Chapter 31
Preparations for the new store are proceeding at a rapid pace. With Lu Jinxian's ample financial and networking support, as well as Han Meng's ingenious business ideas and hands-on approach, the store is thriving.
"Xinglinchun" is the name they chose for their new store, combining the concepts of a pharmacy and a health-preserving bathhouse.
The shop is spacious and bright, divided into a front pharmacy, a middle clinic, and also has specially set up women's private rooms, as well as a separate bathing and physiotherapy area in the back. The design is novel and the functions are complete. It has already attracted a lot of attention even before it opened.
That day, Han Meng was confirming the design of the last batch of medicine cabinets with the craftsmen when Lu Jinxian walked over, holding an invitation in his hand.
"The invitation to Miss Lin Yi's farewell banquet has arrived." He handed the invitation to Han Meng. "She specifically noted that she hopes the two of us can attend together."
Han Meng accepted the exquisitely crafted invitation and felt a pang of emotion as she recalled what Lin Yi had said at her foot massage parlor that day.
With a renowned opera singer retiring, this banquet must have been extremely grand.
Lin Yi's special invitation to the two of them clearly indicated that she considered them friends, and it might also be because of the cooperation on that batch of throat lozenges.
“Okay, let’s go together.” Han Meng nodded.
This is also a good opportunity for "Xinglinchun" to expand his network.
Lu Jinxian frowned as he looked at the faint dark circles under her eyes: "You've been working too hard these past few days. Go home and rest early tonight. I'll look after things here."
His tone was natural, carrying an undeniable concern. Ever since that night when he put on his coat, a subtle understanding seemed to have developed between them.
He still adhered to the boundaries of "partnership," but his meticulous care was ever-present, such as reminding her to eat, silently taking over her work when she was tired, or, like now, simply telling her to go and rest.
Han Meng found it increasingly difficult to view this concern simply as a favor between business partners.
She even began to get used to it, and... crave the feeling of having someone to fight alongside her and support her.
"I'm fine..." she instinctively tried to refuse.
"Listen to me." Lu Jinxian interrupted her, his voice low and carrying a rare hint of forcefulness. "You look terrible. If you collapse from exhaustion, who will oversee the opening?"
It was still the same reason: "afraid of delaying business," but the warmth in his eyes couldn't lie.
Han Meng's heart skipped a few beats again, much to her dismay.
She looked away and said softly, "...Alright then, I'll leave this to you."
As she turned to leave, she felt her ears burning.
·
Lin Yi's farewell banquet was held in an elegant residence under her own name.
That evening, the venue was packed with guests, including political and business figures, literary figures, and many famous actors from the Peking Opera world.
Lin Yi wore an elegant cheongsam, shedding the heavy makeup of the stage, making her appear even more refined and ethereal, with a hint of determination and relief in her eyes.
When she saw Han Meng and Lu Jinxian arrive together, a knowing smile flashed across her eyes, and she personally went to greet them.
"Miss Han, Young Master Lu, thank you for your presence." She was well-mannered, exchanging a few pleasantries with Han Meng before her gaze fell on Lu Jinxian, a hint of scrutiny in her eyes, which then softened into a gentle smile. "Young Master Lu, I've long admired you. Meeting you today, your bearing is indeed extraordinary. Standing next to Miss Han, you two are quite a perfect match." Her words were cleverly chosen, sounding both polite and subtly suggestive.
Lu Jinxian responded calmly: "You flatter me, Master Lin. I wish you all the best in your retirement, that you may find your true desires and live a life of boundless freedom."
Lin Yi gave him a deep look, then looked at Han Meng and smiled, "Thank you for your kind words, Third Young Master Lu. I also wish you both... a pleasant cooperation and all your wishes come true." She emphasized the words "pleasant cooperation" slightly, her eyes carrying a friendly teasing tone.
Han Meng's face flushed slightly, and she could only respond with a smile.
After the banquet began, Lin Yi went on stage and sang a song a cappella, which was her final farewell to the stage.
Her voice remained melodious and moving, carrying a subtle hint of melancholy and determination.
After her performance, she solemnly presented the throat lozenges specially made by Hanmeng Pharmacy as a thank-you gift to her friends from the Peking Opera world who were present. She also made a point of explaining the efficacy and source of the medicine, which can be regarded as an excellent promotion for "Xinglinchun".
Throughout the gathering, people kept coming over to greet Lu Jinxian and Han Meng. Although Lu Jinxian was usually low-key, his status as the third young master of the Lu family was undeniable, and the recent news of his collaboration with Han Meng to open "Xinglin Chun" had spread like wildfire, arousing the curiosity of many.
