C11 The Mystery of the Desolate Land of the Sunset Mountain!

"Really?" Lo Qiuli hadn't expected Xiao Yuhan to be so generous. That mine was a major asset for the prince's rebellion! Yet here was Xiao Yuhan, just giving away half of it. Such extravagance! If it were her, she'd be heartbroken.

"Really. But let me be clear: if the mine doesn't yield anything, everything between us is null and void. I owe you nothing for saving my life, nor for any affection you might have for the Jade Face Fox," Xiao Yuhan nodded. Seeing Lo Qiuli's eyes light up, he felt a pang of regret. Had he just done something reckless?

"Sure, sure! No problem!" Lo Qiuli's face was all smiles, but inside, she wasn't thrilled. So that's his game plan. But she wouldn't let him succeed. She was determined to claim the mine in Peach Blossom Grove, even if it meant becoming a ruthless businesswoman. No way would she let the prince take it and let chaos reign in the capital.

"Is there anything else you want to discuss?" Xiao Yuhan noticed Lo Qiuli's eyes narrowing and felt a twinge of unease, but quickly regained his composure. In his mind, the term "Jade Face Fox" didn't belong to the woman recovering at home but to the one in front of him. Her sly expression was so fox-like!

"No, that's all. I'll take my leave!" Lo Qiuli's quick change of expression left the shopkeeper stunned. Watching her leave without a trace, he was puzzled. His master had never been this close to any woman before. Who was this mysterious newcomer?

"She's gone, what are you still looking at? Get moving and do as she said!" Xiao Yuhan's tone turned icy as he noticed Zhang Yu still staring. His face was full of displeasure, and even he didn't realize the hint of jealousy in his voice.

Feeling jealous? As soon as this thought crossed the manager's mind, it startled him, making him even more curious about the woman's identity. Who could she be to hold such a place in the master's heart?

"Master, are you sure about this? The peach orchard there may look beautiful, but the peaches are incredibly sour. It's really a waste of money!" The manager dared not say more, but the peach orchard on Sunset Hill was not a profitable venture. If not for the stunning blossoms, the peach trees might not have survived at all!

"Zhang Yu, you're overstepping. Just do what you're told. I need the deed to Sunset Hill on my desk within two days, no matter what it takes!" Xiao Yuhan was still upset about Zhang Yu's earlier distraction, and his demeanor turned icy, sending a chill through Zhang Yu.

"Yes, sir! I'll take care of it right away!" Realizing the master was angry, Zhang Yu quickly stood, bowed respectfully, and left the room. He hurried out of the Drunken Immortal Tavern, knowing that if he failed to deliver the deed in two days, his life might be at risk.

Two days later, the deed lay quietly on Xiao Yuhan's desk. Seeing the signed name, his eyes brightened. Regardless of the initial prospects, he had already decided to gift the deed to Lo Qiuli. For some reason, he felt she would find a use for it.

Before the deed could be delivered to Lo Qiuli, the sky turned gloomy, and a torrential downpour began, lasting two full days and nights. Due to the soil conditions at Sunset Hill, only the peach trees managed to survive. Eventually, even they were abandoned because the fruit was too sour. Over time, the area became a barren hill.

Due to years of neglect, severe soil erosion had taken its toll. When the heavy rain came, Sunset Mountain finally gave way, resulting in a small landslide. This event caused quite a stir in the capital, and news of Sunset Mountain quickly spread. Those who had once mocked the purchase of its land deeds were now left in disbelief.

Xiao Yuhan received the news on that rainy night. He looked at Zhang Yu, who stood before him, drenched from head to toe, and couldn't hide his surprise: "You’re saying the landslide revealed a mineral vein?"

"Yes. And from the looks of it, it's substantial. Boss, we've hit the jackpot!" Zhang Yu, always one to see the dollar signs, couldn't help but feel excited. He had thought the whole thing was just a joke, and that the boss was merely humoring someone. But to their surprise, they had stumbled upon such a fortune!

Unlike Zhang Yu's excitement, Xiao Yuhan stood with furrowed brows, lost in thought. Zhang Yu, noticing his boss deep in contemplation, quietly left the room. As he bumped into Wuhen, he whispered, "With such a fortune at hand, why isn't the boss happy?"

Wuhen gave Zhang Yu a swift kick. "Mind your own business. Don't pry into things that aren't your concern, or you might find yourself without a tongue!"

After sending Zhang Yu away, Wuhen peeked into the room at the pensive Xiao Yuhan, then quietly withdrew. Honestly, anyone in his position would be uneasy. The sudden appearance of Lo Qiuli was a mystery to them all. Not only had she gifted the boss a Jade Face Fox, but now she had also brought him this fortune. Yet, her true intentions remained unknown, and that was a cause for concern.

Wuhen's thoughts mirrored those of Xiao Yuhan at that moment. He truly hadn't uncovered any background on Lo Qiuli. It seemed as if she had transformed overnight. Her origins were a mystery, yet she possessed impressive martial arts skills. How did she know so much without ever leaving her home? How many more secrets did she have that he was unaware of?

By now, he had already benefited quite a bit from her, but he had no clue why she was getting close to him. It was the first time he felt so in the dark, and he wondered just how many more surprises she had in store for him.

Meanwhile, Lo Qiuli, who was on his mind, was leisurely enjoying the delicious food she had brought back from the Drunken Immortal Tavern the night before, while relaxing in the Orchid Fragrance Garden. She hadn't expected Xiao Yuhan's name to be so useful. The moment the shopkeeper saw her, he eagerly handed her pastries. She had initially intended to freeload a meal, but the generous reception left her feeling a bit embarrassed. It was quite awkward, really. Yet, after receiving such a grand gesture, she wondered if it was a bit much not to have reciprocated in any way yet.