Chapter 191: Let's Just Get Rid of Him Directly

"What is it?" Lin Sangqian asked.

Guan Yanqing moved his lips, but the words that actually came out were completely different: "Are you going to celebrate your birthday here? Or in the capital?"

Lin Sangqian thought for a moment and replied, "I suppose we'll celebrate it here. After all, once we arrive in the capital, there will surely be plenty of things to keep us busy, so it's better to just finish it here before we leave."

"Mm." Guan Yanqing nodded, then smiled. "When the time comes, remember to invite me."

"Of course," Lin Sangqian said with a smile. "It's fine if you want to keep staying at our place during this time."

"No," Guan Yanqing said. "I still have some matters to attend to."

Most importantly, if he were to see her every day and speak with her every day, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to restrain himself.

She was still young; he could not do such a thing.

...

The Lin family had already begun making preparations for their move to the capital.

The shops here certainly could not be closed. If they were, the common folk in the town and even throughout Pingci Prefecture would probably wail in grief.

Fortunately, the managers and staff of each shop were trustworthy individuals. With Lu Chengren and Yang Stone staying behind to keep an eye on things, everything could proceed with absolute peace of mind.

Lin Sangqian set December as the designated time each year for representatives from the shops to deliver the annual earnings to the capital.

Although these past few days had been bustling and chaotic, Lin Sangqian still did not forget to administer acupuncture to Gu Zhinan every other day.

And every single time, Guan Yanqing would accompany him.

Lin Sangqian didn't pay it much mind, simply assuming he was concerned for Gu Zhinan's safety, especially since Gu Zhinan was, after all, the Third Prince.

After the final acupuncture session, Lin Sangqian and Gu Zhinan breathed sighs of relief at the same time.

"Let me take your pulse once more."

Gu Zhinan obediently extended his wrist.

After taking his pulse, Lin Sangqian nodded and said, "The toxins in your body have been completely cleared. You won't have to worry about this anymore in the future."

"Does that mean I'm finally free?" Gu Zhinan asked, hardly daring to believe it.

"Yes," Lin Sangqian replied as she packed away her needles. "And I'm free, too."

Hearing this, Gu Zhinan suddenly felt a sense of loss.

Indeed, even though he wouldn't die and wouldn't be tortured by that excruciating pain anymore, would Lin Sangqian no longer come to see him from now on? How could that be allowed?

After thinking for a moment, Gu Zhinan hurriedly said, "By the way, I hear your business is doing exceptionally well?"

"Mm," Lin Sangqian acknowledged, then suddenly seemed to realize something, looking at him warily. "What are you planning? You're not going to try and rob me again, are you?"

"What are you talking about?" Gu Zhinan glared at her. "This lord has turned over a new leaf! This lord is never going to be a mountain bandit again!"

"Is that so?" Lin Sangqian stared at him suspiciously.

"Really! So, why don't you find some work for me in your shop?" Gu Zhinan said. "Seriously, I have a great head for business!"

"I don't believe you," Lin Sangqian said without hesitation.

More importantly, Gu Zhinan was the Third Prince!

Even if she were to arrange a position for him as a mere shop manager, she would still feel deeply uneasy in her heart.

"Really, truly! I can do anything!" Gu Zhinan insisted. "Besides, it's not proper for me to keep staying at the Yu residence, is it? Although I still have some money on me, I can't just sit around eating through my savings forever. I still have a large group of brothers to support!"

"Are you really determined to join my shop?" Lin Sangqian asked.

"Really. I'm not lying to you."

As he spoke, Gu Zhinan felt a hint of oddity—why did Guan Yanqing show not the slightest sign of objection?

If he entered the Lin family's shops, he would surely have countless opportunities to interact with Lin Sangqian in the future.

Could it be that Guan Yanqing wasn't worried at all?

Hmph, just wait and see! The one who wins Lin Sangqian's heart in the future would definitely be him!

"Alright then," Lin Sangqian said. "Let me think about where to place you. This works out well, too. Once you're in the Lin family's shop, you can help me keep an eye on things if anything comes up."

Gu Zhinan nodded hurriedly.

Lin Sangqian continued, "Once I'm no longer in this town, having you here will give me peace of mind."

Gu Zhinan: "Right, right, exactly."

The next instant, he suddenly realized something was amiss: "What did you say? You won't be in this town anymore? What do you mean? Where are you going?"

"Ah? Haven't I told you yet?" Lin Sangqian said. "In a little while, our family is moving to the capital."

Gu Zhinan: "..."

What is the meaning of this!

Although it was true that he was reluctant to return to the capital, the main reason he had stayed behind was because of her!

And now she was telling him that she was going to the capital?

Wasn't she just playing with him!

No wonder that dead man Guan Yanqing hadn't reacted at all just now; he must have known all along!

The Guan family was based in the capital, so he would have to return sooner or later anyway.

By then, separated by vast distances, would he be left admiring the beauty from afar while Guan Yanqing pursued her in the capital?

No way! He absolutely could not allow such a thing to happen!

"I have some business to attend to, so I'm leaving first. As for what you mentioned, I'll make arrangements as soon as possible."

"Hey, wait, there's no need..."

Unfortunately, Lin Sangqian hurried away, completely oblivious to whatever else he wanted to say.

Gu Zhinan could only glare fiercely at Guan Yanqing: "You knew about this all along, didn't you?"

"Knew what?" Guan Yanqing asked, feigning ignorance.

"Cut the act!" Gu Zhinan said indignantly. "You knew she was going to the capital long ago. Why didn't you tell me?"

"You never asked," Guan Yanqing replied with a righteous expression.

Gu Zhinan: "..."

He found himself utterly unable to refute that.

"Hmph! No wonder you didn't react at all when I said I wanted to join her shop!"

"Even if Miss Lin weren't going to the capital, I wouldn't be particularly wary of you," Guan Yanqing remarked. "Do you really think that with me around, she would ever take a fancy to you?"

Gu Zhinan: "?"

"What is that supposed to mean!" He was on the verge of exploding with anger. "There's a limit to how much you can humiliate someone! Guan Yanqing, I challenge you to a duel!"

"Sorry, I'm not in the mood."

"Ha, what, are you scared?"

"Reverse psychology doesn't work on me."

Guan Yanqing turned to leave. Watching his retreating figure, Gu Zhinan gritted his teeth: "I'm going back to the capital! I'm going back to the capital too!"

Guan Yanqing paused in his steps, turned his head, and frowned slightly. "Are you certain?"

Previously, Gu Zhinan had been so resistant to returning to the capital. Yet now, for the sake of Lin Sangqian, he was willing to set foot in that place once more?

It seemed Gu Zhinan's feelings for Lin Sangqian ran far deeper than he had imagined...

"That's right! I definitely am!" Gu Zhinan clenched his fists tightly. "If she leaves, what meaning is there for me to stay in this town? Besides, I certainly won't let you have the advantage of proximity!"

Guan Yanqing let out a cold laugh and walked away.

In truth, he really wasn't all that wary of Gu Zhinan.

However, the mere thought that Gu Zhinan would also be returning to the capital and undoubtedly pestering Lin Sangqian every single day filled him with a rising wave of irritation.

Should he just get rid of the guy once and for all?

No, after all, they had childhood ties.

Sigh! He was always too soft-hearted.