neck and neck

  "Lord Chu, before we speak, I'd like to confirm one thing. You've invited me to this place where you don't easily entertain guests; doesn't that mean I've passed your test?"

  Xiao Congrong stared at Chu Qingkuang and asked seriously.

  "What do you think?"

  Xiao Congrong sighed inwardly, unable to deal with the man's cunning. At present, she was at a disadvantage and had no choice but to take a risk.

  "I'll just assume that's the case! Duke Chu, you want me to speak frankly and openly, but I think we can't communicate without sincerity. Since Duke Chu is still on guard against me, then let me state my purpose first, and then let Duke Chu decide whether he's willing to cooperate or not!"

  She grasped the crystal cup with both hands, looking at Chu Qingkong seriously and said: "I don't know if Young Master Chu is paying attention to me because of the military power of the Xiao family. If so, then Young Master Chu will be disappointed! From the time the Xiao family drove me out, I vowed that I would never let anyone from the Xiao family look down on me again! Unless someone from the Xiao family comes to beg me, otherwise I will never return to the Xiao family. You must have heard about my father's temper, wanting him to lower his head is absolutely impossible, so anyone who wants to gain his favor through me can give up that idea!"

  Chu Qing smiled crazily and poured her another glass of wine, but didn't say a word.

  Xiao Congrong couldn't guess what he was thinking, so she simply poured out the words she had prepared: "Apart from being the daughter of the Xiao family's thousand gold, Xiao Congrong has nothing! I know that I don't have anything on me that can move Chu Gongzi, my only reliance is my brain... If Chu Gongzi doesn't disdain it, please give Congrong an opportunity to become your business partner. I can make you earn more silver and become the richest person in the Wu family!"

  This was the second time Xiao Congrong said this, Chu Qingcang couldn't help but laugh: "Third Miss, is this your purpose? To be my business partner?"

  He shook his head, as if he had heard a very funny joke: "Do you know what business is? Do you know what makes the most money? Do you know who the richest family in the Wu clan is? Can you imagine how much wealth they have? ... Do you think you can get rich just by painting a few fake paintings? Haha, Third Miss, are you too naive or did I overestimate you?"

  Xiao Congrong didn't get angry, calmly looking at him until he stopped smiling before slowly saying: "Chu Gongzi, I thought that these days of observation had already let you somewhat understand me. It seems it's not that you look down on me, but rather I mistakenly looked up to you! Your vision is no better than Wu Mingyuan's!"

  One takes the wolf beside him as a little sheep, one has eyes but fails to recognize Mount Tai...... Hum! She thinks it's better to go find that Wu Mingzheng, at least he looks somewhat normal!

  What a great irony! Chu Qingxian naturally disdained being on the same level as Wu Mingyuan and protested, "Third Miss, you can't blame me for thinking this way. You're a young lady who's never left the house before, suddenly saying you can do business? Anyone would be surprised!"

  Xiao Zongrong knew it was strange, but this was her only chance. Compared to the danger of being involved with the royal family, Chu Qingcang was safer, so she steeled herself and said: "Whether it works or not, we'll know after trying. If you believe me, give me a chance. Otherwise, when I become your powerful enemy, don't regret it!"