Chapter 98: A Lifetime, a Pair—Destined by Heaven

"Ye Lishang treated his illness, and he is now aware that you were the one who poisoned him. He asked me to pass on a message: from now on, you go your way and he will go his. Do not seek trouble with him, and he will not deal with you. Whoever you choose to target is no longer any of his concern," the maid said.

Tan Xiyin was so enraged that her eyes seemed ready to split. Clenching her fists tightly, she hissed, "Just because of a painting, I’ve lost such a powerful backer. How could I be so stupid?"

"It is not that you are stupid, but that you have always failed to see your own position clearly. You think you are calculating and flawless, but in front of Feng Linglong, you are utterly pathetic. Now you should understand why Qin Daofei loves her, yet could never accept you!"

*Slap!*

Overcome with fury, Tan Xiyin struck the maid across the face.

A cold glint flashed in the maid's eyes. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed Tan Xiyin by the throat and shoved her violently against the wall. Tan Xiyin was tossed aside like a rag doll before crashing to the ground.

The maid walked over coldly, squatted before her, and said, "I am helping you, but do not think too highly of yourself. Otherwise, I will kill you—without the slightest hesitation!"

"I’m sorry, I won’t do it again!" Perhaps accustomed to clinging to life, Tan Xiyin had grown used to bowing her head and apologizing. As long as she could survive, she didn't care about dignity.

*Hmph!*

The maid delivered a harsh slap to Tan Xiyin’s face before rising to leave.

Tan Xiyin watched the maid’s departing figure with a dark gaze. She swore she would deal with everyone who looked down on her—everyone!

In contrast to the stifling atmosphere of the Miaoyin Pavilion, the Linglong Pavilion was filled with joy.

Linglong sat on the floor, watching Feng Yixiao wiggle her little bottom as she walked. The sight was so comical that it made people burst into laughter. "Hahaha, Feng Yixiao, you walk like a duck!"

*Hmph!*

Though Feng Yixiao could not understand Linglong’s words, she seemed to sense the mockery. Wiggling and swaying, she ran over to Qin Daofei, buried her head in his chest, and chirped in a milky voice, "Daddy!"

*Hmph!*

Linglong, also annoyed, stood up and kicked Qin Daofei. "Why are you here? Don't ruin the bond between mother and daughter!"

"Linglong, the Second Prince sent word that Ye Lishang has resolved the affair between Tan Xiyin and the Prince Consort of Yongkang, but he also told me something very peculiar," Qin Daofei said, holding Feng Yixiao and gazing at Linglong with a cryptic expression.

Linglong was a woman of immense curiosity. Upon hearing this, she quickly sat down beside him and asked gossiping, "What is it?"

Qin Daofei hooked her chair, pulling her closer, and encircled her waist to ensure she couldn't escape.

"I heard that you and Ye Lishang went to watch others... doing their business?" Qin Daofei’s tone was plain, but like Ye Lishang, Linglong felt a chill run down her spine.

*Uh!*

Linglong tried to bolt, but Qin Daofei had already restrained her; there was no escaping.

"That wasn't my fault! It was Ye Lishang. He’s a beast! He said he was worried I wouldn't handle it well, so he insisted on following me. Then he wanted to peek at them doing... that. I lectured him, but he wouldn't listen. He kept saying he was curious about an old man's performance capabilities. I couldn't stop him! I owe the Second Prince an apology." Linglong blamed Ye Lishang, and Ye Lishang blamed Linglong. These two, really...

"Oh?" Qin Daofei raised an eyebrow. "And? Was it spectacular?"

*Uh...*

Linglong replayed the scene in her mind and made a gagging motion. "Disgusting! Super disgusting!"

That was more like it!

Qin Daofei released her and said calmly, "Go pack your things. I’m taking you all to the Silk and Bamboo Music House."

"What for?" Linglong asked.

"Siniang has raised a batch of crabs—big and fat. I’ve asked Ye Lishang to prepare medicinal wine to make drunken crabs. You can eat as much as you want. Are you coming or not?"

Linglong’s eyes sparkled instantly, but she quickly adopted a haughty tone. "Not going. Concubine Tan has been quite pitiful these past few days; I should go visit her!"

