TRWSB – Chapter 123 Business Alliance Dispute

Hua Jinyue watched Feng Li’s retreating figure, her heart pounding. She couldn’t believe she had entertained the idea of stealing Qi Shaorong’s “cornerstone.” Qi Shaorong, that guy, was rumored to be quite twisted!

Qi Shaorong blinked his dark, gleaming eyes and leaned closer to Hua Jinyue. “Miss, are there other sights to see around here?”

Startled by Qi Shaorong’s proximity, Hua Jinyue jumped slightly.

“Miss, what’s wrong? Did I frighten you?” Qi Shaorong asked with a hint of mischief.

Hua Jinyue shook her head awkwardly. “No, not at all.”

Noticing Hua Jinyue’s strained expression, Qi Shaorong found it amusing. This timid girl… and she thought she could steal my cornerstone?

“I just asked, are there other sights around here?”

Hua Jinyue hesitated before nodding stiffly. “Yes, there are.”

“Miss, why are you looking at me like that? Is it because I’m handsome?”

Hua Jinyue replied awkwardly, “Yes, you are.”

Running his fingers through his hair, Qi Shaorong teased, “Miss, have you realized I’m more attractive than Zhuang Hao, and now you’ve fallen for me instead?”

Caught off guard by Qi Shaorong’s teasing gaze, Hua Jinyue inexplicably nodded. “Yes, I have.”

Qi Shaorong: “…”

Zhuang Hao: “…”

Zhuang Hao wrapped an arm around Qi Shaorong and turned to Hua Jinyue. “Thank you for your time today, Miss. It’s getting late. We’ll take our leave now. Goodbye!”

Hua Jinyue wanted to say something but ultimately could only watch as Zhuang Hao and the others left.

On the way back, Qi Shaorong crossed his arms, looking smug. “I’m clearly more charming than you. Although some may be fooled by your looks at first glance, after getting to know me, they see my depth and end up falling for me.”

“That girl is too weak; she’ll never pass my tests,” Zhuang Hao said firmly, crossing his arms.

Qi Shaorong: “…” This guy… Damn it! He’s serious about making anyone I like pass his tests?

“Another of the Mu family’s shops has closed,” Qi Shaorong observed. They had passed dozens of shuttered Mu family establishments during their walk today.

Yi Fan, hands behind his back, remarked, “The Chamber of Commerce is acting faster and harsher than expected. It won’t be long before the Mu family collapses completely.”

Yi Fan thought to himself: The Mu family’s main branch is crumbling. Many of its subsidiary branches have already severed ties. With internal strife and external pressure, Mu Yue must be frantic by now.

Mu Tingxuan closed his eyes. Destroying the Mu family had always been his dream, but now that it was happening, he felt no satisfaction.

Qi Shaorong glanced at Yi Fan and Mu Tingxuan. “I have something to discuss with Elder Feng Yuan. You all go ahead.”

Zhuang Hao quickly followed Qi Shaorong. “I’ll go with you.”

Watching their retreating figures, Yi Fan took Mu Tingxuan’s hand. “Let’s head back.”

Shen Yuan followed behind them, gazing at Zhuang Hao and Qi Shaorong walking away. A resolute thought took root in his mind: I need to find a partner soon, or I’ll end up looking like a tragic third wheel.

At the Feng Residence.

“Great Elder, the reason our Chamber of Commerce has stood strong in various nations for so long is our policy of non-interference in disputes between factions. This neutrality is why other powers do not view us as a threat. Now, openly mobilizing our resources against the Mu family for Qi Shaorong seems unwise,” Feng He argued.

Feng Yuan replied sharply, “Second Elder, Qi Shaorong saved my life. He asked for just this one small favor. Are you suggesting I ignore his request?”

“I’m not saying that. I just believe we could compensate him in other ways,” Feng He countered.

“I, Feng Yuan, always keep my word. I promised that anyone who saved my life could ask one favor, and I would fulfill it. Do you want me to go back on my word? How would the world view me if I did?”

“Of course not, Great Elder. I’m merely suggesting that the Chamber of Commerce’s involvement in the Mu family’s affairs may not be appropriate. Perhaps there’s room for mediation.”

“How much did the Mu family pay you to advocate for them?” Feng Yuan asked bluntly.

“Great Elder, I’m simply presenting a logical argument.”

“The Mu family is already in trouble. All we did was give them a little push. With so many matters within the Chamber to attend to, your attention need not be fixed on this minor issue.”

Qi Shaorong and Zhuang Hao were led to a courtyard to wait for Feng Yuan. Their spiritual senses were sharp, so the argument between Feng Yuan and Feng He reached their ears without missing a single word.

Feng He and Feng Yuan argued for a long time without any resolution. Eventually, Feng He stormed out, his face dark with displeasure.

When Qi Shaorong saw Feng He, he nodded to him faintly. Feng He shot a cold glance at Qi Shaorong and left angrily.

