If he hadn’t known in advance, he would never have imagined it. The woman before him—born into a prestigious family, graceful and poised—could be such a ruthless and merciless figure. On the surface, there was truly no sign of it. Only his innate talent as a born warrior allowed him to sense a hint of coldness in her aura. But that alone meant little.
The more慕容秋荻 excelled, the more Li Daoqiang admired her. Genuine admiration. A woman like this was truly rare in the world.
As for the disgust and wariness that a righteous person might feel upon learning of her true nature— He felt none of that. Only admiration. After all, the pot shouldn’t call the kettle black. At most, there was a hint of regret. Many things, if they go wrong from the start, take on a different nature. Redeeming them becomes far too difficult. But that didn’t hinder his appreciation.
With a look of approval, he gazed at her, encouraging her to speak frankly.
This time, after only a brief pause, she replied without hesitation: “Originally, in my heart, Chief Li was a true strongman—powerful, forthright, indifferent to worldly judgment, living with integrity. Of course, I’d also add greedy and lustful.”
“Hahaha.” Li Daoqiang laughed even more heartily. “Qiudi, oh Qiudi, you’re the first woman to judge me so calmly and openly in my presence. You truly live up to my view of you as an extraordinary woman. Good, very good. I, Li Daoqiang, have set my sights on you.”
Amid the laughter, his gaze turned serious, tinged with a domineering possessiveness.
慕容秋荻’s expression didn’t change at all, as if she had anticipated this. Still composed and unruffled, without a hint of shyness or restraint. After a moment of silence, she only added a touch of seriousness: “I’ve heard that the Chief loves transactions most. Now that you’ve set your sights on me, how do you propose to strike this deal?”
A clever hunter always appears as prey. That thought crossed Li Daoqiang’s mind. From the very start, that was exactly what she was doing. Now that he had given her an opening, she immediately acted on it more deeply. Such decisiveness, candor, and even a touch of boldness and heroism in a stunningly beautiful woman—it was truly captivating to a man.
He was a normal man. His eyes lit up with even more appreciation and delight. Then his expression turned slightly serious as he pondered, as if considering how to conduct this transaction.
After a few breaths, he nodded in agreement: “For an ordinary woman, marrying me would be an honor. The title of ‘Mrs. Li Daoqiang’ alone is the greatest bargaining chip. But you, Qiudi, have master-level strength and the backing of the Murong family. So you deserve a few more chips. How about this—you tell me what you want?”
慕容秋荻’s mind tightened. He truly saw and spoke with clarity. Li Daoqiang was no simple man; he couldn’t be handled with beauty or talent alone. Throwing the question back to her—this was a delicate balance to strike.
Her thoughts raced, but her face showed only gravity. After a moment’s deliberation, she lifted her gaze to meet his, speaking seriously: “Qiudi asks that the Chief love only me for the rest of his life. Is that acceptable?”
“Of course not.” Li Daoqiang replied without hesitation, matter-of-factly and with utter certainty.
“Then what request can Qiudi possibly make?” She sighed softly, without disappointment, as if she had expected this.
Li Daoqiang silently praised her. She had kicked the ball back to him flawlessly. For an exceptional woman, that was the greatest request she could make—natural and expected. She knew it was impossible, yet she still raised it. Rejected, she smoothly returned the problem to him.
Frowning slightly, as if stumped, he deliberated for a moment before saying solemnly: “Qiudi, are you willing to marry me, Li Daoqiang?”
慕容秋荻’s mind churned. She gave a helpless, bitter smile, as if at a loss for words: “The Chief asks such a question of a woman he’s just met. How is Qiudi supposed to answer? Can I refuse?”
“Haha, no, you can’t refuse.” Li Daoqiang laughed, his tone domineering and forceful.
“Curiosity led me to meet the Chief once, and now I’m to gamble away my entire life? Chief, this is hardly the act of a true man.” She spoke unhurriedly, still elegant and gentle.
“I never force women. One day, Qiudi, you’ll willingly marry me.” Li Daoqiang said confidently.
慕容秋荻 smiled calmly, and in that moment, the beautiful night on the lake seemed to dim. She said nothing, but her confident, magnanimous smile spoke volumes. Qiudi will wait.
“The night is late. Qiudi, be patient for now.” Li Daoqiang smiled, then turned and left.
She watched him go, a hint of gravity in her autumn-water eyes. After a few breaths, she unhurriedly stepped off the small boat. Returning leisurely to her courtyard.
Li Daoqiang was in good spirits, a series of thoughts forming in his mind. A fine fat sheep, soon to take the bait.
