The next day.

Shen Zhiyi woke up rubbing her lower back.

She glanced at the sleeping person beside her and sighed inwardly.

How come I never noticed before that he was such a glutton?

After drinking one pot, they brought out another...

Her whole body was...

Shen Zhiyi blushed for a moment, shook her head, shook off those romantic images, carefully got up, and slipped out of bed.

Wait until she leaves.

Qingyuan slowly opened his eyes, his dark eyes fixed on the tightly closed door.

Restaurant.

Li Zhiyin waited quietly in the private room for a long time, and finally Shen Zhiyi entered.

"Miss Chen, you've finally arrived."

He stood up in surprise.

Shen Zhiyi placed the bundle she was carrying on the table. "Lord Li, you have been waiting for a long time."

Li Zhiyin looked at the bundle on the table.

"This is?"

Shen Zhiyi asked, "Lord Li said he wants to do business with me, is that true?"

Looking at her eyebrows and eyes, and the fine beads of sweat on her neck from her journey, Li Zhiyin felt a dryness in his throat and nodded repeatedly.

"The three-day deadline is approaching. What has your decision been, young lady?"

"If you are willing to come to the capital with me, that would be wonderful."

“If you are unwilling…” His gaze shifted, “I can also persuade the Imperial Concubine to hand over the salt transport business in Jiangnan to you.”

"As long as you... agree to be my woman."

"I can guarantee you a prosperous future in Jiangnan."

His eyes held undisguised greed.

As long as she agrees, once the deed is done, where they go will be up to him.

Shen Zhiyi felt a chill.

He chuckled and backed away.

"Lord Li is joking."

"The salt transport is the most important business in Jiangnan. I'm just a small business owner. How could I have such great ability and ambition?"

She appeared calm on the surface, but was inwardly utterly astonished.

Salt transport.

This is the best job out of the best.

How could the Imperial Concubine have such power to interfere in such important court affairs?

The Li family has really stretched their reach so far...

Aren't you afraid of being purged by the emperor one day?

She knew it perfectly well.

Li Zhiyin may have sweet words, but if you actually agree to his proposal and get on the Li family's pirate ship, it would be wishful thinking to think about getting off.

She didn't want to get involved in this mess.

Especially when it comes to associating with people like Li Zhiyin.

It made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

She opened the bundle, saying, "If you really want to do business with me, you can just buy these things from me."

"I dare not ask for anything else."

Li Zhiyin was rejected by her again, suppressing his strong dissatisfaction.

Looking down, I was shocked.

"Miss Chen, you actually have so many mermaid pearls?!"

Shen Zhiyi nodded. "Lord Li only asked whether he wanted it or not?"

She had thought about it.

Li Zhiyin was the cousin of the Imperial Concubine and also controlled the business in Jiangnan. He was the only person who could produce a huge amount of silver notes in a short period of time.

He was also eager to find rare and precious treasures that could please the Empress Dowager.

So many mermaid pearls are enough for him to complete his task.

Therefore, he is the best buyer.

As soon as she gets the money, she can run away and leave Jiangnan.

She disappeared.

Qingyuan will definitely find Li Zhiyin as soon as possible.

She wouldn't travel with Li Zhiyin, and the Imperial Concubine might make trouble for her because of Li Xianchuan's death. Therefore, Qingyuan would definitely assume that she wouldn't go to the capital.

Once she had bought enough time and arrived in the capital, she would disguise herself and change her route to another place.

At that time, the world will be vast...

She can then disappear without a trace!

Shen Zhiyi felt that her plan was perfect.

Li Zhiyin's gaze lingered on the pile of mermaid pearls for a moment before he opened his folding fan to conceal the scheming look on his lips.

He said gently, "It is said that mermaids are cold-hearted and ignorant of human affairs, so it is almost impossible to make them shed tears."

"The young lady has such skill in obtaining so many mermaid pearls."

He held the fan ribs and tapped the table.

"If you're willing to hand over the mermaids and the method to make them weep..."

“Lord Li,” Shen Zhiyi interrupted him, her voice cold, “I will only sell these mermaid pearls; I cannot grant you the rest.”

The smile on Li Zhiyin's lips disappeared.

His gaze gradually darkened.

Shen Zhiyi repeatedly rejected him.

They really don't know what's good for them.

Today, let's just tie her up and take her back!

When the time comes, they will seize both the treasure and the person, and the mermaid might even come looking for her out of concern for her safety.

Once the Imperial Concubine's talisman arrives, we can capture the mermaids and wipe them all out in one fell swoop!

Li Zhiyin slammed his folding fan shut.

He felt a hidden packet of muscle relaxant in his sleeve and flicked it away!

Shen Zhiyi was prepared.

She covered herself with a handkerchief, got up, grabbed her bundle, and ran outside!

She hired two thugs who were waiting outside the door.

Li Zhiyin's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he no longer concealed it, lunging straight at them.

"Trying to run away?!"

He was going to knock her unconscious and take her away!

Bang--!

The door was kicked open!

Shen Zhiyi's eyes lit up.

The thugs have arrived!

"Quickly, save him..." She froze when she saw Qingyuan's gloomy face.

"Why is it you?"

Qingyuan's gaze passed over her, landing darkly on Li Zhiyin's face and on his fingers that were gripping the hem of Shen Zhiyi's clothes.

A terrifying aura suddenly emanated from his body.

"You're courting death." He coldly curled his lips, his silver hair flying wildly in an instant, stirring up a frenzied killing intent.

Airflow oscillation.

All the decorations inside the house were blown away!

Li Zhiyin was pushed backward by an invisible force and slammed hard against the wall!

He coughed up a mouthful of blood.

Before they could react, a figure approached like lightning.

Grab his neck tightly!

They lifted him off the ground.

Li Zhiyin's face turned purplish-red, his eyes bulged, and he stared at the man in front of him in terror.

"Qingyuan!" Shen Zhiyi exclaimed in alarm, rushing over to grab his bulging forearm. "Don't kill him!"

If Li Zhiyin also dies, the Imperial Concubine will definitely not let it go!

The waiter saw her enter Li Zhiyin's private room. If he were to die now, everyone would know that she would be implicated.

At that time, her arrest warrants will be plastered all over the country!

How could she possibly run away?

We absolutely cannot get involved in a murder case at this time!

If you're going to kill her, at least wait until she runs away!

Qingyuan slowly turned his gaze, staring at her in disbelief, a strong jealousy welling up in his crimson eyes.

"Are you protecting him?"