He was sure she would be tempted by the olive branch he had extended.
Shen Zhiyi politely declined, saying, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness, but I am just a small business owner."
"Having obtained such a luminous pearl is already an unexpected delight; how could we possibly have the ability to find an even larger one for Your Highness?"
"My lord, you flatter me."
She would never give up that luminous pearl.
Even if the emperor came, she wouldn't easily part with the things that Shen Zhiyi liked.
"Although the Jiangnan region is small, it suits my taste perfectly."
"I'm very content here."
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to adapt to a big city like Beijing, where there are many talented people and the city is bustling and ever-changing.”
The smile on Li Zhiyin's lips faded.
Who would complain about having too much money?
She was clearly rejecting him and didn't want to go to the capital.
Li Zhiyin put down his teacup.
Whether it's suitable or not, we'll only know after we go there.
"As a businesswoman, the young lady naturally understands how important it is to have a powerful backer and a benefactor to vouch for you."
“But if we don’t have this backer…” he narrowed his eyes, his voice laced with threat, “then in the future, we may face countless difficulties and find it impossible to move forward.”
There's a saying, "The higher you climb, the harder you fall." With a business this big, you should be even more careful.
Shen Zhiyi's expression also turned cold.
She's never been afraid of anyone's threats in her entire life.
"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Li."
She sneered, "However, after so many years in business, I've learned one thing—it's better to rely on yourself than on others."
"I have absolutely no interest in the capital."
"If Lord Li has nothing else, please return."
She told him to leave.
Li Zhiyin was furious.
He stood up and said directly, "Let's not beat around the bush."
“Miss Chen, you know better than I how Li Xianchuan died. Today, I’m showing you a way out, so don’t refuse a toast only to suffer the consequences.”
"If you are willing to come to the capital with me, I can save your life."
“If you are unwilling…” His expression suddenly turned cold and hard as he warned, “then the Imperial Concubine will send someone else, and they will not be as easy to talk to as I am.”
"I am not as important as the Imperial Concubine."
"At that time, no one will speak up for you, and it will be hard to say what will happen to Miss Shen's life."
He made a blatant threat.
He unfolded his folding fan, gave her a meaningful look, and said, "I'll give you three days to think it over."
"I'll be waiting for your answer in three days."
“Miss Shen is a smart woman; she should know how to choose.”
He turned and left the Shen residence.
Once outside the mansion gate, he took out the compass from his pocket and squinted as he looked into the mansion.
The Taoist priest said that the monster was a mermaid.
The compass kept spinning while he was talking to Shen Zhiyi.
He had glanced at Shen Zhiyi's cuffs.
The corner of fabric peeking out was clearly mermaid gauze!
He had seen this thing once when he was a child, when he was hunting merfolk with his mother's clan, and that's how he recognized it.
If worn, this item will make one invulnerable to swords and spears, protecting one's life.
It is even more precious and rare than a luminous pearl!
If Shen Zhiyi is willing to obediently return to the capital with him three days later, he will take her and her belongings into his household.
If she doesn't want to...
A murderous glint flashed in Li Zhiyin's eyes.
He would rather destroy what he cannot have than let others have it!
He will also eliminate that monster!
Shen Zhiyi saw through his intentions long ago.
After everyone left, he pointed to the teacup that Li Zhiyin had used and said with disgust, "Dui'er, take that teacup and throw it away."
What bad luck!
She got up and walked out of the flower hall.
But then they saw Qingyuan standing under the flowering trees in the corridor, his whole body blending into the shadows, listening for an unknown amount of time.
At this moment, he was staring at her with a deep gaze.
Shen Zhiyi was startled.
"Why weren't you waiting for me in your room?" She approached and saw his gloomy face, and her heart skipped a beat. "What's wrong?"
Qingyuan slowly turned his eyes to look at her, his gaze searching, and a fierce aura emanated from his body.
Will Qingqing go with him?
Leave here.
Leave him.
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