Chapter 1222: Chapter 629: Doll
In business, everyone hopes for a steady stream rather than a one-off deal. Chao Renzong’s intention for long-term cooperation was precisely what Hidden Stream desired. Changtian adjusted the types of goods for the transaction on the list, and thus the first deal was set. Although Chao Renzong was wealthy, gathering the ransom required for the trade took considerable effort, so the first person to be released was indeed Elder Quan, nine months after Changtian left Central Capital.
The timing of this release was very appropriate. For large chambers of commerce, time is an extremely important cost. The position of the chief elder is so crucial that if Elder Quan’s release were delayed any longer, Heavenly Residence might have appointed someone new, and Chao Renzong wouldn’t have given in so easily.
To be frank, the simultaneous downfall of the Six Elders presented a prime opportunity for a new round of covert battles and reshuffles among the forces behind Heavenly Residence. Therefore, whom Changtian released first and whom last would have a significant impact on the chamber’s structure, leading various sects to compete for their elder’s release order.
"The last one to be released was Elder Fu, and Tianshu Temple invited Hidden Stream to complete the transaction in Songjiang City on the seventh day of the first lunar month. Songjiang City belongs neither to Hidden Stream nor Tianshu Temple; it’s the territory of Fengtian Prefecture, probably thinking this adds some extra safety."
But now there are Nine Heavens. So, has her power indeed improved, allowing her to arrive in Songjiang City nine days earlier? She said with some irritation: "Apart from the first time, was it always you personally who took action?" Logically, with so many talented people in Hidden Stream, is it really necessary for the big boss himself to act?
Is he really old? Changtian bowed his head, reading, deciding not to argue with her: "It’s just this time."
Indeed, was he actually accompanying her for a break this time? Ning Xiaoxian felt a bit delighted in her heart, but after sneaking a glance at him for a long time, he was still calmly detached, without a trace of expression. She couldn’t help but resentfully think how difficult it was to hear sweet words from him—it’s really as hard as ascending to Heaven!
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Near noon, the Jade Boat landed in the suburbs of Songjiang City.
This city is located on the edge of Fengtian Prefecture’s territory. Such border towns typically have limited prosperity, and Songjiang City is indeed not large, with a population of about thirty thousand, yet it’s widely known as "Xiang City," famous for producing Shui’s fans, rouge, and rosin.
Tomorrow night will be the eve of the lunar New Year, and this is the most bustling and prosperous time of the year in Songjiang City. People are flowing incessantly, rushing for last-minute purchases, and grocers, cosmetic shops, clothing stores, and jewelry shops have all sent clerks out to call for business, aiming to make a fat final sale before the year ends.
Mortals are coming and going, most with relaxed and joyful smiles on their faces. For mortals, this is a day for family reunions, days without worries or fears. Such ordinary, simple smiles she hasn’t seen in years, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit dazed, as if she had returned to the small town where she was born, where people were similarly busy before the New Year’s, with the same joyous expressions.
Her steps slowed down involuntarily, and then she felt Changtian’s hand slightly tighten around hers: "What’s wrong?"
His voice was gentle, his palm dry and warm. Ning Xiaoxian quickly returned to herself, looking up and smiling: "Nothing! Why don’t we find an inn to stay in first? There are still many days away from the seventh day of the first lunar month." Meaning, she had plenty of leisure time to enjoy herself ahead? (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets and Monthly Tickets; your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)
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