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Lu Jian chose the right time. When he was leaving Panyu by boat, he happened to meet the Red Flag Gang army passing through.

Dozens of ships were connected together in a black mass, with flags covering the sky, and an imposing aura, which was truly overwhelming.

All the forces, big and small, along the way had to hide their bodies, for fear of inadvertently angering the new Lord of the South China Sea. Therefore, no one dared to stop the Lu family ship carrying the Red Flag Gang's flag, and it arrived at its destination smoothly.

Lu Jian was a real ally of the Red Flag Gang, and he was led directly into the camp without even waiting for any notification.

This camp is different from the last time I came here. It has become visibly more solid and looks more like a large gang.

However, this is not what Lu Jian came here to see.

"Brother Mingde, why did you come here without saying hello? You're such a rare guest."

When that familiar voice sounded, Lu Jian smiled: "Why, you don't welcome me anymore?"

Looking at the leader of the Red Flag Gang standing in front of the hall, Lu Jian's eyes couldn't help but deepen.

Compared to a year ago, the man was slightly taller, but his figure was still slender and tall. No one would have thought that he still contained the power to take lives.

That clear voice has never changed, without any hoarseness or roughness, just like a boy who has never grown up.

But boys will eventually grow up to be men, how can there be such a thing as unchanging principles?

Meeting Lu Jian's gaze, Cheng Xi also laughed: "You must ask clearly. If they are here to collect the debt, I can make preparations early."

Just a few simple words brought the two closer together. He was truly adept at dealing with people. Lu Jian smiled and shook his head: "It was you who intervened in the Tingzhou incident that made me owe you a favor. This time, I'm not here to collect the debt, but to repay it."

Cheng Xi raised her eyebrows slightly at this remark. Lu Jian's arrival was so sudden, and his eyes were so deep when they met. She thought something had happened, but who would have thought he would say such a thing? It seemed that something was really going on. She immediately said, "Then we must treat our distinguished guest well. Brother Mingde, please come in."

Cheng Xi led the group toward the lobby, following behind him. Lu Jian's gaze fell silently on him. His earlobes were smooth and round, with no piercings. His steps were steady and light, and he certainly didn't have bound feet. Was this a custom in General Qiu's family, or had he guessed wrong?

It was no wonder that Lu Jian was hesitant for a moment. After all, he had treated the other party to wine and dance before, and he had never noticed anything wrong even when they were so close.

Is there really a woman who can dress so closely that no one can tell the difference?

However, when Cheng Xi turned around and sat down in the main seat, her slender neck caught Lu Jian's attention.

A boy of fourteen or fifteen years old may not have grown an Adam's apple yet, but a year has passed and his voice has not changed and his jaw is still smooth. There is no such "boy" in the world.

Looking away, Lu Jian also took a seat in the guest seat, having already made up his mind.

Lu Jian looked a little strange today. How could Cheng Xi not notice the gaze behind him? Such scrutiny was extremely rare for Lu Jian, a typical nobleman. What happened?

Despite his doubts, Cheng Xi's smile remained unchanged. After having tea served, he said, "Now that there are no outsiders around, Brother Mingde can speak frankly, right?"

Those bright eyes looked at him with such directness and sharpness, as if they could see through people's hearts. Lu Jian calmed down and said seriously, "When I came to Luoling Island, I happened to see a large army setting out. Should I go to help the Qingfeng Gang?"

This wasn't a secret at all, and Lu Jian also knew the inside story of Tingzhou. Cheng Xi said frankly, "That's right. Gang Leader Shen wants to deal with the Ye family and came to us. I happen to have soldiers on hand, so naturally I have to help."

This situation was clearly caused by her, and it became Shen Feng who came to her for help. It was really a good move.

Lu Jian didn't expose her, but smiled and said, "Such a big thing, why don't you go and see it?"

Cheng Xi raised an eyebrow: "Look at what Brother Lu said. If you guessed that I would go, why bother coming in person?"

This meant that he was asking despite knowing the answer. Lu Jian laughed and said bluntly, "It seems that you are also on guard. Then I won't beat around the bush. The ghost scholar came to me two days ago and wanted to negotiate a deal with me."

This was really beyond Cheng Xi's expectation. Ning Fu's injury hadn't healed yet, yet he actually ran to Panyu. He was really brave.

