That morning, the city of Sancheng was wrapped in a thin mist, creeping through its narrow alleys and old buildings. Moist air blanketed the market, which was beginning to buzz with merchants, buyers, and visitors from all directions, coming to engage in trade.
Lin Xi stood amidst the crowd, her eyes observant. In front of her, merchants and buyers haggled loudly, their voices clashing with the chaos of the marketplace. Though she appeared calm, every movement of Lin Xi was calculated. She knew that every transaction made would determine her family’s position in this rapidly growing trade hub.
Li Chengyan, standing silently beside her with his usual stoic expression, couldn’t deny the fact that Lin Xi was a master negotiator. He watched, quietly impressed, as she led a meeting with several prominent merchants from Sancheng.
“This is a new trade route,” said one merchant cautiously. “But the prices you’re offering… are still higher than market value.”
Lin Xi smiled thinly, her lips curving with measured precision. “If you’re looking for the best quality, price becomes a secondary matter. What matters more is trust. You know our products are specially curated—ones not everyone can obtain.”
She met the merchant’s eyes directly, locking her gaze as if trying to uncover the man’s inner thoughts.
The merchant hesitated, clearly pressured. But finally, he gave a reluctant nod. “Very well. We’ll take it… at the agreed price. But we won’t pay a coin more.”
Lin Xi nodded confidently, sealing the deal. “Of course. We always keep our word.”
After the transaction was concluded, Lin Xi turned to speak with A Qiao, who had already prepared the necessary documents for signing.
Not long after, a new group of buyers arrived. They appeared eager, but also cautious. Lin Xi shifted her stance, adopting a more serious demeanor, ready for another challenge.
“Will this affect the market?” asked one of the new merchants, his tone formal. Lin Xi nodded, though her expression remained composed as always.
“Every change brings opportunity,” Lin Xi replied succinctly. “You just need to know when to seize it.” She glanced at Li Chengyan, who stood behind her in the guise of a bodyguard, his face still unreadable, but clearly intrigued by the conversation.
Li Chengyan sensed something unusual in the way Lin Xi handled the situation. She wasn’t just skilled in business—she had an uncanny instinct for market shifts and rival moves.
When the final agreements were made and the merchants left, wearing content smiles tinged with a hint of unease, Lin Xi turned to Li Chengyan.
“Remember, the world of commerce isn’t about who has the best goods—it’s about who adapts the fastest. The decisions we make today will define our next steps.”
Li Chengyan nodded slowly, still digesting her words. He didn’t fully understand her perspective—but he did know one thing: Lin Xi always knew what she was doing, even when the risks were high.
The results of Lin Xi’s business ventures over the past few days had exceeded expectations. With these successful deals, she began to view the bustling city of Sancheng as a promising source of future profit.
This success was only the first step in her long journey to elevate her family to the pinnacle of the Longxuan Empire’s commerce. But she also knew that the next challenge would arrive sooner than she expected.
A Qiao approached, her face bright with energy. “Miss, the food is ready. Shall we return to the inn?”
Lin Xi smiled, but her eyes remained sharp and focused. “Not just yet. Let’s take a short walk. There are a few things I need to check.”
Li Chengyan, observing her, shook his head slightly. No one ever truly knew what Lin Xi was thinking—and sometimes, that was exactly what made her so fascinating.
The midday sun cast sharp beams between the old buildings of Sancheng. The sky was a vivid blue, coloring the steps of two figures walking side by side along the cobbled streets.
Lin Xi, graceful in her merchant’s robe, strolled calmly from one shop to another. Behind her, standing tall with a scar across his brow and a deliberately ugly disguise, Li Chengyan followed without a word—posing as a loyal guard, though in truth he was quietly analyzing every move the woman ahead made.
They had visited six shops by the afternoon. Lin Xi didn’t just sell goods—she planted seeds of trust. She forged partnerships and formed new business connections with ease.
