Chapter 577: Chapter 499: Chi Dan
"Joking? Even the City God Master couldn’t stop me, how could a small village trap me?" Yang Xiao took out the Soul-Capturing Mirror, flaunting it in front of Tong Han, "Keep these things safe, mention any needs to the people delivering supplies, I’m off."
With a few steps, he entered the large mirror mounted on the wall, and before Tong Han could even say goodbye, Yang Xiao’s figure had disappeared from the room.
In the following days, Yang Xiao truly had some peaceful days; he worked during the day and rested at night with a very health-oriented routine, and the Mirror Ghost cooperated as well, not causing any trouble. Yang Xiao thought it must still be recuperating.
Regarding the encounter with Monk Wukong during the mission, Beibei reported that she hadn’t found any information on him. She had already asked Xi Menxiu to look into it via special channels and would notify him once there was any news.
Yang Xiao also contacted the technical department, explaining that he needed several mirrors, sturdy and thin, preferably made of that special silver material used for sealing the Resentful Eye box.
However, the technical department seriously informed him that such an idea was unrealistic with their current capabilities, but they would record it and do their best to find what Yang Xiao needed through various channels.
"That’s greatly appreciated." After thanking them, Yang Xiao left immediately, finding it best to get straight to the point when dealing with these tech geeks.
One afternoon, Yang Xiao received a message from Yang Cha that the secret competition of Ru Lin Academy was set to start in a fortnight.
Yang Xiao immediately had him register for the event, having waited for this day for a long time. Yang Cha repeatedly reminded him that this was not a mere game; each competition often resulted in heavy casualties, comparing it to a meat grinder.
Thinking of the threat from the Mirror Ghost, Yang Xiao decided to take a chance. The ghost’s growth rate was too fast, he could no longer afford to wait.
Thus, his name was registered, and all that was left was to wait. In the afternoon as Yang Xiao was preparing to clock out, Nolan Shuo unexpectedly arrived at the office earlier, "Little Yang, I just got a call from President Chi of the Chamber of Commerce. He invited me over tonight, specifically asking for your company."
"President Chi, Chi Hengzhong?" Yang Xiao had met him once before, during Mo Daidai’s incident, at the most luxurious hotel in Lincheng District, the Bright Moon Pavilion Hotel.
"Yes, him. His invitation to me is just a pretense, he really wants to meet you," said Nolan Shuo frankly, "I accepted on your behalf. You’re still young, with a long path ahead. Since you plan to operate long-term in Rongcheng, you can’t bypass the Chamber of Commerce. Some things... they have more ways of doing things than us officials, you understand my meaning."
"I’ll follow the Director’s arrangements," Yang Xiao expressed his agreement.
"Good, change your clothes, meet me in the parking lot in half an hour," Nolan Shuo instructed briefly and then left.
Half an hour later, dressed neatly in a suit, Yang Xiao respectfully took the passenger seat in Nolan Shuo’s SUV. The vehicle joined the evening rush hour, moving stop-and-go, and eventually arrived at the old spot, Bright Moon Pavilion Hotel.
Guided by a waiter, they took the elevator to the 32nd floor. As the elevator doors opened, a smiling Chi Hengzhong was already waiting outside. Seeing Nolan Shuo step out, he quickly came forward and shook his hand robustly, "Nolan, my old friend, it has been too long, I’ve missed you!"
"Same old Brother Chi, none the worse for wear!" Nolan Shuo responded with his trademark smile, his eyes bright and demeanor sincere, impossible to fault.
After a few pleasantries, Chi Hengzhong turned to Yang Xiao and smiled, "I presume this must be Captain Yang Xiao. Meeting you today, truly, a hero emerges from the youth. Presently, your reputation in Rongcheng is indeed illustrious, making us old timers feel rather inferior."
"President Chi is too kind, flatteringly so. In front of Director Nolan and yourself, who in Rongcheng dares to claim the word ’hero’?" Yang Xiao replied respectfully.
"Hahaha, I’m old and decrepit, hardly useful anymore. The future belongs to you young ones. The newer waves of the Yangtze River always push forward the old, a generation stronger than the last—it’s the eternal rule. Captain Yang, please take good care of us in the future," Chi Hengzhong said half-seriously, half-jokingly.
"President, you always have endless stories when you meet a hero. Director Nolan and Captain Yang are rare visitors, it isn’t proper to keep guests chatting outside," the young woman standing half a step behind Chi Hengzhong on his right reminded with a smile.
Dressed professionally, with light makeup and a constant smile on her face, her eyes sparkling yet not flirtatiously, she exuded a vibrant youthful charm.
Hearing this, Chi Hengzhong gently slapped his forehead and said with a chagrined smile, "Oh, my apologies, I get forgetful with excitement. Nolan, Captain Yang, please come in!"
"Please!" Nolan Shuo also gestured invitingly.
They entered a private room in the hotel, spacious enough to overlook the entire city. Once seated, with dishes already served—simple fare—Yang Xiao noted there were no waiters in the room, and the door was closed as soon as they entered, indicating that today’s meeting involved serious matters.
The first half of the meal involved business praise-exchange. The beautiful secretary brought by President Chi demonstrated high emotional intelligence; though she didn’t speak much, each sentence hit the mark, showcasing ease among the two giants of Rongcheng.
Besides, this secretary was seated next to Yang Xiao, occasionally engaging in light conversation, creating a very comfortable feeling.
However, it’s often in moments of greatest comfort that one’s vulnerabilities are most exposed. Yang Xiao kept mostly silent, listened more than he spoke, knowing that silence was foolproof.
He also realized that today’s meal was targeted at him. Chi Hengzhong, seemingly the host, was actually a side actor, playing the supporting role; the real powerhouse was this secretary by his side.
