After returning to the capital to farm, the abandoned concubine made a comeback.

Lin Qin fiddled with the abacus beads, the clattering sound particularly crisp in the quiet shop.

Her heart pounded faster with each click of the abacus.

For the past month, she has worked tirelessly from dawn till dusk, racking her brains, all for this moment today—to see if the final profit can exceed the "astronomical figure" set by the system.

As the numbers in the ledger increased, Lin Qin's eyes grew brighter.

"Ones, tens, hundreds, thousands..." she silently recited, feeling as if she were opening a blind box, tense and exciting.

"Holy crap, no way!" Lin Qin couldn't help but exclaim as the last number was displayed.

This profit not only exceeded the small system's target, but also exceeded her expectations!

Just then, a noisy shouting came from outside the shop, breaking the tranquility inside.

Lin Qin's heart skipped a beat, and an ominous premonition welled up inside her.

Could it be...

What kind of trouble is Boss Qin up to now?

She walked quickly to the door and pulled it open.

A group of burly thugs were blocking the entrance, shouting at the passing customers.

"Hey, what are you guys doing?" Lin Qin's eyebrows furrowed, her tone unfriendly.

When the thugs saw Lin Qin, they all grinned lewdly.

The leader, a man with a scarred face, stepped forward and said, "Hey, isn't this Boss Lin? Business is doing well!" As he spoke, he leered at Lin Qin.

The surrounding customers were so frightened by the commotion that they scattered and the atmosphere inside the store instantly became tense.

Bai Xiaoer hid behind the counter, trembling, his eyes filled with fear.

Even Grandma Sun, who is usually the most picky, was too scared to make a sound and hid in a corner, secretly observing the situation outside.

"What do you want?" Lin Qin tried to remain calm and composed.

Scarface sneered, "What for? We're here to collect protection money, of course!" He held out a filthy hand, "If you know what's good for you, hand over the money now, or you'll suffer!"

Lin Qin took a deep breath, just about to speak...

Suddenly, a deep and authoritative voice came from behind: "Let's see who dares!"

Lin Qin took a deep breath, just about to speak...

Suddenly, a deep and authoritative voice came from behind: "Let's see who dares!"

Lin Qin turned around and saw Zhu Ling's face was ashen, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

He was dressed in a long black robe, with the royal guards standing in neat rows behind him at the entrance, looking menacing.

Upon seeing this, the thugs turned pale with fright and involuntarily took a few steps back.

"Uncle Zhu, we just..." Scarface hurriedly explained, but before he could finish speaking, Zhu Ling's icy gaze made him feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave.

"Get out!" Zhu Ling said, each word distinct and cold enough to freeze the air.

The thugs dared not say a word and scattered in a swarm, disappearing into the end of the alley as they tumbled and crawled away.

Boss Qin hid in a corner, watching this scene with a livid face.

He knew his plan had completely failed, and with nowhere to vent his anger, he could only grit his teeth and slink away, never daring to cause trouble again.

Lin Qin breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes filled with gratitude.

Zhu Ling stepped forward, gently took her hand, and asked in a much softer voice, "Are you alright?"

Lin Qin shook her head and smiled, "Thanks to you, otherwise I would have been bullied by these thugs."

A hint of heartache flashed across Zhu Ling's brows: "Don't try to handle these things on your own in the future. Remember to let me know in time."

"I understand." Lin Qin nodded gently, but her heart was filled with mixed feelings.

She knew that Zhu Ling's intervention this time was not only to help her out of a predicament, but also for her sake.

Bai Xiaoer and the other waiters also came out from behind the counter and thanked Zhu Ling.

Seeing this, the customers admired Lin Qin even more and gave her a thumbs up.

Lin Qin's shop not only returned to normal, but its reputation also reached new heights.

Just then, Zhu Ling's gaze shifted, and she suddenly spoke up: "By the way, Lin Qin, there's something I'd like to discuss with you..."

Lin Qin's heart tightened, and she looked up, meeting Zhu Ling's deep eyes.

Her heart began to race; she wondered what he was going to say next.

"You..." Zhu Ling looked at her affectionately, but stopped speaking and just held her hand tightly, as if waiting for something.

"Come back to the Prince's Mansion with me." Zhu Ling finally said these words, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible tension.

Lin Qin's heart skipped a beat, as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand.

She looked at Zhu Ling, his deep eyes filled with expectation, making it almost impossible for her to refuse.

The air around them seemed to freeze. The waiters held their breath, and the customers stopped talking, all staring at them and sensing the subtle atmosphere.

