Chapter 29: This Young Master Really Doesn't Deserve This

Chapter 29: This Young Master Really Doesn't Deserve This

It had been a bold guess on his part, but one that Chen Haoran considered well-reasoned. The gap between the Qi realm and the Liquid Meridian realm was too large to cross even for Lan Fen, so there were only so many ways she could hurt the Lan family. What better way than exposing a weakness? Lan Yao revealing her Earth-rank cultivation had been the final piece he needed to make sense of the suspicions hed been holding ever since the Golden Lily auction.

Is there a reason for you to tell me this? Lan Fen said. She stretched out her fingers and clawed at the sheets. Thankfully she didnt put any real force into it. What do you gain?

I promised to help you destroy the Lan family. Id like to be more involved in doing that.

Why? Your material support has been plenty.

It was, but it wasnt enough. I want to become more valuable to you.

What? Lan Fen looked at him with wide eyes.

Recent events have reminded me just how alone I am. Lan Fen was the only person he could count on his side because of him and not some previous relationship with the Young Master. Id like to become proper partners with you. Chen Haoran held out his hand. If youll let me.

She stared at his outstretched hand and made no move to take it. Assuming I agree. What more could you actually do?

A test. It was a fair question as well. There wasnt anything he could do that Lan Fen couldnt do better, but that didnt mean she could do everything.

You wont reveal your recovery until you reach the Ninth-Layer. Chen Haoran said it as a fact. Any actions youll be taking against the Lan family will be in secret. That doesnt mean theres nothing to be done out in the public sphere. He motioned to himself. Ill be your public face. The one who can say and act against the Lan family openly in ways your servants cant. My confrontation with Lan Yao already planted the seeds of rumors and since Im the City Lords hostage he wont just sit by and watch the Lan family take action against me.

Eagle-like eyes roved up and down his body as if they meant to flay his skin and peer inside his red skeleton for any dishonesty. He did not know what she saw but Lan Fen was blank-faced when she finally looked at his hand again. He stubbornly resisted the temptation to wilt back, he couldnt fail here. Slowly, hesitatingly, Lan Fen reached out and grasped his hand. Relief coursed through him as they firmly shook hands, or rather, as he firmly shook her hand. Lan Fens grip was surprisingly weak and she looked more bewildered than anything.

Releasing her grip, Lan Fen glanced at her palm before looking back at him. There must be something you expect in return. I will hear it.

If you could save my life in the future that would be appreciated.

Her eyes sharpened. Are you that threatened by the assassin?

He sighed. Him, the City lord, who knows which one will fall on my head first. Although I do have some thoughts about appeasing the Chen family that I can try now that youre out of isolation training.

Lan Fen mimicked his sigh, though hers was more annoyed than exhausted. Why does it feel like each time I enter seclusion something dangerous occurs.

Something dangerous occurs to me, you mean. Im not looking forward to your third round of isolation training.

She laughed. I will endeavor to make it quick for your sake. Lan Fen rose from the bed and started roughing up her robes so that they would look carelessly put on. Will you introduce me to this assassin?

Ill warn you now, hes very annoying. Youre probably going to be his newest project for the next few weeks. Its up to you if you want to reveal your cultivation.

The statue cracked. You really are quite annoying, Lan Fen ground out between clenched teeth.

Song Yuelin laughed

Chen Haoran dropped his head onto his desk and sighed. Did Song Yuelin have some kind of fucking superpower when it came to irritating others? Was all that necessary?

My apologies Young Master Chen, Lady Fen. An old dog is quite fond of his tricks.

Chen Haoran thought an old dog was lucky he was too strong to be neutered. Regardless I didnt call you here just to fool around, theres business to attend to. Once he made sure he had both their attention he continued. I have decided the time is ripe to strike at the Lan family.

Song Yuelin raised his hand. Young Master Chen I thought you said we werent here to fool around?

Im being serious. Thanks to my confrontation with Lan Yao we have a prime springboard to spread damaging rumors about the Lan family.

Song Yuelin raised his hand again. Except Lan Yao nipped that in the bud while you were picking noodles out of your hair.

I figured that was how it went, Lan Fen said.

Chen Haoran carefully ignored how the back of his neck flushed with heat. The spark is still there, all it needs is for us to fan it.

Who is this us? Song Yuelin looked around. You do recall that Im staying out of your feud with the Lan family, correct?

Just make sure the City Lord doesnt lose himself to paranoia and flatten me, Chen Haoran snapped. You can do that much at least, right?

Song Yuelin smiled carefreely. If that is Young Master Chens command this servant can only obey.

Chen Haoran snorted at the obvious lie.

Song Yuelin blinked his eyes innocently. That still leaves the question as to how you intend to turn the rumors of your thrashing by Lan Yao into an advantage. Gossip tends to favor respectable people like her.

Chen Haoran swore he would ruin that man one day.

Since that is the case, Lan Fen interjected. The solution is rather obvious.

Do tell, Lady Fen.

Lan Fen smiled. We must make Chen Haoran a respectable person as well.