Chapter 229, The Marketplace is Like a Battlefield
A week later, Sang Zhe found himself extremely busy.
To facilitate communication between the Demon Cultivators and Floating Splendor Commerce, he decided to stay at Fusa Pavilion, running around daily for the cooperation of both parties.
During this time, Bai Ming went missing again, but the female author, Gongzi Shuiming, frequently accompanied Sang Zhe to manage affairs.
By day, she helped him with various errands, and in her spare time, she took Hua Jianglian sightseeing around Linzhou City.
Before they knew it, Hua Jianglian seemed to have grown quite close to Gongzi Shuiming, inseparable as if they were two peas in a pod.
By evening, Sang Zhe still had to spare time to fiddle with some author contest or another.
Thus, he worked all day and wrote novels at night, maintaining this intense workload for an entire week.
He couldn’t even take the time to call Little Ying and the others; he could only send a brief message to let them know he was okay.
Soon, under the active communication from both sides, the first batch of teams drawn from the main and subsidiary companies was finalized.
There were ten Nascent Soul cultivators, three Transformation Spirit cultivators, and a Harmonization Stage demon cult elder.
The team leader was Meng Qiyan.
At first, Sang Zhe was a little worried when he heard Meng Qiyan would be leading the team, so he specifically called her up to ask.
“Are you sure it’s safe? This time, we might be facing elite soldiers from the Holy Kingdom, their strength is not to be underestimated. Isn’t it too dangerous?”
“Are you worried about me, Sang Zhe ge?” Meng Qiyan’s voice was not tense at all; in fact, it was light and cheerful.
“Ahem… Well, being family, it’s only natural to care a bit…”
Looking at Sang Zhe’s flushed face, Meng Qiyan’s eyelashes fluttered, and a sweet smile began to bloom on her lips.
“If such dangerous tasks could make Sang Zhe ge worry about me every day… I’d love to fight with those Holy Kingdom folks every day!”
“…Please keep those dangerous thoughts to yourself.”
“Don’t worry.” Meng Qiyan smiled charmingly, “Even though I only have Transformation Spirit strength, do you know why I’m the team leader instead of that Harmonization Stage elder?”
Sang Zhe indeed had no idea.
After all, he hadn’t seen how Meng Qiyan fought in action.
All he knew was that since entering the Heavenly Punishment Department, Meng Qiyan had become its absolute powerhouse, being the champion in performance and a terrifying enchantress known to make everyone tremble.
She couldn’t be the kind of protagonist from a novel who can challenge higher levels, right?
“You guessed correctly, Sang Zhe ge.” Meng Qiyan’s smile grew even more alluring.
“In these past few years, I’ve already taken down more than three Harmonization Stage cultivators.”
Although she said this with a smile, looking at Meng Qiyan’s charming yet vibrant grin, Sang Zhe could still feel a hidden chill.
“Actually, I’m quite strong.”
Meng Qiyan playfully complained, “But usually, I only show my quiet and obedient side to Sang Zhe ge.”
Sang Zhe recalled her behavior in bed…
…Quiet and obedient could not be associated with her at all.
“Then, please be careful on your own.”
Sang Zhe reminded her again, “If you really encounter danger, please don’t act recklessly. We don’t need to go all out against the Holy Kingdom; they have no reason to relentlessly pursue us. We can just give them the goods!”
“If you really care about me, Sang Zhe ge, why not give me some energy before I leave~? It’s not a big request; just five times in one night—”
Hastily ending the communication device call, Sang Zhe awkwardly smiled.
Beside him, Gongzi Shuiming was still organizing his documents, chuckling softly.
“No worries, you don’t have to mind me.”
“Ahem, I—I was just joking…”
“Having love between husbands and wives is a good thing.”
Gongzi Shuiming gently tucked her hair behind her ear and said softly, “I can tell that you both have a great relationship.”
Sang Zhe always felt weird discussing such matters in front of others, and could only give a wry smile.
“Miss Shuiming, are you going out to have fun with the sect leader today?”
“Yes. Hua Mei wants to go boating on the lake to the west today.”
“Oh, then, please be careful.”
Gongzi Shuiming slyly glanced at Sang Zhe and mischievously said, “If Young Master Sang is worried, you could personally accompany Hua Mei. I can handle these simple tasks myself.”
“Forget it; you girls will have fun. It’d be awkward for me to tag along.”
Gongzi Shuiming smiled noncommittally.
…Is this Sang Zhe really so career-driven? Not even willing to make time to accompany his little heartthrob?
Sang Zhe secretly broke out in a cold sweat.
As expected, there were ulterior motives.
Who knew what kind of trouble would arise if she handled matters between the Demon Cultivators?
Sang Zhe felt he must oversee these affairs himself to feel secure.
“Speaking of which, tomorrow it officially begins.”
Before leaving, Gongzi Shuiming seemed to remember something and reminded him, “Many authors will rush to upload their already-prepared works on the first day of the contest. The platform has been advertising for a long time, so many people are paying attention.”
“I wonder how Young Master Sang’s work is coming along?”
Sang Zhe thought for a moment and said, “It’s about done, I guess.”
“I didn’t write a long piece; it’s more of a medium-length short story.”
But it was just a way to get by.
Regardless, Bai Ming had already sorted everything out on her end—he would be getting the top spot.
He only needed to ensure this dark scheme wasn’t too conspicuous so as not to attract unwanted attention.
“Oh, then I’m really looking forward to it.”
Gongzi Shuiming seemed very happy, clapping her hands and chirping, “I can’t wait to see Young Master Sang’s masterpiece!”
“Ahem… Don’t hold your expectations too high.” Sang Zhe rubbed his head, “The time is tight, so I just jotted a few things down. It definitely wouldn’t meet your professional author standards.”
“How could that be?”
Gongzi Shuiming gently turned her hands behind her back, her short hair framing a face that sparkled like stars.
With her head tilted slightly, she looked at Sang Zhe with an adorable gaze: “Young Master Sang will definitely do well.”
That light and gentle expression seemed to see him as an idol with admiration.
Sang Zhe was momentarily stunned, then coughed and turned his head away.
“Uh, I hope when I submit my work tomorrow, Miss Shuiming won’t laugh at me.”
“Of course not! I’ll cheer you on seriously, Young Master Sang.”
She lightly waved her small fist.
Sang Zhe stole a quick glance at her before quickly turning his gaze away.
He had to admit.
This Shuiming girl was genuinely nice.
Gentle and thoughtful, serene and kind. She was also pretty, which made her quite likable.
Under normal circumstances, Sang Zhe would think he’d enjoy being friends with such an articulate and sensible girl. Interacting with someone of high emotional intelligence always felt reassuring.
Unfortunately.
Sang Zhe knew she was sent by Bai Ming.
Even if she appeared gentle on the surface, he couldn’t shake off his guard.
Alas, the marketplace is like a battlefield. He couldn’t help but shake his head in exasperation.
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