He handled the situation with grace and spoke eloquently, quickly engaging in pleasant conversation with several people interested in medicine and health preservation.
Han Meng followed beside him, watching him navigate with ease among all sorts of people, calm and confident, a stark contrast to his usual sickly image, who occasionally coughed and needed her "care".
A subtle feeling of pride quietly grew within her.
"It seems that Young Master Lu is no ordinary person." A slightly familiar voice sounded beside me.
Han Meng turned her head and saw Xu Shuyi.
He held his wine glass, looking at Lu Jinxian chatting with someone in the crowd, his eyes filled with admiration, but also a hint of complicated emotion.
"Principal Xu," Han Meng greeted.
Xu Shuyi withdrew his gaze, looked at Han Meng, and smiled: "Miss Han has a discerning eye. Young Master Lu is a man of great hidden talent. Your cooperation is a perfect match."
Han Meng sensed the underlying meaning in his words, but she humbly replied, "Principal Xu, you flatter me. We are simply doing what we need and trying our best to make the business a success."
Xu Shuyi gave her a deep look, then suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Miss Han, there are some things that perhaps I shouldn't say. But as your mentor, seeing how outstanding you are now, I can't help but say a few words. Lu Jinxian is a man of strong character, not an ordinary playboy. If he cares about you, he truly cares. However... he comes from such a family, and he himself has... some unavoidable circumstances. His future may not be smooth. You... should take good care of yourself."
His words carried genuine concern and also revealed that he seemed to know something about Lu Jinxian.
Han Meng's heart skipped a beat. Could it be that Xu Shuyi also knew the inside story of Lu Jinxian's "faking illness"? Or did he know more about the Lu family?
"Thank you for your guidance, Principal Xu. I've taken it to heart," Han Meng said earnestly. Xu Shuyi's words deepened her curiosity about Lu Jinxian, and she also vaguely sensed that the challenges they would face in the future might extend beyond just business.
As the banquet drew to a close, Han Meng went to the restroom to touch up her makeup. When she came out, she encountered Lu Jinxian, who was leaning alone against the railing in the corridor.
The moonlight, like water, bathed him, outlining his handsome features.
He seemed to be deep in thought, his profile somewhat hazy in the moonlight, carrying an indescribable sense of loneliness.
Han Meng paused for a moment, but still walked over.
"Why are you here all alone? Are you feeling unwell?" she asked softly, with a concern she herself was unaware of.
Lu Jinxian turned around at the sound of her voice. Seeing her, the loneliness in his eyes quickly faded, replaced by a gentle smile. "No, it was just a bit stuffy inside, so I came out for some fresh air." He looked at her; in the moonlight, her face appeared even more beautiful and captivating. "And you? Are you tired?"
"It's alright." Han Meng walked to his side and looked at the moonlight in the courtyard with him. "Tonight was a great success. Lin Dajia helped us promote it. 'Xinglinchun' has already made a name for itself even before it has opened."
"Yes, thanks to the good karma you created back then." Lu Jinxian nodded, his gaze falling on her face with appreciation.
The two fell silent for a moment, quietly enjoying the rare tranquility.
A gentle evening breeze carries the fragrance of flowers and grass.
"Han Meng." Lu Jinxian suddenly spoke, his voice sounding particularly deep in the night.
"Hmm?" Han Meng responded subconsciously, her heart inexplicably racing.
He rarely called her by her name directly.
Lu Jinxian remained silent for a moment, as if making a decision.
He turned his head, his gaze fixed intently on her, the emotions surging within him no longer those of a restrained partner: "I..."
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps broke the tranquility under the moonlight.
"Third Young Master! Miss Han!" Lu Jinxian's attendant rushed over, his face anxious. "Something terrible has happened! We've received news from home that Miss Baozhu... Miss Baozhu is missing!"
Lu Jinxian's expression changed drastically: "What's going on?!"
Han Meng's heart leaped into her throat: Lu Baozhu? Lu Jinxian's sister has disappeared?
"It's said that he went out with his classmates this afternoon and hasn't returned yet. The people sent to look for him haven't found him either... The master and the eldest young master are extremely worried!"
Lu Jinxian immediately said to Han Meng, "Sorry, I have to go back right away!"
"I'll go with you!" Han Meng blurted out without thinking. Although Lu Baozhu was mischievous, she wasn't a bad person at heart, and besides, she was her brother's sister; she couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
Lu Jinxian gave her a deep look, but did not refuse. He simply said in a deep voice, "Okay!"
At this moment, the concepts of "partners" and boundaries were shattered by this unexpected turn of events. They are now partners facing the crisis together...
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