Chapter 329: Not Good, It's Going to Be Trouble

With two more lamps turned on, the tea room became much brighter.

The woman sat down lightly; the tea table swayed slightly, and the lamplight shattered into silver scales within the cup.

She wore a light-colored short-sleeved wool sweater, her two arms fair, tender, and slender. Her fitted plaid cotton skirt revealed legs that were rounded and long, with delicate ankles and faintly visible veins, like the ice crackle spreading across white porcelain.

Her hair bun was loose, hanging diagonally across her chest, which was taut and round like a full bow.

There were a few faint lines at the corners of her eyes, and her gaze was like a deep pool, profound and bright. The outer corners of her eyes slanted upward into her temples, trailing a few smudge-like creases.

She was very beautiful, very exquisite, and had a very good figure, on par with Yu Jiyao, and she exuded a charm unique to this age.

Her temperament was very unique, with less deliberation and more naturalness. Seemingly vague, she was actually extremely charming.

Lin Sicheng was looking at her, and she was also looking at Lin Sicheng.

Earnestly and meticulously.

After looking for a long time, she exhaled like an orchid: "Twenty-two?"

Lin Sicheng smiled, took two new cups, and grabbed a pinch of raw tea to roast: "General Manager Ren, do you want me to show you my Identity Card?"

The woman shook her head: "That won't be necessary!"

One's appearance cannot deceive.

His pupils were clear, his eyelines were sharp, and his brows were thick and gathered, yet soft and supple.

His face was covered with a thin layer of fine fuzz, which, reflecting the lamplight, cast a faint golden glow.

It is often seen in classical texts: "yellow-mouthed fledgling" does not refer to whether one has a beard, but to this layer of fuzz.

If he were not twenty-one or twenty-two, it would have long since faded away.

It was not that Ren Danhua did not believe him, but that she found it somewhat incomprehensible.

How beautiful Yu Jiyao was, everyone could see. How great her charm was, those who knew, knew.

In the past, whenever she went out, she was always successful. It did not matter if they were seventy or eighty, or in the prime of their youth. It did not matter if they were deep and cautious, old and experienced, or if they were budding talents, spirited and vigorous.

Of course, it was not about calculating anything or setting traps, but a means to improve relationships and understand one another.

It was not necessary for anything to happen; a little ambiguity, a trace of indescribable allure, could all lead to a breakthrough in the relationship between the two parties.

This was the cornerstone of mutual trust and even deep cooperation.

But looking at Lin Sicheng, ambiguity—there was not a bit of it. Allure—what was that?

It just felt like he was even more composed and sophisticated than those seventy- or eighty-year-old Experts and sanctimonious scholars.

Surely, he couldn't have a physiological problem?

That was impossible.

Eyes cannot deceive: when he looked at her, it was the look a normal man gives a stunning woman.

She could even feel that Lin Sicheng's curiosity about her even exceeded that of Yu Jiyao.

Of course, limited to curiosity. Ren Danhua had read countless people; of this, she was certain.

Therefore, she could not quite figure it out: at this age, where did this composure come from?

He was not like a young man at all; he was like a high monk who had seen his own nature, clear and practiced.

What, too exaggerated?

"Food and sex are human nature."

A small Red Chamber had dragged down how many people? How many big shots with hearts as firm as iron, impervious to reason, had eventually had their defenses breached from beneath a pomegranate skirt?

Even the hardest steel fears the softest touch...

Lin Sicheng was silent and steady, neither hurried nor slow. The tea leaves were spread evenly on the rice paper, the temperature of the heating plate gradually rose, the tender leaves slowly curled, and a fragrant scent drifted through the tea room.

Ren Danhua watched his skillful movements without blinking: "Is Manager Lin also good at the tea ceremony?"

"I wouldn't call it good, I just know the basics." Lin Sicheng used wooden tongs to turn the tea leaves, "Since the beginning of porcelain, tea utensils have been supreme!"

She had forgotten for a moment that, besides being able to appraise, he was also a highly skilled master of Artifact Restoration.

Ren Danhua smiled: "I was originally going to wait until those two pieces were restored before meeting with Manager Lin. But my eldest sister said, 'Do not doubt those you employ, and do not employ those you doubt.' Since we have decided to cooperate, we must be open and honest!"

Sure enough, where there is a second sister, there is an eldest sister.

Lin Sicheng paused slightly: "It is my great honor!"

Ren Danhua nodded, and Yu Jiyao understood instantly, taking the handbag and retrieving a small box.

Receiving it in her hands, Ren Danhua lifted the lid and pushed it over gently.

That Pocket Watch?

