Chapter 356 - No Fare - 1

Jiang Wang’s silence somewhat surprised Cheng Shi Yi.In her view, such a young hero as Jiang Wang, who had just been ennobled, should not be willing to deliberately conceal his edge, no matter how much respect he had for Zhongxuan Sheng.

For the vice president of the Jubao Business Association to strike up a conversation with him, no matter what he might think, it was inappropriate to ignore her.

This behavior was more akin to that of a simple guard or servant.

It actually demonstrated an attitude that would not change.

She quickly shifted her thoughts and showed no sign of embarrassment on her face.

She only smiled and turned her eyes to Zhongxuan Sheng again, “The president is busy with myriad affairs, especially as the association is expanding into Yang Region, and cannot spare a moment.

I, as the vice president, am fortunately free, otherwise, I could not afford to neglect the young master.”

This woman’s heart must be as small as the tip of a needle.

With both Zhongxuan Sheng and Jiang Wang’s attitudes not being great, she was also unwilling to say anything pleasant.

Beneath her words was a clear message — “you are not worthy.”

The president of the Jubao Business Association, surnamed Su and named She, was indeed a first-class figure in Linyi City.

In the past, to meet this person, Zhongxuan Sheng would have to be brought by Zhongxuan Chuliang.

Although now he had some credit for strategizing over the Yang Region and achievements like killing generals and breaking armies…

it might not be enough!

The phrase “expanding into Yang Region” was a particularly painful jab.

How did the Jubao Business Association win over the Business Alliance in the Yang Region?

It was all thanks to Zhongxuan Sheng!

Yet they turned their backs on him in a heartbeat and started making eyes at Zhongxuan Zun.

Zhongxuan Sheng narrowed his eyes into a smile, “I wish to see President Su because there are some things, that perhaps only he would understand!”

“Zhong Xuan young master must be joking,” Cheng Shi Yi said with a coquettish laugh.

“Don’t I also have a pair of ears?”

Since Su She had not shown up, the purpose of this visit was halved.

Of course, Zhongxuan Sheng would not childishly just storm off, so he asked, “Can you represent President Su She?”

Cheng Shi Yi still smiled, naturally at ease, “Although I have the word ‘vice’ in my title, I am nonetheless the president.”

Zhongxuan Sheng nodded and turned to ask Jiang Wang, “Brother, through which gate did we enter Linzi this time?”

Jiang Wang spoke loudly, “I only saw the character ‘Trust’!”

Cheng Shi Yi’s smile remained unchanged, “The Trust gate is indeed close!”

The Trust gate was indeed not far from the Jubao Business Association.

Zhongxuan Sheng sarcastically accused her of breaking faith and betraying the agreement, while she mocked Zhongxuan Sheng in return for being impatient, refusing to give in even slightly.

“It’s said in business there should be a sense of first come first served.”

Zhongxuan Sheng replied coldly, “Then why did you welcome Zhongxuan Zun through your door before my front foot had even left?

Isn’t that gate a bit too wide open?”

Cheng Shi Yi took her tea and gently flicked the lid, “Young master is also aware, the Jubao Business Association is in the business of, well, business.

In business, there’s no sense in turning away guests, is there?”

“Just so President Cheng knows,” Zhongxuan Sheng said, seemingly oblivious to the hint to leave, “the Business Alliance had such a profound foundation and was so massive, yet because they lost their credibility, they ended up being despised by everyone in the Yang Region!”

“Doing business requires generating wealth in harmony, and I’m not in the position to comment on the quality of our competition!

However, a lesson from the recent past is indeed a warning worth heeding.

But then again…”

At this point, Cheng Shi Yi actually yawned, showing no attempt to hide his rudeness: “Talking about breaking trust, where is that appropriate?

We’re not doing business with some other family.

Aren’t you and Zhongxuan Zun from the same family?”

Such words were infuriating.

Even Jiang Wang, who was standing to the side, was angered.

Zhongxuan Sheng burst out laughing: “Brilliant!

Only today did I learn what ‘business is business’ truly means!”

The Deputy Head of the Jubao Business Association responded languidly, “Young master flatters me.”

Zhongxuan Sheng stood up, his smile suddenly vanished, and he pointed at Cheng Shi Yi, “Let me remind you that the Jubao Business Association will be ruined by shortsighted women like you!”

