Chapter 1651: Chapter 1953: Tian Xiong (2)
Tian Xiong responded, "That’s right. How about this, Mr. Ling, I’ll give you a week to consider. I’ll come back to you a week later, and regardless of whether you decide to collaborate with the Dark Pavilion, I’ll tell you about the Netherworld Snake. How about it?"
"Alright." Ling Chen raised his teacup and said, "Then it’s a deal." After saying that, he stood up from his chair, ready to take his leave. However, when he reached the door of the private room, Tian Xiong suddenly called out to him from behind.
Ling Chen turned around and asked, "Is there anything else, Mr. Tian?"
"I have one more question for you, Mr. Ling. What are your views on good and evil?"
"Good and evil?" Ling Chen looked at Tian Xiong with a puzzled expression, not understanding why he would ask such a question.
"Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough. Let me put it simply. If you had to achieve a goal, would you resort to any means necessary, Mr. Ling?"
Without thinking, Ling Chen shook his head and said, "No."
"Why not?"
"There’s no particular reason. It’s just my basic principle as a person. Without limits and restraints, the world would descend into chaos."
Tian Xiong laughed, "Have you ever thought that this world doesn’t care about your principles, nor does it care about your process? They only care about results. Just like the current situation in the Martial Arts world, various forces are rising, fighting endlessly, without considering which means can and cannot be used. As long as the goal is achieved, no one cares how much blood stains their hands. History is written by the victors; no one cares about your means, they only cheer for the one standing at the pinnacle. Mr. Ling, after saying so much, do you understand my point?"
"I understand. However, whether others care or not is not important to me, the key is to have a clear conscience. If we abandon even the most basic morals in dealing with people and the world, what’s the point of standing at the top of the world in the end? If it were me, I would never be that kind of person. The reason is simple, because such a person will have no true friends or family by their side. Even if there are, it’s just an act. Mr. Tian, do you want to become such a person?"
Tian Xiong smiled and said nothing, instead turning his gaze out the window. Seeing this, Ling Chen said no more and walked straight out of the private room.
Coming out of the teahouse, Ling Chen was about to take a ride back to the Dragon Tiger Hall, but he saw a temporary stage set up outside a nearby mall, where more than a dozen staff members were busy on stage, moving sound equipment. A banner hung at the top of the stage, which read, "Wanhua Enterprise 20th Anniversary Celebration, Special Performance by Miss Tang Shiyun."
Shiyun? Ling Chen’s lips curled up in a smile. He didn’t expect to come upon a live performance by Tang Shiyun.
Since there were people at the Dragon Tiger Hall, there was no rush to return. At that moment, Ling Chen went to the temporary stage to wait for Tang Shiyun’s appearance. Although the stage was still being set up and wouldn’t begin for a while, the allure of Tang Shiyun’s name was too strong. At that moment, nearly a hundred people had gathered around the stage, all young men and women with homemade posters and banners, lively as ever, clearly die-hard fans of Tang Shiyun.
Checking the time, the performance was to start in the evening, and it was early now, just after one o’clock. "Hey, Ling Chen." At this time, a familiar voice called out. Ling Chen turned to see Su Lin waving her arms at him from within the crowd.
"Why are you here too?" Ling Chen smiled as he walked up and asked.
"I was supposed to go out with friends, but then I heard that Miss Tang was performing here, so I hurriedly brought people over to save a spot. Luckily, I came early. If I had been a bit later, all the spots here would have been taken," Su Lin said just as she finished speaking and a head popped out beside her, scrutinizing Ling Chen curiously and asked, "Lin, who’s this handsome guy?"
"He’s Ling Chen, a friend of mine," Su Lin replied.
"Hi, I’m Luo Xianxian, Lin’s high school classmate."
"Hello, nice to meet you," Ling Chen said politely. The girl named Luo Xianxian was about the same age as Su Lin, with looks above average, and with makeup that compensated for some shortcomings, she could be considered pretty.
"Lin, since he’s your friend, let’s go together. Gao Liang and the others found a good spot in front, right by the stage," Luo Xianxian said.
"Really? That’s great!" Su Lin said with delight, "Let’s go quickly." With that, not giving Ling Chen a chance to reply, Su Lin had already grabbed his hand and began squeezing through the crowd toward the front. However, the closer they got to the stage, the more crowded it became. Moreover, seeing two attractive young women trying to squeeze through, some young men with less noble intentions pressed their bodies against them, trying to take advantage.
Perceiving the hidden unwanted advances, Su Lin frowned slightly, her eyes showing a hint of annoyance.
Seeing their struggling appearances, Ling Chen shook his head helplessly, gently freeing his hand from Su Lin’s grasp.
Su Lin turned back, just about to say something, when she saw an arm reaching over, pulling her into his embrace, moving forward with her. Wherever she passed, the surrounding crowd seemed to make way voluntarily, and they easily reached the front of the stage.
"Isn’t this spot nice?"
Hearing Ling Chen’s voice, Su Lin turned to see that his hand had been withdrawn. For some reason, a sensation of inexplicable loss filled her heart. Just a moment ago, she had experienced a warmth and security she hadn’t felt in a long time.
Looks like I really should find a boyfriend.
While thinking, several tall youths squeezed over from the side. Leading them was a youth who was six feet tall, making him stand out in the crowd, with looks that were appealing, a handsome athletic type.
Seeing him come over, Luo Xianxian took the initiative to greet him, "Gao Liang."
"Who is he?" The young man named Gao Liang directly set his gaze on Ling Chen. He had seen Ling Chen coming out of the crowd embracing Su Lin, so he was very interested in Ling Chen’s identity.
"He’s Lin’s friend, named Ling Chen," Luo Xianxian introduced.
"Friend? Boyfriend?"
"No, just a regular friend," Su Lin answered casually. Keen, Ling Chen noticed that when Su Lin uttered the words "regular friend," Gao Liang visibly relaxed.
Interesting! Ling Chen secretly chuckled to himself, seems like this Gao Liang has feelings for Su Lin.
"Hey! Is this a class reunion today?" Ling Chen asked quietly.
Su Lin shook her head and said, "No, it’s just that Xianxian invited a few high school classmates to hang out, it’s been years since we’ve seen each other, so it’s just a chance to gather. If you have something to do, go ahead."
"No worries. It’s rare to catch Shiyun’s live performance, I have to watch it before going back."