When coming here today, Yan Wenjing was still muttering: whether they could dig out the key figures, whether they could take down this gang, these were not to be mentioned yet. But Teacher Lin, this Pocket Watch, must, absolutely must be retrieved by any means necessary.

Even if it was broken.

While thinking to himself, Lin Sicheng looked at it carefully: it was indeed that same one.

"I'll leave it to you, Manager Lin!" Ren Danhua said solemnly, "Name your price!"

Lin Sicheng shook his head: "To be honest with you, General Manager Ren, I want to do long-term business. It is what they call 'a thin stream that flows forever.' After the restoration is complete, General Manager Ren can check the quality first."

Long-term was good; Ren Danhua wanted long-term even more than Lin Sicheng.

After a slight pause, she tapped the box lid, "There is one more small question I must ask: where will it be repaired?"

This was normal: it was a national treasure, after all, and its value was immeasurable. No matter how much she appreciated Lin Sicheng, this was only their first cooperation, and it was impossible to let Lin Sicheng just take the Pocket Watch away.

Even if it was broken, it was worth tens of millions; what if Lin Sicheng ran away?

Lin Sicheng did not hesitate: "General Manager Ren decides!"

"Oh?" She raised her eyelids, "Are you not afraid of someone stealing your technique?"

Lin Sicheng looked at Yu Jichuan to the side: "General Manager Ren, to tell you the truth: this technique is truly not easy to learn!"

And it was more than just not easy to learn.

The formula was more or less the same, and the key points of the craft were not secrets, but Yu Jichuan had been learning for twenty years and was still a long way behind Li Jiansheng.

Talent and comprehension account for ninety-nine percent; only after that do character and patience come into play.

Ren Danhua was even more satisfied: "That's good, thank you for your understanding, Manager Lin!"

Perhaps finding it hot, she had Yu Jichuan remove the charcoal stove and replace it with an electric one. Then, she personally filled a kettle with water and set it on top.

"Manager Lin is a veteran of the trade, and a leader among peers. Naturally, you know that our line of work is not only exhausting but also nerve-wracking. Matters are numerous and complex, and one has no choice but to run around..."

Ren Danhua looked at the brother and sister beside her, "That is why the business here in Beijing has always been handled by my cousin and his sister. My cousin is skilled in technique and dislikes social niceties; my cousin's sister, though young, is clever and eager to learn. In the future, I must ask for your guidance, Manager Lin..."

"I wouldn't dare offer guidance. Miss Yu is exquisite and clever, with a bright heart and ingenious mind; it is I who should be learning from her!"

"Learning is not the word; you just need to stop guarding against her as if she were a thief. After all, we will be cooperating frequently in the future..."

Pausing slightly, Ren Danhua arched the corners of her eyes, displaying an indescribable charm, "She doesn't eat people, does she?"

She does not eat people, but she will harm them.

Lin Sicheng smiled and avoided the topic: "General Manager Ren, General Manager Yu, let's drink tea!"

The spout tilted slightly, and the water poured like a stream. Mist rose up, and the fragrance of tea permeated the air.

Two cups of tea were pushed in front of the two of them. Ren Danhua picked hers up, blew away the foam, and took a sip.

It was slightly bitter, but left a sweet aftertaste, possessing a unique flavor.

Setting down the teacup, Ren Danhua glanced sideways, and Yu Jiyao shook her head slightly.

It was not that there was a problem with her arrangements, nor that Lin Sicheng knew there was something strange in the tea, nor was his guard too high.

Besides, if one wanted to harm him, there were plenty of ways. In the raw tea, in the boiling water, or by lighting a plate of incense—where could one not poison him?

If he wanted to be on guard, he would certainly bring bodyguards instead of coming alone. Let alone roasting and brewing the tea himself, Lin Sicheng would absolutely not even drink a drop of plain water.

Therefore, this person's nature was simply like this.

But it didn't matter; everyone has preferences. Even if he wasn't interested in beauty, he certainly had things he liked. It was nothing more than catering to his interests...

Thinking secretly, her phone buzzed, and Ren Danhua picked it up.

"It's the driver; there was a small accident on the way here, and it was just handled! That's why there was such a delay; I haven't even had a chance to eat a bite."

Glancing at the text message, she put it back: "If Manager Lin doesn't mind, I'll accompany you for a few drinks. If you don't drink alcohol, tea is fine, and we can discuss the rest slowly..."

Lin Sicheng paused for a moment and nodded: "Fine!"

"Cousin, go make the arrangements!"

Yu Jichuan stood up and left the tea room.

Lin Sicheng's heart stirred, and he asked as if unintentionally: "Do you serve meals here?"

