"Maybe you shouldn't go?"

Hearing Qin Yiyan's decision—whether it was a modal particle or agreement—Xu Shi tried to persuade her to stay, saying, "I've thought about it carefully. If you go, who will do my laundry and cook for me?"

A promise made is a promise kept!

The red-haired older sister quickly retorted, fearing that he might change his mind and go back on his word.

Realizing her voice was a bit loud, she thought for a moment and then tried to make amends, "...In any case, Her Highness the Holy Maiden and I are currently living under someone else's roof, and it is not the way of a knight to expect something for nothing."

Seeing this, the others couldn't help but sigh. It was amazing that such a clumsy attempt at provocation could still work in this day and age. The red-haired silly girl was truly worthy of her nickname.

Or you could say it's a case of willing buyer, willing seller. Xu Shi appointed Qin Yiyan as the person in charge of education and cultural affairs, for the reasons I just mentioned.

It seems that this decision was indeed correct. Even if we could find someone from the Hualan Empire to form a professional team, this team would still need someone to lead it.

As for Qin Yiyan, she might know that this was Xu Shi's scheme to better ensnare her, but compared to groveling and serving Xu Shi, she would rather take on this task.

Ah, the ever-strong-willed Commander Qin (read in a monotone).

"……I see."

Ning Wei had no objection to Xu Shi's decision, and had even come up with a rough plan in his mind.

Using Qin Yiyan to gradually establish an external education and cultural department is certainly making the best use of her talents. But thinking about it the other way around, Qin Yiyan herself is an outsider who is still unfamiliar with Night Sin City. If we can get her to accept and adapt to life here, this matter itself is a living advertisement.

With this precedent, they can better understand the ins and outs, making their future work even easier.

"Well... Miss Qin, I wish us a successful collaboration?"

He took the initiative to walk over and, out of politeness, wanted to shake hands with the other person.

Qin Yiyan did not accept it, and it was clear that this was not the kind of etiquette she understood.

So in the end, she simply said, "Yes, it's a pleasure working with you."

Ning Wei felt a little awkward with his hand hanging in the air, but he also realized that his behavior was a bit inappropriate, so he quickly withdrew it.

Turning his head, he saw Xu Shi staring at him with great interest.

...Fine, fine, so she's your woman too, is that it?

Ning Wei muttered to himself, having also heard about Qin Yiyan's situation.

You can't tell from their appearance that they have this kind of relationship, but if you think about it carefully, Xia Wuyou and Gu Yi at the beginning seemed to be similar to this red-haired guy. Now they are obedient and compliant to Xu Shi, aren't they?

I'm afraid she'll be like that soon... Thinking this, he changed his handshake to raising his glass. Clinking glasses is a common courtesy, isn't it?

Moreover, upon closer reflection, these seemingly minor issues can actually reveal significant differences. It's quite clear that there are considerable differences in the customs and habits of people in the two regions. If this were to be expanded to a larger and broader scope, this task would likely become quite challenging...

Driven by his career, Mr. Ningwei naturally shifted his focus to his work and sighed softly at its difficulties.

However, the overall atmosphere of the welcoming banquet was quite good. Even Ning Wei, who was usually serious, relaxed a lot in the end and chatted and laughed with everyone.

Before parting, he even had a rare moment to share a few heartfelt words with Xu Shi.

"Actually, over the years, what I've been most worried about is the old man's mental state."

He pulled Xu Shi aside and lowered his voice, saying, "As you know, the master was quite strong-willed when he was young, but later his health gradually deteriorated, and he became somewhat decadent... Fortunately, you are quite capable. You not only took over the reins but also did many things that they couldn't do. I think that's enough to put his mind at ease."

"As for Cheng Gujian... if he's really alright, it's good to have someone to keep the master company. At least he won't have to talk to A-Cheng every day..."

Xu Shi did not deny his statement, because it was true—when Wen Shengkui was in his prime, he was truly in high spirits. He was not only the head of one of the six major conglomerates, but also a unique SS-level "Upgrader". Even his daughter was outstanding. Wen Rujin was the dream lover of countless people back then.

But then came a series of blows, not only completely dashing his hopes of advancing to SSS, but also his descendants... No matter how strong one's heart is, it is difficult to remain the same.

Thankfully, things are gradually getting better, otherwise he would have trapped himself to death.

So it seems that my efforts have had a subtle but noticeable effect.

But... what's with that doting smile on your face?

So you even kowtowed to me, huh?

Ning Wei's smile suddenly sparked a lot of strange thoughts in Xu Shi's mind.

For example, there's a scene where Grandpa, with a serious expression, utters the lewd remark "What a despicable dog!" to Cheng Gujian...

Oh, my brain! It's tainted, I can't use it anymore!

Suppressing the rising chills, Xu Shi reluctantly saw off the uninvited guest.

He felt he needed to relax to heal the psychological damage caused by these fantasies.

Having drunk quite a bit of alcohol today, he wasn't in the mood to think about anything else and dozed off on the sofa.

Half-asleep, he found himself covered with a blanket.

When I woke up again, it was already the next day, and there was still hot congee and side dishes on the coffee table next to me.

Turning my head, I saw Pan Ling still busy running around, bringing over hot water and towels.

Good morning, Master.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!