Chapter 233: The Same Name
Qin Tuo nodded at once and said with a smile,
"In that case, I’ll have to trouble you, Mr. Zhou!"
After their conversation, Qin Tuo’s already high opinion of Zhou Qihua rose another notch.
What was most impressive was that Zhou Qihua, as the Young Hall Master of Jishi Hall, was willing to help him with the task of scouring the area for medicinal herbs.
Qin Tuo thought, ’When the time comes, if Zhou Qihua can help me get the herbs I need, I’ll just give him a Small Rejuvenation Pill as a reward for his efforts.’
But at that moment, Lin Yushu, who had been stone-faced the entire time, grew displeased.
"Zhou Qihua, why are you always sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong? He’s buying his herbs. What’s that got to do with you?"
Zhou Qihua said, looking a bit embarrassed,
"Yushu, how can you say that? Mr. Qin wants to buy herbs. If I give him some pointers and suggestions, it could save him from a lot of unnecessary trouble!"
However, Lin Yushu snapped back,
"What are you helping him for? People like him are clearly all talk. He talks a big game, but I bet he can’t even tell the age of a medicinal herb."
Beside them, Chen Man Ni was mortified and didn’t know what to say.
After all, Lin Yushu was her cousin. Chen Man Ni couldn’t very well scold her, so she could only shoot Qin Tuo an apologetic glance.
But Qin Tuo didn’t take it to heart in the slightest. His mind was completely occupied with acquiring the herbs.
But Zhou Qihua said earnestly,
"How can you say that? Brother Qin is a guest from out of town. As the hosts, it’s our duty to keep him company, isn’t it?"
Lin Yushu turned her head away and said coldly,
"Fine. If you want to keep him company, you go ahead. I have to work. I don’t have time for that!"
At this, Zhou Qihua could only let out a helpless sigh. He knew this was just his girlfriend’s personality, so he didn’t press the issue.
After settling the matter, Qin Tuo and Zhou Qihua exchanged phone numbers and agreed to meet the next day at the main Jishi Hall store.
Seeing Qin Tuo’s calm demeanor, Lin Yushu couldn’t resist warning Chen Man Ni,
"Manni, I’m telling you, you need to be on your guard with pretty boys like him. Be careful he doesn’t swindle you out of your money!"
Chen Man Ni said, completely exasperated,
"Cousin, what are you thinking? I’ve told you so many times, Qin Tuo isn’t like that."
Hearing this, Lin Yuyan, who was standing to the side, also nodded silently.
Her personality was innocent and pure; she liked what she liked and disliked what she disliked.
From their brief interaction, she felt that Qin Tuo was a good person, not at all like her sister described.
But Lin Yushu, in a tone of deep disappointment, continued,
"Manni, it’s your kind heart that makes you so easy to fool. I’m telling you, keep your eyes peeled. Don’t just hand over money whenever he asks, or you’ll end up regretting it badly."
Clearly, Lin Yushu believed that the only reason Qin Tuo had the confidence to buy such expensive herbs was because he was planning to make Chen Man Ni pay for them.
Chen Man Ni rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"Cousin, why are you so convinced that Qin Tuo is that kind of man? Do you really find him that unimpressive?"
Lin Yushu’s face flushed red as she retorted,
"You just have to argue with me, don’t you? Your cousin knows what she’s talking about; I’ve seen plenty of guys like him. Just think about it. He’s obviously broke, so where would he get the money to buy these herbs? In the end, it’ll all fall on you, won’t it?"
Chen Man Ni opened her mouth, about to explain further.
But Qin Tuo immediately shot her a look.
The message was clear: she should drop the pointless argument.
So, Chen Man Ni could only rub her forehead wearily.
"Fine, Cousin. Whatever you say!"
Hearing Chen Man Ni concede, Lin Yushu finally looked satisfied.
After that little storm, the rest of the meal wasn’t as pleasant.
After dinner, Lin Yushu wanted to take Chen Man Ni out for a walk.
However, Chen Man Ni waved her off, saying,
"No thanks, Cousin. I’m a little tired and want to get some rest. Let’s do it another time!"
Lin Yushu’s eyes immediately lit up. She smiled and said,
"Manni, if that’s the case, you should come stay at my place! My parents will be thrilled to see you!"
Chen Man Ni wanted to go, but a glance at Qin Tuo’s expression made her hesitate.
She was afraid Qin Tuo wouldn’t approve, so she politely declined.
"Maybe next time, Cousin. I’ll just stay at a hotel for tonight."
Lin Yushu’s face fell instantly. She asked in confusion,
"Manni, are you worried this pretty boy will give you grief over it? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!"
But Chen Man Ni shook her head and explained,
"That’s not it, Cousin, you’re overthinking things. I haven’t prepared a gift or anything, so it would be rude to show up at your house unannounced. Maybe next time!"
In the end, Lin Yushu had no choice but to concede, though not before shooting Qin Tuo a vicious glare.
She clearly still believed that Qin Tuo was the reason for all of Chen Man Ni’s actions.
Just then, Long Wu, having finished fixing the car, hurried over.
Long Wu paused for a moment, surprised to see so many people.
Seeing Long Wu, Zhou Qihua and the others looked confused.
Qin Tuo smiled and took the initiative to introduce him.
"This is my friend, Long Wu!"
Zhou Qihua nodded and stepped forward to shake Long Wu’s hand.
Lin Yushu, on the other hand, kept a sullen face, completely uninterested in meeting any friend of Qin Tuo’s.
Zhou Qihua chuckled and said,
"I’ve heard there’s an underground Emperor in the Southwest who’s also named Long Wu. People call him Master Long. A few years back, his name was a huge deal, even here in Jin City. Your friend shares the same name as that Master Long!"
Long Wu’s eyes lit up. He chuckled and nodded, but didn’t say a word.
A very strange feeling welled up inside Qin Tuo.
Meanwhile, Chen Man Ni was desperately trying to hold back her laughter, and it looked like a real struggle.
At that moment, Lin Yushu, standing nearby, sneered and said coldly,
"There are tons of people in the world with the same name. Would the great and mighty Master Long act as a chauffeur for some pretty boy?"
Zhou Qihua immediately turned bright red with embarrassment and shot Qin Tuo an apologetic look.
But Long Wu’s eyes instantly darkened as he stared intently at Lin Yushu!
Suddenly feeling Long Wu’s icy gaze, Lin Yushu couldn’t help but feel a chill run down her spine.
But Long Wu quickly composed himself, his expression returning to calm.
’He knew this was someone Qin Tuo knew.’
’If not for that connection, if any ordinary person had dared to disrespect Qin Tuo, he would have already taught them a harsh lesson.’
To diffuse the awkwardness, Qin Tuo just smiled and waved his hand.
"That’s right, it’s just a coincidence. Don’t read too much into it!"