"Very well. You stay home, and I will take the others. I’m sure Jifeng will be happy to whisk Aifei away, and Tang Li will find a way to take Hua'er. As for Feng Yixiao, I don't think I even need to persuade her. Since you are so kind-hearted, you stay behind to keep Tan Xiyin company—and while you're at it, give her a good lesson," Qin Daofei said with a half-smile.

*Uh!*

"Why? If you don't let me go, I’m going anyway!" Linglong stood up, intending to grab Feng Yixiao.

Feng Yixiao clung to Qin Daofei’s neck, her very eyebrows resisting Linglong.

Linglong’s fragile heart shattered into pieces.

Just as they were packed and ready to leave, a gatekeeper reported, "Master, a gentleman named Hu Hanzhi is at the gate requesting an audience."

He handed the calling card to Qin Daofei, who glanced at it indifferently before looking at Linglong.

"My little lover is here! Why wouldn't I see him?" Linglong snatched the card away.

*Uh!*

The gatekeeper was incredulous. He looked at Qin Daofei, who said helplessly, "Let him in."

"You guys wait here with Feng Yixiao!" Qin Daofei handed the child to Hua'er and reached for Linglong’s hand.

Linglong shook him off.

Qin Daofei reached out again.

Linglong shook him off again!

The others watched this back-and-forth. Jifeng’s blood boiled. "Wagers, wagers! Guess how many times the Master will be shaken off before the Mistress stops!"

"Once!" Aifei declared loudly, tossing a silver ingot into Jifeng’s hand. "I bet five taels. If I win, you owe me twenty!"

For some reason, Hua'er also shouted, "I bet once too, and I’ll bet five taels!"

Jifeng asked Tang Li, "What about you, Brother Li?"

"I’m with Hua'er!" Tang Li was truly a man who knew how to play the game.

Jifeng protested, "At least three times! Our Mistress isn't that easy..."

Before Jifeng could finish, Linglong took the initiative to grab Qin Daofei’s hand—and held on tight, refusing to let go.

"I didn't expect you to be such a Mistress!" Jifeng felt wounded.

Aifei looked at Hua'er and laughed; Linglong was certainly protective of her own.

"Tell me, what would happen if I shook your hand off just to let Jifeng win once?" Qin Daofei asked.

Linglong glared at him, then wrapped both arms around his, leaving him no room to back out.

"Oh my, my silly Miss. She’s just a little fool in front of her husband!" Hua'er couldn't bear to look anymore.

"A foolish woman, it’s only natural for her to be dominated!" Aifei retrieved the silver from Jifeng’s hand and said calmly, "My twenty taels, Hua'er’s twenty, Tang Li’s twenty—pay up!"

"I don't have money, how about I massage your legs instead?" Jifeng pleaded shamelessly.

Aifei acted aloof, and Hua'er carried Yixiao away. "Too sappy, I can't watch!"

Aifei looked at the sky; it was indeed too sappy. She couldn't watch either!

In the main hall.

Hu Hanzhi wore a dark red robe, sitting quietly in a round chair. From a distance, he looked like a figure from a painting, especially those eyes that held a soul-captivating luster, making his presence impossible to ignore.

Seeing him, Linglong’s steps lightened. She wanted to rush in, but Qin Daofei held her hand, preventing her from moving forward. He looked at Hu Hanzhi calmly. "Young Master Hu, long time no see."

"Heh, if we count correctly, we have only met twice in total, right, Linglong?" Hu Hanzhi asked, his gaze lingering on her.

Linglong chuckled. "How would I know about you two? But didn't you go back? Why are you here again?"

Since their last unpleasant parting, Linglong hadn't seen Hu Hanzhi. Seeing him again so suddenly, and being addressed by him immediately, she felt a bit bewildered and didn't know how to respond.

Hu Hanzhi ignored Linglong and smiled faintly.

Qin Daofei pulled Linglong to the main seat and said coolly, "Young Master Hu, you never visit without a purpose. Please, speak." *I don't have time to waste on you.*

"I am here to ask about the progress of your investigation, Master Qin. Has there been any headway? Although Linglong secured half a year for you, I am quite anxious. After all, I have no reason to stay here any longer. I can't just neglect my own business to wait around, can I? Linglong, tell me, am I right?"

*Good grief!*

Linglong didn't know what was wrong with Hu Hanzhi today; why did he have to involve her in every sentence? Did he want her to ask him to stay?

