Oh no! My grandmother made me shoulder the responsibility for eight households!

Chapter 44 The First Kiss

In the stairwell on the fifth floor, Wen Ruoxi breathed a long sigh of relief:

"We've finally managed to get through this, Eighth Brother. What about the Princess...?"

"Winning them over is also a test," Lin Chen said in a low voice.

"She spent 100,000 yuan to become a member, which both showed her attitude and brought her practical benefits."

The spirit-gathering array in the meditation hall was indeed effective for her. Judging from her aura, she was already at the bottleneck of the Grandmaster peak, just one step away from becoming a Great Grandmaster.

Wen Ruoxi suddenly realized: "No wonder she cares so much about the Meditation Hall."

The two walked downstairs side by side.

As she reached the corner on the fourth floor, Wen Ruoxi slipped and let out a soft cry.

Lin Chen reacted quickly, grabbing her waist and saying, "Fifth Sister-in-law, be careful!"

Wen Ruoxi fell into his arms, the two were so close that they could feel each other's breath.

Eyes facing each other.

Wen Ruoxi's makeup was exquisite today, and her purple dress made her skin look as white as snow. At this moment, her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her eyes showed a hint of panic.

She carried a faint orchid fragrance, different from the incense in Lingxiao Pavilion, which added to her authenticity.

"Eighth Brother..." she called softly, but did not push him away.

Lin Chen looked at her, and a sudden impulse welled up in his heart.

He lowered his head and kissed her.

Wen Ruoxi's body stiffened for a moment, then softened.

She gently placed her jade-like hand on Lin Chen's chest, but did not push him away forcefully, letting him take what he wanted.

The stairwell was quiet, with only the faint sound of breathing.

After a long while, Lin Chen finally relaxed.

Wen Ruoxi's cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling, and she whispered, "Eighth Brother...you..."

"Fifth Sister-in-law," Lin Chen said in a low voice, "you've had a hard time these past few days."

Wen Ruoxi shook her head and buried her face in his shoulder: "It's not hard. As long as the Lin family is well, as long as Eighth Brother is well... I'm willing to do anything."

The two embraced for a moment, then Wen Ruoxi suddenly looked up, a mischievous glint in her eyes:

"Eighth brother, were you... doing that on purpose just now?"

"What do you mean, intentionally?" Lin Chen feigned ignorance.

"You deliberately made me slip." Wen Ruoxi poked his chest. "These stairs are paved with non-slip jade tiles, how could I..."

Lin Chen laughed and hugged her even tighter: "Then why didn't Fifth Sister-in-law push her away?"

"I..." Wen Ruoxi stammered, her face turning even redder, "I... my legs are weak."

She couldn't even believe the reason she came up with.

Lin Chen chuckled and gave her another light peck on the lips:

"Fifth Sister-in-law, after the coming-of-age ceremony, I..."

"I know." Wen Ruoxi covered his mouth. "Grandmother said that I should take on the responsibilities of eight households. I... I'm willing."

These words were spoken softly, yet with unwavering conviction.

Lin Chen was touched and was about to say something when he heard footsteps downstairs.

The two quickly separated and straightened their clothes.

The newcomer was Ye Qingying, dressed in black with her face veiled. Upon seeing the two, a knowing glint flashed in her eyes, but she did not reveal it.

"Sixth Sister, what is it?" Wen Ruoxi asked, trying to remain calm.

"Su Mo, the young master of the Su family, the richest family in Jiangnan, has arrived. He says he wants to apply for a gold card membership." Ye Qingying's voice was cold and clear.

"In addition, he specifically requested to see the eighth brother."

Su Mo, the young master of the Su family in Jiangnan, ranked tenth on the list of prodigies.

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow: "Perfect timing. Fifth Sister-in-law, shall we go see her together?"

"Mm." Wen Ruoxi nodded, having regained her usual composure.

……

Third floor, Moon Viewing Platform, Box No. 3.

Su Mo was a young man in his late twenties, dressed in a blue robe, with a handsome face, holding a folding fan, and exuding a refined and scholarly air.

Upon seeing Lin Chen enter, he stood up and bowed, saying, "Su Mo greets Duke Lin."

"Young Master Su, there's no need for such formalities," Lin Chen returned the greeting. "Please have a seat."

After they were seated, Wen Ruoxi personally poured tea.

