"Who's there?" Lin Qin's sharp voice broke the silence of the night.

Zhu Ling immediately became alert, drew his sword from his waist, and stood protectively in front of Lin Qin.

However, all around was quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

Lin Qin listened carefully and confirmed that there had indeed been a noise just now.

She grabbed Zhu Ling and chased after the direction in which the shadow disappeared, but found nothing.

These past few days, Lin Qin has been busy with preparations for the "Qinyuan" agritainment business.

From sourcing ingredients to arranging staff, she personally handled every detail.

Watching the agritainment business gradually take shape, Lin Qin felt a great sense of accomplishment.

But when she started calculating the funds to open the shop, her joy was instantly dampened.

The figures in the ledger were pitifully small; this amount of money wasn't even enough to open a shop, let alone buy tables and chairs!

Lin Qin frowned, her slender fingers tapping the ledger repeatedly, and the surrounding air seemed to grow heavy.

"Make money! Make money! Make money!" Lin Qin silently repeated three times in her mind, various clever ways to make money popping into her head.

The fastest way right now is to find investors!

So she started traveling around the town looking for potential investors.

However, her plans repeatedly encountered setbacks.

When the wealthy merchants in town heard that she was a woman and had no experience in running a shop, they all shook their heads and refused.

Some people even looked at her with disdain, thinking she was being delusional.

Lin Qin was turned away time and time again, and her frustration surged like a tide.

The once bustling town had become indifferent in her eyes.

"Do I really have to give up?" Lin Qin murmured to herself, walking heavily back to the farm.

Suddenly, she thought of something and abruptly stopped in her tracks.

"Perhaps... the Chamber of Commerce can help?"

Lin Qin's spirits lifted immediately when she thought that the Chamber of Commerce might be able to find investment. She turned around and walked towards the largest Chamber of Commerce in town.

The Chamber of Commerce's main gate was magnificent, its vermilion paint gleaming in the sunlight, and two imposing stone lions stood guard over the wealth within.

Lin Qin took a deep breath and stepped into the Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce hall was bustling with people, and well-dressed businessmen were discussing deals.

Lin Qin's arrival did not attract much attention. She went straight to the counter and explained her purpose.

The clerk behind the counter sized her up, a hint of disdain in his eyes: "Want to see the chairman? Do you have an appointment?"

Lin Qin patiently explained that her situation was urgent and that she hoped to see the chairman as soon as possible.

The waiter waved his hand impatiently: "The chairman is busy with so many things, how could he have time to see a nobody like you? Hurry up and leave, don't delay our business."

Lin Qin felt a surge of anger, but she managed to suppress it.

She knew that now was not the time to act on impulse.

On a sudden inspiration, she took out a delicate pastry from her bosom and handed it to the waiter: "Young man, this is a pastry I made myself. Try it and tell him that the owner of 'Qinyuan' Farmhouse wants to see the chairman."

The waiter took the pastries and looked at Lin Qin suspiciously.

The pastry smelled so sweet and delicious that he couldn't resist taking a bite.

"Wow, not bad!" The waiter's eyes lit up, and he swallowed the pastry in a few bites. "Wait here, I'll go and inform them."

Before long, the waiter returned, his face beaming with smiles: "The chairman invites you in."

Lin Qin followed the shop assistant to the chairman's office.

The Chamber of Commerce president, President Chen, was a fat, middle-aged man. He glanced at Lin Qin with disdain in his eyes: "A woman wants to do business? What a pipe dream!"

"President Chen, I..."

"Don't talk to me about 'I'!" Chairman Chen interrupted her rudely. "If you want me to invest, fine! But you have to agree to a few conditions." He held up his fat fingers and listed the harsh conditions one by one, his tone extremely arrogant.

Hearing these conditions, Lin Qin felt a surge of anger.

These conditions are simply taking advantage of someone's misfortune!

But she knew that without investment, her agritainment business would not be able to open.

"President Chen, I'm afraid I'm afraid I can't accept your terms..."

Before Lin Qin could finish speaking, Chairman Chen interrupted her again: "What? You don't want to? Then don't waste my time!"

Lin Qin gritted her teeth, about to speak, when suddenly a thought struck her: "President Chen, I haven't finished yet. My agritainment business isn't your average agritainment business; it combines modern and traditional features..."

Lin Qin explained her unique idea for opening a store in detail, and the surrounding members of the Chamber of Commerce listened with fascination. Even Chairman Chen showed a surprised expression.

Seeing their reaction, a glimmer of hope ignited in Lin Qin's heart.

She knew she had a chance...

"Wait a minute," Chairman Chen suddenly spoke, his eyes gleaming, "Is what you're saying true?"

