Chapter 34: Weak NPCs Dare to Confront Players, Do They Not Value Their Lives?
“???” Ma Ku was puzzled. What do you mean it’s not here? “Let’s go according to the gentleman’s direction,” Wang Li naturally supported Chen Xiyi.
This made Ma Ku even more confused—what was going on here?
Could it be that the other party was more familiar with this place than he was? Or was this odd person up to something? However, out of respect for Wang Li, Ma Ku could only agree, “Then please lead the way, sir.”
Saying this felt strange to Ma Ku; it was ridiculous for his family to let someone else guide him.
Chen Xiyi was not pretentious, so he moved decisively toward the blue dot on the map. However, the Duke Ma’s residence was indeed quite large, occupying an entire street, and with a complicated structure. Chen Xiyi ended up taking quite a few detours to arrive at the entrance.
“This is the building where the young master usually resides. What brings you here, sir?” Ma Ku looked at the house, feeling somewhat complicated. How did they end up in his son’s courtyard?
Sounds of laughter came from within the building, and upon closer inspection, they were discussing poetry. Judging from this aspect, they were not frivolous youths, but rather fond of culture and romance.
This made Ma Ku feel a bit awkward. He wanted to explain something, but Chen Xiyi casually pushed open the door and stepped inside.
His entrance caused gasps of surprise in the courtyard. After all, a fully armored strange person suddenly appearing would shock most people.
“What kind of ruckus is this? Why haven’t you greeted Prince Zhuang and this gentleman?” Ma Ku followed in, his face darkening as he immediately scolded them.
This finally silenced the gasps.
“Greetings, Father. Greetings, Prince Zhuang.” Among the noble young ladies, a graceful youth stepped forward to pay his respects.
This scene caused Wang Li to look upon him with slightly less favor, as he was lost in beauty during his prime years, though he did not show it on his face, merely nodding.
Chen Xiyi, of course, did not care about that, walking straight toward the crowd, which caused some commotion among the graceful youth and the noble young ladies, given Chen Xiyi’s imposing attire.
“Step aside, do not block the way.” Chen Xiyi coldly brushed past the crowd, revealing a stone platform. Upon closer inspection, there was a stone chessboard on the platform, precisely what Chen Xiyi needed.
[Item of Historical Significance: Stone Chessboard]
Chen Xiyi casually picked up the chessboard. “This is what I want.”
Seeing this, Ma Ku sighed in relief. It was just a worn-out stone chessboard; not a treasure or anything.
He wanted to say, “Since the gentleman has a connection with it, you can just have it,” but unexpectedly, his son spoke first.
“This was a gift from the Wang family’s sister. Usually, my sisters and I play chess on this chessboard; how can you just take it?” This graceful youth was clearly a pampered young master, speaking with indignation.
“So this is your thing?” Chen Xiyi turned to look at the youth, who carried a strong scent of cosmetics, indicating he spent all day mingling with women.
“Sir, please do not listen to my son’s nonsense. If you fancy the chessboard, take it,” Ma Ku hurriedly said.
But Chen Xiyi ignored Ma Ku. The owner of the chessboard was not Ma Ku, but rather his son, making Ma Ku irrelevant in this matter.
“That’s right, it’s mine,” the youth said boldly.
“Looks like you don’t want to give it to me. Then tell me, what would make you willing to give it to me?” Chen Xiyi asked.
It wasn’t that he wanted to take advantage of the situation, but he felt that the other party was more emotional than principled, in other words, someone who hadn’t been toughened by society yet.
“I can’t give you that.”
“Well, if that’s the case, then forget it. I hope you think wisely. This belongings of mine is not something to take lightly.” Chen Xiyi casually placed the stone chessboard back on the stone platform, coldly finished speaking, and turned to leave, offering no grace whatsoever.
Wang Li’s expression turned sour upon seeing this.
“General Ma, your young master is usually immersed in the women’s quarters and doesn’t know how to act appropriately. I’m afraid it’s difficult for him to inherit the family estate. It’s better to think of a plan early on, lest he cannot even inherit his title in the future.” Wang Li spoke in a rather harsh tone. After finishing, he turned and hurried after Chen Xiyi.
These words made Ma Ku’s expression change. A good relationship had turned sour just because of a few words. He turned to glare fiercely at his son and said, “Come, lock this brat in his room. Also, take good care of this chessboard and wait for me to deal with it.”
After saying this, he chased after, intending to go and curry favor with Prince Zhuang and others.
This situation was quite difficult to resolve.
That armored person seemed to have a high status and was quite eccentric.
“Immortal, why…” Once back in the horse-drawn cart, Wang Li asked with some confusion.
Although he felt that the Ma family’s legitimate son was somewhat unappreciative, Chen Xiyi also seemed a bit resolute.
“I want the item, but the other party won’t give it. That’s just human nature,” Chen Xiyi replied calmly.
Yet, the more this was the case, the more incomprehensible Wang Li found it.
Clearly, Ma Ku had agreed, so why wouldn’t he give it?
‘Wait a minute, is he planning for that Ma family’s boy to deliver it to him?’
Noticing Chen Xiyi’s strange gaze, Wang Li immediately said, “I value relationships the most. If he is unwilling, I won’t force it.”
“Immortal, your virtue is noble. It’s just a chessboard, not a precious item. This matter can be resolved on my behalf. I guarantee that the Ma family’s boy will willingly give it to you,” a hint of malice flashed in Wang Li’s eyes.
In front of Chen Xiyi, he had never exhibited the ruthless tactics he used in the court, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have them, as he also wished to leave a good impression on Chen Xiyi.
“In that case, I will trouble you. The path of an immortal is lonely; all my old friends are gone. Now that I’ve encountered the belongings of an old friend, it’s hard to avoid nostalgia,” Chen Xiyi did not refuse.
Chen Xiyi was not one to be picky; he naturally preferred whatever was convenient.
On the contrary, that young man seemed to have been spoiled, though he didn’t have any bad habits. His mind was always filled with poetry and romantic thoughts, which made him more of an idealist. If Chen Xiyi were to barter or try to get close to him, it would likely provoke a sense of rebellion in the young man.
If he were a normal person, seeing Wang Li, a powerful prince, making a request along with his father’s attitude, he would surely comply. This is not modern society but rather a feudal society of the past.
Moreover, getting close and going through the normal process would take a considerable amount of time; it would be better to let Wang Li handle it—both cost-effective and time-saving.
As for underhanded methods? Sorry, he was a player; he would choose the method with the greatest benefits and the lowest cost.
After thinking for a moment, Wang Li immediately spoke: “I understand.”
This matter was truly not a big issue; it was merely a matter of attitude.
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