Chapter 152: Never Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth
As it turned out, Shen Shuanglian really wanted those fifty thousand pills.
For the next few nights, she pulled out all the stops, even trying positions she had been too shy to attempt before.
What was even more surprising was that she was the one initiating everything. She wouldn’t let Chen Yin leave until she was completely exhausted.
Chen Yin couldn’t even describe the sheer bliss of those nights.
Left to your imagination.
After three days of tireless “effort,” she had earned two thousand pills. She was so exhausted that she could barely walk during the day, requiring Chen Yin’s assistance to maintain a semblance of composure in public.
After another day of hard work dealing with sect affairs, Shen Shuanglian closed the ledger and sighed, her face pale with exhaustion.
Then, her eyes lit up, and she turned to him with a forced smile.
“Let’s go. At least five thousand pills today.”
“Not today.” Chen Yin said calmly, sipping his tea.
Shen Shuanglian froze. “D-did I do something wrong? I tried my best with those positions…”
Her voice trailed off, her cheeks flushing crimson.
Chen Yin shook his head. “It’s not that.”
“You’ve been working too hard. I told you not to push yourself so much.”
“But…” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “You said… you would only give me the pills if…”
Chen Yin, seeing her pitiful expression, couldn’t help but soften his voice.
“Consider those five thousand pills a freebie. You need to rest.”
A smug look flashed across Shen Shuanglian’s face.
Chen Yin realized she had been playing him.
“You’re learning fast, Senior Sister.” He sighed.
“You taught me well.”
Shen Shuanglian leaned closer and kissed him softly on the cheek, her voice sweet and coquettish. “Let me off the hook tonight. I need to sleep. We can continue tomorrow. I’ll wear whatever you want, okay?”
What could he say? He couldn’t resist.
Chen Yin glared at her playfully, then pulled her into his arms, his hands wandering, collecting his “interest.”
Shen Shuanglian snuggled against him contentedly.
“Seriously, these pills are enough for the Mist Spirit Sect’s disciples for two or three years.”
Chen Yin asked softly, “What are you planning to do? Store them all?”
Shen Shuanglian thought for a moment. “I’m going to sell the extra pills and use the money to cover the sect’s expenses.”
“Sell them to whom?”
“The Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion.”
Chen Yin nodded. Few organizations had the resources to purchase such a large quantity of pills.
Only the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion had the financial clout to make such a deal.
“When are you going?”
“I’ve already contacted their manager.” Shen Shuanglian blinked. “They should be arriving tomorrow.”
Chen Yin paused, then smiled faintly.
“I worry too much.”
“It seems you already have a plan.”
Shen Shuanglian seemed to enjoy his praise, her eyes closing contentedly.
“…Praise me more.”
“Our Shuangshuang is talented, capable, and beautiful, a true Frost Moon Sword Immortal!”
“More.”
“Uh… Your beauty eclipses the moon, your voice is like a nightingale’s song?”
“More.”
“…You have big breasts?”
Shen Shuanglian’s eyes snapped open, her cheeks flushed.
“Don’t ruin the mood.”
“But I’m out of compliments.”
Chen Yin struggled for a moment, then finally said, “How about… awesome?”
He was a man of simple words.
Shen Shuanglian didn’t press him further and snuggled closer, her voice soft.
“Will you come with me tomorrow?”
“Sure.” Chen Yin blinked. “But why do you suddenly need my help?”
“I’m still young, and many in the cultivation world question my ability to lead the sect at such a young age.”
Her eyes shimmered. “My man has to show his support, right?”
Chen Yin nodded.
“Alright. With me there, you’ll make a fortune.”
“The Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion has a close relationship with Master Yu Ling. They shouldn’t give us too much trouble.”
Shen Shuanglian said softly, “You don’t have to do anything. I can handle it.”
“Mmm.”
She closed her eyes and, within moments, her breathing became even and steady.
Chen Yin didn’t disturb her, just watched her sleep peacefully in his arms.
…This girl…
She was putting too much pressure on herself.
Working so hard, even when she was exhausted.
Under the soft glow of the night sky, Chen Yin gently stroked her hair, his eyes filled with tenderness.
He extinguished the candles and stayed with her throughout the night.
The next morning, Shen Shuanglian woke up close to noon.
“It’s so late?!”
She sat up in a panic, then noticed a plate of food on the table.
“Eggplant with minced meat, and a mixed vegetable soup.”
Chen Yin’s voice came from beside her. “I just warmed it up. Eat while it’s hot.”
Hearing his voice, she felt a sense of calm wash over her.
“…Why didn’t you wake me?”