"Of course we don't!" Ren Danhua smiled, "But it has the advantage of a good environment—it's quiet!"

At first glance, it was perfectly normal.

That Pocket Watch was a priceless treasure; it wasn't as if Lin Sicheng could fix it, Ren Danhua was willing to have it fixed, and then handing the item over to him would be the end of it.

Where to fix it, how to fix it, what materials to prepare, what tools and instruments. All these various details certainly needed to be finalized.

But what was not normal was this place.

It was indeed suitable for discussing business here, but to say one would eat a meal while discussing business here felt somewhat out of place.

Looking again at the layout and decoration of this place: winding and twisting, built like a maze. In the tea room, there were either screens or mirrors. It would not be difficult to build an extra secret room behind it from which one could see outside.

Even more abnormal was that text message from just now: We have arrived.

Whose driver is so impolite?

The word "we" was also used well: besides the driver, who else was there?

Subconsciously, Lin Sicheng sniffed again, thinking of that woman with the medicinal scent and ordinary appearance.

If it were a stranger, of course, one could meet them. Unfortunately, not only was she an acquaintance, but the grudge was quite deep.

Both are old foxes, so why put on a show? Once that woman saw him, she would surely be enlightened and see everything clearly.

Therefore, it was not that he couldn't see her, but rather not right now...

Thinking secretly, Lin Sicheng gently pressed the knob of his watch twice.

Ren Danhua acted as if she had just remembered: "Manager Lin, I don't know if you have any dietary restrictions or what flavors you prefer?"

Yu Jichuan had already entered the elevator, and you're asking now?

It seems he didn't go to arrange food and drink, but went to pick someone up.

Lin Sicheng shook his head: "I'm not picky; I can eat food from anywhere and drink any kind of alcohol!"

"That's good!"

Smiling, Ren Danhua picked up the kettle and leaned over to pour him a cup.

Lin Sicheng said "Thank you" and picked up the teacup.

Just as he brought it to his lips: "Whoosh," the space before his eyes plunged into darkness.

Dark—not just ordinary dark, but so dark one couldn't see one's own fingers.

Yu Jiyao let out an "Ah": "The power went out?"

"It seems so?" Ren Danhua replied and stood up.

Perhaps she stood up too abruptly, she let out an "Oh" and fell softly toward him.

It was quite a coincidence; there was such a large coffee table in the middle, yet she didn't even touch it and fell straight into Lin Sicheng's arms.

As if subconsciously, one hand hooked around Lin Sicheng's neck, and one hand slid down from his chest.

No, big sister, where are you touching?

Since your subordinate couldn't handle it, you're doing it yourself, right?

Lin Sicheng pulled back and steadied her. Just then, footsteps came from outside the door: "Miss Yu, I'm sorry, the power suddenly went out, and the property management is rushing to fix it."

Yu Jiyao turned on the flashlight on her phone, and Ren Danhua unobtrusively released the hand she had wrapped around Lin Sicheng's neck.

The flashlight beam quickly shifted and shone toward the door: "Did the power go out in the whole building?"

"Yes, Miss Yu!"

"How long until it's fixed?"

"The property management notified us; it seems like a short circuit somewhere. It should be quick!"

In such a large building, how could it be so easy to troubleshoot? This "quick" would at least have to be measured in "hours."

Pitch black, even if the eldest sister came up, what could she see?

Unless face-to-face...

Just as she was secretly turning these thoughts over, Ren Danhua's phone lit up again.

She glanced at it: "Manager Lin, it seems we can only change the location!"

"No problem!" Lin Sicheng remained calm, "Another day is fine too!"

As the words fell, Lin Sicheng's phone rang again. He answered it directly, and Zhao Da's voice came through: "Master, what floor are you on!"

"I'm on the third floor, but this place is too winding, you probably can't find it. No need to come up, it's just a power outage..."

After saying a few words, Lin Sicheng hung up the phone, and Ren Danhua let out a long sigh.

Why was it so coincidental?

The eldest sister had studied quite a variety of things, including physiognomy, so she wanted to personally observe this young man who was impossibly young, impossibly steady, and even more miraculous in his skills.

However, the eldest sister suspected that he was coming for her, so she didn't want to meet directly and arranged it here, preparing to watch through a mirror.

And now that the person had arrived, a sudden change occurred?

It was too late to change the location temporarily, and there wasn't a more suitable one, so it could only be another day.

Just right, it left an excuse.

Looking at the watch on the coffee table, Ren Danhua parted her red lips. The two were originally face-to-face, but now they were shoulder-to-shoulder and extremely close, the breath she exhaled landing on Lin Sicheng's face:

"Manager Lin, I am truly sorry today. It seems we can only talk another day."