The fact that Lu Jian came in person had a deeper meaning.

Facing such a thoughtful person, there was no point in beating around the bush. Cheng Xi asked directly, "But what did the ghost scholar say to Brother Lu?"

Lu Jian nodded slightly: "We did talk about some things, such as the Red Flag Gang's new grain route in Tingzhou..."

Before he could finish, Cheng Xi said, "Yes, I have negotiated a deal with the Xiao family to ship grain back from Tingzhou."

Such frankness is truly rare for ordinary people. Lu Jian smiled and said, "It seems that you have been prepared for a long time. You know that the Long Whale Gang will cut off Hepu's food supply. Now I seem a little redundant."

The words were spoken helplessly, but there was a hint of amusement in that smile. Cheng Xi had already vaguely guessed what the other party was thinking, and a smile appeared on his face: "Brother Lu, do you want to continue to cooperate with me, or join the Changjing Gang?"

This question may seem like a rhetorical one, but it actually implies a firmness and confidence that makes it hard to imagine that this person is a woman.

Lu Jian also laughed: "Since you have already guessed it, why ask more?"

This man was unexpectedly straightforward today. Cheng Xi couldn't help but glance at Lu Jian and asked, "Brother Mingde, aren't you afraid of retaliation from the Changjing Gang?"

"What's that little shop in Hepu Harbor worth? I come from a wealthy family in Lingnan, and my family business is all onshore. I'm not afraid of them doing something bad." Lu Jian suddenly changed the subject midway through his speech, "But Panyu is not my territory. Now that Ning Fu has gone, I don't know what plans he has. I can only run to your precious place to avoid disaster."

This is not just about forming an alliance, it's also about entrusting your life to someone else. You have to stand together with the Red Flag Gang.

You have to know that since Ning Fu has come, he is definitely going to cause trouble for the Red Banner Gang. If Panyu is not safe, Luoling Island may not be safe either. Lu Jian's approach is truly reckless. No matter how many calculations and thoughts he has put in, at least his courage has never changed, which is quite admirable.

As for a true ally, Cheng Xi naturally would not refuse: "As long as Brother Mingde trusts me, just stay here."

Such a straightforward answer did not actually surprise Lu Jian, but hearing it still made people feel impressed.

Lu Jian sighed deeply and returned the greeting with a bow: "Then I'll trouble you, my dear brother."

This was also the first time he called out "brother" since arriving on the island, and it was not until this moment that Lu Jian found himself unable to suppress his joy.

Staying on the island would naturally allow him to avoid the ghost scholar, but that was not his real intention. He just wanted to stay on the island.

All his previous schemes were meaningless at this moment. How could such a woman be easily controlled? However, he was no longer thinking about any weakness or leverage. Compared to this huge gang, she herself was more important to him.

The smile was light and calm, concealing all scheming. Looking at the gentle and elegant young man in front of him, Cheng Xi suddenly felt a sense of alertness in his heart.

Did he really come to Luoling Island just to report the news and sell something by the way? Perhaps he had other plans, so she had to pay attention...

…

"That kid Lu Jian ran to Luoling Island?" Ning Fu raised his eyebrows in surprise when he heard the report from his subordinates. He didn't expect that the man named Lu would be so straightforward. Logically speaking, he would have to go around in circles and negotiate some conditions. It would not be uncommon for him to play both sides and take all the benefits.

Unexpectedly, the reputation of the Changjing Gang couldn't suppress him, and he just ran away. Is he going to follow the Chiqi Gang all the way to the end?

"Military Advisor, what should we do now?" the leader beside him asked cautiously.

Ning Fu touched the wound on his chin and laughed sinisterly: "Since this plan doesn't work, let's try another one. Anyway, it will take a while for the Qingfeng Gang to be defeated."

How could we not take advantage of such a good opportunity? Maybe if we make a big fuss, we can even catch a big fish.

Besides, since Lu Jian went to Luoling Island, the people of the Red Flag Gang should know that he is in Panyu. Will that young woman with great skills show up again?

Thinking of this, Ning Fu couldn't help but chuckle.

The little leader trembled with fear and quickly shrank his neck, hoping that the military advisor would not see him.