https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-639-Finally-on-Chu-Liuxiang-s-Boat/12624732/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-641-Fanning-the-Flames-Off-to-the-Great-Desert/12624734/
Chapter 640: Jin Banfflower: I'm Just Looking Out for You All
Chapter 640: Jin Banfflower: I'm Just Looking Out for You All
"Nan Guling was the mastermind behind it all?"
Hearing Su Rongrong's narrative, Li Hongxiao and Song Tian'er were both stunned.
Nan Guling was a good friend of Chu Liuxiang, so close that he had been invited aboard his ship.
"Could there be danger awaiting Chu ge as he ventures to Mingzhe alone to find the other culprit?" Song Tian'er asked anxiously.
Su Rongrong shook her head. "If it were before we suspected Nan Guling, Chu ge might have indeed been in peril. But now that Nan Guling is dead and we are aware of so much, Chu ge has no more reservations. It would be incredibly difficult for the culprit to plot against him again."
Song Tian'er nodded and patted her chest. "That's a relief!"
Hei Zhenzhuu gave Song Tian'er a sidelong glance, narrowing her eyes.
Jin Banfflower looked around. "May I have a tour?"
"Of course, please follow me, Mr. Jin." Li Hongxiao offered.
Hei Zhenzhu naturally joined Jin Banfflower on the tour, so Song Tian'er headed to the kitchen to cook, while Liao Gang and Ye Jin went to enjoy the breeze on the deck. Li Hongxiao and Su Rongrong led Jin Banfflower and Hei Zhenzhu on a tour of the sailboat.
Although the ship was more cramped than a typical dwelling on land, the cabins were exquisitely and neatly furnished, making the most of the available space. The overall ambiance was elegant and aesthetically pleasing.
Of course, Li Hongxiao only showed them the public areas. More private spaces, such as Chu Liuxiang's master bedroom, the ladies' chambers, and the mask collection room, were off-limits for the tour.
"This is Chu ge's favorite chair, and over there, you'll find a collection of fine teas and wines from various regions."
"In that cabinet over there, you'll find Xuan paper, ink, and brushes. Back then, Nan Guling..."
"Here, we have the cargo hold at the bottom of the ship. It's kept rather cool..."
Su Rongrong turned to face Hei Zhenzhu.
Hei Zhenzhu fell silent and quietly pushed open the cabin door.
...
Moments later, everyone returned to the guest cabin.
"Let's eat!"
Song Tian'er's cheerful voice echoed into the cabin, even managing to lift the spirits of Hei Zhenzhu, who was immersed in grief.
Song Tian'er was followed by Liao Gang and Ye Jin, each carrying a tray laden with delicious-smelling dishes.
"I've prepared roast goose and honey-glazed char siu, as well as braised shrimp and grilled fish!" Song Tian'er beamed. "Sister Pearl, come and taste my culinary skills!"
Jin Banfflower sniffed and exclaimed, "And she's a little chef, too! Her value just keeps increasing!"
"Better than you." Jin Banfflower turned to Su Rongrong.
Su Rongrong couldn't help but laugh. "If you dare to take Tian'er away, aren't you afraid she'll poison your food?"
Song Tian'er looked confused. "Why would Mr. Jin want to take me away?"
"Because Chu Liuxiang stole my White Jade Beauty!" Jin Banfflower explained. "He stole my White Jade Beauty, so I'll steal one of his beauties in return. Isn't that fair?"
Startled, Song Tian'er jumped behind Li Hongxiao. "I'm not going with you!"
Jin Banfflower burst into laughter, pointing at Liao Gang and Ye Jin. "Now that I'm here and have these burly companions, how can the three of you weak women stop me?"
Hei Zhenzhu's cheeks twitched, Su Rongrong struggled to hold back her amusement, Song Tian'er's playful nature shone through her panic, and Li Hongxiao maintained her smile.
"However, I am a reasonable person. Chu Liuxiang may not be, but I believe you three are. So, let me ask you..."
Jin Banfflower continued confidently, "Chu Liuxiang stole my White Jade Beauty, which is worth hundreds of thousands of taels of silver. In exchange, I'm taking three of his maids. Isn't that reasonable and fair, no matter where you go?"
"Everyone..." Jin Banfflower addressed them, putting on a show. "If you were kind-hearted, reasonable young ladies, you should take the initiative to follow me without me having to lift a finger."
"Rest assured, the treatment at the Jin Manor in the capital is excellent. There isn't much work, but the monthly silver allowance is substantial, and the accommodations are guaranteed to be more spacious and comfortable than this ship. I assure you that, in three months, I will have you all well-fed and plump!" Jin Banfflower boasted.
Song Tian'er shook her head vigorously, her two braids swinging. "I don't want to get fat!"
This time, Su Rongrong couldn't hold back her laughter. "Back in Jinan, didn't you say you'd make me work endlessly without paying me a monthly allowance?"
"How did you hear that when you were unconscious at the time?" Jin Banfflower scratched his face, completely unabashed. "That was because you were the only one then. Now that there are three of you, I'm sure you'll have an easier time."
"Then I thank Young Master Jin for his consideration." Su Rongrong replied with a gentle smile.
"You're welcome!" Jin Banfflower said.
Hei Zhenzhu couldn't bear to listen anymore. "With your status as a wealthy young master and your two companions, even if you all ganged up on them, I doubt you could beat even one of them!"
"Nonsense!" Jin Banfflower raised his eyebrows. "I know, Brother Hei, that your martial arts skills are exceptional. But these three young ladies are so delicate and fragile that I'm afraid they'd cry out in pain if I used a little force."
Hei Zhenzhu's eyes narrowed, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. "Why don't you give it a try?"
"Try? Very well, then!" Jin Banfflower waved his hand. "Liao Gang, go and capture that Li girl. Remember to be gentle. If there's even a hint of a bruise on her arm, I'll hold you responsible!"
Liao Gang pointed at himself, disbelief written on his face. "Me?"
Jin Banfflower thought for a moment, then waved his hand dismissively. "Never mind, never mind. You practice the Iron Palm of Shaolin, and it wouldn't be pretty if you made the young lady cry. It would ruin the whole affair."
Li Hongxiao smiled sweetly. "Is Young Master Jin planning to take action himself?"
"I am a respectable man. How could I take action myself?" Jin Banfflower stroked his chin. "Even if I were to make you follow me, it would be of your own volition."
Song Tian'er scrunched up her nose. "You can forget about that."
"Why? I'm doing this for your own good!" Jin Banfflower said earnestly.
Su Rongrong smiled softly, Li Hongxiao remained silent with a smile, and Song Tian'er rolled her eyes.
Jin Banfflower sighed. "I know you've been with Chu Liuxiang for a long time, and his temperament isn't bad. He's quite handsome, and he's the type that girls like. But..."
Everyone remained silent.
"...However!" Jin Banfflower continued, "I've seen him frequently flirting with other women outside, but when it comes to Miss Su, he never oversteps his bounds. I suspect it's because you're too familiar with him. Even if he doesn't see you as maids, he probably considers you no more than little sisters. How could he possibly accept you as his concubines?"
Jin Banfflower shook his head as he spoke. "He won't accept you, and naturally, he doesn't want to hold you back. If I take you away, I might even be able to find you good husbands in the capital. Don't you think he should be happy about that?"
At this point, Jin Banfflower paused and asked, "Don't you want to leave his side and stop watching him be affectionate with other women while you grow old alone?"
Su Rongrong's face paled slightly.
The smile faded from Li Hongxiao's face.
Song Tian'er stopped scowling.
(End of Chapter)
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