Before Lin Qin could finish speaking, the chamber of commerce's doors were suddenly pushed open, and a tall, imposing figure appeared at the entrance. His powerful aura instantly silenced the noisy hall.

The person who arrived was Zhu Ling.

He was dressed in a dark brocade robe, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a chilling aura, as if he were a war god who had stepped out of a painting.

"Your Highness!" The members of the Chamber of Commerce all stood up and bowed, even the usually arrogant and domineering Chairman Chen showed a fawning smile.

When Lin Qin saw Zhu Ling, a warm feeling welled up in her heart.

Why is he here?

Her once strong gaze now revealed a hint of emotion and relief.

Zhu Ling's gaze fell on Lin Qin, his eyes filled with tenderness and love, as if to say: Don't be afraid, I'm here.

Pink bubbles filled the air, and people around couldn't help but exclaim: This display of affection caught us completely off guard!

With Zhu Ling's support, Lin Qin became even more confident.

She cleared her throat and continued, "My agritainment business will not only provide delicious food, but will also create a place that integrates leisure and entertainment. Just imagine, enjoying delicious food amidst idyllic rural scenery and experiencing the joys of farming—wouldn't that be wonderful? This is the most popular 'immersive experience' right now!"

The members of the chamber of commerce began to whisper among themselves; they had never imagined that a farmhouse could offer so many different experiences.

Although Chairman Chen was unwilling, he did not dare to be too presumptuous with Zhu Ling present.

"Your Highness, what do you think of this..." Chairman Chen said with a forced smile, trying to gauge Zhu Ling's attitude.

Zhu Ling glanced at him indifferently, his tone icy: "I trust the Princess's judgment."

The short sentence was full of intimidation, leaving Chairman Chen speechless.

He knew that he had no choice but to make this investment today.

Lin Qin seized the opportunity to elaborate on her business plan in detail, from the characteristics of the dishes to the business model, taking every detail into consideration.

The chamber of commerce members listened intently, and their initial disdain gradually turned into appreciation.

"This idea is brilliant!"

"If this can really be done, it'll be incredibly profitable!"

Hearing the surrounding chatter, Lin Qin's lips curled into a slight smile. It seemed she had made the right move.

Chairman Chen's face turned ashen. He had originally intended to take advantage of Lin Qin, but unexpectedly, he was outmaneuvered by Zhu Ling.

He gritted his teeth, about to speak, when Lin Qin spoke first: "President Chen, I have another idea..."

"What are your thoughts?" Chairman Chen asked impatiently.

Lin Qin smiled mysteriously: "Regarding the profit-sharing ratio..."

Lin Qin presented an attractive profit-sharing plan, which brightened the eyes of the previously hesitant small business owners.

This plan is like finding an oasis in the desert or discovering a potential stock in the stock market, instantly igniting their investment enthusiasm.

"Brilliant! This plan is simply a stroke of genius!"

"I admire the Princess's business acumen!"

Several small business owners expressed their willingness to invest, and some even started signing agreements on the spot.

Those who used to mock and shun Lin Qin are now staring at her longingly, filled with regret.

They were like passengers who missed the last train, forced to watch helplessly as Lin Qin's train of wealth sped away.

Lin Qin wore a victorious smile, a smile sweeter than honey and brighter than sunshine.

She knew that gold will always shine!

However, things are not that simple.

Although there were some investment intentions, the funding gap remained huge, like a giant black hole swallowing Lin Qin's hopes.

What's even more troublesome is that a suitable store location has yet to be found.

The rent for shops in prime locations is outrageously expensive; it's practically robbery!

Shops in remote locations are deserted and no one comes to them; if you open one there, you probably won't even see a ghost!

Lin Qin stood on the bustling street, watching the crowds coming and going, her brows furrowed.

"What am I going to do?" she muttered to herself, feeling immense pressure.

Just then, a ragged old beggar walked up to her, stretched out his dirty hand, and said weakly, "Please have mercy, give me some food..."

Lin Qin was already annoyed and waved her hand impatiently: "Go away, go away, don't bother me!"

The old beggar didn't leave. Instead, he mysteriously leaned close to her ear and whispered, "Young lady, I see a dark aura around your face. You might be facing some bloodshed soon..."

Lin Qin was startled and subconsciously took a step back, looking at the old beggar warily: "What do you mean?"

The old beggar chuckled, revealing a few missing teeth: "Want to know? Then..." He suddenly stopped, his gaze shifting to behind Lin Qin, and said meaningfully, "Someone's coming..."

Lin Qin turned around abruptly and saw a familiar figure walking towards her...

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