Honestly speaking, if Lin Yuchan put herself in the Jiangzhe branch’s position, it would be strange if they didn’t explode after being played like this by Su Minguan.

Back then, out of trust in Jin Lanhe, they had entrusted Shanghai Yixing to his management. These two years the Jiangzhe branch had been peaceful, neither jumping out to interfere nor creating obstacles for him—they had already done their part as brothers.

Now look—two years of trust rewarded with a smashed sign, not even dregs remaining.

She’d be angry, too, if it were her.

“But,” Lin Yuchan reminded, “those one hundred thousand taels weren’t spent in vain! Grand Secretary Yu Sheng was brought down! You should inquire—this Yu Sheng was not only stubbornly conservative but also strongly advocated severe ‘bandit suppression.’ Though he never personally slaughtered anti-Qing patriots, when Zeng Guofan’s Hunan Army massacred former Taiping cities, many in court criticized this, but Yu Sheng submitted several memorials defending it, saying unruly people could never be killed enough and should be eliminated root and branch. Also, regarding previous Hong Army uprisings that killed many corrupt officials, Yu Sheng always advocated generous posthumous honors, monuments, and biographies to pass down to posterity, personally writing many disgusting obituaries. Such a Qing court running dog now fallen from power, lost his son, bedridden and near death—isn’t this cause for great celebration? This alone makes Jin Lanhe a great hero. Even the founding masters in heaven would laugh out loud.”

The messenger was stunned, blurting out: “How do you know this?”

Su Minguan was also stunned. This defensive angle was too peculiar—he hadn’t anticipated it at all.

Lin Yuchan smiled in answer: “I was bored for two months in the capital, what gossip haven’t I heard? You’ve never been to Beijing, naturally don’t know. Even a mule cart driver there has well-informed news, able to rattle off decades of imperial secrets!”

Indeed, Beijing bannermen differed from common people elsewhere. They felt from their hearts that the Qing was their family business, so no matter how poor or fallen, when discussing court politics, they all analyzed with great expertise. Lin Yuchan exaggerated slightly more, making Yu Sheng seem like Hong Men’s public enemy.

Not just this messenger—among living Hong Men disciples, few dared enter Beijing, naturally unable to catch such court rumors. Lin Yuchan casually mentioning her “two months of boredom in Beijing” was also silent boasting.

The messenger’s expression wavered, nodding in agreement: “Literati are more hateful than generals. Such people living one more day is a disaster for our great cause.”

“So,” Lin Yuchan struck while the iron was hot, “can this deed offset his mistake? At least, the three-year wager hasn’t reached its end. Brother, return and consult Mr. Li about extending his deadline one more year. Everyone has seen Minguan’s capabilities. In one year, maintaining Yixing’s sign, even if not reaching the former scale, making the shipping business prosperous again wouldn’t be difficult for him. What does brother think?”

Su Minguan was physically and mentally exhausted, too lazy to argue anymore. She had to fight for him.

The messenger stood up, cupping his hands to both.

“Miss Bai Yushan understands righteousness deeply. Brother will relay this faithfully. Jin Lanhe, take care. Until we meet again.”

With that, he turned and left without touching his tea.

Su Minguan picked up the tea before him.

“A’Mei,” he finally laughed quietly, “you really won’t let me have peace.”

Lin Yuchan gave him a look. Wash his hands in a golden basin and retire from the martial world—would he agree? Just watching Luna being ruined in others’ hands, he nearly ran out to kill someone.

“Remember Wang Quan?” Su Minguan suddenly asked.

Lin Yuchan nodded, eyes showing confusion.

Why mention him?

“Haste makes waste. Those wanting quick money usually dig their graves,” Su Minguan said in a warning tone. “Isn’t that what you always say?”

Even if they gained a year’s extension, his Boya shares were worth at most four thousand taels. To turn that into one hundred thousand within a year was like gambling, immediately triggering irrational decisions.

From luxury to frugality is difficult. Wang Quan couldn’t bear the lengthy “starting from zero,” eager to rebuild Defeng Trading’s former grandeur, finally falling into the pit of borrowing money to speculate in real estate, ruining himself completely.