She picked up her bowl with a playful glare. “The manager from the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion will be here soon.”
“You were sleeping so soundly, I couldn’t bear to wake you.”
Chen Yin said casually, “Your rest is more important. We can let them wait in the reception hall.”
“How can we do that?!”
Shen Shuanglian hurriedly started eating. “I finally managed to get an appointment with them. I can’t be rude and make them wait.”
“Besides, I need to get dressed and presentable.”
Chen Yin blinked. “Is that necessary? You look beautiful even without makeup.”
“Of course it is.”
Shen Shuanglian rolled her eyes at him playfully. “Girls care about these things.”
Chen Yin watched her fussing over her appearance, a mixture of amusement and warmth in his heart.
…He could never get tired of these peaceful, domestic moments.
After she was finally ready, once again transformed into the elegant and pristine Frost Moon Sword Immortal, Chen Yin couldn’t help but say:
“Have some more food before we go.”
“I’ll eat later.”
With that, she hurried towards the outer hall.
Chen Yin looked at the food he had prepared with a wistful sigh, then followed her, his hands tucked into his sleeves.
In the reception hall, the representatives from the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion had already arrived.
It was a beautiful and elegant woman, her age concealed by her flawless skin.
She sat there sipping tea, two attendants standing behind her.
“Manager Qin, I apologize for the wait.” Shen Shuanglian bowed slightly.
“It’s quite alright, I haven’t been waiting long.” Manager Qin smiled. “The Mist Spirit Sect is still recovering. I’m sure you have many matters to attend to, Sect Master Shen.”
She glanced at Chen Yin behind Shen Shuanglian,
But didn’t say anything.
“Thank you for your understanding. Then I won’t waste any more time.”
Shen Shuanglian took out a pill bottle. “These are the pills I mentioned in my letter. Please take a look, Manager Qin.”
Manager Qin nodded and gestured for an attendant to take the bottle. She opened it and sniffed the contents.
After a moment, her eyes widened in surprise.
“Such a gentle and subtle fragrance, so refined and pure. These are no ordinary cultivation pills.”
“Which alchemist refined these?”
Chen Yin cleared his throat and looked up expectantly, waiting for Shen Shuanglian to praise him and introduce him.
But she simply said, “I apologize, but the alchemist is a rising star within our sect. I can’t reveal their identity.”
Chen Yin stared at her in disbelief, but Manager Qin simply nodded in understanding.
“I see. With such high-quality pills, if this alchemist can produce them in large quantities, they will surely become a renowned master in the future.”
“Such talent must be protected. I apologize for my intrusion.”
Shen Shuanglian’s expression remained unchanged, not even glancing at the dejected Chen Yin.
“Unfortunately, our alchemist only refined a small batch as practice. The quantity is limited.”
Shen Shuanglian sighed regretfully.
As Chen Yin’s confusion grew, Manager Qin said eagerly, “Even the most skilled alchemists can’t guarantee such consistent quality.”
“If your sect’s alchemist has any more of these pills, the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion is willing to purchase them all. We can discuss the price.”
Manager Qin named a price, and Shen Shuanglian’s eyebrows rose slightly.
“That’s too much… There’s no need to give us special treatment, Manager Qin. Just the normal price for cultivation pills is fine.”
“This isn’t special treatment.”
Manager Qin smiled warmly. “If your sect truly has such a talented alchemist, consider this first transaction a gesture of goodwill.”
“If you have any other pills of this quality in the future, the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion will buy them all.”
Shen Shuanglian finally smiled with satisfaction.
“In that case… thank you for your patronage, Manager Qin.”
Chen Yin finally understood her plan.
…Fabricate a talented alchemist to pique the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion’s interest, ensuring a generous price.
And pretend the quantity was limited, making Manager Qin confident enough to offer a high price and promise to purchase everything.
Manager Qin must have thought it was just a small batch, so even a high price wouldn’t be a significant loss.
Gaining the favor of a talented alchemist for such a small price was a win for the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion.
He wondered how her expression would change when she saw the thousands of pills he had.
Senior Sister was quite the shrewd businesswoman. Chen Yin couldn’t help but admire her.
Shen Shuanglian smiled warmly and continued to flatter Manager Qin.
“Manager Qin, as a strong candidate for the position of General Manager of the Ten Thousand Fragrance Pavilion, your discerning eye and bold decisions are truly admirable.”
“Hehe, you flatter me, Frost Moon Sword Immortal.” Manager Qin beamed, her smile widening. “It’s always a pleasure doing business with you, Sect Master Shen.”
Shen Shuanglian simply smiled and said nothing.
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