"Um... can't you do business in the capital just as well?" No sooner had Linglong finished speaking than the teacup in Qin Daofei’s hand crumbled into powder.

Linglong’s heart skipped a beat. Was this man always so violent?

"Heh, Master Qin’s martial arts are impressive!" Hu Hanzhi praised him sincerely.

Qin Daofei brushed the powder from his hands and said flatly, "My apologies. There is a cat at home that loves to wail, and it irritates me. I lost control of my strength for a moment."

"Oh? Master Qin likes cats? I do too. But since you find that cat so irritating... why not hand it over to me? I am very fond of wailing cats, and I will treat it well!" Hu Hanzhi said pointedly.

*Hah!*

Qin Daofei sneered. "There is no need to trouble Young Master Hu. I know how to make my own cat behave. A man like you, who dances on the blade’s edge, isn't suited for cats. Perhaps you should prefer dogs instead; dogs are quite good!"

*Uh...*

Linglong felt she shouldn't have come. These two were infuriating; they were both insulting each other through metaphors, and they both acted as if she didn't understand!

"Since you two have so much to talk about, why don't you continue? I’ll go see if Yixiao has eaten," Linglong said, standing up to leave.

Qin Daofei and Hu Hanzhi spoke in unison: "Do you even know how to cook? Why worry about that?"

*Um!*

Linglong sat back down obediently. "You two please continue, ignore me!"

Satisfied, both men glanced at Linglong and smiled. Hu Hanzhi continued, "Master Qin? You haven't answered my question yet."

"Which question, Young Master Hu? If it is about finding your biological father, I am truly sorry, but there are no leads. I don't know who this father is—he is so terrified of us finding him that he always strikes first, killing anyone who knows the truth. Sometimes I cannot help but wonder if this father of yours even exists. If you are asking about the cat or dog matter, then I must apologize. I have raised that cat for nearly ten years, and I have always loved it dearly. I suggested you like dogs simply so you wouldn't wait in vain. After all, you aren't young anymore; if you don't make a choice, you will grow old and be left with only doctors and medicinal herbs for company. Wouldn't that be quite desolate?"

*Pfft!*

Linglong was holding back so hard she nearly suffered internal injuries.

Yet Hu Hanzhi remained calm. "Heh, it is a coincidence. I am a stubborn man myself; I love cats—especially that 'money-grubbing cat' I dragged out of a pile of corpses. I simply cannot stand to see it turn back to that ungrateful dog. I want to take it away so it won't be in so much pain."

*Mm!*

Linglong covered her face and bowed her head. It was too terrifying!

"Oh, so the cat in Young Master Hu’s house is so devoted. Truly a good cat!"

*Slap!*

Linglong stood up and slammed her hand on the table. Pointing at Qin Daofei and Hu Hanzhi, she said, "Since you two get along so well, why don't you just be together!"

*Pfft!*

Qin Daofei and Hu Hanzhi looked at each other with utter disdain and remained silent.

After a while, Qin Daofei pulled Linglong down to sit. "What nonsense are you spouting? I am not familiar with Young Master Hu, so I have no reason to invite him to stay for a meal. Since you came personally to check on progress, I will not keep you any longer. I must go investigate thoroughly so I can give you an answer, Young Master Hu, and then you won't have to keep thinking about someone else’s cat until you lose your mind."

"No..." Hu Hanzhi began, but Linglong said quietly, "If you two keep spouting nonsense, I will feed you both three hundred types of aphrodisiacs, lock you in a room, and let you kill each other!"

With that, they both shut up.

Hu Hanzhi smiled. "Linglong, it is my birthday in a few days. Remember to come see me!"

With that, Linglong felt a thick, terrifying aura of murder radiating from Qin Daofei.

After Hu Hanzhi left, Linglong subconsciously avoided Qin Daofei. Qin Daofei ignored her, his face icy throughout.

"Um... are you still in the mood to eat drunken crabs?" Linglong asked.

Qin Daofei glanced at her and said coldly, "Why wouldn't I be? I said I’d take you. Let’s go!"

"Then you ride a horse. I don't want an ice block in the carriage!" Linglong said, and bolted.

Qin Daofei stared coldly at the teacup Hu Hanzhi had used. He used a technique to pull the cup toward him through the air, crushed it into powder in his palm, and brushed the dust onto the floor. He looked a bit more pleased then.