“I pay respect to the Zhong Xuan Family by calling you a young master!” Cheng Shi Yi remained seated, but his eyes turned cold: “Although I am but a commoner without power or influence, I must still advise you…

watch your words!”

The atmosphere became rigid, leaving no room for softening.

Or perhaps, this was exactly the outcome Cheng Shi Yi wanted.

Even though the Zhong Xuan Family was powerful, the Jubao Business Association was not weak either.

Moreover, with Zhongxuan Zun in place, Zhongxuan Sheng couldn’t represent the Zhong Xuan Family on his own.

Choosing Zhongxuan Zun over Zhongxuan Sheng was one of the reasons behind this decision.

Zhongxuan Sheng relied on his family’s strength, and with his uncle Zhongxuan Chuliang, he led the annihilation of Yang Country.

After the war, the family naturally had the right to enjoy the fruits of victory.

After the war, in the distribution of spoils and exchange of benefits, Zhongxuan Sheng had no reason nor the power to refuse anything that was in the family’s interest.

His core interest, in fact, lay in Sunshine County because the other two counties had already been allocated.

Before the war, the business of the Zhong Xuan Family in the Yang Region was already given to Zhongxuan Sheng.

At that time, though, that piece of the pie was too small to be enviable.

Now, after the war overturned Yang Country, as the war’s lead orchestrator, the business of the Zhong Xuan Family in the Yang Region had the potential to expand to the limit—this was why Zhongxuan Zun targeted the Jubao Business Association in his second move.

He wanted to use the association, which funded the Qi Army, as a lever to pry into Zhongxuan Sheng’s core interest.

This did not involve internal power struggles within the Zhong Xuan Family and thus happened naturally, as it was a mere competition between him and Zhongxuan Sheng.

This was the reason why Zhongxuan Sheng was so anxious that he wanted to rush back to Linyi City to deal with the situation.

It was a fire burning in his backyard that he could not ignore.

This was far more serious than losing the position of Administrator of Sunshine County.

Currently on the territory of the Jubao Business Association, causing a big scene would only disadvantage them.

However, showing weakness was also absolutely unviable—especially at such a time, Zhongxuan Sheng could not afford to show any weakness.

Thinking of all this, Jiang Wang stood up tall, placed a hand on Zhongxuan Sheng’s shoulder, and addressed Cheng Shi Yi, “Today’s visit to the ‘Treasure Basin’ has truly been eye-opening, indeed beyond fame and expectation!”

“I am deeply moved by the profound kindness of your house!

Within two years, if I break into God’s Inner Mansion, I shall certainly return to your door to fulfill today’s obligations!”

This was a clear threat.

It also drew the line far, ensuring the conflict wouldn’t explode immediately.

The fact that a Deputy Head of the Jubao Business Association personally came to receive them showed that, though they inclined towards Zhongxuan Zun, they did not wish to completely fall out with Zhongxuan Sheng.

After all, from the Heavenly Abode Secret Land to the destruction of Yang Country, Zhongxuan Sheng had proven his potential and ability step by step.

Only this Cheng Shi Yi, who knows how many favors she received from Zhongxuan Zun, wouldn’t budge an inch.

Of course, her stance wasn’t important as the overall situation was already thus.

“I know the hero of Green sheep town has won the Heavenly Abode Secret Land, but if you want to stir up trouble at the Jubao Business Association, I’m afraid God’s Inner Mansion is still insufficient.” Cheng Shi Yi looked at Jiang Wang with a smile: “Seeing your breadth of spirit, I’ll give you an extra ten years.

Perhaps you’ll be able to establish the Holy Tower by then.

How about that for a next visit?”

This woman truly had a sharp tongue, not an easy opponent to gain the upper hand against.

Zhongxuan Sheng might not necessarily lose to her in verbal sparring, but it wasn’t his place to engage in such squabbles.

Fortunately, Jiang Wang wasn’t after a victory in this verbal skirmish, and upon hearing her words, he simply replied, “Then please await my arrival, since the Inner Mansion is sufficient!”

With that, he pulled Zhongxuan Sheng away.

Zhongxuan Sheng also gave her a cold look and then departed with Jiang Wang.

Behind them, Cheng Shi Yi only said, “No need to see you out!”