Chapter 3: The Zhao Family

Lin Zhenting was afraid he might spread the news.
And if the Lin family took Lin Fei’er away, there was no way the jewelry box would be left behind!
Zhao Kai furrowed his brows, a vague sense of unease creeping into his heart.
Could it be that this girl overheard him agreeing to Lin Zhenting’s request just now, and so...
So she ran away?
“This silly girl!”
Zhao Kai sighed, then immediately rushed out the door to search for Lin Fei’er.
Though Zhao Kai bore no responsibility for the events leading up to this, he had inherited the original owner's body, and thus felt compelled to resolve these matters on his behalf.
More importantly, he truly liked this girl.
In his previous life, women were never scarce around him.
But which of them wasn’t after his money?
Now, having crossed worlds, he finally met a girl who stirred his heart and was willing to follow him.
How could he possibly let her slip away?
Yet, Zhao Kai searched nearly every corner of the city and still could not find Lin Fei’er.
It was as if she had vanished from the face of the earth.
“No, I can’t keep searching like a headless fly!”
It wasn’t until the sun began to set that Zhao Kai came to his senses.
The only thing he could be sure of was that Lin Fei’er hadn’t done anything drastic.
Jinghong County was small; if she’d attempted something tragic outside, news would have spread through the town in no time.
So she must have gone somewhere.
But... where could she hide?
Suddenly, Zhao Kai’s eyes lit up.
He had often heard that Lin Fei’er and Miss Zhao Yan’er of the Zhao family were close friends—after suffering such misfortune, it was highly likely she had sought refuge with Miss Zhao.
Thinking of this, Zhao Kai quickly headed towards the Zhao residence.
In front of the Zhao estate.
Two servants blocked Zhao Kai’s path. “Stop right there. This is the Zhao residence—do you dare come here?”
The Zhao family’s ancestors were the wealthiest in Jinghong County, and later purchased an official title.
After three generations of effort, the main branch had now attained the rank of first-class officials.
The second branch remained in Jinghong County, continuing in commerce.
Because of the main branch’s influence, the second branch was almost untouchable in Jinghong County—even the county magistrate had to bring gifts during festivals.
It was rumored that relations between the two branches were not very good, though this was unconfirmed.
One thing was certain: Zhao Kai had no connection whatsoever to this Zhao family.
“I am the husband of your mistress’s closest friend. Please inform her that I wish to see her.”
Zhao Kai spoke urgently.
“You?”

The servant looked Zhao Kai up and down. “You’re the man the Lin family arranged for Miss Lin?”
Zhao Kai nodded.
“Wait here. I’ll go report to Miss.”
The servant shot Zhao Kai a cold glance, then went inside to deliver the message.
From the tone, Zhao Kai was now certain Lin Fei’er was inside the Zhao residence.
But the servant’s attitude was unfriendly—perhaps there was trouble ahead.
After a while, the servant returned. “Miss has agreed to see you. Go in.”
Zhao Kai nodded and walked into the Zhao estate.
No sooner had he stepped through the gate—
A swift sound cut through the air.
Zhao Kai was ready, quickly dodging aside.
A whip cracked against the floor where he had just stood.
Looking up, Zhao Kai saw a young maiden in crimson attire, holding a soft whip, glaring at him with fierce energy:
“You dare come to the Zhao residence looking for Fei’er? Are you courting death?”
This was none other than Miss Zhao Yan’er.
Zhao Kai hastily explained, “Miss Zhao, you misunderstand!”
“Misunderstand?”
Zhao Yan’er’s gaze burned like fire. “Fei’er heard everything clearly. You expect me to believe this is a misunderstanding? And last night’s incident—I haven’t even settled with you yet!”
As she spoke, Zhao Kai hurriedly produced a bank note. “Miss Zhao, I was merely taking the opportunity to swindle some money!”
“Swindle money?” Zhao Yan’er sneered. “That scoundrel Lin Zhenting promised you monthly payments after agreeing—would you really be foolish enough to refuse?”
Zhao Kai shook his head. “I have no interest in such paltry sums.”
“No interest?”
Zhao Yan’er laughed, a chilling smile that made one uneasy. “You’re nothing but a street rascal, yet you turn down a fortune that could guarantee you a lifetime of ease?”
Zhao Kai nodded. “If I wanted to earn money, I wouldn’t even need to step outside your gate.”
When he spoke these words, Zhao Kai felt no discomfort.
He had already devised a way to make money, targeting families like the Zhao clan.
So, saying such things was hardly surprising.
Lin Fei’er’s refuge in the Zhao household actually gave him a chance to get acquainted with a powerful family.
If he wanted to bring Lin Fei’er home, he had to prove his worth.
First, to Lin Fei’er; second, to Zhao Yan’er.
Third, he could earn a tidy sum.
“Oh?”
Zhao Yan’er’s laughter intensified. “You won’t even leave my gate? Truly a country bumpkin—I shall see how you manage it!”

Zhao Kai smiled and nodded. “Would you lend me some wood, carpenter’s tools, and a pen?”
“Someone, bring him the items!”
Zhao Yan’er did not refuse. With a command, the requested items were soon delivered.
Zhao Kai received them, found a shaded spot, and began chopping the wood with an axe.
He cut the wood into pieces roughly one centimeter thick, eight or nine centimeters long, and four or five centimeters wide.
Then he took up the pen and began writing on each piece.
Zhao Yan’er watched, her eyes full of doubt.
What was this boy up to?
Chopping wood into thin slices, then scribbling on them—could that make money?
If making money were so easy, the world would be filled with millionaires!
“Hmph, I’ll see what you do when you fail to deliver!”
Zhao Yan’er snorted coldly, ordered a rattan chair brought, and sat not far from Zhao Kai.
As night fell, Zhao Kai finally finished his work.
There were fifty-four wooden pieces in total. Fifty-two bore numbers, with four suits, each having thirteen cards. The remaining two were marked, with shaky handwriting, as the big joker and the small joker.
Zhao Kai gathered them up and walked to Zhao Yan’er. “My product is ready!”
“Ready?”
Zhao Yan’er looked at Zhao Kai with contempt, gripping her whip tightly. “Sell it then! Let me pay a princely sum for this!”
“Miss Zhao is not my target customer!”
Zhao Kai shook his head. “Please inform your father that I have a lucrative deal to discuss with him.”
Zhao Yan’er’s brows knitted tightly. “You? Want to see my father?”
“If I can meet him, I guarantee these will fetch a handsome price!”
Zhao Yan’er laughed, “Why should I believe you?”
“You may draw up a life-or-death contract. If there is any deceit, I, Zhao Kai, am willing to pay with my life!”
Zhao Kai spoke with utmost seriousness.
Zhao Yan’er had not expected such a declaration, and could not help but scrutinize Zhao Kai.
Could this boy truly possess such ability?
But...
He was just a street ruffian!
After a long pause, Zhao Yan’er made a difficult decision.
“Fine! That’s what you said, and I did not force you!”
“Thank you, Miss Zhao!”