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墨書 Inktalez
The chairman's wedding was originally a sensational event for the entire Taoist Sect, but the newly appointed chairman handled matters with discretion. Not only did she reject extravagant suggestions, but in recent days, it had become difficult for anyone to even catch a glimpse of Chairman Lin Lingsu.
The preparations for the wedding fell to Xu Suwen, the second-in-command of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and the spirited groom, Li Xin.
Red lanterns hung high.
In stark contrast to the festive atmosphere outside was Lin Lingsu's expression as she sat inside, staring blankly out the window. The lively scene outside seemed unrelated to her.
"Lin, you should tidy up. Today is your big day. If someone sees that face of yours, who knows what they might think," a voice said from behind her.
Without turning around, Lin Lingsu knew who it was. She continued to gaze at a moth struggling to fly out from the windowsill. The outside world looked vibrant, but the moth, separated by glass, could see but not find an escape.
"Let me know when you're ready. I'm tired and want some quiet time alone," Lin Lingsu replied softly.
"Sigh." Xu Suwen sighed and left Lin Lingsu's room.
There was no wedding procession, no rose petals strewn on the ground, not even a priest; everything was so simple it hardly resembled a wedding for a publicly listed company president. These were all Lin Lingsu's requests, and her only reason was: the company needed revitalization; everything should be kept simple.
Li Xin might have had opinions about this. But he dared not voice them.
The wedding proceeded without any fanfare. Li Xin handled the various guests alone while Lin Lingsu only emerged briefly to toast a few "important figures" from the government before hurriedly retreating back into her room. Even the usually sharp and capable Lin Lingsu showed a shy side on her wedding day, which surprised many and would likely become a topic of conversation for quite some time.
The red candles flickered gently. Lin Lingsu's bridal chamber was as quiet as usual; no one came to disturb them—nor did anyone dare to.
Li Xin seemed to have had a few too many drinks. He stumbled into the new room, where everything was new: fresh bedding, new chairs, and the person sitting on the bed.
According to Taoist customs, a young unmarried girl stood beside Lin Lingsu, holding a Red Umbrella for her. The color red symbolizes fire, which is believed to ward off evil spirits. As Lin Lingsu gazed at the Red Umbrella, memories of the man who once sheltered her under an umbrella flooded her mind, leaving her with an indescribable feeling.
"Please step aside," Li Xin said to the girl holding the umbrella.
After offering a few auspicious words to bless the newlyweds, the girl understood and left.
Li Xin approached Lin Lingsu's vanity, fiddling with the scattered Grains that were strewn across the room. These Grains had also been scattered according to Taoist customs; in Taoist belief, throwing rice during a wedding can ward off the "Three Killers." This means feeding the "sheep," "chicken," and "cow" Three Killers, keeping them busy pecking at the rice and preventing them from harming the bride—an act of dispelling evil.
A heavy silence filled the room.
After a while, Li Xin spoke up, "Lin, today is our wedding day; you can't..."
"Li Xin, watch your words," Lin Lingsu replied coldly.
"Heh," Li Xin chuckled. "I know you're unwilling. The one you truly care for is someone whose skin you've already peeled away, but he's dead now. Are you really planning to remain a widow for life?"
Lin Lingsu snorted coldly and ignored Li Xin's words.
Li Xin continued, "I helped you eliminate that old thief Ning Suwen. You've avenged your father's grudge and seized control of Dragon Tiger Mountain. I took such great risks just to enjoy your favor; this deal is in your favor."
Lin Lingsu replied icily, "Li Xin, I am not someone who breaks promises. I will fulfill what I agreed to do. But don't forget, if I wanted to kill you, I could do that just as easily."
Suddenly, Li Xin spoke softly, "Lin, why must it be this way..."
Lin Lingsu interrupted sharply, "Watch your phrasing!"
"Alright, alright... Mr. Lin," Li Xin waved his hand and continued, "As you know, at Dragon Tiger Mountain, Ning Suwen has controlled this place for decades. Their influence is deeply rooted, and their loyal followers are already stirring. With your and Xu Suwen's strength, you simply cannot suppress this force. The thunderous methods you have adopted, which aim to reverse the situation, are currently the best approach. However, as the art of war states: attack when you have five times the strength of your opponent. Clearly, your power does not reach that level, so—sometimes, I am still quite useful."
Lin Lingsu remained silent, clearly aware that Li Xin had hit upon part of her thoughts. The reason she was willing to fulfill her agreement with Li Xin was largely due to the influence he held over Dragon Tiger Mountain, which she needed to solidify her own position.
Li Xin continued, "Actually, it's nothing new; throughout history, politics is marriage, and marriage is politics." Suddenly stepping closer to Lin Lingsu's bedside, he half-kneeled at her feet and said, "But Lin, I am sincere about you. Otherwise, I wouldn't take such great risks."
After finishing his words, Li Xin looked at Lin Lingsu with genuine sincerity. He suddenly reached out and took her hand. Lin Lingsu felt a slight tremor but did not pull her hand away.
"As long as we join forces, within five years we can quell this power. By then, it won't just be Dragon Tiger Mountain; the entire Peace faction will be within our grasp. At that time, you will be the foremost figure in the Taoist Sect, while I... will simply wish to guard you and protect you until the end of time."
Seeing that Lin Lingsu had not moved yet, Li Xin suddenly gathered his courage and leaned in to gently kiss her cheek. Lin Lingsu abruptly pushed his head away and coldly said, "Li Xin, do you know? Right now, you are more disgusting than a mangy dog with a broken spine."
Li Xin stood up abruptly and coldly replied, "Lin Lingsu, don't forget our agreement. Do you really want to go back on your word?"
"And if I do?"
Li Xin smirked and said, "Then it won't be up to you." With that, he made a gesture and several iron shackles suddenly sprang from the bed where Lin Lingsu was sitting, binding her hands and feet. Startled, Lin Lingsu exclaimed, "Li Xin, how despicable!"
Li Xin replied, "I've heard of something called Stockholm Syndrome—where a woman falls in love with the man who humiliates her. I'm very curious to see if it holds true with you—don't forget that this room was meticulously arranged by me; naturally, I would leave some special surprises for you. Otherwise, how could I possibly tame a fierce tigress like you?"
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