Chapter 302: He is just a

In front of the spacious gate of the Wei Fu, the atmosphere was somewhat heavy.

Xiao Ming was the first to speak, his tone carrying a hint of interrogation: "Lin Mo, what are you doing here?"

Lin Mo was stunned for a moment, then immediately smiled: "I came to find the Wei family to discuss some business matters. Brother Xiao, what about you?"

Xiao Ming frowned, clearly not believing him: "I am friends with Miss Wei."

During this period, Xiao Ming had been acting as a sycophant by Wei Manying's side, and he had indeed never heard of any relationship between the Wei family and Lin Mo.

However, Xiao Ming ignored Lin Mo for the moment and instead looked at Fang Qian beside him with a fierce expression, saying: "Official Fang, why are you here? Don't tell me you're using the excuse of an investigation to get close to Miss Wei again?"

Fang Qian felt a surge of anger at Xiao Ming's sarcasm, but he truly lacked a legitimate reason to approach that stunning woman, Wei Manying. So, with a "humph," he claimed he was just passing by and left the area.

Watching Fang Qian's "defeated dog" appearance, Xiao Ming felt incomparably smug.

Because he knew that Fang Qian, like himself, was a heaven-gifted genius, and what made a genius feel happy was crushing other geniuses.

Moreover, his master—the remnant soul of a Sage within his necklace—had just said that Fang Qian's aura was very ancient, suggesting he cultivated the Primordial Sword Intent, which could not be underestimated.

Now, in Xiao Ming's eyes, so what? He still had to scram in front of him.

In truth, if Xiao Ming had been alone, Fang Qian might not have left.

But Fang Qian seemed to perceive that Lin Mo and Xiao Ming were in cahoots, and he would be at a disadvantage if he made a move now, so he chose to leave first.

However, Fang Qian noted this grudge.

At this moment, Wei Manying walked out. As soon as she appeared, she made people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze, her beauty stunning everyone present.

She possessed not only the youthful innocence of a young girl but also a hint of unique allure.

The moment Xiao Ming saw her, he seemed to forget all his troubles.

In fact, she had been watching from nearby just now; she was already accustomed to men fighting over her.

Back when she was living incognito in the Imperial Capital, this situation occurred frequently.

Lin Mo knew Wei Manying's true identity, but he just didn't know why she was entangled with Xiao Ming.

At this moment, Lin Mo was thinking: Could it be that when Xiao Ming was drinking yesterday, the woman he said he was pursuing and almost had in his grasp wasn't Lin Yue'e? How did he end up here?

Xiao Ming was also thinking: Oh no, could it be that the woman who made Lin Mo's heart flutter yesterday was Miss Wei?

However, since Wei Manying was right there, neither of them could speak up.

At Wei Manying's invitation, the two of them entered the Wei Fu.

To maintain the lie, during their conversation, Lin Mo indicated to Xiao Ming that he was responsible for the construction of the rail train, and since the rail train required massive investment, merchant clans could also participate as shareholders and receive dividends.

He had known Wei Manying for a long time, and since the Wei family was a merchant clan, he had come to ask if Wei Manying wanted to invest.

Although Xiao Ming was suspicious, he wasn't Wei Manying's man, so it wasn't appropriate for him to question Lin Mo, and he didn't pursue the topic further.

But a rift began to form between the two, making their already strained relationship appear even more awkward.

As the mistress of the Wei Fu, Wei Manying politely invited them to have lunch.

During the meal, Wei Manying knew she couldn't express ambiguity toward either man in such a setting, so she only chatted about investing in the rail train.

She followed Lin Mo's lead in the conversation, masking her identity as a remnant of the previous dynasty and acting like a normal merchant clan.

After the meal, Lin Mo took his leave first.

Now Xiao Ming found him much more agreeable, wondering if he had been overthinking things.

After he left, Xiao Ming asked Wei Manying with a guilty conscience: "How do you know Lin Mo?"

His expression was too easy to read; he was afraid of losing something he hadn't yet obtained.

Men are like this; once they experience emotional fluctuations because of a woman, the dominance lies with that woman.

Some women often say that dealing with a man is like controlling a toy, and that is not a lie at all.

Even ordinary women understand this scene, let alone a "sea queen" like Wei Manying.

Wei Manying smiled slightly, her tone gentle: "We met at a poetry gathering before; he is just a friend."

Because Lin Mo had mentioned the poetry gathering during their chat earlier, he was hinting at what she should say.

From this, it was evident that Lin Mo was still very clever.

Wei Manying emphasized that he was a "friend" because she wanted to put Xiao Ming at ease so he would continue to be her pawn.

With no one else around, Wei Manying began to act again, her gentle-as-water demeanor leaving Xiao Ming mesmerized.

The hour was getting late, and with Wei Manying hinting that she still had accounts to process, Xiao Ming sensibly took his leave.

After he left, another person appeared in the hall—Lin Mo.

Lin Mo had left through the front gate earlier, only to come around to the back gate; after knocking, a maid opened it for him.

As someone who was at least part of the remnant dynasty faction, he was well-connected within the Wei Fu.

After sitting down, he also asked Wei Manying: "How do you know Xiao Ming?"

Even though he feigned composure, which was much better than Xiao Ming's sycophantic appearance, he was still easily seen through.

At this moment, Wei Manying said plaintively: "You know Xiao Ming's identity; I am afraid he will uncover my true identity, so I have been forced to compromise."

This was a tactic to make Lin Mo feel that she had no real relationship with Xiao Ming.

Lin Mo seemed to understand; so that was it.

He stated: "Don't worry, I will help you resolve these things in the future."

He thought to himself that he must rescue Wei Manying from Xiao Ming's clutches.

At this moment, a woman of peerless grace walked out.

This woman was mature and beautiful, her figure full and upright, her bodice bulging.

Her every gesture was noble and scholarly, dignified and virtuous, with an excellent temperament and a graceful, luxurious air.

Coupled with that stunning face, Lin Mo's eyes went straight; it was his first time seeing such a noble woman.

If Wei Manying was the woman he dreamed of obtaining, then the woman before him was a woman he didn't even dare to dream of.

Sensing the disgust in this woman's eyes, Lin Mo realized he had lost his composure and lowered his head to apologize.

The woman then spoke: "Considering you contributed to the Dragon Emperor's revival, I will pretend I didn't see this today. Let this be the last time; watch your status in the future."

The woman possessed an aura of absolute superiority, looking at Lin Mo as if he were an ant, which made Lin Mo feel immense pressure.

Wei Manying, standing nearby, found it very strange—why would this woman appear?

This woman was none other than the Dragon Emperor's beloved consort, Qiu Xianyu.

She had come here to see what the young man who delivered the key looked like.

Having heard Wei Manying mention Lin Mo yesterday, she wanted to see today if he was worth using. Once the Dragon Emperor revived, she might be able to give this fellow an official post, making him grovel with gratitude.

(End of chapter)