"Lord Chen, are you forcing me?"
After listening to a large portion of Chen Jingtian's words, Tang Rao finally spoke up.
"I'm a businessman, and what I value is profit. But the money I make now can't even be spent. No matter how big the business gets, what's the point? With that energy, I'd prefer to spend time with my wife and kids, or find a couple of young girls to have fun with. We're both men, you surely wouldn't be surprised by my thoughts, right?"
Tang Rao's words were certainly righteous and straightforward, practically leaving no room for ambiguity. While Chen Jingtian thought there was some reasoning in Tang Rao's words, he was also here on a mission, and without completing it, he was determined to persist until the end.
"It's different. The exchanges between North Island and East Island can lead to benefits beyond your personal interests, prompting a large group of people. Even if it's not just to return what East Island deserves, you should consider them. Isn't that reasonable?"
What does other people's survival have to do with me?
Tang Rao's first thought was just that, and he didn't feel ashamed for thinking it.
But he didn't want to express it too ostentatiously, to avoid tarnishing his reputation.
"Let's drop this topic, Lord Chen. Since you've come to my Zijing City, you're a prized guest of the Kao Shan Sect. I intend to host a big meal for you to welcome and entertain you. During your stay here, I'll have someone look after you, ensuring good food, drink, and fun. Once this matter is settled, we won't bring it up again, and everyone will be delighted. However, if you stubbornly insist on doing business with me or wanting something from me, I won't account for it."
Chen Jingtian was rendered speechless by Tang Rao's words.
He knew being received as an honored guest by Tang Rao was indeed a privilege; even as an island master, facing Tang Rao made him feel nothing. But if the idea he had insisted on couldn't come true, there would always be a knot in his heart.
It seemed that a short negotiation wouldn't succeed. Chen Jingtian wasn't in a hurry to leave; he shamelessly asked Tang Rao, "Will you really treat me as a guest, allowing me to enjoy food, drink, and entertainment?"
The difference in tone was so stark it even shocked Tang Rao, who never expected Chen Jingtian to be this kind of person.
"Of course, I always keep my word. You must trust me. However, remember what I said before: after I've hosted you and you've had your fill of enjoyment, you must leave. Don't think of ways to persuade me during your stay in Zijing City, as it won't work."
Chen Jingtian began to doubt his abilities.
First, he was rejected in negotiations with Beiyuan, and now with Tang Rao, it was an absolute refusal. An unlucky start, truly unlucky.
His heart was currently pierced with knives, every cut bloody and painful to see.
"Hey, they say you can't gain any advantage from this guy. I didn't believe it at first, but now it seems not only can you not gain anything, but you're quite cunning and simply impervious."
After speaking, Chen Jingtian covered his face and sighed deeply.
"You're too kind; I'm not as outstanding as you say, Lord Chen." Tang Rao perked up, suddenly remembering something important. "As far as I know, doesn't Lord Chen have a daughter? Perhaps she could visit sometime. We're all young people here; it could be nice to chat and get to know each other."
If it wasn't for that ridiculous legend Wu Suowei told Tang Rao, he wouldn't be saying such shameless words.
"You're joking. It's true I have a daughter, but she's already engaged and will be married soon. Don't you dare ruin her reputation, or I won't stand for it."
Chen Jingtian's temper was considered quite good. If it were those hot-tempered old folks, Tang Rao would have been beaten halfway through his speech.
"What? Are you joking with me? Your daughter is really engaged?"
Chen Jingtian is the East Island Master, and Tang Rao must marry the daughter of an island master to achieve the highest position.
He thought there was still time, but he had completely miscalculated, finding out she was already engaged. Tang Rao was declared out before he even started. The twists of fate, truly unpredictable.
"My daughter's marriage is certainly not child's play. Her future husband is a talented scholar from my East Island. In terms of talent, looks, and family background, he is top-notch, so don't get any ideas."
After speaking, worried that Tang Rao wouldn't give up and might cause trouble, Chen Jingtian warned him once more.
In addition, he was considering contacting his daughter to inform her of the situation here, ensuring both of them stayed alert.
Tang Rao's thoughts were similar to Chen Jingtian's. This important matter must be communicated to Wu Suowei for advice on how to break the engaged couple apart and win over the island master's daughter first.
"I'm not as unscrupulous as you think. If you enjoy playing here, continue to do so. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't be joining you."
His matter was to find Wu Suowei, and devise a counter-strategy before Chen Jingtian contacts his daughter.
This is a significant matter and cannot be taken lightly.
While seeking Wu Suowei, another person had appeared in that secluded courtyard.
This courtyard was previously empty until Rao Linger arrived, bringing vibrancy. At that moment, Rao Linger was joyfully pulling the hand of the new person.
"Sister Zhou Zhou, how did you get here? Why have you come?"
Rao Linger was so excited her eyes teared up.
"My grandfather allowed me to come. He mentioned that there's a Dragon Mountain on the North Island with a heavenly treasure he needs. He doesn't trust others to find it, so he sent me."
Zhou Zhou didn't expect Dragon Mountain to be in Tingzhou. Moreover, ascending Dragon Mountain required Tang Rao's permission, leaving her no choice but to find Tang Rao.
"But Tang Rao is currently in talks with some old man and has no time to hear the words of servants to grant permission. How did you get here?"
Zhou Zhou would never climb walls; her family's discipline was much stricter than Rao Linger's.
"Where there's a will, there's a way, so don't ask too many questions."
Zhou Zhou glanced around, relieved her movements weren't detected. She held Rao Linger's hand and led her into the house, feeling secure only indoors.
"What heavenly treasure are you looking for? Want me to ask Tang Rao for you?"
Although Rao Linger's position was a bit awkward, asking a couple of questions shouldn't anger Tang Rao.
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter
