"Then I'll go with you."

The ominous signs in Li Xiaoxin's heart disappeared, and she wanted to have a proper talk with Jin Shanglin, so she handed the horse over to Qi Wenzhu.

The two then headed towards Suixin Pavilion. Jin Shanglin shook his fan, and their figures disappeared down the street.

Gu Lan was somewhat surprised to see that Li Xiaoxiao had brought Jin Shanglin back with her, but she quickly regained her composure. "So you are Young Master Jin. Please take a seat. Please come inside." So she led Li Xiaoxiao and Jin Shanglin to another private room.

At this moment, the princess was still enjoying her meal. In her happiness, she ordered quite a lot of crabs and other dishes.

When Jin Shanglin arrived at the private room, he found it decorated in a classical style, making him feel like he was at home. After a short while, Gu Lan personally placed the menu on the table.

"Manager, just bring me one of each of your signature dishes." Jin Shanglin ordered with a smile, revealing his little tiger teeth, which complemented his shrewd business acumen and added a touch of cuteness.

She was the complete opposite of Qi Yu, but unfortunately, her appearance was still inferior to Qi Yu's.

"Alright, please enjoy your meal, sir." Gu Lan said and left the room.

“Madam Li, I originally wanted to see you last time, but unfortunately, something came up at home and I had to go and handle it.”

"Speak, what is it that you need to talk to me privately?" Judging from Jin Shanglin's appearance, he was determined to pester him.

"Madam Li, this tea has been delayed until now." Jin Shanglin said inexplicably, and then picked up the tea on the table to pour it.

"I have come to see you today to inquire whether I still have a chance to marry you. I have also brought betrothal gifts. If you are willing to divorce your husband and marry me, I will offer you fifty shops, a thousand taels of gold, a hundred bolts of fine cloth as betrothal gifts, and the position of your principal wife. You will rise to a high position sooner or later. Do you intend to stay with Qi Yu forever? He is not even a scholar yet. It will be a long time before he becomes an examiner."

As Jin Shanglin spoke, he poured tea, and the delicate fragrance of the tea wafted around the table.

"Lord Jin is joking. Li Xiaoxiao is already married to someone else, so there is no way she would remarry without cause. Please take back your words, and I will pretend I never said them. If Lord Jin wants to make a friend, then that is fine."

Li Xiaoxiao sat on the stool, looking at Jin Shanglin with a half-smile.

"Well, it's fine to be friends."

The man touched his nose. He hadn't expected Li Xiaoxiao to refuse so decisively, without even a hint of hesitation.

A moment later, there was a knock on the door. Li Xiao said, "Come in."

Shan Yunfang then brought in a plate and served four or five dishes.

As the exquisite dishes were served, Jin Shanglin couldn't help but observe them for a while longer. Several of the dishes were not available at Wanxianglou, and their preparation methods were also quite innovative.

When the crabs arrived, they were neatly arranged on a large, jade-like plate, surrounded by some neatly shaped vegetable leaves and decorated with red peppers. The green edges of the red peppers created a picture of crabs in the grass, giving the whole scene an unexpected and beautiful aesthetic.

When the stir-fried potato shreds and tomato pork rib soup were served, Jin Shanglin was dumbfounded.

These were all dishes he had never eaten before. As the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms (braised chicken feet), Foshan Shadowless Kick (braised pig's trotters), and Kiss Goodbye (snail) were served, Jin Shanglin examined them carefully one by one.

Wanxianglou is still imitating the braising method, but the snails are quite novel; clearly, no one would eat these.

"Young Master Jin, please."

Li Xiaoxiao waved her hand, and Jin Shanglin couldn't wait to start tasting the dishes. He put each dish in his mouth and found them wonderfully delicious. Was this Li Xiaoxiao's skill? She really had business acumen.

Recently, many distinguished guests have been dining at Suixin Pavilion at Wanxianglou. It seems that Wanxianglou also needs to make some serious changes.

“Li Xiaoxiao, I solemnly promise that I am sincere. It is okay if you refuse now. I will keep this offer for you.”

Jin Shanglin stared intently at her, his eyes seemingly overflowing with tender affection, making her extremely uncomfortable. From being single in reality to suddenly having someone treat her like this in the apocalypse, it was truly strange.

"May I call you Xiaoxiao? I feel that calling you Mrs. Li is too distant between friends." Jin Shanglin's eyes were sincere.

"It is possible."

I really want to escape.

"Li Xiaoxiao, are you free in a few days? Let's meet for tea and have a good chat about the business development of the Northern Wei Kingdom."

"Young Master Jin, you are too kind. Does Young Master Jin have something important to discuss? If not, I will take my leave now. I must wait for my husband to return home." If I stay any longer, Qi Yu will have to leave the school, and there will inevitably be another commotion later.

"No, no, I wouldn't make things difficult for you. Xiaoxiao, you should go back now."

Jin Shanglin spoke with a smile, but there was a hint of sorrow in that smile. Li Xiaoxiao didn't care about that and immediately got up and left.

After the beautiful woman left her seat, Jin Shanglin shook his head, suppressed his smile, and continued to eat with his chopsticks. There was still plenty of time, so there was no need to rush or force her.

But he was determined to have Li Xiaoxiao.

Li Xiaoxiao hurried towards the school. It was almost time, and when she arrived at the school, there were indeed many students coming out. Li Xiaoxiao then walked over to Qi Wenzhu's place.

A short while later, Qi Yu came out of the school and saw Li Xiaoxiao and Qi Wenzhu standing together. His expression changed for a moment, but then returned to normal. He walked over to Li Xiaoxiao and asked her in a gentle voice, "My wife, why did you come to the school to find me today?"

"Of course I want to go back with my husband."

Without saying a word, Li Xiaoxiao stepped forward and took Qi Yu's hand. Qi Yu's mood improved, and his eyes were filled with warmth. This man always had a calm and composed demeanor, but even the slightest change in him could be noticed. Being with him was like being bathed in spring rain, or feeling the gentle breeze of spring, which was pleasant and made one's mood linger.

"My wife." Qi Yu was even happier. The three of them walked together, while Qi Wenzhu followed silently behind.

After the three walked away, Jin Shanglin appeared on the street and watched them leave.

The guard standing nearby asked in bewilderment, "Lord Jin, there are countless young ladies from official families in the capital who are ready to marry, so why did you choose this woman who is already married to someone else?"

"Ah Dai, you don't understand, so don't ask too many questions. Just serve her well. From now on, she will be the wife of the third young master of the Jin family."

The two went to Uncle Luo's place together. Uncle Luo had indeed changed to a different carriage. When he saw Li Xiaoxiao and her party, he greeted them, "Madam Li, Master Qi, you've finally arrived. Let's go."

The two boarded the carriage, with Qi Wenzhu riding behind them on horseback with one hand.

Qi Yu remained expressionless throughout the journey, while Uncle Luo and Li Xiaoxiao chatted occasionally.

"Madam Li, shall we take this younger brother-in-law back with us?"

"Yes, Uncle Luo, my brother-in-law spends his days eating, drinking, gambling and whoring. He really should be brought back and disciplined properly to prevent him from causing trouble."

Uncle Luo laughed heartily, “That’s right. My third grandson was also addicted to gambling before. Just the other day he was clamoring to gamble with Qi Wenzhu to make money again. It’s all thanks to Madam Li’s kind heart.”

"It's my brother-in-law who's been a scoundrel," Li Xiaoxiao replied with a smile. The carriage soon arrived at the Li family home.