Chapter 109

Chapter Eleven: Ningning’s Understanding and Confusion

　　The geographical division of Tianhai City isn’t overly complex, but the areas differ greatly. The eastern side features towering mountains formed by tectonic plate compression. In contrast, the western side borders the sea, where alluvial beaches offer pleasant scenery.

　　Yuan Xiaoling and Bai Ling, one fond of the beach’s beauty and seafood delicacies, the other drawn to swimwear fashion… Naturally, since the ocean is Water Dragon Lord’s domain, they chose the western district.

　　As they marched towards the beach area, the Yun Family representatives focused on the rugged eastern mountain ranges, characterized by steep peaks and rocky terrain.

　　Yun He led his group from an old house in the eastern district of the city.

　　This place was just outside the second ring road, close to the third ring, allowing them to swiftly raid Dongdong Road earlier. However, while over twenty went, only a few returned.

　　Now, the gray-cloaked figure who had fled disgracefully from Dongdong Road knelt before Yun He, not daring to move an inch.

　　”You shouldn’t kneel to me,” Yun He said as he removed his dusty hat and placed it on a nearby chair. “The Young Master gave you simple instructions before he arrived. Should such trivial matters require his personal intervention?”

　　The gray-cloaked figure trembled, while others around remained silent.

　　Everyone present knew whom Yun He referred to—the heir of the Yun Family, who would likely take charge in a few years. Despite being called the Young Master, he was already thirty and reputedly cunning.

　　”Mr. Yun He,” the gray-cloaked figure dared to say with bowed head, “Yuan Xiaoling used only one move, leaving our fallen brothers defenseless.”

　　”That’s impossible,” the intelligence officer woman interjected incredulously. “According to previous reports, she broke through to the fourth tier only days ago. How could she have mastered it so proficiently?”

　　Yun He glanced at her, silencing her with a look, and she quietly retreated.

　　After pondering for a moment, he asked the gray-cloaked figure, “What did she find out?”

　　”She… took away a journalist who reportedly covered events outside Four Squares Academy a year ago.”

　　He couldn’t elaborate further because that was all he knew.

　　Yun He didn’t continue to blame him. After a pause, he tapped the armrest of the chair with his fingers. “Since this is the case, we need to speed things up.”

　　They originally planned to spend several years carefully studying its nature, but now circumstances changed—time to get things moving.

　　…………

　　Yuan Xiaoling currently faced a minor dilemma.

　　In the afternoon, a regional occupant would come for negotiations. As the public face of their faction—and possibly the actual leader—Yuan Xiaoling naturally had to attend. Besides, she wanted to check things out herself.

　　If she were attending, she’d need appropriate attire. Not necessarily formal wear, but certainly better than what she currently sported—a strapless T-shirt, though not revealing too much, still accentuated her chest, causing the hem to ride up and expose a sliver of her white waist and stomach. Her outfit was completed with shorts and white sneakers, showcasing smooth, beautiful legs that ignited Bai Ling’s inner flames.

　　Those in the know recognized her as the Water Goddess avoiding heat; those unaware might think she was some blonde bombshell straight out of a slice-of-life anime.

　　Luo Zou Cheng and Wu Bian worried about her appearance, consulting Ah Lan and Ting Ting for their female perspectives.

　　Meanwhile, Yuan Xiaoling stood by the mirror, brushing her hair while humming a tune.

　　“Comb your hair like an adult, put on a stylish suit~”

　　Bai Ling happened to pass by, glanced over, and froze. “Why are you doing this hairstyle?”

　　A soft low ponytail draped elegantly over her delicate swan neck, resting obediently on her shoulders. It subdued the vibrant energy of a blonde bombshell, adding a touch of matronly grace instead.

　　“Didn’t you hear me singing? Comb your hair like an adult,” Yuan Xiaoling replied matter-of-factly. “This is how adults do it.”

　　From a conventional standpoint, the matronly hairstyle indeed represented adulthood.

　　Bai Ling frowned. “I see—you’re just indulging in cosplay as a matron again.”

　　Saying that, she moved to undo the new hairstyle.

　　Not being into otaku culture, Bai Ling still knew this style wasn’t auspicious. If she wanted to indulge in playing the role of a matron, she’d buy her clothes later.

　　Releasing the ponytail let loose a cascade of golden hair, shining brightly like sunshine on the beach.

