Chapter 30. The Inevitability of Coincidence (2)

"Have you arrived?"

Hong Weimin's greeting was quite formal.

Although he didn't bow deeply due to his position, it was rare for a disciple of the sect leader to show such respect.

His counterpart did not take this greeting lightly.

"Huanxi Yuanzhu is here to see you, Sir."

"Please come up. I've prepared the best I could, but I'm not sure if it will suit your taste."

Xiaolianxin smiled.

"Huayuanlou is under the management of our sect. I know best how good the food here is."

"Oh, is that so?"

Hong Weimin scratched his head, a gesture that expressed his slight embarrassment, which made Xiaolianxin giggle.

The two ascended the pavilion in a friendly atmosphere.

Huayuanlou was one of the five main pavilions in the inner city of the new sect, often frequented by the leadership. Hong Weimin chose Tianweiting, known for its best view, among all the pavilions in Huayuanlou.

The sky was appropriately dark, the fragrant food and the cool breeze added to the charm.

Xiaolianxin asked with a smile.

"By the way, why did you invite me, Sir, who is so busy with official duties?"

She was quite direct from the start. However, her smile and soft voice did not make the other person feel uncomfortable at all.

Hong Weimin shook his head.

"There's no particular reason. It's not difficult to treat someone who has worked so hard for our sect to a meal."

"Hehe, you flatter me."

She knew it was just a formality, yet she covered her mouth and smiled as if genuinely grateful.

Hong Weimin smiled.

"I have procured some Jinzunqing. Would you like a glass?"

"Thank you."

The two filled each other's glasses.

Hong Weimin casually asked.

"How did the approval documents go?"

Xiaolianxin answered calmly.

"Yes, I had already prepared them to some extent, so there was no difficulty in revising them."

"You must have worked hard."

"Not really. I just reviewed and got confirmation from the upper management; the actual work was done by the subordinates."

"It's not easy to create a good environment for the subordinates to do their best. Everyone knows how much effort you put in, Yuanzhu."

"I don't know what to do with all this praise."

"I'm just speaking my mind."

The two smiled and raised their glasses.

The question about the approval documents was quite weighty from Xiaolianxin's perspective. It wasn't unpleasant, but it wasn't something she wanted to bring up again.

Yet, her expression showed no sign of wavering.

'As expected, it's not easy.'

After all, she was a formidable woman who had held the position of Huanxi Yuanzhu for decades in the war zone of the new sect. She wouldn't be swayed by such words.

"How is the wine?"

"It's a bit too bold for my taste."

"Oh, is that so?"

"I don't particularly like heavy fragrances, but the aftertaste isn't bad."

Hong Weimin's eyes deepened.

It was just a personal opinion, but it wasn't easy to say such things to the person who had prepared the wine and food, especially since the other party was a disciple of the sect leader.

'Is she hurt? Just by that much?'

After carefully observing her, Hong Weimin revised his thoughts.

It wasn't that she was hurt or trying to gauge his intentions. Xiaolianxin was simply stating her honest opinion.

'Impressive.'

In the new sect, where the hierarchy was clear, it wasn't easy to respond in such a manner. This meant she had a good understanding of her own value and a strong sense of self-worth.

'She doesn't like beating around the bush. She needs to be approached directly. She's a rare type in our sect.'

At the same time, she was a very straightforward person. She didn't hide her power, which she didn't need to hide.

"Would you like another glass?"

"I'll take it slowly."

Indeed, my thoughts were correct.

Hong Weimin smiled and handed her the bottle.

"Then, please give me a glass."

Xiaolianxin's eyes sparkled with interest.

"Of course, I should."

She politely filled his glass.

When the glass was almost full, Hong Weimin said.

"I need your help."

Clunk.

Xiaolianxin put down the bottle without any sign of surprise. She didn't respond either.

Hong Weimin also put down his glass. The wine inside swayed as if it might spill, but not a single drop was lost.

"Please lend me a hand."

Xiaolianxin, who had been staring at Hong Weimin, drained her glass in one go.

"I enjoyed it."

Xiaolianxin slowly stood up.

Hong Weimin, looking up at her, smiled.

"Is it inconvenient?"

"Before it's inconvenient, I'm against giving any candidate an advantage."

"Why do you think so?"

Xiaolianxin's eyes deepened.

"Other organizations might, but our sect cannot. When our sect moves, the entire new sect is affected."

It might sound arrogant, but Hong Weimin agreed with her.

Many people who casually talk about management don't understand how important it is.

Especially for a superpower like the Heavenly Demon Sect, which handles everything from food supplies to funds, the Huanxi Yuan was crucial.

While a combat organization might not, once the Huanxi Yuan starts to exert influence, the landscape of the succession struggle changes. As Xiaolianxin said, it could even shake the entire new sect.

"I thought you would naturally know this, but I'm surprised."

She took out a small purse from her sleeve.

"I enjoyed the meal. I'll pay for what I ate."

Hong Weimin shook his head.

"Since I invited you, I'll pay for the meal."

"It's fine."

"Moreover, I think you have a misunderstanding, Yuanzhu."

"A misunderstanding?"

"I asked for your help, not to be your ally."

Xiaolianxin's lips curled up.

Her smile was still beautiful, but it carried a chilling coldness.

