Leng Lingxiao’s thin lips hooked slightly, his sword-like eyebrows lifted just enough to make his mood—whether pleased or angry—inscrutable.
At this mont, if it had been anyone else in the villa, they would have already been scared stiff, keeping as far away as possible. However, Zhao Renjie showed no restraint or timidity.
He slowly bent down, picked up the bank card from the ground, and then stood back up neatly beside Leng Lingxiao, waiting for the next work directive.
If his mory served him right, there should be an amount from an overseas transfer in the card, which had been deposited less than half an hour ago.
Just like that, it’s bent; it’s my fault for speaking out of turn.
Perhaps Lin Xiaoxiao really... Never mind, the master’s decisions are always right; let her be!
Fate determines life and death, riches and honor are decreed by heaven.
Suddenly, a red and white koi fish got trapped by the water plants, unable to free itself.
Leng Lingxiao’s jaw tensed, his brows slightly furrowed as he carefully parted the water plants to set the fish free.
There were six koi fish in total, each with a different color.
They had lived here for several years now, moving lazily or contentedly still.
Over the years, Leng Lingxiao had acquired quite a few properties, mostly spread out across major cities both dostically and internationally. Hence, where he settled was always a possibility, and without any discernible pattern.
However, the South Suburb Villa was an exception; even during his busiest tis, he would visit twice a month without fail.
Qingcheng was a small place with underdeveloped trade.
This was also one of the reasons why Li Wanshan and Second Aunt Lai looked down on Tang Xiaowan.
They believed that girls from the backwoods were either after money or vainly yearning for the high life, with no true feelings for Li Zishen, and only aiming to marry into wealth.
Leng Lingxiao always kept his travels secret, but this ti, he had deliberately let his whereabouts be known.
For instance, this morning, Leng Lingxiao’s driver took the car to the gas station at the Nanshan Highway entrance. While waiting for a car wash, he discussed travel plans and the selection of a site for a pharmaceutical factory with Zhao Renjie.
Just as Li Zishen’s people were refueling there, the news quickly reached Bai Long’s ears.
Lingxiao Group and Yishen Group were recently competing for the dostic pharmaceutical market, and related topics and each other’s movents were closely monitored.
Suddenly, the sound of a clock chiming broke the silence.
At that mont, Leng Lingxiao was still feeding the koi fish.
Normally, when he wasn’t in Qingcheng, the fountain was maintained by a dedicated person, with a monthly salary of ten thousand yuan.
Moreover, the caretaker also received a bonus during the New Year. The only stipulation was that the six koi fish couldn’t suffer any accidents; they had to be healthy and alive, or it wouldn’t be as simple as a layoff.
Seeing Leng Lingxiao engrossed in observing the fish and not concerned about lunch, Zhao Renjie cautiously approached.
"Master, I received a ssage this morning that Lady Tang is very likely to return to Jin City this afternoon. Yesterday, I had soone thoroughly clean the house there; all the furniture has been replaced with the latest models, ready for occupancy at any ti. Do you see anything else that needs preparation?"
Hearing this, Leng Lingxiao imdiately turned around, his eyes smiling as he looked at Zhao Renjie, "Hmm, not bad, you’ve done well. Put a few more pots of flowers."
"Yes, Master."
Indeed, as soon as Lady Tang was ntioned, the mood of the master always seed to lighten considerably.
Now it was all right to discuss the main topic.
Zhao Renjie thought so, and a slight smile ford on his face as he spoke again, "Master, once you’ve finished feeding the fish, perhaps you could have a al? There’s braised pig’s trotters, cooked with top-quality rock candy, the color is very appealing. Would you... like to try so?"
While speaking, Zhao Renjie stared fixedly at Leng Lingxiao, emphasizing the word "rock candy."
Ever since Leng Lingxiao ca back from i Garden yesterday, he hadn’t eaten anything, and Zhao Renjie was very worried, especially since he had a flight to catch to Huang City in the evening.
"Hmm, go prepare it, I’m hungry too."
Although Leng Lingxiao’s voice was very low, it was, after all, an agreent, which, for a butler like Zhao Renjie, was better than anything.
"Yes, Master, I’ll go right away."
"And add a side dish."
"Of course, Master."
Zhao Renjie bowed and then departed.
Halfway through, he made a special call to instruct the chef to imdiately prepare an appetizer that the master enjoyed and to arrange for soone to bring the pot of lean at porridge to the dining room. It needed to be warm, not too hot.
Zhao Renjie was sincerely happy that his master was finally willing to eat.
Ten minutes later, Leng Lingxiao went to the dining room.
It wasn’t as luxurious as Li Garden, with its oversized rectangular carved dining table and various crafts displayed all around, but it was quite simple and elegant, featuring only a small round table for four and two pots of fiery red bougainvillea.
Spoonful by spoonful of the lean at porridge went into his mouth, but Leng Lingxiao still seed preoccupied.
"Old Zhao, what ti in the afternoon?"
"The latest information I got is six o’clock. They’ll set off after dinner, but they might leave four bodyguards behind to help with renovation matters."
The air seed to solidify suddenly, frightfully quiet.
The ceramic spoon stirred round and round in the porridge, a glint flashing across his deep eyes.
After a pause of a few seconds, Leng Lingxiao’s thin lips curved slightly. After taking another sip of the lean at porridge, he picked up the braised pig’s trotter and took a big bite.
Slow and careful chewing wasn’t his style.
In this regard, he resembled Tang Xiaowan.
Zhao Renjie took two steps closer and asked softly, "Master, should we be concerned about the trouble on our hands?"
"The flavor is good; pack two for the road."
"Yes, Master."
Zhao Renjie nodded and stepped back into place.
He had anticipated that Li Zishen’s departure ti might co up in conversation, and he was glad he had just reconfird it, as it turned out to be the right guess.
"This shredded lettuce is well seasoned too; keep it up tomorrow."
"Yes, Master. Should I also..."
Just as Zhao Renjie was about to ask about taking the chef along when leaving Qingcheng in the evening, Leng Lingxiao’s phone suddenly rang.
The caller ID was singularly unusual, with just one character: "Endure."
Zhao Renjie, seeing this, said nothing and silently left the dining room.
Imdiately, a low greeting ca through the dark red wooden partition, "It’s been a while since I’ve heard your voice. Didn’t expect... you’re still alive, huh?"
The air suddenly beca as still as death.
...
anwhile.
Zhao Renjie had just walked out of the hallway and hadn’t even had a chance to catch his breath when he saw Tian Jiaojiao hurrying over with two folders in her arms.
She was Leng Lingxiao’s assistant, 25 years old.
Her daily work mainly focused on organizing and summarizing the internal docunts of the group, holding a rank below the chief assistant, senior assistant, and administrative assistant.
She graduated from a prestigious university and was quite astute.
However, her high heels made a very grating clinking sound as they touched the marble steps. Fearing he might disturb Leng Lingxiao, Zhao Renjie imdiately waved to her, gesturing for her to be quieter.
"Is the Chairman feeding the fish?" Tian Jiaojiao imdiately lowered her voice and asked.
"No, he’s on a call."
Tian Jiaojiao nodded thoughtfully and then replied, "Oh, got it. Thanks for the heads-up, Brother Zhao. I guess I’ll go in later then."
"It’ll be quick, no more than 3 minutes."
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