Chapter Fifteen: The Crimson Serpent King

Ling Tian spoke calmly to the bodyguards, “This is your reward. You’re dismissed.” As soon as he finished speaking, he tore open the leather bag, pulled out several stacks of cash, and tossed them to the guards. Then, carrying the box and holding the bag, he strode into the security room.

The bodyguards were so overjoyed they jumped up and down right where they stood. Just moments ago, they were tense as could be, but now not only had their employer returned, he’d given them a generous tip. The ten of them divided the cash among themselves, grinning from ear to ear as they left.

As Ling Tian stepped inside, he collided right into Mu Qingcheng. A faint, fresh scent filled his senses, and the softness pressed close to him—supple yet resilient. Holding her delicate body in his arms felt indescribably comforting. Having not touched a woman in so long, Ling Tian simply dropped everything he was carrying and wrapped both arms around Mu Qingcheng.

“Mmm, you smell wonderful! Is this how you plan to celebrate my success?” He inhaled deeply, his hands still firmly holding her, showing no intention of letting go.

It was Mu Qingcheng’s first time so close to the opposite sex, and as she felt his strong masculine presence, her mind went blank with a buzz. Her fair cheeks flushed a deep red. “Let go of me, you rogue,” she muttered, biting her rosy lower lip in both embarrassment and annoyance.

Ling Tian teased, “It feels pretty nice! Don’t you want to enjoy this a little longer? I’ll give you the chance.”

Mu Qingcheng shot him a glare, squirming in his embrace, her face growing even redder as she felt something hard as a metal rod pressing against her. Frightened, she dared not even breathe.

“Enough fooling around. Let’s go inside,” Ling Tian said, finally releasing the blushing Mu Qingcheng and gathering up his things to walk past the stunned Wang Ling into the security room.

It was about five minutes before Mu Qingcheng entered, her embarrassment fading, the cold aloofness she usually wore returning, though now tinged with a hint of allure.

Once everyone was seated, Ling Tian placed the box and bag in the center of the room, pointing at the box. “This is what you’ve been after.”

“What’s inside?” Mu Qingcheng and Wang Ling peered curiously at the other bag, which was packed full, clearly holding quite a lot.

“Cash. I weighed it—about fifty to sixty pounds, which should be close to three million,” Ling Tian replied casually.

Three million in cash!

Mu Qingcheng and Wang Ling were dumbfounded. They couldn’t wrap their heads around it: Ling Tian had gone out with a million for the deal, yet not only had he returned with the goods, but he’d brought back three million in cash. By their calculations, they’d acquired the goods and made a two-million profit for nothing. How had Ling Tian pulled this off?

Simultaneously, the two women asked timidly, “Did you rob the seller?” It never occurred to them that Ling Tian had robbed the Gu family.

Ling Tian briefly recounted what had happened.

After hearing him out, Mu Qingcheng snorted coldly, “That was shameless.”

“When it comes to profit, people will do anything. Don’t expect the world to be too pretty,” Ling Tian replied lazily. Though not much older than Mu Qingcheng, his years as a mercenary had made him a seasoned veteran, with a keen understanding of the complexities of human relationships and interests.

Wang Ling suddenly said, “President, the Gu family won’t let this go. They may not dare to act openly, but we need to be prepared, or risk suffering losses. After all, the Gu family is one of the Four Great Houses—not someone we can easily contend with.”

Mu Qingcheng nodded. “You’re right. We’ve already offended the Li family, and now the Gu family as well. But if they dare cause trouble, the Mu family won’t back down.” Her tone was resolute.

Ling Tian was indifferent. “Don’t worry, they won’t dare act openly. And if they do, I’ll handle it.” As he spoke, he felt a pang of guilt—he’d been sent by the old man to protect Mu Qingcheng, yet here he was, stirring up even more trouble for her.

“It’s easy to talk big when you’re not the one at risk,” Wang Ling retorted, glaring at Ling Tian. “You don’t know how powerful the Gu and Li families really are. With their resources and influence, it’s not impossible for them to crush the Mu family.”

Mu Qingcheng shot Wang Ling a look. “Don’t blame him. He’s only trying to help me.”

“Can I pick something from inside?” Ling Tian had his eye on the treasures in the box.

“Open it and choose for yourself,” Mu Qingcheng replied with a nod.

Ling Tian opened the box and saw it was filled with precious medicinal herbs—angelica, red ginseng, gentian, and more. Judging by their size, they were old—if not a hundred years, then easily over eighty. Among them, he found a snake about a meter long, its entire body golden, with a golden cockscomb atop its head.

Others might not recognize it, but Ling Tian knew exactly what it was: the legendary Cockscomb King Snake, lethally venomous. It was said that among ten thousand poisonous snakes, only one might become a Cockscomb King Snake.

“This snake is strange,” Mu Qingcheng remarked curiously. As the head of a pharmaceutical company, she was no stranger to poisonous snakes and felt no fear. Instead, the oddity of this snake only piqued her interest.

“It’s a Cockscomb King Snake. Its entire body is priceless, especially the cockscomb, which is truly a treasure among treasures. Just this snake is worth tens of millions—and that’s if you can even find one. Unfortunately, it’s already dead,” Ling Tian explained, before rummaging through the rest of the box to see what other treasures awaited.

Suddenly, Ling Tian’s eyes gleamed as he picked up a gold-hued stone the size of his palm. He grinned broadly—this was what he’d been searching for all along.

“I’ll take this. The rest is yours,” he said, carefully tucking the stone away.

“What’s so great about a useless rock?” Wang Ling muttered under her breath.

But Mu Qingcheng thought otherwise. Since meeting Ling Tian, she’d realized he was shrouded in mystery, and the more she learned, the more enigmatic he seemed. He’d even recognized the Cockscomb King Snake—something she herself only knew of from her grandfather. In fact, that was the main reason she’d spent a million on this box.

“Are you planning to use these to develop herbal beauty products?” Ling Tian, delighted at having found what he wanted, didn’t leave right away. Instead, he brewed some tea and sat down nearby.

Mu Qingcheng and Wang Ling both looked up in surprise. The company did indeed plan to develop beauty products based on herbal medicine. The market for such products was booming, but competition was fierce. To stand out, they needed a signature product.

“Angelica, red ginseng, gentian… These herbs are excellent for beauty and skincare. You two don’t need to look so surprised—I just know a little about the subject,” Ling Tian said with a smile.

“This snake is yours. I’m sure you’ll make even better use of it,” Mu Qingcheng said decisively. Those destined for great things must know when to let go.