"Another day is fine!" Lin Sicheng smiled, "Still here?"

"Yes! Once the time is set, I will have Yu Jiyao call Manager Lin!"

If she were only discussing business with Ren Danhua, she could set the time now; there was no need to leave a loose end.

Sure enough, that woman had come...

Lin Sicheng nodded: "Good!"

Just as they were talking, footsteps came from outside again; Yu Jichuan had returned.

"Perfect, cousin, you see Manager Lin down."

"No need for trouble, Boheng is right outside. Besides, it's pitch black; leaving you two here isn't safe!"

There were subordinates in the next room, so there was no need to worry about safety at all, but he figured Lin Sicheng definitely wouldn't have guessed that.

Ren Danhua nodded: "I'll see Manager Lin off!"

The two stood up, and Yu Jiyao took a step ahead to help Lin Sicheng take his coat.

She even carefully held it open to help him put it on.

They saw him to the door, said goodbye to each other, and shook hands one by one.

Turning out of the corridor, a tall figure stood at the entrance of the teahouse.

The emergency light wasn't very bright, but one could vaguely make out Zhao Da's figure.

No need to guess, the Special Duty Team member who came in the same car was hiding in the corner behind him.

"Master?"

"I'm here!"

After replying, Lin Sicheng turned around and cupped his hands toward the three of them: "The three of you, until next time!"

"Until next time!"

Watching the two figures leave the teahouse and turn the corner, Ren Danhua frowned, as if muttering to herself: "Why was it so coincidental?"

It was more than just coincidental; it was downright rotten luck.

Yu Jiyao gritted her teeth: "Second sister, where is the eldest sister?"

"It's too dark downstairs, and she's ill, so I didn't let her come up!"

Yu Jiyao gestured outward with her chin: "Then when should we invite him again?"

"The sooner the better, tomorrow would be best, but we have to ask the eldest sister!"

After replying, Ren Danhua pointed inside, "Pack up the things, let's go first!"

"Hmph, a wasted trip!"

Yu Jiyao grumbled, opening the box to take a peek.

The gold watch was, of course, still there.

That kid wouldn't fish in troubled waters; of course, even if he wanted to, he couldn't have touched it.

Ren Danhua sighed: "What was going on with you today?"

"Second sister, you can't blame me. He's as slippery as a loach, I had no tricks left!" Yu Jiyao said with a bitter face, "He wouldn't take the bait, I couldn't exactly strip naked in front of him, could I?"

Even if you had stripped, it would have been useless.

In terms of appearance, Yu Jiyao was no worse than those stars on the screen, and perhaps even better.

In terms of talent and charm, she had received professional training, which was a dozen levels higher than those who only knew how to sell their looks.

But when all tricks were exhausted and he wasn't moved, what could you do?

"Let the eldest sister ask someone to inquire again!" Ren Danhua frowned, "He's an old hand in the world, that's for sure. But he can't be some ascetic old monk who has seen through the red dust, right?"

"Second sister, he wants money, we want things repaired; wouldn't normal cooperation suffice?" Yu Jiyao curled her lips, "Why go to such great lengths?"

Ren Danhua snorted: "If you don't understand, shut up!"

In fact, that day at Qianjin Lu, she had already been moved by the idea of changing people: could appraise, could repair, and still so young?

The key was, the eyes were too sharp.

She didn't ask for his craftsmanship to be how high, as long as it wasn't worse than Li Jiansheng, this was a partner more suitable than Qianjin Lu.

Afterwards, seeing that Scent Pouch the brother and sister brought back, what Ren Danhua envisioned was no longer ordinary cooperation, but being tied together, the kind where one prospers and the other prospers.

After that, once the eldest sister inquired about his background, this desire became even stronger. Even though both sides were still very unfamiliar and had only met once, Ren Danhua spared no effort to send out Yu Jiyao, whom she had always treated as her trump card, in a near-blatant seduction.

Surveying Mountains and Surveying Water, Seek Dragon Divide Gold.

The eldest sister was a dragon coiled and a tiger crouching, holding down a side for over a decade; why would she be reduced to being annexed by others, and even doing this kind of Pestle-Worker work that was nearly like odd jobs?

It was merely because of a sudden mishap, the master eye for seeking tombs and fixing locations had an accident. Since then, things went from bad to worse, mixing worse every year. In the end, with no other way, she could only take the initiative to become someone else's vassal.

Previously, she and Ma Shan cooperated seamlessly, as close as siblings; why would they suddenly turn against each other, like mortal enemies?

