the family had gone to Suzhou to check the accounts and his return date was uncertain. Helpless, Meng Zhao could only leave the visiting card and thank-you gifts behind and go back first.

When Jiangnan Treasure Pavilion opened, it was already the golden autumn of August. This shop, located in the most prosperous area of ​​Jiangnan, occupied an area of ​​nearly 200 square meters, not to mention that it was a three-story pavilion.

The first floor features a dazzling array of shelves displaying various skincare gift sets, cosmetics, and new perfumes and essential oils formulated according to the current season. The second floor has a private tea room for distinguished guests to browse and select their favorite items. The third floor is a private beauty room designed specifically for ladies from wealthy families, offering not only privacy but also home service.

In addition, Jiangnan has been prosperous since ancient times, and the people have spare money, so they naturally pay more attention to beauty and skin care. Meng Zhao's Treasure Pavilion was already famous in the capital. Many young ladies from Jiangnan had asked people to bring back a lot of things from her family in the early years. Now that the main store has opened, there is a constant stream of carriages and horses in front of the door, and guests fill the store every day.

Meng Zhao looked at the list of opening gift recipients in his hand, which included Xiao Youzhi's name, but he didn't see Xiao Youzhi come over. A smile appeared on his lips. He thought that if Xiao Youzhi could let go of this, it would be a good thing.

Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Just before leaving Jiangnan, Xiao Youzhi finally showed up and cornered her at the door of the study. He leaned against the door frame, his gaze intense: "It's been more than half a year since we last met. Have you thought of me?"

Meng Zhao was speechless for a moment at this blunt question. She hadn't expected that he still hadn't let go after so long. She sighed and said frankly, "It would be a lie to say that I've never thought about it." A glimmer of light had just appeared in Xiao Youzhi's eyes, but it was completely extinguished by her next words: "But these memories have nothing to do with love. Xiao Youzhi, forget about it. I have no feelings for you."

Xiao Youzhi gritted his teeth, his voice strained: "You told me before that you didn't want to get married or have children. If you really had no feelings for me, why did you tell me those things?"

Meng Zhao tilted her head in thought. It had been so long that she couldn't remember clearly: "Maybe I did, but so much time has passed. I've long forgotten how I felt back then. Besides, didn't you refuse?"

"Then I agree now!" Xiao Youzhi suddenly stepped forward, his eyes filled with a desperate resolve. "I don't expect you to agree immediately, I only hope you can reconsider me..."

He regretted it, regretted not seizing the opportunity to agree immediately. He originally thought that time could change Meng Zhao's immature ideas, and he was willing to wait. But as he waited, she fell for someone else. These days, he forced himself not to think about her, but the suppressed feelings did not diminish at all because of the separation. Instead, they grew wildly in his heart like weeds, becoming more and more intense.

"You know it's impossible, so what's the point of saying all this now?"

Xiao Youzhi stepped forward eagerly: "How do you know it's impossible if you don't try? Meng Zhao, you know that we are so compatible in terms of ideas and ambitions. As long as you nod, I can offer up the entire Xiao family with both hands. Then we can do business together, travel the world together, and I will accompany you wherever you want to go. Isn't that good?"

His voice was almost pleading: "I beg you, look at me again... please give me a chance."

Seeing him like this, Meng Zhao closed her eyes and then interrupted him ruthlessly, "There's no chance anymore. Besides, although I love money, I love the money I earn myself even more. In addition, I'm doing very well now, and I don't want to cause any more trouble."

Xiao Youzhi stood there, sunlight filtering through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on his face. After a long while, he suddenly chuckled softly, a sound tinged with indescribable desolation and self-mockery.

Meng Zhao frowned and looked at him, only to see his expression suddenly change. The pleading look from before was gone. Instead, he strode into the house, sat down in a chair with a lazy and casual posture, and even poured himself a cup of tea.

To be honest, the Xiao Youzhi she sees now is more like the Xiao Youzhi she used to know. The humble and almost submissive Xiao Youzhi she saw just now seemed very unfamiliar to her.

He took a leisurely sip of tea. "Well, playing the victim is really not my forte."

Meng Zhao was taken aback at first, then realized what was happening and slammed his hand on the table: "Were you acting just now?"

Xiao Youzhi's expression changed slightly, then he nodded. "Yes, I originally thought that Shen Qing and that kid had won you over with their pitiful act, so I thought I'd give it a try too. Who knew it would be so useless? You should at least pretend to agree first, and then slowly refuse later. How could you not give me any face at all?"

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