As it pertains to the Second Sisterâs research, Fang Yu immediately had an idea in mind.
With Ding Huiâs verification, and the fact that Lord Hai Linâs face became somewhat unpleasant after being confronted by the Qing Familyâs Patriarch, Fang Yu realized he should hold back.
To push further would be to overreach, which would lead to trouble.
Fang Yu glanced at the Qing Familyâs Patriarch; an old hand at this world indeed, casually mentioning something of value that must be part of the Hai Familyâs stash, requiring them to dig deep into their reserves.
Fang Yu extended a fourth finger.
"The fourth..."
Before he could finish his sentence, he was interrupted.
"Is there more?"
Lord Hai Lin frowned slightly as he looked at Fang Yu.
But Fang Yu, without the slightest intention of wavering, continued.
"Fourth, I need information about demons near Sunset City. Fifth, similar to the previous point, I need any intelligence concerning Spirits in Sunset City. Given the Hai Familyâs capabilities, gathering intelligence shouldnât be a problem, right?"
Fang Yu presented quite a few conditions, but each was within Lord Hai Linâs range of acceptance.
Moreover, compared to joining the Hai Family without stating conditions, Fang Yuâs clear condition-based approach made Lord Hai Lin feel more reassured.
Heâs very discerning when it comes to people, knowing that the more conditions someone sets, the more sincerity they have. They are truly prepared to cooperate with the Hai Family.
Immediately, Lord Hai Lin asked.
"No more conditions?"
"None."
"Alright, pack your things, and then come to live at my Hai Familyâs residence."
After speaking, Lord Hai Lin rose to leave.
This left Fang Yu slightly stunned.
"Well..."
"Anything else, speak to Ruoyin, she will handle all matters for you, including the requests youâve made before; she will manage that."
As Lord Hai Linâs words fell, Hai Ruoyin, who had been waiting nearby for quite some time, hurriedly stood and bowed.
"Father, I will definitely handle this matter properly!"
Her face was a mix of delight, astonishment, and an excitement that she couldnât suppress.
But from the beginning to the end, Lord Hai Lin didnât give Hai Ruoyin a proper glance.
Even when he instructed Hai Ruoyin just now, he didnât look sideways at her.
Years of waiting.
Years of hibernation, endurance; finally nearing the moment when the clouds disperse and the moon is visible.
Lord Hai Lin does not wish, nor will he allow any surprises!
Qingling Taoist Temple must be destroyed!
Qingling Daoist must be dead and gone!
Even Lei Qingzi is not a real threat, but the one before him might be.
An old fool should obediently die in a corner of Sunset City, rather than constantly struggling annoyingly.
...
Lord Hai Lin left, taking his son Hai Qianglong with him.
The room suddenly became empty except for Fang Yu and a few others.
Hai Ruoyin let out a big sigh of relief and slumped in her seat, her brain seemingly vacant but her smile lingering at the corner of her mouth.
Qing Tianping, this Lao Deng, was unceremoniously sitting back in his seat, grinning and raising his glass to Fang Yu.
"Congratulations, Brother Diao, for boarding the Hai Familyâs big ship!"
Fang Yu responded with a smile and raised his glass.
"Thanks to Lord Qingâs hospitality, I have such an opportunity."
"Hahaha! Well said, well said! Brother Diao, to be honest with you, your choice is actually correct. While Qingling Taoist Temple may be a place for believers of your kind to band together for warmth, it is absolutely not a place to settle and establish oneself in Sunset City."
Lao Deng is just that, twisting his words back and forth.
Fang Yu offered a few perfunctory responses, allowing the other to realize Fang Yu wasnât in that mindset; he wasnât offended, merely smiled slightly, and stood up to speak.
"Meeting is fate. With Brother Diaoâs potential, you will surely achieve great success someday. I simply hope that if my Qing Family falls on hard times in the future and seeks Brother Diao for help, Brother Diao can remember todayâs kindness and assist our Qing Family."
Naturally, Fang Yu politely nodded and smiled, "Well said, well said."
After downing the drink, Qing Tianping abruptly stood up to leave.
He left so decisively that it left Fang Yu slightly startled, and all the polite words he had prepared were swallowed back down.
However, Fang Yu didnât know.
In Qing Tianpingâs view, he had already formed a good relationship with Fang Yu, and someday this will be repaid; itâs just not the time yet.
The Qing Family, through subtle and gentle goodwill philosophy, forms ties everywhere; it is this way theyâve managed to retain batches of loyal Guest Elders to guard and protect the Qing Family.
Even Fang Yu has to admit that if one day the Qing Family truly falls on hard times and he can offer some help, it certainly wouldnât be ignored.
Only three people remained in the room, with Ding Hui exchanging pleasantries with Hai Ruoyin, trying to probe into the wealth of the Hai Family, preparing for a Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures lottery.
Yet Hai Ruoyin was perfunctory with her; in her eyes, the only important one was Fang Yu, the Believer.
She looked at Fang Yu.
"Brother Diao, we meet again."
Fang Yu smiled.
"Miss Hai."
"I didnât know Brother Diao already had a wife."
Hai Ruoyin blinked, seemingly hinting at something, but Fang Yu ignored it.
"To be honest, Iâm a bit puzzled. Since the Hai Family is intent on recruiting me, why did they send you and your brother separately to invite me?"
Hai Ruoyin, her smile became a bit bitter.
"To be precise, Father only sent Hai Qianglong to find you."
Fang Yu understood; this Hai Ruoyin was acting outside the Hai Family Patriarchâs plan, only stepping in after Hai Qianglongâs negotiation had failed.
Surely there were some twists in between, but Fang Yu did not care anymore.
"Then Iâll trouble Miss Hai to look after things going forward."
"Thereâs no need to be so polite; your joining our Hai Family is a win-win result. Within a year, our Hai Family will surely rise to prominence in Sunset City! With the status of a Hai Familyâs Retainer, as an outsider, you wonât find anything difficult to accomplish."