290 An Unexpected Visitor (2/2)

Tang Hanpei was the most celebrated card artisan at the time; he was thought to be number-one in the federation by quite a few people. How could they not be stunned for such a storied person to unexpectedly pay a visit?

While Jiao Si's power might not have been far from Tang Hanpei's, the two were quite far apart where fame was concerned. But Tang Hanpei was simply paying a visit, and he had stipulated that the one he wanted to see was Chen Mu and not Jiao Si.

By the time Chen Mu came out of the training room, Tang Hanpei was already drinking tea with Jiao Si. That was Chen Mu's first time seeing him. No one would feel ill intent toward such a person as Tang Hanpei. He was very tall, at about 1.8 meters, and rose elegantly above the dust of the world in his gray cloak. His gaze was as mild as a breeze, and the slight smile on his face gave out a feeling of lightness, as though nothing in the world was worth worrying about. No matter where such a person was, no one could ignore his existence.

When he saw Chen Mu, his mild gaze flashed something strange, but it was just a flash. He then naturally stood and smiled to say, ”Seeing Mr. Cao makes us all feel helplessly jealous.”

Jiao Si laughed hard. ”The first time I saw Mr. Cao, I felt the same way! Us old guys have gotten really old. I'm worse off than you are, having been red in the eyes with jealousy for quite a few days already.”

”How are you, Mr. Jiao?” Chen Mu did know the basics of etiquette, and he immediately nodded to Jiao Si, though their relationship hadn't required such courtesy. Jiao Si was obviously pleased to be so familiarly recognized by Chen Mu.

Seeing that Chen Mu had arrived, Bogner and Xi Ping naturally stood behind him. That move caused Tang Hanpei's gaze to linger for a moment.

”I've been quite busy with trivia these days and only found out today from Wang Ze that there was someone so outstanding as Mr. Cao around here. It just so happens Jiao Si and I have known one another for a long time, so please forgive that I just took the liberty to come ahead and disturb you.” Tang Hanpei's ingratiating posture immediately earned good feelings from those sitting around.

”Mr. Tang is too polite. For us to be able to have such a person as yourself pay a visit is an honor.” Chen Mu responded with the same courtesy.

Everyone then started chatting happily. Tang Hanpei was doubtlessly a charming person. He had a friendly, easy-going nature and was broadly knowledgeable. After chatting for fully half an hour, the topic of conversation turned to Pomelo. By that time, everyone knew the main play was about to begin.

Sure enough, before long, Tang Hanpei smiled and said, ”Hanpei has come with something in mind this time.”

Everyone's attention became immediately focused, and even Jiao Si's expression turned serious. He had vaguely surmised why Tang Hanpei had come.

”I wonder what Mr. Tang has in mind?” Chen Mu demonstrated his consistent calm.

”I would like to get Mr. Cao's assistance.” Tang Hanpei put down his teacup and spoke, all smiles.

”What sort of assistance?” Chen Mu's expression didn't change.

”I believe with Mr. Cao's assistance, the difficulty of taking the Central Repository of the Classics encampment would be reduced quite a bit. Hanpei understands what he is asking would cause a lot of trouble. However, the situation has become compelling, so I ventured to come. Of course, Hanpei would never waste Mr. Cao's time. If Mr. Cao requires anything, just mention it, and I believe Hanpei could take care of it, no matter what it is.” Tang Hanpei's manner was calm. He was understated, as though it were some small thing that might be spoken of over tea.

Behind Chen Mu, Bogner and Xi Ping looked at one another, each seeing the shock in the other's eyes. Although they had already surmised something, when it came straight from Tang Hanpei's own mouth, their shock was extreme.

Chen Mu remained incomparably calm, having been influenced a lot less by Tang Hanpei's fame. If it hadn't been for the matter of the Central Island Firm during that time, he wouldn't even have known who Tang Hanpei was.

He really wanted to bring up the gold-mottled liquid-soft fungus, but he knew that wasn't something he could talk about with him! In front of such a sensitive person as Tang Hanpei, to show the slightest flaw would lead to a tragic ending.

If Tang Hanpei were to find out he was the assassin who'd killed Zu Ning and that the Cross-Section of Styles was still in his hands, then the road to death would be waiting for him. Chen Mu also knew if he were to agree, however, Tang Hanpei could pay them a satisfactory price. Whether it was money, precious materials, or something else, none of that would be an issue for the Federation Comprehensive Academy.

Should he agree or not?