Chapter 0708: Conditions
Time pa.s.sed day by day, and the activity in Xia City gradually died down. The previously bustling and lively atmosphere had turned cold and lethargic.
Golden Dragon Bank
Yu Hongxi was standing by the window, staring at the empty streets below as she sighed lightly. As a businesswoman, she innately disliked such unexpected developments, and a change in the ruling party didn’t matter to the Golden Dragon Bank. After all, they still needed someone to do business with!
The only exception was the Others.
They were cold and gloomy creatures with no sense of interaction.
In this period of time, the Golden Dragon Bank had quickly collected their resources. However, their operations were simply too widespread, so even after doing their best, their efficacy was simply not good enough.
Thoughts on future plans for expansion within the Xia Kingdom filled Yu Hongxi's mind. Suddenly, a knocking sound came from the door which broke her train of thought. Indicating for the person to come in, a serving maid quickly stepped in and quickly pa.s.sed on a message in a low voice.
"Oh? She actually came to the Golden Dragon Bank to visit me?" Yu Hongxi's eyebrows arched in curiosity as she nodded. "Invite her in and don't let anyone interrupt us, including Qing'er." A few moments after the serving maid left, Yu Hongxi leaned back in her chair with her fingers crossed, showcasing her amazing figure.
It was only when a light knocking was heard and the door pushed open that she raised her head to look at Jiang Qing'e. "I never expected you to come to me on your own. I thought you wished to avoid such a situation. I guess House Luolan's mistress might have no shortage of bad things to say about me... am I right?"
"My Mistress does not talk bad about others behind their back." Jiang Qing'e shook her head.
Yu Hongxi remained noncommittal but did not remain overly polite either, directly cutting to the chase. "I suppose you know that I prefer to speak to Li Luo directly. Since you've come here personally, I suppose you're looking for something from me?"
Jiang Qing'e continued to look at Yu Hongxi. Although she was already a mother, she was still as charming as ever, her every expression exuding a mature charm that added to her gorgeousness.
"I do have something I require your a.s.sistance with."
Jiang Qing'e didn't beat around the bush either. "House Luolan will be migrating in three days' time. I suppose the bank will also leave around the same time?"
Yu Hongxi nodded slightly.
"However, I don't think we will be taking the same path."
The Golden Dragon Bank would first withdraw to the county closest to Xia City as it was to be a gathering point for the branches as well.
"President Yu, you should understand House Luolan's situation. We might have avoided a disaster during the Housemeet, but there are still people who covet our Divine Matter. Without the protection of the defensive ward, I'm afraid there will be rats skulking in the shadows. Thus, House Luolan's migration will not be a peaceful affair. I'm afraid some individuals might be unable to restrain themselves," Jiang Qing'e continued.
"Well, you're aware," Yu Hongxi replied.
"Still, the Regent and the First Princess are locked in such an intense struggle over the royal court's resources that they almost broke their heads. Thus, I feel that the Regent will not have the time nor opportunity to steal House Luolan's treasures."
Jiang Qing'e fell into a gloomy silence momentarily before continuing, "Actually, I'm more afraid of Shen Jinxiao."
Yu Hongxi's gaze flickered. "The Astral Sage College's Violet Vibrance mentor?"
"That man is venomous and sly—he has even joined up with the Origin Reversion Inst.i.tute. And in my opinion, he is a much bigger threat than the Regent. He has always coveted me, from the moment I entered the college. If not for the college's rules, he would have acted much more flagrantly. Unfortunately, now that he has abandoned it, I feel that he can no longer resist nor control himself," Jiang Qing'e calmly explained.
"House Luolan has that mysterious Duke, and with Chi Chan around, it should be more than enough to deal with him," Yu Hongxi countered.
"Although we have made our own preparations, we would like to have greater a.s.surance. I'm afraid of him, and in the worst case scenario, we can fight to the bitter end. However, we are retreating, and Li Luo is with me. I don't want him to be dragged into this quagmire."
Yu Hongxi said, "You wouldn't happen to still be concerned about the Golden Dragon Bank's internal issues, would you? You can relax, I will keep a close watch and ensure that no one runs over and causes you trouble."
Jiang Qing'e shook her head. "No. What I hope is that if you sense any issues happening on House Luolan's side, you will personally take action and intervene."