Lin Yuchan smiled: “Who told you to earn one hundred thousand taels in a year? I just sent them away to stop bothering you for now. Rest well first, don’t worry about these troubles. Shall I see you home?”

Su Minguan laughed out loud, forehead touching hers, closing his eyes momentarily to adjust his mood.

“Creditors are blocking the door at home.”

And… within a month, having sold off all of Yixing cheaply, like a collector personally smashing his precious collection, brought wounds difficult to heal. He didn’t want to return to that familiar storefront, didn’t even want to think about anything “ship”-related.

A slender hand hooked his little finger. Though the teahouse had foot traffic and even curtains, she didn’t dare be too bold.

Her hand was cool. A thread of clarity wound upward from his little finger, flowing into his heart.

Lin Yuchan suddenly said: “Boya’s business grows larger. Old Zhao now serves as both accountant, seems somewhat overwhelmed.”

Her tone was casual, carrying hints of suggestive amusement.

Su Minguan’s whole body trembled slightly, opening his eyes to look at her.

During his glory days, he had joked with this girl more than once that if Boya couldn’t continue and went bankrupt, she was welcome to work as an accountant at Yixing—he’d provide room and board.

This offer stood for three years. During these three years, Lin Yuchan piloted Boya’s small broken ship exploring the commercial seas, repeatedly navigating through storms, several times nearly capsizing, but fortunately the ship never flipped, so she never reported to Yixing.

Unexpectedly, the wheel of fortune turned. In the end, she was the first to throw the embroidered ball.

Su Minguan’s heart was pulled bit by bit from chaotic tangles by her words.

His expression brightened somewhat, smiling as he asked: “Do you want me to join Boya, or just want me to earn money to pay debts?”

Lin Yuchan lightly stuck out her tongue.

Boya was a shareholding company. According to current fragmented commercial laws, any partner’s joining request requires unanimous approval from major shareholders. For instance, Gao Dewen’s entry through steam engine investment was achieved only after Lin Yuchan wore out her lips convincing most shareholders.

Su Minguan still had three thousand taels of original investment in Boya. This money was enough to upgrade him to partner, entering Boya’s decision-making level.

However, it also required other shareholders’ approval.

And…

Lin Yuchan smiled: “You probably couldn’t stand our lazy atmosphere.”

Some words she was embarrassed to say. She only wanted to pull Su Minguan from his low point, give him something to do, and change his mindset. She didn’t plan to hand over her career. Boya’s operating style wasn’t his path. If Su Minguan truly had decision-making power, with his ambition, he’d probably be unable to help but interfere in personnel appointments, drastically reforming until this promising but dormant small business was completely turned into a money tree.

Su Minguan heard slight wariness in her tone, helplessly lowering his head to laugh.

This girl was… when discussing business, one thing at a time. Privately intimate with him to the point of confusion, but when talking business, she always drew a line in her heart.

This line—perhaps he should never hope to cross it in his lifetime.

With so many detestable people in the world, scheming against anyone was more interesting than scheming against her.

“I’m lazy, don’t want to learn your business from scratch,” Su Minguan smiled. “Just pay me the same as Old Zhao. I have debts to repay.”

Lin Yuchan hadn’t expected him to be so undemanding, momentary darkness in her eyes.

She had prepared for “installment repayment of one hundred thousand taels.” He was asking for fifteen yuan monthly?

However, Su Minguan was like her—opinionated, disliking others’ arrangements.

She thought, then went along: “Possible. But Old Zhao only serves as a part-time accountant. Baoluo and I also regularly audit. Accounting work doesn’t need a full laborer. Ten silver yuan at most, otherwise others will complain.”

He fully entered character, seriously bargaining.

Fifteen yuan. I can help sweep and cook.”

Lin Yuchan covered her mouth, laughing silently. This precious young master who could blow up kitchens making desserts wanted to steal Aunt Zhou’s work—she couldn’t let him do these things even if paid!

