Chapter Eight: Joy Brings Vitality

“I'll give you some time to think it over yourself. You've dumped so much filth on me, Xue Yuanyuan, but I'm not blind.” Lin Zhiwei straightened up, her tone sharp and unwavering.

Xue Yuanyuan sobbed, torn between rage and despair. Everything she had painstakingly built had been destroyed in an instant. She glared hatefully at Lin Zhiwei, this Lin Zhiwei she no longer recognized, yet a deep sense of fear spread within her.

At this moment, Lin Zhiwei seemed like a bloodthirsty demon, smiling with ease, speaking with such casualness, yet each word struck mercilessly.

“As for me, I've got things to do now, so I can't keep playing along with your act. If you hadn’t gone too far, I wouldn't have exposed you. Using your status as the Lin family’s adopted daughter to marry into wealth was never difficult. But you happened to run right into my sights, and even tried to replace me. Xue Yuanyuan, I am not a sickly kitten.”

She turned, fixing Xue Yuanyuan with a gaze colder and more piercing than ever before. Xue Yuanyuan shivered involuntarily, a chill running down her spine. In Lin Zhiwei’s bearing, she saw the shadow of someone else—the lord of the Nameless Domain, Lin Qiongjiu, that decisive and ruthless man...

“Take this as a warning. How you conduct yourself from now on is up to you.” With that, Lin Zhiwei folded her arms and walked away.

She hummed a tune as she went, her spirits soaring. Truly, when good things come, the heart rejoices. Having dealt with the ‘green tea’, even the night seemed lovelier.

“Today is a fine day, all auspicious things will come true...” Lin Zhiwei hummed the song, her excitement barely contained.

“Impressive tactics.”

Suddenly, a cold voice came from the other end of the rooftop. Lin Zhiwei narrowed her eyes as a tall, slender figure slowly approached from the darkness.

Oh, a spectator who appreciates the show.

“Thank you,” Lin Zhiwei replied without seeing clearly who it was, but responded politely nonetheless. Whoever it was, she was ready to head home and rest.

“Interested in making a deal?” The figure drew closer and Lin Zhiwei focused—damn, it was that difficult handsome guy from earlier. Though, by the look of him now, he seemed less difficult.

Lin Zhiwei paused, folding her arms. “And who might you be?”

“Ling Ziheng.” His black hair drifted gently, bright eyes gleaming with a smile.

“Lin Zhiwei,” she replied curtly, though the word ‘deal’ already stirred a hint of intrigue in her heart. A deal meant she held leverage. “What kind of deal? I don’t do dangerous business, not skilled enough yet. I don’t sell my body—though I doubt anyone would want it. Abuse of power is out, there are people above me, and if things go wrong, we all die together.”

Ling Ziheng was taken aback. He hadn’t expected her to lay out her cards so plainly, but her candor only deepened his interest. Someone this clever couldn’t possibly be as inept as the rumors said.

“It involves power but isn’t abuse—a win-win for both sides.” Ling Ziheng raised his brows.

A win-win sounded as dazzling as a golden fireball, instantly igniting Lin Zhiwei’s inner flame. Another clever one.

It really was her lucky day. Despite being thrown to the mat by Lin Qiongjiu more times than she could count, her body aching all over, she’d just landed two opportunities for collaboration. The day she reclaimed her beauty and won over handsome men was drawing near. As for whether she’d become a real boss in the future, that could be discussed later.

“Let’s talk somewhere else. Standing in the cold wind here isn’t exactly a sign of sincerity.” Lin Zhiwei blinked and suggested energetically.

“Just what I was thinking. It’s already arranged.” Ling Ziheng offered his hand in gentlemanly fashion.

Efficient and clear, Lin Zhiwei thought, reassessing him—this one was promising. Was there someone like this in the Nameless Domain?

Though she’d spent years trapped in the training grounds under Lin Qiongjiu’s torment, she’d still heard a bit about the young heirs of the great families. Maybe he was from a smaller clan, trying to climb up?

Lin Zhiwei eyed him with interest. His figure was remarkably appealing, clearly maintained through regular training.

Well, whoever he was, her intuition told her he was reliable and easy to communicate with. Half the intent for partnership was already reached.

Ling Ziheng, meanwhile, was sizing her up as well. He had leveraged every resource he could in the Nameless Domain, all to find himself a proper ally—one who wouldn’t require a marriage alliance.

And all signs pointed to Lin Zhiwei.

Yes, this very ordinary, even somewhat inconspicuous girl before him. As for what she held in her hands, everyone knew: the lord of the Nameless Domain, Lin Qiongjiu, had set his sights on winning over Lin Zhiwei’s family—a well-known secret.

She might very well be his successor.

But that was only his guess, not yet confirmed. Perhaps Lin Zhiwei herself could provide some answers.

Ling Ziheng had chosen a spot on the twentieth floor of Fushi—a quiet bar. Few guests lingered; most of the young heirs and heiresses were still at banquets or rushing to the next lively party. Few sought the tranquility of a small bar.

The staff at the entrance clearly recognized Ling Ziheng, bowing politely.

Lin Zhiwei took a careful look around the bar.

Not bad—tasteful, clean, comfortable, with a pleasant view.

From décor to the choice of tableware, everything was thoughtfully selected, evidencing the owner’s refined taste. The mirror’s reflection happened to frame a blood red moon, stirring Lin Zhiwei’s curiosity.

She paused at the center of the bar, occasionally moving forward or back, shifting from side to side.

The attendant seemed about to inquire, but Ling Ziheng intervened.

He watched her, arms folded, unsurprised.

“Indeed, quite tasteful. The blood moon appears different from every angle. If I’m not mistaken, it reflects the phases of the moon throughout the month.” Lin Zhiwei nodded, full of admiration.

“You’re the first to notice.” Ling Ziheng’s lips curved into a faint smile.

An extraordinary woman.