Yu Hongxi laughed in response to those words. "Jiang Qing'e, have you forgotten the Golden Dragon Bank's creed of neutrality? As the Golden Dragon Bank's president, I will never personally take action. I may like that brat Li Luo, but don't you think that your suggestion is a little overboard?"
"I know this is a little too much, but during the Housemeet, didn't you similarly promise Li Luo that you'd just watch over the Golden Dragon Bank's situation? Still, I believe that you're a businesswoman. Aren't there some areas we can further discuss?"
A hint of interest appeared within Yu Hongxi's eyes as she focused upon Jiang Qing'e. "You're a smart girl. So what conditions do you think you possess that will be of interest to me? Let me think... Perhaps if you were willing to give me House Luolan's Divine Matter, I might be sufficiently moved."
A smile appeared on Jiang Qing'e's cheeks, which surprised Yu Hongxi. She replied softly, "President Yu, my fellow student Qing'er is infatuated with Li Luo. Am I not wrong?"
The smile on Yu Hongxi's face faded as she retorted unhappily, "So what?"
"Li Luo is engaged to someone already, yes? Don't you think that her actions are a little inappropriate and you should take action to guide her appropriately?"
This was met with a cold tone. "Do I need your reminder to discipline my child? Plus, your engagement with Li Luo was just some spur of the moment decision made by that fellow Li Taixuan. I'm sure there's no real affection between the two of you. Am I wrong?"
"How could you know that, President Yu?" Jiang Qing'e replied.
Yu Hongxi pursed her full, red lips as she stood up gracefully, pressing both hands upon the table as she stared at Jiang Qing'e with her sharp eyes, almost as though they could see through her completely. "So, why don't you tell me? Have you given yourself to Li Luo already?"
When faced with those piercing words being uttered by such a charming, mature woman, even Jiang Qing'e was slightly taken aback, and she lost focus for a mere moment.
"Since you are already engaged, you can do anything you wish. If the two of you really had such deep affection for each other, knowing Li Luo's temperament, you'd have long done the deed together," Yu Hongxi indifferently continued.
Jiang Qing'e's gaze flashed. When compared to her daughter, Yu Hongxi was a much more troublesome individual to deal with.?rℯ???????e?.??ｍ
Seeing her lack of reply, she snorted within her heart. Once upon a time, she was wrestling handily against Tan Tailan. Dealing with someone as inexperienced as Jiang Qing'e was too simple!
"If there is nothing else I can help you with, I advise you to leave. The Golden Dragon Bank is very busy." Yu Hongxi once again took a seat.
Jiang Qing'e, on the other hand, remained rooted. She hesitated for a while before she looked Yu Hongxi in the eye. She was lightly gritting her teeth as she forced out the next few words almost unwillingly. "President Yu... when we return to the City of Southwind, I can annul the engagement agreement with Li Luo. What do you think of that?"
Yu Hongxi's fingers, which were flicking through a doc.u.ment, froze in midair as she slowly raised her head to inspect Jiang Qing'e once again.
In the end, she put the doc.u.ment away, and a warm, gentle smile surfaced.
"Jiang Qing'e, your offer has moved me."
The two then faced each other and proceeded to shake hands lightly, signifying their agreement.
They did not say anything else, and Jiang Qing'e turned to leave. Yu Hongxi similarly sat back down and continued with her work.
After Jiang Qing'e had left and the door was tightly closed behind her, Yu Hongxi continued to flip through the doc.u.ments for a while longer. Eventually, a sly smirk formed on her face as she said to herself, almost in glee, "Tan Tailan, it looks like I can finally beat you this time, huh?"
She placed down the doc.u.ments in her hand as she stretched herself, showcasing her wondrous figure.
At this point, the serving maid knocked on her door once again.
"President, House Lord Li Luo has arrived. The Young Mistress is accompanying him."
Her eyebrows arched curiously upon hearing this.
Not long after, Li Luo's smiling countenance graced Yu Hongxi's office as he enthusiastically greeted her. "Aunt Yu, it has been a few days, but your beauty has only blossomed and you look even more gorgeous than before!"
Ten minutes later.
Li Luo stepped out of the office with Lu Qing'er, both equally confused as they exchanged looks with each other. "Did she just agree? Just like that?"