She shook her head: “Ten yuan maximum. Won’t make you do other things either. After finishing assigned work, you’re free to go out and play.”

“Then include room and board.”

Lin Yuchan was puzzled: “Yixing…”

“Most of the storefront is rented out. Only warehouse secret rooms untouched, storing some society affairs… actually, after disembarking today, I had nowhere to go.”

He answered lightly.

Lin Yuchan slowly nodded, saying very harshly:

“Fine. But my employee dormitory is full. Can’t give you a private room, you’ll have to squeeze with someone…”

Su Minguan was finally squeezed beyond endurance, softly calling her.

“A’Mei, if you’re hiring me, show some sincerity?”

“…Squeezing with me wouldn’t be wronging you, right?”

Lin Yuchan suppressed laughter, finishing the second half.

Su Minguan’s breathing hitched. Outside the teahouse, “Valkyrie” whistled departing port—he hadn’t noticed.

He slowly raised his eyebrows, gloom completely gone from his face, smiling as he looked at her, quietly hooking her finger back.

“If I make your bed and fold quilts, can I get two yuan more?”

Lin Yuchan buried her face in her hands, laughing.

She could do this herself! Just a minute’s work in the morning! Which sucker would pay others to do this?

However, she didn’t want to dampen his enthusiasm further. Twelve silver yuan monthly—to earn one hundred thousand taels, he’d have to work until the thirtieth century.

Su Minguan saw her tacit agreement, his face sunny and bright, blooming with a long-absent pure smile.

He suddenly stood, patted Lin Yuchan’s shoulder, and pulled her up.

“One last condition,” he said. “My shares are temporarily held by you, but if I need to withdraw shares in the future, I hope to get cash immediately.”

Lin Yuchan was slightly surprised. Looking at his eyes, no longer the cold-hearted decadent appearance of moments before, but returned to his former thoughtful, confident professional demeanor.

She calculated briefly, smiling: “Agreed.”

“Put this here… don’t touch that.”

“Your wardrobe is big, I only need a quarter.”

“Lamp oil is here. Clean bedding is here.”

“Your pillow is so low.”

“High pillows are bad for the neck. Adapt.”

“Safe? Forget it, I don’t have anything valuable… just give me a drawer.”

…

After the New Year, Shanghai’s population gradually increased again. Vendors hawked in various dialects, selling remaining holiday goods at low prices.

Lin Yuchan smiled, placing a fruit plate on the tea table: “Congratulations on moving in.”

Having pawned all valuable possessions, Su Minguan’s personal belongings were pitifully few. In just half an hour, he completed moving and reorganizing.

He carefully smoothed wrinkles from bed sheets, looking around, dissatisfied with this “room and board included” dormitory conditions: “The bed is a bit small.”

Lin Yuchan domineeringly said, “Want to change? Pay yourself.”

He immediately fell silent. After a while, he muttered: “Squeezing together is pretty good too.”

Lin Yuchan teased: “Didn’t you advance your first month’s salary?”

Su Minguan pretended not to hear, excitedly arranging pillows at the head of the bed.

Lin Yuchan pursed her lips smiling, looking at her third-floor master bedroom—clean and fresh, except for an extra pair of shoes, didn’t seem crowded with “one more person.”

She seriously explained rules: “Must change shoes entering, remove outer clothes. No eating in bed…”

Su Minguan protested: “I never drop crumbs when eating.”

Living independently for years, he had his survival wisdom. Though loving cleanliness, he’d long researched how to maintain cleanliness when feeling laziest.

Lin Yuchan glared: “Still not allowed.”

Su Minguan quietly complained: “So many rules, like a wealthy household.”

Her mind stirred again. He disliked restraint.

“Then…”

The final compromise: eating in bed was allowed, but must use trays. Whoever made it dirty was responsible for changing sheets.

They checked for omissions, conducted friendly exchanges on certain lifestyle habits, fully exchanged opinions, further enhanced mutual understanding, and initially reached some agreements.

Then they could happily cohabitate!

