Shen Ning had brought a zither with her when she went out, and at this moment she was in a good mood, so it was the perfect time to play it.
However, she hadn't touched the strings for many, many years, and for a moment she didn't know what tune to play.
From the age of fifteen, she picked up an abacus and began to meticulously calculate, learning the ways of merchants, how to be mercenary and profit-driven. Until her death, she never took out the zither.
In fact, there is no conflict between a businessman's pursuit of profit and his leisurely pursuits. It was because she couldn't bear the pressure, became mentally and physically exhausted, and ultimately trapped herself in her own web, unable to break free.
"clank......"
Shen Ning slowly plucked the strings, producing neither a melody nor a tune, but she found it incredibly pleasing to the ear. The sound of the zither spread out in circles, dispelling the unseen and intangible gloom.
Yu Zhu trotted in, carrying freshly baked pastries: "Miss, please try them. Aunt Wang's lotus-shaped pastries are so delicious."
There is a lotus pond in Shenning Manor. Aunt Wang, who manages the manor, is best at making various delicacies from lotus flowers, lotus leaves, lotus roots, and lotus seeds.
Before Shen Ning could even make a move, a small paw gripped the edge of the table, eagerly reaching for the lotus-shaped pastry.
Yu Zhu gently patted her: "Miss hasn't eaten yet, you have no manners."
Shen Ning took a piece of lotus-shaped pastry and tasted it. It was sweet but not greasy, and it tasted familiar.
He glanced at the silly little boy squatting to the side, took a piece, put it in an empty cup, and handed it to him: "Eat it."
The little fool has a delicate and spirited face. She looks quite normal with her eyes closed, but once she opens them, her clear and innocent eyes reveal her true nature completely.
Mo Xue'er, Mo Lin's younger sister, is a little fool.
Shen Ning had always thought she was a strong-willed and beautiful young woman, but she was pleasantly surprised when they met.
After the two recovered from their injuries, Shen Ning brought them to the manor. Mo Lin worked hard without ever complaining. His only request was to leave his younger sister behind. Otherwise, if he sent the little fool back alone, no one would know when she died.
Forced buy-one-get-one-free offer.
Shen Ning wasn't an unfeeling person; she could stay, but she had to squeeze money out of Mo Lin anyway.
Mo Lin didn't know what he said to this silly girl, but after seeing Shen Ning, he kept sticking to her.
She was well-behaved and not annoying, staying at a distance from Shen Ning, playing with pebbles and twigs by herself, like a little animal.
Yu Zhu and Liu Ying both knew about the girl's plight. They sympathized with her and felt sorry for her, but they still felt a little dissatisfied.
“Miss, I don’t think she’s particularly stupid. She can still be taught. If she wants to stay by your side, she can’t be completely ignorant.”
Shen Ning wiped her hands: "Okay, sure."
After saying that, she turned her head and flicked Mo Xue's head with her finger: "If you want to stay by my side, you'd better listen to Sister Yuzhu, understand?"
Mo Xue blinked, nodded, then shook her head, unsure whether she understood or not.
Shen Ning stayed at the manor for a few days. Apart from looking at the account books, he would go boating on the lake, admire the lotus flowers and drink tea, and occasionally go to the mountainside to pick some wild fruits and vegetables.
She thought it was normal, but Du Yunzhi was extremely envious.
Although she enjoys making money, who doesn't like to have fun? However, she's currently unavailable, which is frustrating!
"Young Miss."
Shen Ning felt warm and cozy under the sun, and was a little lazy. When she heard someone calling her, she hesitated for a moment before looking up.
His tall figure blocked most of the sunlight, instantly making the area much cooler; it was Mo Lin.
After Mo Lin tidied it up, it actually looked quite decent.
He had regular features, slightly deeper than the average person, with sharp eyebrows, beast-like eyes, and a fierce gaze.
Having spent years hunting and working, his skin was dark, he was tall and strong, and his muscles were full of power, exuding an aggressive aura even though he was covered by clothes.
A very healthy and strong adult man.
Because of Mo Lin's presence, Shen Ning's former servants became more obedient and well-behaved.
Shen Ning is not a woman who puts her husband first, but the fact is that, whether it is humans or animals, men have a far greater deterrent effect than women.
This is why Shen Ning previously considered marrying Wei Congwen.
She doesn't want to get married now, and having Mo Lin has solved that problem. The only thing that bothers her is probably...
Her gaze slowly fell on Mo Lin's fist. Tsk, this punch could kill three of her.
The next moment, Mo Lin knelt down in front of her: "Miss, it's time to go back."
Shen Ning sat down, while Mo Lin squatted down, their eyes level.
It's unclear what he sensed, but his aura softened, and he looked like a huge yet loyal mastiff.
"Okay, let's go."
-----
The first visitor to Shenning was an unexpected person, Li Shaobai.
"Miss Chen, I am passing through this area on my way back. May I have a cup of tea?"
Shen Ning raised his hand: "Young Master Li, please."
Li Shaobai looked around. The manor where Shen Ning was staying was not large. The main building was built against the mountain, with three small pavilions next to it. In the middle was an open space, with azaleas planted on both sides. The whole place was surrounded by a wall less than two meters high. At first glance, it was simple and clear.
At first glance, it looks like an ordinary manor, but once you walk up to the main house and stand on the steps, you can see lush green mountains and layered peaks.
Facing south, it enjoys the sunrise and sunset, and all four seasons in one view.
Li Shaobai couldn't help but be surprised: "Miss Shen has found a good place."
Shen Ning led Li Shaobai to the attic: "This is our ancestral property, it's been around for over a hundred years."
"Young Master Li, please have a seat."
The attic door opens, and a tea table is placed by the door, offering a wider view.
Li Shaobai sighed softly, "Mountain breeze, beautiful scenery, and fragrant tea—it really is a good place to recuperate."
Shen Ning found it hard not to agree with this.
Yu Zhu brought up the tea, and Shen Ning told her to leave: "Take her with you when you're at it."
Yu Zhu turned her head and almost forgot about this little fool.
Shen Ning leaned gently against the armrest: "I don't come here without a reason. Young Master Li, please speak frankly."
She knew that Li Shaobai wanted to see her, and guessed that it was about Jinbaolou, but the first thing Li Shaobai said shocked her.
"Shen Ning, you almost killed me."
"Um?"
Li Shaobai's solemn expression didn't seem like he was lying. He looked deeply into Shen Ning's eyes and asked, "Do you know where your gold brick came from?"
Shen Ning had a guess: "The national treasury."
Li Shaobai let out a heavy sigh: "Every gold brick in the national treasury has a number and year, and there is a clear record of every gold brick that leaves the treasury. I traced the gold brick and found that it was released four years ago to be used for the construction of the Rongjiang Dam."
His expression gradually turned cold, carrying a warning: "I don't know what Miss Shen wants to investigate, but you'd better stop here, or you will surely face annihilation."
He didn't finish his tea before getting up and leaving.
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