Because the eldest sister had gone through all sorts of hardships and spent a large sum of money to invite a master eye. But after just opening two pits, he was poached by Ma Shan.

Cutting off someone's path to wealth is like killing their parents...

Ren Danhua knew what the eldest sister was worried about: the greater the ability, the more arrogant the person, and the higher their standards.

With such good craftsmanship, why follow you to do business where you carry your head on your belt and live in fear all day?

If you force them into the water, at most you can cooperate a few times, it is not a long-term plan. It is even worse that you might form a grudge and have them trip you up at a critical moment.

But Ren Danhua just felt: why must you force it, can't you use soft tactics?

Just like those big shots who were infinitely glorious but eventually ended up in prison, did they lack ability, did they lack high standards?

Everyone has hobbies; money, women, or even power, there is always one thing that can move him.

At worst, start a new stove: respect him as the head, and the eldest sister as the strategist. It is always better than being like this now: bearing the greatest risk, yet earning the least money.

Ren Danhua knew even better what Lin Sicheng was guarding against: it was precisely being dragged into the water by them.

Precisely because he was an old hand, he was very clear about which money could be earned and which money could not.

But because of this, Ren Danhua's desire was even stronger: so young, yet his mind was so clear, and his composure was so high; he was born to be a boss...

In a flash, Yu Jiyao finished packing the things and helped her put on her windbreaker again.

Yu Jichuan finished paying the bill and called three subordinates out from the next-door private room.

The six of them had just stepped out of the teahouse when, "Flash!", the scene before their eyes brightened.

Yu Jiyao opened her eyes wide: "Sister, the power is back?"

Ren Danhua didn't know what to say: how could it be such a coincidence?

The power outage was ill-timed, the power coming back was even more ill-timed; only five minutes apart?

She couldn't call and ask Lin Sicheng to come back up, could she?

It was too deliberate...

"Let's go!"

She sighed, took out her phone, and dialed a number.

The signal was sent by Lin Sicheng, and the power was arranged to be cut by Yan Wenjing.

But before the power went out, a fire alarm had sounded in the building, but that tea room was too deep and the decoration was very special for soundproofing, so Lin Sicheng didn't hear it.

Plus, it was nearly nine o'clock, and there were few customers in the mall. Although the power was out, it didn't cause any chaos.

Seeing a beam of light shine over, a security guard used a Flashlight to shine it: "Are the two gentlemen going downstairs? I'll see you off..."

The voice wasn't loud, but the building was empty, so it was very resonant.

Lin Sicheng shook his head: "There are emergency lights, and we have a Flashlight too!"

"That's good, the stairs are over here, please watch your step!"

Just as he pointed toward the stairwell, "Flash!", the scene before their eyes brightened.

The power came too suddenly, and Lin Sicheng squinted his eyes.

Opening his eyes to look again: the huge mall was empty, with basically no one around.

There were even fewer customers, sparse and scattered, in twos and threes.

Some were on the phone, some were walking down slowly, and others were looking around.

Especially on this third floor, there were clearly more people.

Perhaps he was being suspicious, but he always felt these people were not quite right.

Specifically where they were not right, he couldn't say for a moment?

Was it Yan Wenjing's Special Duty Team, or Ren Danhua, or perhaps that woman's subordinates?

Lin Sicheng didn't know for now, but he knew: if things went wrong, it would be bad!

Those used to being thieves see everyone as soldiers. Especially those with blood on their hands, the kind who would definitely face a firing squad if they went in.

Lin Sicheng didn't know which floor that woman was on, but he knew she was in the mall. If this formation was set up, she would definitely be suspicious.

More importantly, if things went poorly, they would run into each other. As long as she saw Lin Sicheng's face, it would be 100% exposed.

Hide?

But where to hide? What if among these people, there just happened to be that woman's subordinates?

How did that saying go? There is no silver buried here...

His thoughts turned rapidly, Lin Sicheng's gaze swept quickly, and suddenly, a light flickered in his eyes.

That baseball cap he had seen earlier on the first floor?

A single guy, you've been shopping in the mall for three hours?

His heart stirred, he pulled back the foot he had stepped onto the stairs, and walked straight toward him.

The young man was clearly a bit stunned, not knowing why Lin Sicheng wasn't going downstairs, but instead walking toward him.

But he certainly could not expose himself, so he was only slightly stunned for a moment before his expression returned to normal. The young man stood with his arms crossed, looking nonchalant, as if he were waiting for someone.

The two passed each other head-on, with only three or four meters between them; Lin Sicheng glanced at his hands, then looked at his neck, and then smiled slightly: "Dongji?"

(End of this chapter)