After the novelty wore off, Lin Yuchan smiled, shooing him away: “Alright, go to work. First familiarize yourself with our bookkeeping format.”

Su Minguan washed his hands, wiped sweat, sat on her small sofa, crossed his arms, and leaned back.

“The contract stipulates work starts after the Lantern Festival. Still two days.”

Lin Yuchan: “…”

True indeed.

Though employees were still on holiday, she had already entered work mode, smiling as she instructed: “Then rest. I’ll go arrange some things…”

“A’Mei.”

Her body was suddenly pulled back, caught in his arms.

“A’Mei, we’re living together now. Do you know how much I wanted to live with you?”

No need for reminders. Lin Yuchan herself felt her face was too thick.

Fortunately, employees and friends were mentally prepared, considerately not asking much. Everyone knew Su Minguan had put his entire shipping business into rescuing Miss Lin from prison. Miss Lin could never repay this debt, could only “pledge herself”…

Unreasonable but emotionally understandable. Everyone was a reasonable person—criticizing this matter further would be unconscionable.

Lin Yuchan somewhat awkwardly replied: “Though most business is now in branch offices, people still come to this building constantly, so…”

“No one’s here now.”

The girl was light-boned, easily lifted with one hand. Standing up, his other hand familiarly found the door bolt, clicking it shut.

“Your bed is a bit small. We need to test if we can sleep in it.”

Lin Yuchan saw through his intentions: “Didn’t we test already?”

He’d slept over here more than once without seeming cramped.

In two sentences, she was somewhat overwhelmed, kissed on her earlobe, and half her body went numb.

She lacked experience, didn’t know how to hide it. On the first day, he discovered several weak points—where made her most uncomfortable, where could make her temporarily forget discomfort, where could make her cry out…

She said with difficulty: “Tonight instead… in the ledger, Old Zhao messed up several pages originally, must fix before work starts, otherwise…”

Su Minguan seriously undressed her. This girl dressed randomly at home, layers mixed Chinese and Western under a small cotton jacket—what was this inside?

He unconsciously used force, breathing as he said: “Already fixed the accounts. In the left drawer of the accounting room.”

Lin Yuchan gasped: “When…”

Su Minguan found it slightly amusing. Taking advantage of her distraction, he successfully removed her flannel shirt, holding it with lingering body warmth.

“While you napped.” One hand gently caressed skin, searching for places that made her blush. “Washed hands, used your Marseille soap.”

“Wait,” Lin Yuchan wanted to cry, “that’s what I use to wash my face!”

Su Minguan paused, looking at her apologetically.

“I…”

“You used it as a child to wash hands,” she answered weakly for him.

Setting rules couldn’t miss anything! Otherwise, her living expenses would skyrocket tenfold!

Su Minguan laughed quietly. Just teasing her. Simply couldn’t find crude soap.

Taking advantage of her chagrin, he removed her last garment, simultaneously embracing her as they fell backward. Touching that longed-for body temperature.

Lin Yuchan felt uncomfortable being pressed, her mind heating and muddling. How could this man’s appetite become insatiable after getting a taste?

Countless unspeakable memories surged in her heart, her body reacting strangely to his exploration, uncertain if discomfort or pleasure.

Too weak to struggle, she lightly returned a kiss, feebly trying to reason: “Just kissing, okay? Also, don’t use your hands, tomorrow…”

Su Minguan hesitated momentarily, compromising: “…Okay.”

But he wouldn’t let her dress, and being cold, he grabbed the bedcover to wrap her while encircling himself halfway, creating a dark warm little cave. Ambiguous breath warmed, surrounded by swaying leaked light, and her pair of moon-like eyes.

He leaned over, and she closed her eyes. Clouds covered the moon, and only starlight remained.

While sinking, she thought: This won’t work! From now on, the king won’t hold morning court—work efficiency will be compromised!

But Su Minguan still provoked her, asking with laughing breath: “A’Mei, does this count as keeping me?”

Lin Yuchan recalled her thoughtless words from long ago: If you can’t make it, come find me, I’ll keep you!