Even Grandma Sun, who usually loves to gossip, fell silent at this moment, her eyes flashing with a complex light.

Lin Qin's gaze fell on the ledger, where the bright red number "one hundred and twenty taels" was particularly glaring.

She took a deep breath, and all the hard work of the past month turned into a great sense of accomplishment.

She succeeded!

She not only surpassed the small system's goals, but also became one of the most successful businesswomen in town!

People around her praised her highly. Standing in front of the shop, she was filled with joy, as if she were standing at the pinnacle of her life.

But, back at the Prince's Palace...

This meant giving up everything, giving up the career she had painstakingly built, and giving up this hard-won freedom.

She hesitated, a hint of struggle flashing in her eyes.

Zhu Ling noticed her hesitation, tightened her grip on her hand, and softened her tone: "I know what you're worried about, but don't worry, I won't let you give up your shop and farm. I just hope you can come back to me."

His words were like a warm current, flowing into Lin Qin's heart.

She was moved, and her eyes welled up with tears.

Yes, after going through so much, their relationship is no longer a simple transaction.

She saw his deep affection and his dedication, and she remembered it all.

Lin Qin bit her lip, and the scales in her heart began to tip.

On one side is a thriving career and a carefree life, and on the other side are the expectations and warm embrace of a loved one.

How should she choose?

"I..." Lin Qin opened her mouth, but didn't know how to answer.

She looked up at Zhu Ling, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

Zhu Ling didn't urge her, but waited quietly for her answer, his eyes full of tenderness and patience.

Time seemed to stand still, and everyone's eyes were focused on Lin Qin, waiting for her to make her final decision.

Lin Qin took a deep breath and finally spoke, "I..." She paused, her gaze falling on Zhu Ling's hand that was tightly holding hers, and then slowly pulled her hand back.

Lin Qin took a deep breath and slowly said, "Your Highness, please give me some time to think about it, okay?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhu Ling's eyes. He gripped Lin Qin's hand tightly and said excitedly, "Okay! I'll wait for you!" He understood that Lin Qin's hesitation was not a rejection, but a sign of careful consideration.

This made him cherish her even more and strengthened his resolve to be with her.

Upon seeing this, the surrounding customers applauded and cheered.

"Boss Lin, the Prince is truly devoted to you, please agree!" "Yes, yes, a perfect match, a match made in heaven!" Even Granny Sun, who is usually the most picky, showed a kind smile, "Young lady, following the Prince, life will be much easier from now on!"

Bai Xiaoer and the other shop assistants joined in the commotion, "Boss lady, say yes! Say yes!" The shop was instantly filled with a festive atmosphere, as lively as if it were an early New Year celebration.

Looking at the sincere smiling faces around her, Lin Qin felt a warm current welling up in her heart.

Lin Qin's shop broke profit records and gained the favor of the prince. The news spread like wildfire throughout the town.

People were talking about Lin Qin's good luck, envying her while also admiring her abilities even more.

Hiding in the shadows, Boss Qin listened to these discussions, his face turning ashen, his heart filled with jealousy and resentment.

He originally intended to use this opportunity to suppress Lin Qin, but unexpectedly, it made her even more famous. How could he swallow this insult!

In the stillness of the night, Lin Qin sat alone in the courtyard, gazing at the starry sky, her mind filled with countless thoughts.

Promising to Zhu Ling and returning to the Prince's Mansion meant giving up everything she currently possessed and starting a new, unknown life.

But if she stays in the small town and continues to run the shop and farm, can she really let go of Zhu Ling?

After going through so much together, their relationship was no longer just a simple partnership.

She saw his deep affection and his dedication, and she remembered it all.

Can she really remain unmoved?

She sighed deeply, got up and walked to the window, gazing at the brightly lit palace in the distance, her heart filled with confusion.

Go back, or stay?

This choice was more difficult than any other business decision.

The next morning, Lin Qin got up early, packed her things quickly, and headed towards the farm.

She needed to sort out her thoughts and also needed to explain some things to the workers at the farm.

After all, whatever choice she ultimately makes, she cannot abandon those who have always supported her.

Arriving at the farm and seeing the familiar scenery, Lin Qin was filled with emotion.

Every blade of grass and every tree here is imbued with her heart and soul, and carries too many of her memories.

She walked to the edge of the field, squatted down, and gently stroked the emerald green wheat seedlings, silently thinking, "What should I do..."

Suddenly, a childish voice broke the morning's tranquility: "Mother, what are you doing here?"