With a gentle voice and what seemed like a sincere smile, she spoke to shop owners as if they were old friends reuniting.
“I didn’t come just to trade,” she said to a spice shop owner. “I want to be part of the heartbeat of this city. If you trust me, then I’ll trust you.”
Accompanied by her naturally rhythmic speech, Lin Xi offered samples of silk and told stories from the origin of her goods. She praised the qualities of her counterpart’s store, subtly slipped in an irresistible offer, then let the silence do its work while they thought—before making a suggestion that benefited both sides. It was no wonder most shopkeepers nodded with satisfied smiles, feeling as if they’d won the negotiation.
Behind his mask, Li Chengyan merely watched. Silent—but inside that silence stirred a quiet wave he could no longer ignore.
This girl… she wasn’t just a clever talker. She knew exactly how to win people over without bruising their pride, he thought. Slowly, that thin admiration began to grow without him realizing.
As sunset approached, Lin Xi entered a modest shop nestled at the corner of a street crossing. The building was old, but clean and well-kept. A sign hung above the door: “Fine Goods Shop of Master Su Lang.”
This shop felt different—quiet, yet rich with history. Wooden shelves were lined with antiques, and the scent of sandalwood and old ink filled the air. Master Su, an elderly man with a thin white beard and kind, calm eyes, greeted Lin Xi with a nod.
“Ah, Miss Wei… I’ve heard from neighboring shops. Your silk truly is fine quality,” he said while inspecting the bolts she unfurled.
Lin Xi smiled and replied, “If you like it, I’d be happy to offer a special price—on one condition: you must take the entire remainder I brought. No partial purchases.”
Su Lang chuckled softly, then paused. “Hmm… that much stock… will I be able to sell it all?”
Lin Xi leaned forward slightly, lowering her voice. “Of course. Especially if your shop is the only one offering it for the next month. Wouldn’t that mean all the demand flows straight here?”
Su Lang fell quiet, then slowly nodded. “You’re clever, Miss.”
The deal was struck. Master Su purchased the remaining silk at a price even higher than Lin Xi had hoped, and she handed over the transaction papers.
Once the business was settled, Lin Xi didn’t leave immediately. Her voice softened, and her gaze sharpened with interest as she addressed the old man.
“Master Su, may I ask you something? Have you ever heard of any families from the Yulin region who moved to Sancheng? Perhaps around twenty or twenty-one years ago?”
Su Lang furrowed his brows, leaning back into his wooden chair, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.
“Yulin… yes, there was a major natural disaster there two decades ago,” he muttered. “A few families did come here. But most stayed briefly, then moved on.”
He looked at Lin Xi, brows slightly knit. “If I recall correctly… only one family remained. The Gu family. They opened a small food stall near the city’s west alley. The rest… disappeared without a trace.”
Lin Xi held her breath for a moment, her eyes flickering with a hidden spark, though her smile remained composed. “Ah, how interesting. A friend once mentioned that name. Perhaps I’ll pay them a visit. May I trouble you for their address?”
Su Lang chuckled. “Miss Wei seems to have many acquaintances. Very well, I’ll write it down.”
He took a small slip of paper and wrote the address in neat handwriting. “It’s not far. In the Qianling district—an old stall, but still running.”
Lin Xi accepted the note with a deep nod and a sincere thank you. Master Su showed no suspicion—her manner was natural, light, and respectful.
But behind her, Li Chengyan’s eyes narrowed. His face remained unreadable, but his gaze turned sharp and deep, as though he were trying to see through the veil of Lin Xi’s words.
He didn’t speak a word, but unease had begun to take root.
Why is she asking about that? The Gu family? Yulin?
Is this really about business… or is she searching for something else?
The evening breeze tousled Lin Xi’s hair as they exited the shop. She appeared calm and satisfied with the day’s results.
But not Li Chengyan.
He kept his eyes fixed on her back, silently wondering…
Who are you, Wei Lianhua?