As he stepped into the courtyard, he raised his eyes to the wall. There sat Wanwan, her two flawless, jade-white legs dangling, swinging gently. White embroidered shoes encased her delicate, soft feet. The sight stirred a rush of blood, an urge to rush over and hold her in his arms. Under the night sky, her stunning beauty was breathtaking.
Li Daoqiang’s mood improved even more as he admired the view.
“The Chief’s back. Wanwan thought you might not return. Or that you’d come back together.” Wanwan tilted her head, her perfect face showing curiosity and confusion.
“Heh, Wanwan, no need to be jealous. Such things will happen often. You’ll have to learn to adapt.” Li Daoqiang said calmly with a smile.
*Pfft.* Wanwan silently cursed. Jealous? Adapt? Dream on. She rolled her eyes playfully, half-disdainful, half-coquettish: “Wanwan isn’t jealous at all.”
“Alright, go play. I’ve got a beauty to marry next.” With that, he strode toward the house. The message was clear: he had a target now, and she could take a backseat.
Wanwan’s chest heaved with irritation. *Pfft, you bastard.* *Pervert, big pervert.* *And you want me as your wife? Dream on.*
The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. What a scumbag. Out with the old, in with the new—a fickle, lecherous dog... No words could capture even a tenth of his rottenness.
Li Daoqiang ignored the drama queen who was probably fuming to the point of chest pain. That little actress was far too proud; she needed a firm hand. So he never rushed. Slow and steady.
Elsewhere. In the same secret room, layers of power sealed off all sound.
“Qiudi, how did it go?” Murong Fu asked, his eyes full of hope and barely concealed tension. Murong Zheng also looked grave, staring intently at her.
慕容秋荻 frowned slightly, then recounted the gist of the conversation before saying solemnly: “Li Daoqiang is no easy opponent. Tonight, he seemed eager to marry me, but I sensed no urgency. He may still have doubts. He’ll investigate me first.”
“That’s not surprising. He’s a bandit by origin; suspicion is natural.” Murong Zheng said gravely. Murong Fu nodded in agreement. If a stunning woman approached him late at night without raising suspicion, that would be abnormal. Li Daoqiang wouldn’t have gotten this far otherwise.
慕容秋荻 paused, then shook her head, speaking firmly: “A clever hunter appears as prey. I am one, but he might be too. To gain a higher place in his heart and in the Black Dragon Fortress, we can’t rush this.”
Both men nodded solemnly. A rushed deal never works. The more you invest, the more you care. That was true everywhere, especially in matters of the heart. She was right—haste makes waste.
“You’re right, Qiudi. Since he said you’ll willingly marry him, he’ll make a move. We just wait. He’ll likely approach me next. I’ll handle it carefully.” Murong Fu mused.
慕容秋荻 glanced at him, noting he wasn’t entirely foolish. With a gentle smile, she said: “Then I’ll leave it to you, brother.”
“You’re too kind, Qiudi.”
The next day. Li Daoqiang acted as if nothing had happened. He told Murong Fu he was off to visit Li Qingluo at Mantuo Villa. This time, he didn’t bring Wanwan. Meeting the mother-in-law required some respect.
“Mother-in-law.” At the dock, looking at the figure that seemed even younger, with time barely leaving a mark—more beautiful than their last meeting—Li Daoqiang clasped his hands in a familiar, warm greeting.
Li Qingluo’s gaze flickered with unease. She avoided his steady, gentle eyes, looking away slightly, and said calmly: “Why didn’t Yuyan come?”
“I had other business outside the fortress, so I didn’t bring her. If you miss her, go visit her. Mantuo Villa has no one to keep you company—it’s lonely. Staying in the fortress with Yuyan would be better.”
Li Daoqiang spoke without ceremony, leading the group into the villa like the master of the house. Li Qingluo felt a twinge of oddness. Was this how a son-in-law spoke to his mother-in-law? But considering his power and status, perhaps it wasn’t so strange. She accepted it, even feeling a faint, unexpected anticipation. Unaware of that, she said thoughtfully: “I’ll consider it.”
“Good. I’m pressed for time this trip, so I can’t stay long. I’ll have a meal and then leave. Barring any surprises, I’ll depart tomorrow.” Li Daoqiang said casually. Those who truly knew him would recognize this as a sign that he considered her family.
Li Qingluo, ignoring other thoughts, frowned in displeasure: “So soon? You’re not even staying for Murong Fu’s wedding?”
“I came a few days early specifically to skip it. Showing my face is enough. And it gave me a chance to see you.” Li Daoqiang said offhandedly.
(Chapter 1, thanks for your support.) ······