"I don't feel much difference beyond the words."

"It's completely different. And you know the characteristics of the Huanxi Yuan."

"Even if it's different, it doesn't matter. Our sect does not support any candidates unless it's a legitimate matter."

"That's not stipulated in the sect rules, is it?"

"It's my way of showing loyalty, beyond the sect rules."

"I suggest you reconsider that way of showing loyalty."

"I enjoyed the meal."

Xiaolianxin turned to leave.

Hong Weimin, watching her back, spoke.

"You need Qinggui Siye Cao?"

Xiaolianxin stopped in her tracks.

She still had her back turned, and her expression was hidden.

Hong Weimin spoke in a relaxed tone.

"It's a precious herb. Even in Yunnan, where most of the herbs for our sect are cultivated, it's hard to find. It's said to be almost impossible to find near the distant eastern sea."

"..."

"If you need it, I'll give it to you. I don't have any use for it."

Hong Weimin didn't elaborate. He knew that prolonging the conversation would only provoke the other party.

After some time,

Swoosh.

Xiaolianxin turned around.

Her beautiful face remained, but the smile that had been on her lips was gone.

Hong Weimin smiled and lifted the wine bottle.

"Would you like another glass?"

Xiaolianxin, who had been staring at him, sat down and picked up her glass.

Hong Weimin, never acting arrogantly, filled her glass with the same polite demeanor.

Xiaolianxin drained her glass in one go.

Hong Weimin refilled her glass.

After draining her glass three times in quick succession, Xiaolianxin finally spoke.

"How did you know?"

"Is it important how I knew?"

"It is. At least to me."

Hong Weimin shook his head.

"If you want to know, you need to bring something of equal value. I don't do deals that don't make sense."

Xiaolianxin laughed coldly.

"It seems your 'sense' includes forced sales."

"Please understand, the circumstances are not ideal."

Hong Weimin smiled.

"To make a smooth deal, you need to offer what the other party wants. I think Qinggui Siye Cao is a suitable item for you, Yuanzhu. What do you think?"

Xiaolianxin looked at him without answering.

After some time,

"I'll listen. What do you want, Sir?"

Hong Weimin's smile deepened.

It's hard to start something, but once it starts, it's easier.

Now that her principles have been compromised, if there's a need for another deal in the future, it will be easier.

"It's nothing much. If we have a good relationship, it could be resolved with a simple request."

"..."

"You mean get to the point. Understood. I'll tell you."

Hong Weimin, who had drained his glass, spoke casually.

"The Huanxi Yuan also manages maids, right?"

"..."

"I would like to give a secret order to one of the maids."

"Which maid? What secret order?"

"Do you know a maid named Yinghua?"

Xiaolianxin shook her head.

Hong Weimin smiled, as if he had expected this.

"She works at the residence of the Third Master."

"!"

"Please ask her to send a letter detailing the Third Master's activities for the next three months. Preferably daily."

Xiaolianxin's eyes wavered.

"Do you intend to interfere with the Third Master?"

"I know you don't ask unreasonable questions."

"I also didn't think you would make unreasonable requests."

"Is this an unreasonable request?"

"It's a very unreasonable request. If the Third Master finds out that this maid is reporting on his daily activities, do you know what might happen to me, who ordered it?"

"Handle it so that it doesn't get discovered."

"It's dangerous."

Not impossible, but dangerous. It means it can be done if she tries.

"It's not a dangerous task. Just live as usual. The only difference is sending a simple letter at the end of each day."

"It sounds simple, but it's not that easy..."

"If there's a problem, it can be easily resolved."

"Easy?"

Hong Weimin, filling his glass, said.

"The truth is as insubstantial as the smoke from a pipe."

"..."

"When the pipe is gone, no one knows who smoked it."

"!"

Xiaolianxin's face was now visibly tense.

"Are you asking me to commit murder?"

"I'm just talking about the worst-case scenario. There won't be a need to take action. You know that, right?"

"..."

"If you agree to this request, I'll give you the Qinggui Siye Cao. I assure you it's genuine."

A moment of silence.

Xiaolianxin broke the silence.

"No matter what, it's a difficult request."

"Yuanzhu."

"It's not about my ability, but the uncertainty. I don't even know what kind of person Yinghua is, so I can't entrust her with this task."

"If that's the case, changing the maid would be fine. Someone you trust."

"..."

"I know you can do anything if you set your mind to it."

Hong Weimin pressed.

"Will you do it? Or will you give up?"

Xiaolianxin's lips trembled.

Hong Weimin smiled, satisfied. He realized she was almost convinced.

He filled her glass.

"Then, let's consider the deal done..."

At that moment,

"Really, how long will you keep sipping from a dirty glass?"

The two, startled, turned their heads.

From the door of the private room, a clear voice echoed.

"Originally, the first round should be light, and the second round should be deep. Isn't it time to wrap up the first round?"

"Who is it!"

A waiting warrior opened the door wide.

"!"

Xiaolianxin and Hong Weimin's eyes wavered.

Beyond the open door, Xiliang, with a young fox on his shoulder, stood holding a wine bottle.

"Even if it's cheap white wine, the glass is clean. What will you do? Will you come over, or will you enjoy your seat more?"