The Female CEO Falls in Love with Me

Chapter 1176: Chapter 367: Killing Doesn’t Always Require a Gun

Chapter 367: Killing Doesn’t Always Require a Gun

A person’s impression of others often depends on the words they hear; which, in turn, depends on how they understand those words. How one interprets the meanings of others’ words is influenced by their mindset.

For example, years ago when Yue Buqun criticized and pointed out the likes of Linghu Chong, he spoke of the past rivalry between the Qi Sect and Sword Sect of the Huashan Sword Sect. The Qi Sect believed the key was the word "Qi." Once Qi Gong was mastered, whether using hands, feet, or swords, success was ensured; Qi is primary, sword is secondary; Qi is the guideline, sword is the goal. The Sword Sect, on the other hand, believed the key was the word "Sword." Once swordsmanship was mastered, even mediocre inner power could conquer foes.

At that time, the youngest disciple Yue Lingshan said she believed Qi Gong and swordsmanship were equally important. She was immediately reprimanded by Yue Buqun, who said that if she’d uttered such words twenty-five years ago, she would have been despised by both sects! Because the Sword Sect would feel that was favoritism towards the Qi Sect, while the Qi Sect would feel it was favoritism towards the Sword Sect.

The words Zheng Tian spoke at that moment weren’t meant to favor anyone; he simply wanted to smooth things over so both sides wouldn’t be at odds. After completing the task, everyone would go their separate ways, and later, he’d be too lazy to let them come into contact again.

In Li Yan’s ears, that’s precisely what he understood, so both he and Duan Haibo decided to give him face and no longer pay attention.

But Hu Yingxiong had another mindset, resulting in a completely different understanding of these words. The main point he heard was "Mr. Li has substantial savings, so he will have fewer opportunities to act in the future and can focus on playing in the business field." To him, this was undoubtedly elevating Li Yan, considering Li Yan to be more skilled and wealthier than them. When it came to discussing him and Jackman, it was merely mentioned as "also playing with investment," clearly suggesting they were a notch below Li Yan!

This made Hu Yingxiong’s expression turn more vicious, whereas Jackman seemed not to have fully understood, only catching the latter part about eating, resulting in little reaction.

"Indeed, eating is very important! Since we have eaten at Boss Zheng’s table, we can’t appear insignificant; otherwise, it will be hard for us to eat here in the future!" Hu Yingxiong made no attempt to suppress his hostility, staring directly at Li Yan.

Though Jackman hadn’t quite grasped it earlier, he understood "eating" and recognized that "eating" in Yun Country People’s language referred to their work. Upon hearing Hu Yingxiong’s words, he immediately realized: Could it be that when Boss Zheng mentioned "eating," he wasn’t inviting everyone to dinner, but discussing who will handle this task involving both parties?

He and Hu Yingxiong were friends, allies on the same front, so at that moment, despite being slightly puzzled, they matched Hu Yingxiong’s stance directly.

Li Yan and Duan Haibo shared a helpless smile, wondering why this Yunwa guy was so sensitive. This was nothing to do with him, yet he had such a big reaction, even interpreting Zheng Tian’s reconciliatory words about eating differently.

Actually, it wasn’t that Hu Yingxiong and Jackman were overly sensitive. It was mainly that Zheng Tian repeatedly emphasized the existence of this formidable individual, Li Yan, narrating his heroic tales, such as the threat to assassins responsible for protection, and how he saved Nian Yufei’s life with a mere steak. Hearing this frequently naturally led them to consider Li Yan as their strategic adversary.

Furthermore, this particular situation. They were informed by Zheng Tian of a rough outline; the crisis they had handled superficially over many years had been half-solved by Li Yan, with the most crucial person soon resolved. While Zheng Tian shared this news eagerly, it stirred mixed feelings for them. What did this imply? It indicated that the opponent was more capable than them! Zheng Tian was candid about his desire to win over Li Yan, further unsettling them.

Even considering Li Yan would not join Zheng Tian’s team, wouldn’t become one of them, wouldn’t surpass or replace them; he’s already eliminated Nian Yufei’s biggest threat. Wouldn’t that mean ultimate safety for her in the future? Once some time was spent confirming there were no threats, it would no longer be necessary for Zheng Tian to invest heavily in keeping their assassin group. Even if not disbanded, they would have to work like other organizations.

In other words, though Li Yan only met them today, in their minds, Li Yan had long been blocking their financial path!

Adding to that foreigners’ not deeply understanding Yun Country’s linguistic habits, their noble superiority, and the arrogance nurtured by Zheng Tian, made it unacceptable for Hu Yingxiong. There seemed to be a sense that he and Li Yan couldn’t coexist, leading to a confrontation!

"This... Mr. Li and others didn’t... Mr. Hu, you’ve misunderstood!" Zheng Tian explained with a bitter smile.

Hu Yingxiong and Jackman were hardly listening at this point. They were colleagues, meeting for the first time, whereas Zheng Tian not only met with Li Yan but also collaborated with him. Adding to that, since they were Yun Country People, who would believe that they weren’t trying to crowd out the two foreigners?

"’Wolf Snake’ and ’California Bear,’ although haven’t acted for a while, it doesn’t mean we are old, rusty. Since there’s a challenge, bring your true skills! I know you Yun Country People prioritize relationships, you’re insiders, we’re outsiders. But as assassins, I hope we acquire work based on ability!"