She said righteously: “Counts! You, you better perform well, must, must listen to me…”

“If I do well, can I get a raise?”

“…No. Fixed price.”

He angrily bit her lightly, “Then I’ll slack off.”

Saying this, he lay aside, pretending to snore, truly beginning to “slack off.”

Such a malleable young master was rare. Lin Yuchan waited a while—he didn’t move. She grinned wickedly and began tickling him.

Su Minguan stoically gritted his teeth.

…

When the covers were thrown back, they found evening had gradually darkened outside—unknowingly, an entire hour had passed.

This man was truly a time black hole!

She was pounced on again, pressed face-down on the mattress, hands pinned above her head on both sides. The big tiger had pretended to be a kitten long enough and finally couldn’t help showing fangs. Sharp beauty between brows and eyes, dark pupils emitting dark light, shrouding her so she couldn’t escape.

Lin Yuchan raised her head, resisting desperately: “You promised…”

A long rectangular paper box was pressed into her palm.

“Got the goods while you napped.” The low voice touched her cheek, unexpectedly kissing the most tender skin behind her ear, making her whole body tremble. “Checked them—clean, sturdy, no barbs or burrs, won’t be uncomfortable.”

Lin Yuchan pulled the thing from the box, stunned for a long while, mind floating, suddenly covering her face and bursting into unstoppable laughter.

“No burrs hahahaha…”

This nineteenth-century country bumpkin’s first reaction upon getting condoms was checking for burrs…

Lin Yuchan only heard soft rustling behind her, secretly climbing up and turning to observe his buyer’s review.

Su Minguan suddenly looked up, exasperated: “Close your eyes.”

Then pressed her back down, throwing a quilt over her. Outside continued several minutes of rustling continued while she enjoyed rare peace.

Today, the little cannon would misfire. Lin Yuchan gloated, sticking her head out, propping herself up with her chin against his heated shoulder, watching the excitement and laughing: “Want me to help?”

“A’Mei!”

He turned halfway, embarrassedly blocking.

She peeked over his shoulder, face suddenly reddening, quietly pointing out: “Too small?”

The first brave Qing warrior to try this shook his head in confusion: “Small is normal. Big would fall off—don’t look! Go back.”

This buyer was so easy to fool. Lin Yuchan embarrassedly stopped looking, turning away with soft laughter, slender shoulders moving up and down.

“There are instructions in the box. Try a different size next time.”

Nineteenth-century rubber products had limited elasticity, couldn’t be blown like balloons, and came in multiple sizes.

“No money left.” The voice behind carried some grievance. “We’ll see.”

Hearing the word “money,” Lin Yuchan suddenly came to her senses, turning to demand: “How did you pay the balance for this one?”

“Otherwise, why would I advance my salary?” The answer came without hesitation. “Relax.”

The world spun as she was thrown back on the pillow, voice muffled in bedding. The big tiger suddenly returned to original form, stretching his posture, one paw pressing her back, fixing a hunting position.

“Wait, you just said while I napped, you were…”

She suddenly choked, her waist lifted, involuntarily arching her neck. The next words stuck in her chest, unable to ask.

…

Stars in the sky slowly rose and fell, night wind arose, whooshing out the kerosene street lamp hanging at the intersection. The alley was pitch black.

The exhausted girl curled in a corner of the bed, shoulders slightly rising and falling, sleeping deeply.

Su Minguan opened his eyes, withdrew his arm, and gently tucked her in.

He thought, sleeping like this, of course, she wouldn’t find the bed small.

When they had money, they’d still need to get a bigger one.

He silently got up and dressed, carrying a lamp, adapting to the new dormitory layout, carefully descending stairs to the first-floor office, taking out the ledger awaiting audit.

He had lied in desperation earlier. How could he finish such a thick book during one nap?

When Old Zhao handed over work, he marked pages needing correction in the memo, estimating it would take a full day. Su Minguan roughly calculated—for him, three hours should suffice.

Su Minguan lit the lamp and took up his brush, beginning overtime work.

Being kept meant having the awareness of being kept. He had to be worth this salary.