A servant arrived and said, “The Great Elder invites you in.”

Qi Shaorong walked into the hall where Feng Yuan was seated with a stern expression.

Looking at Feng Yuan, Qi Shaorong said apologetically, “Great Elder, have my requests caused you trouble?”

Feng Yuan smiled lightly and replied, “Not at all, Young Master Qi. You need not worry. Your requests are reasonable. It’s just that some people may be displeased and are making a fuss over this.”

A murderous aura emanated from Feng Yuan, making Qi Shaorong’s heart skip a beat. The Chamber of Commerce was such a vast organization, and internal strife was inevitable. While Feng Yuan and his faction were grateful to him for saving Feng Yuan, the other factions might not feel the same way.

“Young Master Qi, rest assured. What I promised you, I will deliver,” Feng Yuan said firmly.

Qi Shaorong smiled and said, “I trust in your integrity, Senior Feng. By the way, why don’t we discuss further cooperation on the cosmetic business?”

Feng Yuan nodded. “Sure. I must say, your cosmetics are incredibly popular. The products in several stores in Li Country were completely sold out. I think we should consider expanding production.”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “I visited a few of the stores today, and the business is indeed thriving.”

After chatting for a while, Qi Shaorong and Feng Yuan concluded their meeting, and Qi Shaorong left.

As they walked, Zhuang Hao glanced at Qi Shaorong and asked, “What’s wrong? You don’t look well.”

“It’s nothing. I’m just a bit concerned,” Zhuang Hao replied.

“Concerned about what?” Qi Shaorong asked, puzzled.

Zhuang Hao looked at him seriously. “You saved Feng Yuan, but Feng He seems to harbor a grudge against you. Now that Feng Yuan has recovered, there seems to be some major activity within the Chamber of Commerce.”

“Major activity?” Qi Shaorong asked, confused.

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Yes. When Feng Yuan was gravely ill, Feng He’s faction started making moves. Now that Feng Yuan has recovered, his faction is regaining the upper hand.”

Qi Shaorong frowned and sighed. “It’s always one side overpowering the other. I just hope I don’t get caught in the middle and end up as cannon fodder.”

Zhuang Hao crossed his arms. “From the looks of things, Feng Yuan has the upper hand for now. You don’t need to worry too much.”

Qi Shaorong smiled faintly. “Let’s hope so.”

“You’re back! How did the talks with Feng Yuan go?” Shen Yuan greeted them as they returned.

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Not bad. We’ll be able to strengthen our cooperation on the cosmetics business in the future.”

“There’s a letter from the ruler. We’ve been in Li Country for quite a while now, and the ruler has asked us to return as soon as possible,” Shen Yuan said.

Qi Shaorong tilted his head. “The ruler wants us to return? Shouldn’t he still be mad at me?”

“The ruler isn’t the type to hold grudges,” Shen Yuan replied.

“Are you sure?” Qi Shaorong asked skeptically.

Shen Yuan chuckled awkwardly. “Well, Feng Yuan gave the ruler face, considering you were recommended by him. Feng Yuan even sold a batch of war resources to the ruler at a low price.”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “I see. That old fox of a ruler would never be this generous without a reason.”

“When do you plan to return?” Shen Yuan asked.

Qi Shaorong shrugged. “Maybe after a while.”

Shen Yuan was exasperated. “Why delay again?”

Qi Shaorong put his hands on his hips and said, “Because Senior Feng Yuan mentioned that he has established a spiritual herb garden here in Li Country for growing raw materials for cosmetics. He wants me to take a look.”

Shen Yuan deflated. “I see.”

Qi Shaorong looked at Shen Yuan curiously. “Why are you so eager to return? You don’t have anyone waiting for you back home, do you?”

Shen Yuan: “…” Does this guy have to look down on me so much?

“Are you in a rush to return for matchmaking? If that’s the case, there’s no need to hurry. They won’t like you anyway, so it’ll just be a waste of effort,” Qi Shaorong said.

Shen Yuan: “…”

“Yi Fan, you’re back. Where’s Tingxuan?” Qi Shaorong asked.

“Asleep,” Yi Fan replied.

“This early?”

“He’s had a lot on his mind lately. Getting some early rest is good for him,” Yi Fan explained.

“What did Mu Huai talk to Tingxuan about today?” Qi Shaorong asked.

“He said he could remove the Wood Spirit Heart and return it to Tingxuan,” Yi Fan replied.

Qi Shaorong stroked his chin and shook his head. “That old bastard Mu Yueshan is trash, but Mu Huai seems to be a decent guy.”

“Mu Huai also mentioned that Mu Xingzhi secretly helped stop some troublemakers from the Mu family,” Yi Fan added.

Qi Shaorong’s eyes widened briefly before he chuckled. “Looks like Mu Xingzhi isn’t blindly loyal after all.”