On the way to the Music House, Qin Daofei did not ride a horse, but inside the carriage, everyone subconsciously kept their distance. Even Feng Yixiao, usually smitten with Qin Daofei’s good looks, avoided him. It was too terrifying.

Tang Li and Jifeng drove from the outside, wanting to laugh but daring not to. Hua'er held Feng Yixiao, unable to stay inside any longer, and said, "Miss, I’ll take Yixiao outside to sit with Brother Tang. She loves watching the outside world."

"Don't go..." Linglong grabbed Hua'er’s sleeve, feigning propriety. "I am Yixiao’s mother; how could I trouble you with this? You rest in the carriage, I’ll go instead!"

"No, no, Miss, you aren't feeling well and shouldn't catch a cold. I’ll go, Yixiao will go with her aunt." Hua'er pried Linglong’s hand away and gave her a helpful shove toward Qin Daofei.

Caught off guard, Linglong fell backward, and Qin Daofei did not catch her, letting her land beside him.

*Heh heh!*

Linglong giggled foolishly. "Um, this carriage isn't driven very well. Master Qin, you might consider changing drivers!"

Jifeng, outside, heard Linglong questioning his driving skills and remembered the sixty taels he’d lost because of her. With new and old grudges combined, Jifeng made the carriage bumpier, causing Linglong to throw herself into Qin Daofei’s arms again and again.

Linglong was furious. "How can you treat your Master like this? Your Master is falling apart! I’m going to go talk to them; this is too ridiculous!"

She started to get up, but Qin Daofei pinched her waist and pulled her back into his arms. "Tell me," he asked coldly, "should my cat be thinking about a dog that comes to the door to bark?"

*Uh...*

"Is Master Qin feeling insecure? Are you afraid your cat will run off with a... dog?" Though she didn't want to compare Hu Hanzhi to a dog, Qin Daofei looked like a starving wolf in the desert. To save her own skin, she chose to betray Hu Hanzhi temporarily.

Qin Daofei stared at her coldly. "Yes. My cat is greedy, loves money, and most importantly, is a bit stupid. What if she gets tricked away? I’ll never find a cat as beautiful as this one again!"

*Hmph!*

*Fine, since you’re so good with words, I won’t hold it against you!*

Linglong muttered to herself, then smiled. "Don't worry. As long as you work hard to earn money and feed her well, I’m sure your cat won't run away!"

"Really?" Qin Daofei asked.

Linglong felt spineless, but in the face of life and death, what was spine?

"Of course!"

And just like that, the clouds cleared for Qin Daofei.

Linglong sighed in relief. "I never knew Master Qin was so insecure. That’s rare. Don't believe everything a woman says; sometimes, women don't even believe what they’re saying themselves!"

With that, Linglong slithered away like a loach, too fast for Qin Daofei to catch!

And so, the recently brightened Master Qin was instantly depressed again.

By the time they reached the Music House, Siniang asked suspiciously, "Mistress, what is wrong with the Master?"

"Probably saw two dogs fighting over a gold nugget and wanted to join in, but he’s done so many bad deeds he’s lost his confidence, right?" Linglong said, then hurried to pull Siniang along. "Siniang, take me to see the big crabs!"

*Uh...*

Siniang wondered what kind of gold nugget would make the Master lower himself to fight a dog for it.

"Don't dogs love eating dung? When did they start loving gold?" Aifei emerged from the shadows, asking Linglong coldly.

Linglong glared.

Siniang laughed. "Maybe the Master’s eyesight is bad, and he mistook a shiny piece of dung for a big gold nugget?"

*Uh!*

Linglong felt she had taken a critical hit!

But Siniang looked so innocent; Linglong couldn't even refute her.

"High insight!" Aifei bowed, and Siniang returned the gesture. "Good martial arts, girl. If you hadn't revealed yourself, I truly wouldn't have noticed you!"

Aifei pinched Linglong’s cheek and pointed to the gloomy corner where Qin Daofei sat. "Go stay over there, this place isn't for you!"

Linglong was furious; she stood with hands on hips, ready to fight Aifei.

They chased each other to the back mountain and back again until Linglong was exhausted. "Enough, I’m not fighting anymore, I’m hungry!"

"Don't provoke me next time. The only person you should be provoking is over there," Aifei said, pointing at Qin Daofei.

