Chapter 70

Chapter 70: The Thousand Shadow Guards! (Part 2)

She then pressed her lips against his chiseled ones, feeling his body tense and tremble slightly. The smile on her lips deepened as she gently bit his lip, her tongue teasingly parting his lips, lingering between them. She could distinctly feel his body stiffening, whether from shock or rigidity, he didn't push her away.

Just as she was about to continue her teasing, the door suddenly opened. Chang Qing, holding a teacup, stood at the doorway, instantly petrified. The tray slipped from his hands, and the cups clattered to the floor, shattering.

Hearing the noise, Leng Jiu released Leng Yue and looked over, her eyes still carrying a seductive gleam. Leng Yue, on the other hand, gave Chang Qing an icy stare, sharp as twin swords.

"Gulp!" Chang Qing swallowed hard, not daring to pick up the broken cups, and swiftly vanished using his lightfoot skills.

"Haha!" Leng Jiu laughed, leaning onto the table, slipping out of Leng Yue's embrace. She turned to him, wiping her lips, "I heard big brother is leaving tomorrow. I wish you a smooth journey. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave!"

Leng Yue watched Leng Jiu leave, only touching his lips long after she had gone. The warmth there was still startlingly intense.

Leng Jiu hadn't left the palace for almost half a month and wasn't in a hurry to return now. With Qing Ling handling things in the palace, she decided to first visit a certain courtyard.

"Miss Jiu!" Kong Xiangyun greeted Leng Jiu warmly as she saw her. Over the past half-month, she had recuperated well, looking more radiant and retaining a touch of her former charm.

"Auntie!" Leng Jiu greeted with a slight smile, "How have you been these days?"

Kong Xiangyun nodded vigorously, "All thanks to you, Miss!"

After exchanging a few words with Kong Xiangyun, Leng Jiu went to find Zhu Kongyang, as she had some matters to discuss with him.

"Miss Jiu!" Zhu Kongyang greeted her enthusiastically upon her arrival. His leg had healed enough for him to walk, though not fully recovered.

Leng Jiu nodded, "In half a month, you should be able to walk freely. I've come to discuss business with you."

Zhu Kongyang responded, "I've been resting these days and wrote some things during my leisure. I was hoping to show them to you!"

"Let's go inside and talk about it!"

Zhu Kongyang hurried to his desk and fetched a stack of papers, "Take a look!"

Leng Jiu perused the papers detailing designs, industries to focus on, locations, and channels. Zhu Kongyang explained, "My father's businesses were mainly teahouses and tea estates. I'm familiar with these – tea sourcing, quality, and industry norms. I feel confident here. But knowing you might want more, I listed taverns and textile shops. Taverns are similar to teahouses, and my mother's family owned a textile shop. Though it has declined, it could be revived, especially with my mother's expertise in dyeing fabrics."

After Zhu Kongyang finished, Leng Jiu, having read the papers, smiled lightly, "Your ideas are sound and safe. But with these alone, you'll remain a mere honest businessman, unable to achieve greater heights."

Zhu Kongyang looked down, ashamed, "My father used to say that too. I have experience but lack boldness. I can maintain but not innovate."

Leng Jiu looked up, "Even a blunt sword can become sharp with honing. You've always been in your father's shadow, never challenged. But now it's different. I'll provide funds and advice, but the rest is up to you. No further help from me. It's time to prove your mettle."

Zhu Kongyang nodded earnestly, "I understand."

"Since you're familiar with tea estates, start there. But don't think it'll be easy. Your past and family will make this the hardest path. Expect opposition from old rivals and your family. They won't let you rise again easily. Be prepared to face them, or to have your legs broken again."

Zhu Kongyang, aware of the challenges, replied, "I'll be cautious."

Leng Jiu coldly laughed, "Just cautious? Do you think caution alone will shield you from rivals or help you rise amid opposition? I need a business that rises quickly, not one barely surviving. If you lack the determination to stand in the city, better give up now. My investment isn't for the unambitious."

Zhu Kongyang, ashamed, finally declared firmly, "Miss Jiu, don't worry. I'll succeed. I swear on my life. If I fail, I'm willing to end my life in front of you."

Leng Jiu's expression softened slightly, "Remember your words."

Zhu Kongyang raised three fingers to the sky, "I swear on my life."

Satisfied, Leng Jiu concluded, "Rest up. Once you've chosen a shop, inform Mo Zhi. He'll assist you in acquiring it."

"Yes!"

After leaving Zhu Kongyang's house, Leng Jiu couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle. It had been years since she last mentored someone, and now she found herself starting all over again.

Heading towards Mo Yi Na's room, Mo Yi Na was practicing seductive eyes in the mirror. Surprisingly, her gaze had indeed become more captivating over these days.

"Sister Jiu, you're here!" exclaimed Mo Yi Na, abandoning her practice and rushing to cling to Leng Jiu.

Leng Jiu approached the vanity, picked up an eyeliner brush, and said, "Sit down."

Mo Yi Na obediently sat while Leng Jiu expertly drew her eyeliner, transforming her eyes without needing to try hard. Even without deliberate effort, the look was captivating. Mo Yi Na's eyes widened in admiration after seeing the result.

Leng Jiu, patting her hands, said, "Makeup is a woman's greatest weapon. Even natural beauty can seem dull without it. It's what determines the allure of a woman's face, so learning makeup is essential!"

Mo Yi Na nodded eagerly, utterly admiring Leng Jiu, "Teach me, Sister Jiu! I promise I'll learn seriously!"

Seeing Mo Yi Na's eagerness, Leng Jiu chuckled and resumed teaching her with the brush. She believed many admired natural beauty, but in reality, most beautiful women wore makeup; it's just the intensity that varied.