Boss Lin didn't know what Jiang Youli was planning, but he knew it was best to just obey. So he agreed immediately: "No problem, whatever you say! As long as you keep supplying me with herbs and don't give them to other auction houses!"
To Boss Lin, Jiang Youli was his golden goose! He absolutely could not let this lucrative business flow to outsiders!
Jiang Youli smiled. "Don't worry, as long as you, Boss Lin, are honest, I'll keep working with you."
Boss Lin quickly replied, "Haha, of course! How would I dare to try any tricks under your watchful eye?"
"Oh, by the way, this Saturday is my engagement banquet with the Qi family's Young Master. You're welcome to come and join the celebration, Boss Lin," Jiang Youli said gracefully with a smile before leaving.
Hearing this, Boss Lin couldn't help but feel flattered and honored. He nodded excitedly, "Naturally, naturally! It's truly a great honor to receive an invitation from you, Miss Jiang. I was just afraid you might look down on me and not send me an invitation!"
After all, the Young Master Qi's engagement banquet was sure to be the focus of attention for everyone in the capital's elite circles!
If he could get in and rub shoulders with more big shots, it would only help solidify his position as the owner of the largest auction house in the capital!
"I'm leaving now."
"Alright then, take care, Miss Jiang!"
After respectfully seeing Jiang Youli out of the auction house, Boss Lin immediately made a call to Jiang Xing.
"Hello, Mr. Jiang. Weren't you asking me before to keep an eye out for that mysterious female Poison Doctor?"
"Do you have news about her?!" Jiang Xing's voice came through the phone, clearly very excited.
"Yes... I have news. Today, someone sent over some extremely rare herbs on behalf of that Poison Doctor. They also said she would personally come to watch the auction this weekend."
"Good, thank you for telling me, Boss Lin! If you ever need any help from me in the future, just ask!"
"You're too kind, Mr. Jiang!"
After hanging up, Boss Lin curled his lip in disdain. Having offended a little ancestor like Jiang Youli, Jiang Xing was like a clay idol fording a river—barely able to save himself. Help him? Please.
He put away his phone and immediately gave serious instructions to his staff: "Spread the word that our auction house has obtained three more rare medicinal herbs. Announce that one of them will be auctioned off this weekend."
"Yes, Boss!"
...
After hanging up, Jiang Xing felt his spirits surge. There was finally hope to cure the poison in his body!
This weekend!
Just this weekend!
As long as that Poison Doctor could really cure him, no matter how harsh her conditions were, he would do his utmost to meet them!
Only then could he completely free himself from Jiang Youli's threats!
Without that threat hanging over him, he could focus entirely on dealing with Jiang Youli's relentless pressure on his family!
She had already taken 30% of Starlight Entertainment's shares. He absolutely could not let her get her hands on the rest!
...
Eastern District Villa.
Jiang Youli returned from the auction house. As soon as she entered, she heard her beautiful stepmother's voice.
Youli, you're back? Your grandfather just sent the head butler to ask me and your father for the guest list for Saturday's engagement banquet. My side is just my maternal family relatives. Your father's side is some close friends and business partners. What about your side? Should we invite all those uncles and aunties from the village?
Jiang Youli walked over and sat down on the empty spot on the sofa next to her stepmother. "You and Dad send your list to Grandfather first. I'll write up my guest list in my room tonight and send it directly to Qi Huan."
"That works too," Zhang Susu nodded. "If it's inconvenient for those uncles and aunties from your village to come out, your father and I can send someone to pick them up."
Jiang Youli smiled. "No need for that trouble. They have cars and can come themselves. It just depends on whether they have the time."
After all, those uncles and aunties of hers were all incredibly busy research scientists.
"Alright. If you have any requests, just tell us. For this engagement banquet, your father and I will definitely ensure everything goes smoothly for you." Just like with the previous welcome banquet, Zhang Susu was, as always, extremely attentive when it came to matters concerning Jiang Youli.
Jiang Yehan, sitting on the other side of the sofa, said, "Fortunately, this time the engagement banquet is hosted by the Qi family. And with Jiang Zhao still unconscious in the hospital, I doubt your Second Uncle and Second Aunt would dare to cause you any embarrassment again."
Hearing her husband's words, Zhang Susu also felt slightly relieved. "Yes, they wouldn't dare to make a scene so openly at the Qi family's event."
"However..." Jiang Yehan still had some other concerns. "Some people from the Qi family will likely make an issue of Qi Huan's paralyzed legs. Qi Huan will be under some pressure because of it, and it might even spill over onto you, Youli. You need to be mentally prepared."
Hearing her handsome stepfather's words, Jiang Youli wasn't afraid at all. On the contrary, she felt somewhat expectant and excited.
She loved putting people who liked to kick someone when they're down in their place, especially those who came asking for trouble!
If one came, she'd tear into one; if a pair came, she'd tear into both!
A sly glint shone in Jiang Youli's eyes as she leisurely smiled. "Dad, Mom, don't worry. You've seen how I handled myself at the welcome banquet. When have I ever been stage-frightened? If anyone dares to give me a hard time, I'll give it right back to them."
Seeing her fearless attitude, Zhang Susu smiled with relief. "That's true. My daughter is so capable. Who knows who will end up more intimidated then. Alright, you just got out of the hospital today. Go back to your room early, finish the invitation list, and get some rest. Saturday's engagement banquet will probably be another exhausting battle."
Her words were full of pride, and her face showed unconcealed affection.
"Alright then, I'll head to my room now."
After watching Jiang Youli go upstairs, Zhang Susu reminded her husband, "Remember to urge your father about the shares matter. Don't let it drag on. I don't want any more mishaps before Youli's engagement banquet."
Jiang Yehan nodded. "I know."
Back in her room, Jiang Youli took a shower and sat at her desk to organize the guest list for her engagement banquet. In less than half an hour, she had it ready. She then sent the list to Qi Huan.
[Huanhuan, here is the list of guests I want to invite to the engagement banquet.]
A reply came quickly.
[Okay, I will make proper arrangements to host them well.]
...
In the hospital room.
After receiving the list from Jiang Youli, Qi Huan read it carefully.
The list only contained the names of the invited guests.
But several names seemed familiar to Qi Huan, identical to some legendary figures from the capital's past. However, those big shots were mostly retired and behind the scenes now, so their names were rarely heard in current circles.
He knew this couldn't be a coincidence.
After all, Xiao Li'er (Youli) even knew Zhou Yi, the sole heir of the Zhou family. What was so strange about her knowing other capital big shots?
His Xiao Li'er was truly full of hidden depths.
He wondered what other surprises she had in store for him at this engagement banquet. Perhaps she would make an even bigger splash than she did at the last welcome banquet.