　　”I think any style works fine,” Bai Ling said. “As long as it’s neat, it looks good.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling pouted slightly, thinking that Bai Ling probably preferred her natural without styling or even clothing.

　　Pervert!

　　At that moment, there was a knock on the door. Luo Zou Cheng and Wu Bian returned, followed by Ah Lan and Ting Ting.

　　”Xiaoling, after discussing, we feel you don’t need to wear formal attire,” Ah Lan said. “Your face is rather youthful-looking, so wearing a gown would make you seem awkward.”

　　Ting Ting added, “Formal business wear also wouldn’t suit you. Your figure is too perfect—mainly because… it’s too big. Wearing professional outfits would give off an inappropriate vibe.”

　　Though vague, the message clicked instantly with the anime-savvy Xiaoling—schoolgirl uniforms, huh?

　　”So after discussion, we decided on a school-style JK outfit: solid-colored shirt paired with a short skirt.”

　　”This will make you appear like a high schooler, adding a mysterious aura. In many stories, high schoolers are often portrayed as formidable, making people wary of underestimating you.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling thought it made sense and nodded. “Alright then, did you pick something out?”

　　”Yes, choose one.”

　　Ultimately, they selected a button-up white blouse with a small bow at the collar, reminiscent of Irena’s undershirt. For the skirt, they picked a casual brown pleated mini-skirt and black thigh-high stockings.

　　Once dressed, Yuan Xiaoling twirled around in front of Bai Ling.

　　”What do you think?”

　　Bai Ling twitched her mouth, unsure how to respond.

　　”Hmm, no issues then,” Yuan Xiaoling concluded confidently. “Let’s go with this.”

　　She believed if Bai Ling hadn’t lost control, the outfit must be decent and not lewd.

　　However, the naive blonde busty girl didn’t realize Bai Ling had only slightly reacted, which she could hide.

　　Past noon, nap time gradually ended as several luxury cars pulled up in front of the hotel. A few figures braved the scorching sun and entered.

　　”They’ve arrived,” Luo Zou Cheng knocked on the door. “Do you want to keep them waiting or let them come in to find you?”

　　”Let them wait,” Yuan Xiaoling said. “I’ll go once everyone’s here.”

　　The grand hotel had plenty of empty rooms, especially after dispersing personnel across various locations. Wu Bian, more familiar with the hotel, specially arranged a large room equipped with a long conference table, cleaned it thoroughly, and invited the guests to take their seats.

　　Only a few representatives were allowed inside, their powerful companions left outside.

　　The leading man appeared troubled. Ding Cheng, the most respected Spiritual Energy Manipulator on Linhai East Road, possessed mid-third-tier strength and acted as the group’s leader. His renown stemmed from his partnership with his wife, a low-third-tier manipulator, whose combined efforts amplified their power.

　　However, only he was permitted entry, while his wife waited in the reception hall.

　　”Boss Wu, in these discussions, my wife should also have a say. Could you…?”

　　”Forget it, just let her wait calmly. Don’t worry so much,” Wu Bian saw right through his thoughts. “Even if ten more of you came, it wouldn’t change anything.”

　　Ding Cheng grimaced but had no choice but to enter alone.

　　Fifteen minutes later, everyone was seated, quietly sipping tea and waiting. They’d finished discussing everything en route.

　　It boiled down to gossip about this faction—how their leader was a buxom young beauty, rumors abounding…

　　Then, the door opened, and a blonde JK-clad beauty in a white blouse and short skirt walked in, drawing everyone’s gaze and eliciting exclamations.

　　Beautiful blonde hair framed a youthful, innocent face, yet her petite frame carried an unexpected generosity, akin to bountiful fruit on a slender branch—exactly matching the rumors, not exaggerated at all.

　　Wu Bian introduced her simply:

　　”This is Miss Yuan.”

　　All attendees raised their teacups in respect, including Ding Cheng, who considered whether to stand up.

　　Standing to offer tea symbolized utmost respect but seemed somewhat submissive, potentially weakening negotiation leverage…

　　Fortunately, Yuan Xiaoling sat down immediately.

　　”Everyone, we all know why we’re here today, so I won’t waste words.”

　　Ningning wasn’t adept at such negotiations. Being young herself, she couldn’t match the seasoned veterans, so she opted for straightforwardness.

　　”Miss Yuan, though we’ve come,” Ding Cheng furrowed his brows, “you must give us a stance we can accept.”

　　Elected by the group, he had to advocate for their interests.

