Demonic and Seductive

The sun gradually emerged in the sky, but a gloom settled over Ye Xiang's heart. Thinking of what had happened today, he could not understand why a perfectly good script had turned into an unexpected farce. Even now, he did not understand how a Chihuahua could have such outrageously defiant ideas—recklessly seizing territory, and doing so with such utter madness.

Qin Fen took Little Bean home. He did not pay much attention to Ye Xiang. This was not a novel, where people flew into a rage at every turn and were even brain-dead enough to hire thugs in an upscale residential district. So he felt no pressure at all. Dragon Pool Lake Villa District was the most famous villa district in all of Yiling City; its residents were either rich or powerful, and hidden talents abounded.

The other party would not dare lose his head in a fit of rage, and besides, they had been the shameless ones first. What was he supposed to do?

You could not hold it back, and neither could I. I really couldn't hold it back! It did not even have a leash to begin with.

After glancing at the flowers in the living room, Qin Fen decided not to plant them all in the nursery. The space was simply too limited. His idea was straightforward: get some flowerpots for potted plants that could be placed in any corner of the courtyard or the house. Maybe someone would want to buy them. There was only one thing missing now—Heavenly Court soil. That was the real guarantee.

The blessed land and hidden paradise of Flower-Fruit Mountain had a different climate and environment from this place. Without premium goods like Heavenly Court soil, there was no guarantee of a high survival rate. He should earn some Merit first, then get more later.

Qin Fen was a man of action. Since action beat hesitation, he immediately rode his flashy Little Lamb out of the residential complex.

On the outskirts of Yiling City, in what people commonly called the urban-rural fringe, there was a large flower and bird market. It had not only flowers shipped in from other places, but also distinctive plants produced by local nurseries. As for animals, there was no need to mention them—the place had always been bustling.

Though it was in a remote location, by the time Qin Fen arrived, quite a few vehicles were already parked outside.

After parking his ride, Qin Fen entered the market. Inside were rows upon rows of shops, much like a building materials market, but the environment and atmosphere were worlds apart. The moment he entered, Qin Fen smelled a faint floral fragrance mingled with the scent of earth, making the air especially fresh.

With a glance, Qin Fen saw orchids blooming in profusion. Though he could not identify their varieties, they all looked quite good. Amid the orchids' delicate beauty, some roses had bloomed, though most remained buds. The heat had suppressed their flowering.

Enjoying the pleasant scents, Qin Fen browsed around the market. He did not visit the animal market on the other side. The boastful, bully-picking territory killer at home already kept him busy enough; he did not want another one causing trouble.

After making a full round, Qin Fen chose the largest shop near the main entrance, one with the best environment and the most stylish decor, and walked in. He had more than five hundred thousand yuan in savings now, so he did not mind buying good things. As for his family, he had sent most of his previous five-thousand-yuan salary home. Not too much—he planned to increase it little by little.

Once his parents gradually got used to it, he would tell them that their son no longer had to worry about making a living.

The shop had an elegant name: Qinyuan. Its owner was a young man under thirty, dressed casually and wearing glasses. He was currently sitting by a tea table entertaining a guest and preparing gongfu tea.

From their conversation and mannerisms, Qin Fen judged that they knew each other.

Besides all kinds of flowers and greenery, the shop also sold quite a few flowerpots. From petite, exquisite little vases to elegant high-end pots for large plants, it had everything.

Qin Fen picked up a cute doll-shaped flowerpot and examined it. He found it rather interesting. He had never paid much attention to such things before and had not expected this little item to have so many variations. There were all sorts, from plastic to glass and purple clay, neatly sorted into categories.

Seeing Qin Fen enter, the owner glanced at him lightly but did not immediately rise. He first swept his eyes over Qin Fen's selection, then smiled at the guest across from him and handed her a cup of tea.

"Xiao Jie, it's been a long time. After a busy person like you returned from the United States, you didn't even come by Brother Ming's place for a visit."

"You're so busy. I heard that besides this shop, you also have a botanical garden and a resort villa, and you've been busy bidding on landscaping projects. How would I dare disturb you?" The girl opposite him smiled softly, her voice crisp and clear.

"Are you trying to embarrass me? It's just a small business. It can't compare to your Brother Shaoqing. I heard Uncle Song's condition has improved, and he's returned to Capital City now?" the owner asked softly.

The girl nodded.

"What a pity. Uncle Song is still young, but his health collapsed. Otherwise, with his credentials, he would already have been halfway into the cabinet by now, or perhaps sent to a municipality directly under the central government. Either way, he would have taken another step closer to the core of the very top. But now he can only retire early. Such is fate."

"Yes, I heard he was already an alternate member of the municipal committee. What a shame. Still, this is good too. More rest—health is the foundation. It's like the old man in our family. How nice it is to retire early, grow flowers and plants, and live freely."

"Nonsense. Although Uncle Sun left his post, he's only half-retired. He's still with the Political Consultative Conference." After saying that, the young man stood. "Rest for a while. Take whatever you want yourself. I'll go attend to a customer first."

From their conversation, Qin Fen glanced at the two of them and knew they both came from deeply rooted families. He did not speak and simply looked over the large flowerpots.

"Friend, are you looking to buy flowerpots for potted plants?" The young man took one look at Qin Fen's gaze and accurately judged what he needed.

"Yeah. I want to put some plants in my home." Qin Fen smiled. This owner did not look like much, but despite running such a large business, he still handled things personally and had no airs.

"Do you need plants or flowers as well?"

Qin Fen shook his head. To be honest, although the ones here were good, they still fell far short of what he had brought from Flower-Fruit Mountain.

"Alright. What price range are you looking for? These pots range from cheap to expensive, and the price differences are quite large." He pointed to the left. "The clay pots over there are relatively cheap. The purple clay pots on the other side vary greatly in price, and works by famous masters are especially expensive. Which kind do you want?"

The owner spoke naturally, with nothing inappropriate in his manner. Though Qin Fen was dressed ordinarily, he showed neither impatience nor disdain, explaining everything in great detail.

"The more expensive kind. Purple clay." Qin Fen answered directly. Purple clay pots were expensive, but he could afford them now. Besides, a good horse deserved a good saddle. Qin Fen's goal was not merely to decorate the environment. He might even sell some flowers in the future, and then the packaging could not look low-end. His plan was to differ from ordinary novels and take the boutique route—high-end, classy, and refined!

The owner led Qin Fen to one side and began introducing the pots. The girl also turned her head curiously, revealing a familiar, delicate face. The surprise on her sweet face flashed past in an instant.

That exquisite, pretty face changed from surprise to confusion. That guy who had brushed against me twice? No, the one on the Little Lamb... he seemed like Conan!

PS: Thank you, Yuanyuan, MIMCOA, and Shuweifenfang for the rewards. Thank you, everyone, truly thank you. This book is being written slowly, but I'm full of motivation.