Linglong shivered, not daring to go near.

When it was time to eat, Linglong chose the seat furthest from Qin Daofei. But Tang Li and Jifeng, those beasts, moved her chair right next to him, and the others filled the remaining seats with practiced coordination, leaving no gaps.

Linglong was about to explode when Siniang brought the fragrant, large crabs.

Seeing good food, Linglong lost the energy to be angry.

Qin Daofei didn't speak the whole time, peeling shrimp and pulling crab legs, feeding Feng Yixiao, acting like he was invisible.

Linglong felt guilty and peeled a shrimp to feed him. "My first time peeling shrimp, don't you dare refuse me!"

"Thank you." Qin Daofei ate the shrimp, his face expressionless, then continued peeling.

The atmosphere remained low until Linglong was intoxicated by the wine in the drunken shrimp.

"Qin Daofei, are you a man or not?" Linglong asked, slamming the table.

Everyone stood up and left, not daring to linger for a second.

"Do you not know if I am a man?" Qin Daofei said calmly.

*Mm...*

Linglong covered her face. "I wasn't talking about that! I’m saying I’ve already humbled myself to coax you, what more do you want?"

"I was happy, but then you said you didn't even believe your own words. If you really left with Hu Hanzhi, where would I find you?" Qin Daofei asked, gazing at her.

Linglong plopped onto his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and said domineeringly, "I’ve been tricked back by you, what else do you want?"

"I didn't mean to trick you. I just wanted to hold you openly. You always call me an 'ex-husband,' so fine, I’ll be your ex-husband. I can marry you a hundred times over, but you cannot keep Hu Hanzhi, and you cannot think of him. As long as you don't think of other men, I will indulge you in everything else!" Qin Daofei had reached the point of humble love.

Only by loving humbly could he truly understand the desolation Linglong had suffered.

"I’m not thinking of anyone else, I’ve always been thinking of..." Linglong realized she shouldn't have let that slip and covered her mouth, looking at him.

"Thinking of what?"

"Thinking of how to get all your silver into my own pocket!" Linglong said proudly.

Qin Daofei poured her a glass of wine. "Didn't I give you the jade pendant? As long as you have it, the Xiaoyao Manor is yours; no one can take it away!"

Linglong giggled after a drink. She hooked his chin. "I don't just want your wealth; I want you, too!"

"My wealth and my person are all yours!" A smile began to surface on Qin Daofei’s face.

"Then go sleep with Tan Xiyin and show me!" Linglong was truly unafraid of death.

Qin Daofei felt his mood being tossed up and down by her. It was agonizing!

"If I really do, you aren't allowed to cry!" Qin Daofei gritted his teeth.

Linglong thought about it, then bit his neck. "If you dare, I’ll tie you to the bed in the middle of the night, turn you into a eunuch, and sell you to the palace!"

"The Emperor wouldn't dare keep me in the palace." The Emperor wanted to be as far from Qin Daofei as possible; he wouldn't bring that trouble upon himself.

Linglong was speechless, only grabbing and biting him. Qin Daofei let her be, letting her have her fun.

"Linglong, what do you think of Hu Hanzhi?" Qin Daofei asked after a long while.

Linglong pondered. "Hu Hanzhi? He’s very good-looking!"

"Is he better-looking than me?" Qin Daofei felt the small fire in his heart flare up again.

"You look better!" Linglong said. The fire in his heart died down, but she immediately added, "But Hu Hanzhi is also good-looking. You’re both good-looking. And Hu Hanzhi never scolds me, never!"

"I won't scold you either, never again!" The fire flared up again.

Linglong laughed and hooked her finger with his. "You promised. If you scold me, you’re a dog, a big pig’s trotter!"

"Is a big pig’s trotter your favorite thing to eat?"

Linglong nodded. "Yes, my favorite!"

She went to bite him again.

*Hiss!*

Qin Daofei clutched his neck. "Bite gently, what if I die?"

"If you die, you die. Once you’re dead, I’ll take your assets and find ten handsome lovers!" Linglong giggled. Qin Daofei pinched her neck, glaring. Linglong looked at him with teary eyes. "Are you going to scold me? Are you going to hit me?"

Qin Daofei’s mood was a rollercoaster!

"I won't scold you," he said.

Linglong didn't believe him. "Write me a guarantee!"