　　”Discuss specifics with Boss Luo. Right now, I just want to tell you one thing.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling snapped her fingers, and Ting Ting entered, activating the wall-mounted projector to play a video.

　　In a corner of the meeting room, Bai Ling sat quietly, hearing the snap and feeling a pang of envy.

　　Attempting to raise her hand, she tried snapping—pata, pata… but failed to produce a sound.

　　The screen displayed footage from Dongdong Road earlier that morning. The camera shook slightly, but the final still image clearly showed scattered corpses on the ground.

　　For a moment, discomfort rippled through the meeting room.

　　”Miss Yuan,” Ding Cheng’s complexion worsened, “what is this…?”

　　He assumed Yuan Xiaoling was threatening them, but the blonde JK casually explained:

　　”Today in the morning, I battled the visiting Yun family, confirming their ulterior motives. These deceased individuals include at least three late-third-tier manipulators.”

　　The room erupted in murmurs, Ding Cheng’s hairs standing on end. Knowing he was only mid-third-tier and already their leader made the revelation daunting.

　　”Tianhai City has caught the covetous eye of external families. If you believe holding onto your small territories can protect you, feel free to leave.”

　　With that, Yuan Xiaoling stood up, twirling her light skirt as she exited, leaving the room silent.

　　…Had she stayed longer, she wouldn’t have known what else to say.

　　Negotiations about conditions and promises weren’t her forte. All she could promise was future prosperity under her banner.

　　Better to leave it to the professionals.

　　Soon, Luo Zou Cheng and Ah Lan entered, joined by Wu Bian and Ting Ting inside, confident they’d soon reach a cooperative agreement.

　　Unfamiliar with such matters, Bai Ling emerged shortly after, fidgeting with her fingers absentmindedly.

　　”Bai Ling,” Yuan Xiaoling asked curiously, “what are you doing?”

　　”Nothing,” Bai Ling replied, hands dropping, expressionless. “Just trying something.”

　　How annoying, failing to snap was fine. Did snapping prowess impact finger abilities? She was strong regardless of lacking the skill, whereas Ningning?

　　No matter how loud her snaps, her fingers remained soft and weak, pawing like a kitten nursing.

　　The two girls returned to the dressing room and sat down.

　　”Hey, Bai Ling, from your seat earlier, how did I look?” Yuan Xiaoling inquired. “Cool or what?”

　　Bai Ling hesitated briefly. Truthfully, she hadn’t seen much since hearing the snap prompted her own attempts.

　　”Decent,” she responded. “Passable.”

　　Snapping definitely looked cool.

　　”Hehe, I knew it.” Yuan Xiaoling grinned.

　　Grinning for about half an hour, Wu Bian returned to report the negotiation results.

　　”A preliminary agreement has been reached. According to the terms, we’ll dispatch part of our forces to assist them in maintaining operations and protection. Moreover, Linhai East Road will fall under our jurisdiction, granting us varying percentages of profits, like manufacturing’s percentage…”

　　”Stop, hold on,” Yuan Xiaoling interrupted him. “Could you simplify that?”

　　Talking about industries and percentages—where did Ningning understand any of that?

　　Wu Bian paused, considering how to phrase it. “To put it simply, Miss Yuan, we’re rich.”

　　”Great!” Yuan Xiaoling clapped her hands. “Why didn’t you say that sooner!”

　　Thinking for a moment, she pulled out her phone and opened a map of Tianhai City. “Where are we going tomorrow? I want to personally step things up.”

　　Wu Bian glanced at Bai Ling before replying, “There are three routes, all achieving our objectives with negligible time differences. However, Ding Cheng provided intel suggesting the third route would be easier tomorrow.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling examined the map. The third route followed the edge of Linhai East Road, leading near the major intersection.

　　”How so?”

　　”The person occupying that area, Ding Cheng claims he knows. The individual is an old-school manipulator with similar strength to him.” Wu Bian explained. “Apparently, he briefly worked for the government a few years ago, lacks ambition, and leads a carefree life.”

　　”I see, pretty laid-back attitude…”

　　Yuan Xiaoling instinctively acknowledged, suddenly realizing something.

　　”Wait, when you say he briefly worked for the government, do you mean as a civil servant or… as a manipulator?”

　　Wu Bian reflected for a moment. “He was already a manipulator a few years ago, so it must be the latter.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling shot up quickly. “Where’s Ding Cheng? I need to ask him a few things.”