Taming The Hidden Bigshot By Kissing Him-Chapter 645: Setting a Trap for Lu Yingxue

Qiao Xi looked at Huo Sijiao and said, "There’s no need for any big moves at the store these days. Just operate as usual. Go find Ye Ying for help; she’s our best advertisement."

"I understand. Sister-in-law, you’re suggesting we use results to prove everything? But the cycle is too long, Ye Ying’s scars won’t heal that easily. Old scars fading even a little would already be a surprise."

Huo Sijiao frowned, clearly troubled: "Sister-in-law, the beauty salon can’t wait that long."

The daily costs are high; it feels like burning money.

The funds that the three of them invested are far from enough. She knew her sister-in-law wouldn’t want to use her brother’s money either.

Qiao Xi spoke calmly, "Ye Ying is not the key to our victory. Our real target is Lu Yingxue. In these few days, Yingyue Pavilion will surely keep trying to acquire more of our Jade Skin Ointment through various channels. You can ease up on management."

"Sister-in-law, easing up on management means Yingyue Pavilion will take away even more Jade Skin Ointment! They’ll definitely try their best to study the formula!"

"Jiaojiao, don’t forget we’ve applied for a patent. If they replicate the exact formula, we can hold them accountable. Besides, Jade Skin Ointment isn’t so easy to concoct. I suspect Lu Yingxue would use it on her own face."

Based on her previous encounters with Lu Yingxue, she could tell that Lu Yingxue cared deeply about her face.

The fact that she rushed to try the counterfeit Beauty Cream was evidence enough.

"And then?"

Huo Sijiao’s head was a mess.

She realized she couldn’t keep up with Qiao Xi’s line of thinking at all.

A faint smile appeared on Qiao Xi’s pale face, "And then, let her discover the difference between Jade Skin Ointment and Beauty Cream. Do you know the meaning of ’drinking poison to quench thirst’?"

"Sister-in-law, I’m a graduate of Haicheng University after all. Of course I understand the term!" She hesitated before speaking, "Are you saying we should let Lu Yingxue experience the astonishing effects of Jade Skin Ointment, and then cut off her supply?"

"Exactly." ƒreewebɳovel.com

Not having something doesn’t necessarily stir longing.

But having it and then losing it—that brings despair. At that point, negotiating terms becomes much easier.

She’d had this idea ever since the needle trial conference.

"Sister-in-law, this is a brilliant plan! I’ll completely cooperate. Once Lu Yingxue experiences the wonders of Jade Skin Ointment, she’ll definitely bow to us! Unless she’s willing to let her face go to ruin!"

The thought of Lu Yingxue lowering her head made Huo Sijiao feel ecstatic!

With a cold snort, Huo Sijiao added, "When the time comes, I’ll make Yingyue Pavilion pull their Beauty Cream off the shelves. Let’s see how they’ll compete with us then!"

"That’s one of the goals."

Qiao Xi spoke slowly, "Jiaojiao, starting tomorrow, donate the earnings from my share of Jade Skin Ointment. This formula represents the joint effort of Grandpa Cheng and me, and I hope the money can be put to better use."

She already had enough income from her consultations to cover her expenses.

Thus, she preferred to donate these extra profits to those in need.

Huo Sijiao asked, "Should I hand it over to the Xingyue Foundation?"

"No, donate it under Grandpa Cheng’s name." Qiao Xi’s thoughts lingered on Cheng Han. She had been in the Imperial Capital for two months now and hadn’t seen him yet.

She wondered how he was doing!

Even if he went into the mountains, it shouldn’t take this long.

Huo Sijiao sighed at her words, "Sister-in-law, your bond with Mr. Cheng is truly touching, like actual family. But it seems like a long time has passed since we last saw him."

"Hmm."

"Don’t worry, Sister-in-law. Perhaps he’s just traveling the world. For now, let’s focus on perfecting the beauty salon and solidifying your position in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association. Your and Mr. Cheng’s wishes will come true one day!"

"I believe that."

Qiao Xi’s heart stirred, "One day, the North-South Division in Chinese Medicine will be abolished!"

This outdated rule should have been revoked long ago, yet it persisted for years.

It also spoke to Lu Bannong’s unshakable status in the Chinese Medicine Community.

Lu Bannong was an extraordinary strategist!

He had practically turned Chinese medicine into a business empire.

"Sister-in-law, I’ll always stand by your side!"

Huo Sijiao looked at her with pride in her eyes.

Qiao Xi glanced back at her, her lips curving into a radiant smile, blooming like a flower. They had finally found their life’s calling and ambition.

...

In the second-floor study.

Huo Xingzhou sat at the desk, his fingers tapping rhythmically on its surface.

His brows were furrowed, his cold and stern face radiating an icy hostility.

Old Chen stood beside him, hesitating as he reported, "Young Master, I’ve already deployed all available personnel. I can’t leave to join the search, or else there’ll be no one here to ensure your and the Young Madam’s safety."

"Still no news at all?"

Huo Xingzhou’s voice was low and heavy, his eyes carrying a wintry glint like shards of ice.

"None. They’ve gone into the mountains to search, but there hasn’t been any trace uncovered. I even brought in forensic experts specializing in tracking, but it’s still fruitless. Plus, I’ve noticed that various forces are also intervening in the search for Mr. Cheng."

Old Chen felt unease in his heart, a sense of foreboding: "Young Master, do we continue the search?"

Huo Xingzhou’s voice was firm and unwavering, "Continue."

"Alright, I’ll have them keep searching."

Old Chen’s apprehension deepened.

The Imperial Capital was a treacherous place; who knew what might happen?

Huo Xingzhou tapped his fingers on the desk and said, "Accompany Qiao Xi to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association’s monthly meeting two days from now. It’ll be her first appearance, very significant! Don’t hold back when it’s time to act; show some force right away."

"Understood, Young Master. But I’ve heard Lu Bannong might not attend this meeting. Apparently, he’s been having issues with Zhao Chang recently, and Zhao Chang seems quite dissatisfied with him..."

"Hmm."

Huo Xingzhou responded with a hint of approval, "The Lu Family does need some chaos right now, or else Qiao Xi won’t find the opportunity to establish herself in the Association."

Aside from Zhao Chang, he had to devise ways to keep Lu Bannong even busier, distracted from the Association’s affairs.

"Young Master, there’s one more matter. The Guan Family has invited us to a wedding next month on the first."

Old Chen placed a red invitation card in front of him, "This hasn’t been publicly announced yet, but Young Master Sun started drinking heavily after receiving the invite this afternoon. He hasn’t returned since."

Huo Xingzhou picked up the crimson invitation, raising an eyebrow.

He hadn’t expected Shen Xuanzhi to truly make such a bold choice.

He had chosen the harder path.

"Old Chen, as far as I recall, with the Guan Family’s support, Shen Xuanzhi is set to become a member of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association board, isn’t he?"

"Yes, exactly."

"Perfect. Shen Xuanzhi’s father, Shen Mo’s death, has ties to the Lu Family from back then. And Zhou Yu recently discovered something interesting: Lu Bannong’s sister Lu Yutong and Shen Mo had a past romance."

He lifted his gaze, the smile in his eyes devoid of any warmth, and said, "Lu Yutong has returned to the country."

This was an excellent point of entry.