"How?" Qin Daofei grabbed her claws and gnawed on them one by one.

Linglong let him, then pulled a piece of paper from her bosom, smoothed it out, and placed it before him. "Sign it and press your thumbprint!"

"Fine!" Just as he was about to read it, Linglong threw a tantrum. "Sign it first!"

Qin Daofei obediently picked up the brush to sign and print. But the moment he finished, he realized he couldn't even hold the brush. "You..."

As he spoke, the brush dropped, and Qin Daofei collapsed.

Linglong shed her drunken state, clapped her hands, and said, "Tried to take advantage of me while I was drunk?"

She picked up the paper, laughing triumphantly. "Hahaha, Qin Daofei, didn't expect to fall for this, did you?"

She tucked the paper into her bosom, protecting it well, then opened the door and told Tang Li and Jifeng, "Your Master is drunk, go take care of him!"

Jifeng looked at Tang Li. "Is the Master drunk? Wasn't it the Mistress?"

Tang Li peeked inside and saw Qin Daofei slumped on the table, motionless.

"Master!" They rushed in and shook him, but he didn't react.

Linglong clapped, smiling like a little fox. "Stop shaking him, just take him home to rest. He won't wake up!"

With that, she walked away.

Tang Li and Jifeng reached out to help him. Qin Daofei moved, and Jifeng smiled.

"Can the Master walk?"

Qin Daofei didn't even lift his eyelids. "Can't walk. Support me!"

"The Master spoils the Mistress to no end!" Tang Li laughed helplessly.

Qin Daofei said nothing, but inwardly, he acknowledged it. He knew he owed Linglong. Words were too empty; he had to show her with practical actions.

Back at Xiaoyao Manor, Linglong waited for him to "wake up" before skipping over. "Master Qin, should we talk?"

"Come here!" Qin Daofei pulled her onto his lap, biting her earlobe. "When did you drug me?"

*Hahaha!*

Linglong was triumphant. "I didn't drug you?"

She wouldn't tell him how she had shamelessly coated her fingers in medicine and let him gnaw on them.

"Is that so?"

Linglong kicked her legs, carefully reaching into her clothes to find the note. As she fumbled, Qin Daofei’s throat bobbed, and he grabbed her hands. "Stop fumbling!"

He took over the task, but his hands wandered everywhere.

"You..." Linglong still couldn't quite handle such intimacy. She gritted her teeth and pulled his hands away. In the struggle, her collar was torn open, exposing her chest.

The deep purple, almost black, large character "Adultery" was right there before Qin Daofei’s eyes.

Linglong’s face went cold, and she tried to pull her clothes over the scar that had cost her all her dignity. Qin Daofei wouldn't allow it. He buried his face in her chest, kissing the scar gently. "Linglong, you don't have to hide. This wasn't your fault; it was mine. You can use this to punish me, punish me all you want, but please, do not punish yourself."

"Don't you want to ask what I went through?" Linglong looked at him, her eyes holding a bloodthirsty glint.

Qin Daofei looked at her tenderly. "If you are willing to speak, I will listen. If you are not, I will not investigate. I will respect you, but I will make them pay the price—every single one of them!"

"Including your mother?" If it weren't for her, would Linglong have been hurt so badly?

Qin Daofei was silent for a moment. "If you feel that punishing my mother will make you feel better, I will do it." After all, those were her sins. Even if he couldn't punish her, as her son, he would bear the burden for her.

"Then start by executing the contract you just signed!" Linglong pulled the well-kept paper from her bosom and tossed it at his face.

Qin Daofei opened it without changing his expression. In Linglong’s unique, claw-like handwriting, it stated clearly: *A gentleman's friendship is as clear as water. From now on, I, Qin Daofei, only wish for Feng Linglong’s happiness and health, and dare not cross the line. If I break this vow, I shall be a pig or a dog.*

After reading, Qin Daofei raised an eyebrow. "Linglong, where is your 'line'? What exactly does it include?"

"Just... don't kiss or hug me randomly, don't... anyway, nothing!" Linglong was too embarrassed to say it, so she demanded everything.

"Oh!" Qin Daofei cooperated, whispering, "I understand. Whatever you say, Linglong. I will listen to you!"

With that, a wicked smile curled his lips. For some reason, Linglong felt she had dug her own grave, but she couldn't pinpoint where it went wrong.

