Seeing Li Xi's slightly tipsy appearance, Feng Monian's heart stirred. He was about to reach out to help her when he saw her smile gently, put down her wine glass, and stand up. Li Xi stretched, her movements fluid and natural.
Feng Monian withdrew his hand and said with a smile, "Brother Li, you flatter me. I'm just used to drinking. A thousand cups are not enough when drinking with a bosom friend. From now on, you only need to call me Brother Feng, and we will address each other as brothers."
His tone was relaxed and cheerful, as if he had truly established a deep brotherly bond with Li Xi.
Li Xi was incredibly surprised, unable to believe that the big shot would actually propose to become sworn brothers with her.
Upon their return, Chairman Wang recounted the events at Yinxian Manor to them.
Li Xi then realized that Feng Monian was actually a powerful figure whose status and influence far exceeded her imagination.
Fortunately, she had been very respectful to Feng Monian from the beginning, and apart from falling asleep in his carriage, she thought carefully that she had not done anything else inappropriate.
Li Xi replied humbly, "Master Feng, what virtue or ability do I possess to presume to be your brother?" She knew that the ancients valued humility and worried that accepting the offer directly would leave an impression of being opportunistic and frivolous. Therefore, she decided to respond to Feng Monian's proposal with even greater caution.
“Young Master Li, you don’t need to be so modest. We hit it off immediately and feel very compatible. We will be doing business together in the future, and we should get to know each other better,” Feng Monian said sincerely.
"Brother Feng, I hope you will take good care of me and give me more guidance in the future." Li Xi accepted the other party's offer frankly, as it would seem a bit pretentious to refuse again.
The moon was bright and the stars were few; the night sky was clear and bright. The silvery moonlight cast long shadows of the two people, as if silently telling the story of a beautiful encounter.
Li Xi and her team acted swiftly, mainly because the owner of the manor offered them generous rewards.
He paid a one-time franchise fee of 50,000 taels of silver, and also received quarterly dividends. The owner of the estate received 70%, and the entrepreneurial team received 30%. This arrangement greatly motivated Li Xi and her team, enabling them to quickly get started.
The next morning, Master Feng led Li Xi and Chairman Wang to Mu City. Chairman Wang insisted on riding with her own coachman, as she was a single woman and should pay attention to her image when out in public.
"Second brother, I've heard that your martial arts skills are quite high. I wonder if there's a chance for us to spar?" Master Feng said with a smile as he watched Li Xi wiping her sword.
Second brother? When did they swear brotherhood in the Peach Garden? Weren't they just drunkenly talking last night? Doesn't swearing brotherhood involve burning incense and dripping blood to seal the oath?
However, since it's rare for a big shot to recognize her as a subordinate, how could she refuse?
"Brother Feng, please stop teasing me. My skills are so rudimentary that I can barely defend myself," Li Xi replied with a smile.
Feng Monian gazed at Li Xi, his eyes filled with doting affection and admiration. Because the mask concealed most of his expression, Li Xi was unaware of the tenderness and affection that filled Feng Monian's eyes at that moment.
Looking at the scenery through the car window, Li Xi was suddenly inspired. She took out a charcoal stick and immersed herself in her painting world, depicting her creativity and inspiration.
This charcoal bar is not made from ordinary charcoal from a stove, but from carefully selected willow wood fired in a charcoal kiln using special techniques.
Her room contained a large box of charcoal sticks of various hardnesses, and she also collected many kinds of drawing paper—all treasures for art students.
Whenever she was about to travel far from home, Ling'er would always prepare her backpack exceptionally well, filling it with all sorts of necessities.
Lord Feng was very curious about Li Xi's actions, but seeing how focused she was, he did not disturb her.
He quietly picked up the painting that was placed aside and began to appreciate it carefully.
The style of this painting was completely different from what he had seen before. Although he had appreciated many charcoal drawings, he had never seen such a unique painting technique before.
How many secrets is she still hiding? Looking at Li Xi's profile, Master Feng couldn't help but feel a ripple of curiosity and exploration in his heart.
Li Xi put down the charcoal stick in her hand and then noticed that Master Feng was looking at her. She couldn't help but feel a little strange. "Brother Feng, what's wrong? Is there something on my face?"
Feng Monian moved closer to her, and Li Xi couldn't help but catch her breath. Huh? Could it be that he has that kind of fetish?
He gently rubbed her face with his fingers, as if caring for a baby's skin, and softly reminded her, "You have some charcoal ash on your face."
"Huh?" Li Xi was momentarily stunned, not expecting him to make such a sudden move. Her heart suddenly raced.
She didn't know how to respond for a moment, and just subconsciously raised her hand to touch her face. Her fingers were covered with some charcoal ash. "Thank you, Brother Feng."
Feng Monian asked curiously, "Brother, your painting style is very elegant and unique. May I ask who your teacher is?"
"It was just a casual sketch," Li Xi replied casually, trying to defuse the sudden awkwardness and tension.
"I see, my brother is truly gifted," Feng Monian exclaimed.
"Here, have some tea." Feng Monian handed Li Xi a cup of tea, the temperature of which was just right.
"Thank you." Li Xi took the teacup, took a sip, and felt a slight sweetness on her tongue. The aroma of the tea slowly seeped from her nose to her throat, bringing an indescribable sense of ease and comfort to her entire body.
The manor lord lifted the carriage curtain and looked into the distance. Dust billowed ahead, and the sounds of clashing weapons filled the air. He frowned and said to his attendant, "Go see what's going on."
The attendant left in response, and soon returned to report: "The manor lord is being attacked by a group of bandits, and the man seems to be exhausted."
After a moment's thought, the manor lord said, "Let's go take a look." With that, he and Li Xi got off the carriage.
The man was surrounded and, despite his desperate resistance, was still in grave danger. He looked at Li Xi, seemingly recognizing him, and said, "Young master, please help me."
Li Xi was taken aback. She recognized the man; he was the same man who had collapsed on the roadside that day and asked her to take him in.
Li Xi was somewhat surprised; what a coincidence! She was filled with doubt, wondering what the other party's intentions were.
She intended to turn and leave, but curiosity compelled her to stay and see what the other person was up to.
Just as they were about to offer their assistance, Lord Feng had already sent men to help them. His followers were all martial arts masters, and these bandits were no match for them.
In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the bandits fled in panic.
Although the man was dressed in fine clothes, after the fight, he was covered in dust and dirt, losing his former splendor. His clothes were tattered, and his face was covered in dust and blood, making him look utterly wretched.
Nevertheless, he bowed to everyone and said, "Thank you all for your help."
The man looked at Li Xi with delight, "I didn't expect to meet you here, young master."
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