Chapter 244 (1/2)

Chapter 244: Controlled Before the Cooperation Even Started

Xiao Feiyu had no idea that his and Qin Mu’s little maneuvers were clearly observed by Su Lin and Li Ziyu. He stepped out of the elevator, about to ask a waiter for Qin Mu and Qin Desen’s location when he saw Qin Mu half emerge from a seat by the window.

The private rooms here weren’t fully enclosed, designed instead to provide a semi-private space for conversations without interruptions, divided into smaller sections by partitions.

Xiao Feiyu steadied his mind and then walked over. He was somewhat surprised when he saw Qin Desen; he had met Qin Deshu before, whose temples were graying, showing his age since he was over sixty and had not practiced martial arts, so it was normal for him to appear old.

However, Qin Desen, only two years younger than Qin Deshu, had jet-black hair, bright eyes, and a ruddy complexion, making him look not in his sixties but more like a man in his forties.

Qin Desen did not seem displeased by Xiao Feiyu’s scrutiny. Having restrained himself for many years, he was adept at controlling his emotions. He took a sip of his tea and said lightly, “Young master Xiao, are you surprised to see me looking so young?”

Xiao Feiyu nodded, “I didn’t expect Second Master Qin to look so youthful.”

“Heh, perhaps I have a way of preserving my youth,” Qin Desen replied.

Xiao Feiyu gave Qin Desen another look, suspecting that he might be practicing some ancient martial art, as his vitality didn’t seem merely the result of good care. However, these were concerns for Qin Deshu to worry about.

Xiao Feiyu also took a sip of tea, then played with the small teacup, saying, “Second Master Qin didn’t invite me here just to have tea, did he?”

Qin Desen nodded, “Of course not.”

“I heard recently that you have been dealing with Su Lin?” Qin Desen inquired.

Xiao Feiyu nodded, “Indeed, Su Lin and I have some grievances.”

“Are you aware of how many forces Su Lin is currently involved with? Although you are the top young master of Modu, this is Donghai. A dragon crossing the river does not necessarily overcome the local snakes,” Qin Desen stated lightly.

Xiao Feiyu nodded but said nothing. He couldn’t appear too eager at this moment because Qin Mu approaching him indicated that Qin Desen was getting impatient. This allowed Xiao Feiyu a small leverage to negotiate more terms.

If he proceeded to discuss cooperation following Qin Desen’s lead, it would reveal his eagerness, allowing Qin Desen instead to manipulate him. Negotiation rhythms are like this, without clear rules, but once you fall into the opponent’s rhythm, you’re led by the nose.

Seeing Xiao Feiyu not taking the bait, Qin Desen’s expression turned a bit grim. These heirs of great families were indeed not easy to manipulate. He glanced at Qin Mu, who quickly chimed in, “Young master Xiao, many hands make light work.”

Xiao Feiyu was caught off guard; he hadn’t continued the conversation, yet Qin Mu just blurted it out. Now he had to state his position, cursing internally at their shamelessness.

He smiled and said, “You are right, many hands make light work. Second Master Qin, since you’ve invited me here, you must have some thoughts. I’m all ears.”

Although Qin Desen hadn’t fully controlled the tempo of the conversation, he wasn’t disappointed. Xiao Feiyu was genuinely the top young master of Modu; if he could be easily manipulated, then the cooperation wouldn’t be worth it.

Qin Desen began, “Actually, I don’t have any specific thoughts, just that we should share what we have and act in unison.”

“I agree with sharing and acting in unison, but does Second Master Qin understand Su Lin’s strength?”

Qin Desen nodded, “Peak Grandmaster. However, I believe that, despite his strength, Young master Xiao should have methods to handle him.”

“You’ve been patient for so many years, your resources can’t all be useless,” Xiao Feiyu remarked.