Su Mo scrutinized Lin Chen, his eyes filled with inquiry:

"I have long heard of the Duke of Lin's great name, and today I have finally met him. He is indeed a young hero."

"Young Master Su flatters me," Lin Chen said with a smile.

"I heard that Young Master Su is interested in becoming a gold card member?"

"Exactly." Su Mo took out a stack of silver notes. "Fifty thousand taels for the entrance fee and ten thousand taels for the two-year fee are ready, but..."

He dared not even dream of becoming a VIP member, after all, he wasn't even worthy of Lin Chen's attention.

He paused for a moment, then said, "I have a request—I would like to have a private conversation with the Duke of Lin."

Wen Ruoxi understood and stood up, saying:

"Then I will go and complete the formalities for Young Master Su."

After she left, only the two of them remained in the room.

Su Mo put down his folding fan and said seriously:

"Lord Lin, my trip to the capital this time is for two reasons."

Firstly, he wanted to be a member of Zuiyuexuan; secondly, he wanted to cooperate with the Lin family.

"Cooperation?" Lin Chen raised an eyebrow.

"The Su family of Jiangnan primarily engages in silk, tea, and canal transport," Su Mo said.

"I've heard that Duke Lin has a half-step Celestial under his command, along with elite troops and powerful generals."

The Su family is willing to offer 30% of their profits in exchange for the Lin family's protection on the northern trade routes.

Northern trade routes?

Lin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly: "Young Master Su is certainly well-informed."

"A businessman can't afford to be out of the loop," Su Mo said with a smile.

"I know that the Duke of Lin has inherited the title and, according to custom, will take over some military affairs in the northern border."

Although the trade routes to the Northern Territory are treacherous, the profits are substantial. With the protection of the Lin family's army, the Su family's caravan can be kept safe, and the Lin family can also share in the profits.

This is a business opportunity that came to us.

Lin Chen pondered for a moment: "Why did Young Master Su choose the Lin family? There are many prominent families in the capital, and some even have deeper ties to the military."

"Because they dare not," Su Mo said bluntly.

"The northern border is now a hot potato—the Northern Shu is restless, and no one in the court is willing to go there."

But Duke Lin is different. You have a blood feud with the Northern Shuo and will surely revitalize the Northern Army. I am betting on Duke Lin's determination.

Good eye.

Lin Chen laughed: "Young Master Su is straightforward, so I, Lin, will not beat around the bush either."

"Cooperation is possible, but I want 40% of the profits. Furthermore, the Su family's caravans in the Northern Territory must provide intelligence to the Lin family."

"Forty percent..." Su Mo pondered for a moment, "Deal. As for intelligence, that's only to be expected."

"Excellent." Lin Chen raised his glass. "Let's drink tea instead of wine and wish each other a pleasant collaboration."

"It's a pleasure working with you."

The two clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

After seeing Su Mo off, Wen Ruoxi returned, her eyes filled with joy:

"Eighth Brother, if this deal with the Su family goes through, they'll get at least 800,000 taels of profit every year!"

"Not only that," Lin Chen said. "The Su family is the richest family in Jiangnan. Getting in touch with them will bring many benefits in the future."

Just then, the sound of a piano came from upstairs.

It was the eldest princess playing the zither in Lingxiao Pavilion.

The zither music was clear and melodious, yet carried a faint melancholy, like a cold, lonely autumn pool.

Wen Ruoxi sighed softly, "Her Highness the Eldest Princess... is also a pitiful person."

Lin Chen looked up at the fifth floor, lost in thought.

The music gradually stopped, and a moment later, Zhao Mingyue went downstairs accompanied by her maid.

Her expression had returned to calm, and she said to Lin Chen, "Duke Lin, I have had my fill today. I will come again another day."

"Your Highness, I respectfully see you off."

After the princess left, Zuiyue Pavilion returned to its peaceful state.

As the sun set, Lin Chen and Wen Ruoxi stood side by side in front of the star-gazing platform, watching the golden ripples on the lake.

"Eighth Brother," Wen Ruoxi suddenly said:

"Do you think that Her Highness the Eldest Princess... might one day find her true home, just like us?"

Lin Chen put his arm around her shoulder: "Perhaps. Everyone has their own destiny."

Wen Ruoxi leaned on his shoulder and asked softly, "What about our destiny?"

Lin Chen looked down at her, a smile in his eyes: "Our destiny has only just begun."

He leaned down and kissed her lips again.

This time, Wen Ruoxi took the initiative to respond.