Chapter 99 Under the Ingratiation

“Miss Xin,” the parishioner in charge of guiding them into the church put away Xin Que’s invitation and gestured for her and Ji Mingchuan to enter the church, “your seat is to the side in front of you.”

Xin Que nodded and led Ji Mingchuan into the nave of the church.

Although the church is built on a cruise ship, it actually occupies a large area, is spacious and solemn, and has everything from stained glass windows and icons to sculptures.

Xin Que and Luo Huayi arrived at about the same time. They looked straight ahead and went to their respective positions.

After sitting down in her seat, Xin Que turned slightly to observe her surroundings and found that those invited here were mostly celebrities and dignitaries.

Ji Mingchuan leaned close to Xin Que's ear and lowered his voice, "There are quite a few underworld figures among them."

Xin Que understood.

Many guests from various countries gathered in the church on the cruise ship, presumably because Han Wei was using the preaching to expand the influence of their Eternal Life Church.

"I sincerely thank you all for coming to this sacred place at the invitation of the Lord." Han Wei changed his suit into a long robe with a strong religious connotation and slowly walked to the statue in front of the hall and stood there.

The morning sun was shining brightly, its intense light softened by the tall, dazzling stained glass windows, casting its rays obliquely into the auditorium.

The high platform where Han Wei stood was the best-lit spot.

In the contrast of light and shadow, Han Wei, who was being looked down upon by the smiling statue, seemed to be plated with a layer of gold light. Coupled with the elegant white and gold decorations, he did indeed have a bit of a divine quality.

The man depicted in the icon painting vaguely resembles Han Wei in his features.

He is Han Chengyuan, the father of Han Wei's cult leader and chairman of the Liteng Group.

Humanity struggles bitterly in this corrupt world...

"Purgatory, Heaven, just one step apart..."

"Although I am the son of a saint, I bear the heavy responsibility of guiding my fellow countrymen out of hell..."

"The saint Han Chengyuan is the believer closest to the Lord, and is also entrusted with a holy mission to guide all sentient beings..."

"As long as you believe..."

"Let go of the past, forget what's gone, and just believe wholeheartedly..."

The man's solemn and steady voice echoed in the empty auditorium, reaching the ears of every guest who stepped into the hall.

Xin Que's attention was on the believer who was waiting quietly in the corner with his eyes down.

These people may seem to be just scattered around the corner, but Xin Que can tell from their subtle movements that they are disguised bodyguards.

They appeared devout, but in reality, they were protecting Han Wei.

Xin Que withdrew her gaze.

...

After Han Wei's long speech, the choir slowly began to sing their praises.

Just as Xin Que was about to get up and leave, Han Wei slowly walked over from the crowd.

“Miss Xin,” he said with a smile, “would you be willing to spare a little time for me amidst your busy schedule…may we have a private chat?”

Ji Mingchuan instinctively reached out to pull Xin Que behind him.

Xin Que raised her hand to stop Ji Mingchuan's action, her smile revealing no flaws, making it impossible to discern her true emotions. "Alright, since the renowned Mr. Han is hosting, I have no reason to refuse."

"Please." Han Wei stepped aside to make way, gesturing very politely for Xin Que to accompany him.

Luo Huayi only caught a glimpse of Xin Que and Han Wei being surrounded by believers as they walked towards the back hall.

...

When Han Wei walked back into the reception room from outside, he had changed out of his high-collared robe.

The man's religious aura had completely faded; judging from his bespoke suit alone, there was absolutely nothing in common between him and the missionary who had just been under the icon.

The many believers following him also changed into normal, understated suits.

Xin Que was sitting on the sofa, examining the cross ornament on the coffee table. When Han Wei returned, she naturally put the ornament back in its original place. "I wonder what brings Mr. Han here, a nobody with neither background nor wealth?"

She smiled. "It can't just be about proselytizing, can it?"

Han Wei sat down opposite Xin Que, his smile not reaching his eyes. "Miss Xin, you are underestimating yourself... In my eyes, Miss Xin's value is unfathomable..."

Ji Mingchuan's hand was already on his lower back.

"Mr. Bailong, please relax," Han Wei said, but his gaze remained fixed on Xin Que. "I invited Miss Xin here for no other reason than to discuss cooperation with her."

Xin Que leaned back on the soft sofa, looking completely at ease. "When did I become so important that Mr. Han would condescend to come and discuss cooperation?"

"Mr. Han's initiative is really making me feel a little apprehensive."

Han Wei's smile remained non-threatening, and his tone was gentle, "Of course it's... about Luo Huayi, the woman you were once rumored to be having an affair with that caused quite a stir in China."

Xin Que stared directly into the man's eyes as if trying to see through her, her tone unhurried, "Mr. Han is quite interesting... You also follow these exotic gossip stories?"

Han Wei interlaced his fingers, rested his elbows on the armrest, and exuded an air of complete confidence about the situation.

Unable to find the panic and guilt he was looking for in Xin Que's eyes, Han Wei suddenly smiled after a long while. "The Eternal Life Cult believes in the equality of all beings... In my eyes, a person as calm and composed as you is destined to soar. You should not be bound by these disgusting scandals."

"All beings are equal..." Xin Que repeated the doctrine Han Wei had spoken, and after a moment her smile became even more obvious. "Does it mean that all beings should be equally used as life-staking pawns for the Eternal Life Cult, or does it mean that the Eternal Life Cult is completely equal and manipulates every boy and girl sent into the cult by its followers?"

The smile on Han Wei's lips slowly disappeared.

“Nonsense,” he said. “How could someone as discerning as Miss Xin be blinded by worldly slander?”

“Mr. Han, please don’t mind,” Xin Que suddenly lowered her tone and her smile became more sincere, “It’s just that I’m really not good at playing the game of Tai Chi with people.”

"Let's just say what we have to say openly and honestly. Why bother with all the fancy words and mystification?"

Han Wei felt a sense of powerlessness, like punching cotton when he was about to get angry.

“Miss Xin is straightforward,” Han Wei’s brow twitched, “Of course I don’t mind.”

“Since Miss Xin is so straightforward, then I, Han, will speak frankly as well,” Han Wei stared into Xin Que’s eyes, “I want to cooperate with you… to keep Luo Huayi on the cruise ship forever.”

Does Han Wei want to get rid of Luo Huayi?

Xin Que remained silent, listening quietly as Han Wei continued.

"According to the data from my subordinates, you were just implicated by Luo Huayi and forced into those scandalous trending topics, right?" Han Wei gestured for his bodyguard to hand the tablet to Xin Que.

Xin Que took it and glanced at it briefly.

These are all the gossip and news generated by the previous tragic storylines.

"There are many speculations about you..." Han Wei omitted some harsh words, "but Miss Xin doesn't seem like the kind of person who would do anything to climb to the top."

"On the contrary, it is Mr. Luo who has been harassing you relentlessly."

Xin Que pondered for a moment, "Why should I get involved in the power struggles of you rich and powerful people?"

"The world is bustling with activity, all for profit," Han Wei said, placing a contract in front of Xin Que. "Is this enough to get you involved?"

Xin Que looked at the string of zeros on the contract, and the special note that a mercenary group would be arranged to escort Xin Que safely off the cruise ship until landing, which also included overseas retirement real estate and a secure identity.

“What I need you to do is very simple, you don’t even need to lift a finger,” Han Wei saw the wavering in the woman’s eyes and knew that his plan was already half done. “All you need to do is lead people to the territory of the Eternal Life Society.”

"The church's sacrificial ceremony is coming up soon... They'll like an orphan who's perfect for being placed on the altar."