"Let go!" Linglong slapped his hand away and got out of his lap.

Qin Daofei didn't cling. He released her obediently. This was the result she wanted, yet she couldn't feel happy at all.

The next day, Little Fish came by.

He stood at the gate of Xiaoyao Manor, arrogantly saying, "I want to see Feng Linglong!"

"Kid, is the name of our Mistress something you can just shout?" The gatekeeper was displeased by his attitude.

Little Fish put his hands on his hips and scolded, "I’m the one who saved Feng Linglong’s life! So what if I call her by name?"

"Whose kid is this, so arrogant?"

Just then, Hua'er walked in. Seeing Little Fish, she asked, "Little Fish, why are you here?"

"I want to see Feng Linglong!" Little Fish said coldly.

Hua'er hesitated, then said, "Follow me."

Because of Tang Li, everyone respected Hua'er, so they didn't say anything as she led him in.

They walked toward Linglong Pavilion but bumped into Qin Daofei halfway.

Little Fish saw him and, without a word, pulled a dagger and lunged, trying to kill him. Hua'er was terrified and ran toward the pavilion to find Linglong.

Qin Daofei remained calm, easily dodging the dagger and flicking Little Fish’s wrist with a finger. Little Fish felt his hand go numb, and the dagger fell.

Qin Daofei reached for him, but Little Fish dove, scrambled between his legs, and launched hidden weapons from behind. Qin Daofei waved his sleeve, and the weapons flew back toward Little Fish.

Little Fish was startled, retreating several steps to avoid his own weapons.

"So young, yet so vicious. Did Hu Hanzhi teach you this?" Qin Daofei asked calmly.

Little Fish stomped his feet. "Shut your damn mouth! Brother Hanzhi isn't like that! He took in that ungrateful wolf Feng Linglong, hoping to raise her as his wife, but as soon as she returned, you bewitched her! She refuses to go back with him. I’ve never seen Brother Hanzhi so sad. I’m going to kill you two dogs to vent his anger!"

"Just a child, yet so foul-mouthed. Do you even know what 'dogs' means?" A murderous aura spilled from Qin Daofei’s eyes.

Little Fish didn't care. "You stole Brother Hanzhi’s woman, so you’re a dog!"

"Linglong has been my woman from the very beginning. Hu Hanzhi saved her, but he has saved many others. Does he keep every one of them as a wife?"

Little Fish was furious. "Brother Hanzhi never liked any other woman! He only fell for Feng Linglong. But she played with him and ran off, irresponsible! She’s a bitch, and you two are a pair of dogs!"

"I don't kill women or children, but if you keep pushing me, I don't mind killing you!" Qin Daofei stood with his hands behind his back, looking coldly at him.

Little Fish was incensed by the mention of "women or children." He stomped his feet and cursed like a shrew, "Qin Daofei, you’re the woman! Let me tell you, I can handle things on my own—the entire..."

"You brat!" Linglong appeared, stopping him from finishing.

Qin Daofei’s eyes flashed with coldness as he looked at them. Little Fish saw Linglong and immediately attacked her.

Linglong yelled, "Oh my, you’re fighting me too?"

They began to brawl. Qin Daofei watched with arms crossed. Linglong and Little Fish had no technique; they scratched, bit, and grabbed like two bear cubs. Linglong, being craftier, subdued him, sitting on his waist. Little Fish refused to yield, kicking at her.

Linglong was triumphant, but Little Fish kicked her in the head. Furious, she grabbed his legs and dragged him forward.

Little Fish was flexible, but he couldn't withstand her strength and winced in pain.

"You little brat, call us dogs again? Was I wrong?"

"I wasn't wrong! You and Qin Daofei are a pair of dogs! You’re already Brother Hanzhi’s woman, you’re unchaste!" Little Fish roared, his face red.

No sooner had he finished than a shadow flashed. Linglong was lifted and tossed aside.

Then, Little Fish was lifted by the neck...

Linglong stared. Qin Daofei, who had been relaxed, had moved. Fearing he would kill the boy, she rushed over. "Let him go! He’s just a child!"

"A child who speaks such filth? If Hu Hanzhi won't teach him, I will teach him a lesson on his behalf!" The killing intent in Qin Daofei’s eyes was terrifying.

Linglong was frantic. Fearing he would kill the boy, she reached out to pry his fingers open.