Chapter 92 - 89: Such a Reason

Zong En froze for a moment before saying, "Er, ah, maybe I remembered it wrong!

Just look at me, this whole move has scrambled my brains!"

Zhang Deming: "..."

After all, he’d known Zhang Deming for years; he wasn’t a fool.

Luh Jingsun turned to look at Zhang Deming and said, "So there’s no space for you outside. Just stay put in here.

A few servants might be assigned here later, and in theory, you’ll be in charge of them.

But the Steward position has to go through the proper channels, and you’re not suited for the chan... the process is too much trouble. Mmm... I’m just too lazy to bother.

So, you’re still an Outer Disciple. But if any of the new people give you trouble, you can just let me know."

Zhang Deming watched Luh Jingsun, his brow slightly furrowed. ’This is the same old story. He’s blatantly protecting me.’

’The formula’s the same, and the excuse is just as lazy and transparent as ever. So where is this faint dissatisfaction coming from?’

’Could it be... I haven’t been sensible enough to go kiss up to him these past few days?’

’Yeah, let’s not. I can’t handle that sort of thing. That can’t be it, can it?!’

Zhang Deming mulled it over. After analyzing Luh Jingsun’s personality, he decided it was best to clear things up.

’With his stoic personality, being direct would probably work better than beating around the bush. It should be more to his taste.’

After a moment’s thought, Zhang Deming said, "Senior Brother Luh, may I have a word in private?"

Luh Jingsun didn’t ask what it was about, simply turning and walking into the Qingyou Pool’s Array.

Zhang Deming hurried to follow. After they entered the Qingyou Pool one after the other, Luh Jingsun asked indifferently, "What is it? Is there something you’re dissatisfied with?"

Zhang Deming shook his head, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Is there something I’ve done wrong?

If I’ve done anything incorrectly, Senior Brother Luh, please feel free to tell me directly.

I am grateful for how well you’ve taken care of me lately, Senior Brother Luh."

Upon hearing this, Luh Jingsun’s expression shifted slightly, a rare sight. He said, "Since you brought it up, I won’t hold back. I haven’t treated you unfairly, have I?

I haven’t given you a hard time, have I?

I haven’t put any obstacles in your way since you’ve been here, have I?

Is there something I’ve done to displease you?"

Hearing this, Zhang Deming’s brow furrowed again. He asked in confusion, "Senior Brother Luh, where is all this coming from?"

Luh Jingsun’s tone was direct, but his expression wasn’t overly angry, which put Zhang Deming’s mind at ease a little.

Luh Jingsun paused, then said, "If you think I look too intimidating to approach...

...then next time you need something, you can just send someone to tell me.

As long as your requests aren’t excessive, I’ll grant them if I can.

Not enough manpower, a tight schedule, no time off—for minor issues like these, just let me know, and I’ll take care of it.

But for you to go about things this way... don’t you think that was a bit ill-considered?

From what I’ve seen of your usual conduct, you aren’t like this. Why the sudden change of tune when it comes to me?"

Zhang Deming: "???"

Completely bewildered, he replayed Luh Jingsun’s words in his mind, trying to grasp the main point. ’Is he saying I went over his head?’

’Is he kidding me? In the entire Celestial Spirit Sect, the highest-ranking person I’ve ever met is a Steward—the very one standing in front of me. Who could I have possibly reported to over his head?’

’Besides, of all the things to complain about, why would I report not having time to rest at Qingyou Pool? I’m not an idiot!’

"Um, Senior Brother Luh, I think there might be a misunderstanding. I haven’t met any other Stewards besides you, let alone any supervisors," Zhang Deming said.

Seeing Zhang Deming’s completely baffled expression, Luh Jingsun paused, then said, "It wasn’t you who went to find the... young mistress?"

’Er, young mistress?’

"Er, I mean, wasn’t it you who went to see the Senior Sister?" Luh Jingsun instantly corrected himself.

’Senior Sister?’

’Right, yesterday afternoon during my bath, Ling’er first commented on how comfortable I looked, and out of caution, I gave her a very formal answer.’

’Could this whole mess today be because of that?’

’That girl... what is her deal?’

’Yesterday she ran off like a scared rabbit, yet she’s this concerned about me? She even remembered a single, by-the-book reply!’

"Er, Steward Luh... would you believe me if I said this is all a massive misunderstanding?" Zhang Deming asked awkwardly.

Luh Jingsun said, "I owe Senior Sister Ling’er a great debt of gratitude. I don’t care what your relationship with her is.

Since she has acted on your behalf, I will see to it that things are handled properly.

You also don’t have to worry about me holding any grudges. As long as she continues to treat you this way, you won’t have to worry about any resentment from me.

However, for minor issues, you really can just tell me directly.

Otherwise, I’ll feel like I’m useless, letting down the Senior Sister after all her years of nurturing and care."

Zhang Deming paused at his words, momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

’What could I say?’

’That I didn’t report it?’

’But I did say *something* back then.’

’What a mess!’

’That silly girl, why did she run off like that? It’s not like I was going to eat her. And she was the one who was always clinging to me when we were little!’

’Uh, wait... does this count as me freeloading off a woman?’

"I’ll keep that in mind, Senior Brother Luh," Zhang Deming said with a nod.

Seeing this, Luh Jingsun’s expression reverted to its usual deadpan. "Inside Qingyou Pool, only you are permitted to live," he said.

As for that Zong En from the Outer Sect, I’ll have them build his lodgings as comfortably as possible.

The servants who arrive later will also live in the Outer Sect. In the future, the disciples assigned to guard and tend to Qingyou Pool will be stationed at the entrance; they won’t live inside as they did before.

As for tending the herb garden inside, they’ll have the necessary access tokens. You don’t need to worry about that; just focus on assigning their work.

I don’t care if they come in to fool around when they’re off duty.

But as for the Qingyou Jade Pavilion, absolutely no one is allowed to live there except you. That is my bottom line. Do you understand?"

Zhang Deming nodded again. "Noted."

Seeing this, Luh Jingsun said, "Alright, that’s all for today. I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t linger.

The Outer Sect construction team is full of seasoned veterans, so you don’t need to worry. They’ll definitely be finished before dark, and the building will be ready for someone to move in.

I’ve also instructed Zong En that if he has any suggestions, he can bring them up directly with the construction team. The house can be built to his liking, within reason.

Alright, I’m busy, so I won’t keep you."

Zhang Deming said, "Then please visit again when you have time, Senior Brother."

"As long as you don’t ’summon’ me like this again, I’ll be thanking my lucky stars!" With that, he left without a backward glance.

Zhang Deming felt a headache coming on. ’What a pain.’ Luckily, he hadn’t offended his direct superior. Otherwise, his life would have been made very difficult.

He went outside for a look and saw Zong En helping out with great enthusiasm. It seemed that being involved in the construction of his own residence had filled him with passion.

After watching for a moment, he decided not to disturb them and went back to his room to continue his Cultivation. He also contacted Qin Shizhong and asked him to deliver another batch of materials.