Chapter 376 - Director Yang (1/2)
”Oh, Ning Xin, is the Director occupied?”
As the middle-aged man guarded the door, a man with a thin mustache and full belly walked up to him and inquired with a cheerful tone. Ning Xin, the man who brought Nik, nodded and stated candidly, ”Director is having a chat with Sir Nik Faran.”
”The philanderer?” The fat alchemist blurted out as Ning Xin sighed profoundly, ”You wouldn't understand, Gao Gao. He is a human equivalent of Mint Herb Candy.”
Frowning, the man couldn't help but counter, ”You mean the green apple flavor, right? The Mint Herb flavor was discontinued due to its bitter taste.”
With a gaze befitting an enraged best, Ning Xin peered into Gao Gao and whispered, ”Run.”
***
The higher an Alchemist is ranked, the greater the scent of medicine around them. This is what Nik believed, alas, the lavender-headed woman with extraordinary beauty and even more generous bust broke the misconceptions within his mind. Yang Xin's brownish eyes swept over Nik. Despite her best efforts to look great and use her sexuality just to seduce Nik into the deal, one look in the mirror five minutes before the meeting allowed Yang Xin to observed her eyebags...
She did not like what she saw.
Sitting across Nik, Yang Xin regained her bearings and took out a thick stack of parchments and nodded towards Nik, ”I am honored that you decided to take this mission.”
Her words were laced with a particular slur. Her words instantly pointed out that Nik being here equaled to him taking the task. This impatience made Nik sigh deeply. He wasn't here as an individual. He wished this deal to open a future for his students, so even if his heart blazed in lust by seeing Yan Xin's voluptuous curves, he still opened up with an impassionate gaze, ”Director Yang Xin, right? We either do— this— the right way, or you call me to play along with your shenanigans later over a vat of wine.”
He spoke with a casual tone, and even if Yang Xin was sure that Nik observed her body with unconcealed hedonism, his current expression made Yang Xin reckon that maybe her previous assessment of Nik was simply biased on her general world view of men.
Understanding Nik's words and determined to take care of her eye bags, Yang Xin placed the stack of parchments noted with minute details aside. ”The Alchemist Association has a team of Spirit Masters under its payroll to harvest herbs around the city. Recently, a mysterious fog has taken over a small portion of the eastern forest filled with Pure Lotuses. The mist does not have any adverse effect on nature or the spiritual masters. However, the moment any spirit master comes into contact with the fog, they would lose their access to their spiritual powers.”
”What is the rank of Spirit Masters that usually visit the region?”
Nik inquired as Yang Xin exhaled softly.
”We do not have Spirit Masters greater than the Rank of Spirit Ancestors.”
”Four rings, huh. So? You want me to enter the region and collect the herbs?”
”Exactly.”
Nik drummed his index against the table and then inquired, ”What's the pay?”
”Three bottles of Spirit Accumulation Pills. Each bottle will contain ten pills.”
Yang Xin explained as Nik nodded thoughtfully. These pills were nothing less than typical steroids that would enhance the cultivation of the Spirit Masters. Of course, no matter how hight the price of a drug is in the market, it was harmful in the end. Of course, there existed similar products forming within the nature that did not have any adverse effects.
”Sorry, that sounds way too dangerous.”
Nik understood why he would be perfect for the situation. He didn't necessarily depend on his spiritual energy, and his combat prowess was already known to the entirety of Glory City. And with the type of beasts present within that part of the forest and the previous ventures, Nik was the safest bet.
But bet he still was.
”According to the Expedition Captain, even a team of three Spirit Elders {Three Rings} could easily collect the necessary herbs.”
Nik shook his head, ”Impossible. At least, for me. Sweeten the pot, and I'll only consider then.”
Nik stated his intentions clearly as Yang Xin frowned, and with a bit of hesitation, she pulled open her drawer and inquired, ”Mint Herb Candy?”
Nik's lips twitched. Either Yang Xin was an uncanny actress, or she genuinely believed that the Mint Herb Candy would do the trick. Either way, Nik shook his head.
”I'll be willing to take your task only as a teacher of the Holy Orchid Institute if you can conduct a recruitment drive within the Institute and select young talents early and start nurturing them.”
Yang Xin frowned and inquired, ”You don't want alchemical products?”
Nik shook his head and stated once again, ”Like I said, I am here on behalf of Holy Orchid Institute. And, the benefit should belong to the students studying under the Institute. Particularly, the Apprentice Classes and below. Since they are most likely to demonstrate unhindered talents.”
”So, you will take our task, and let the students hog all the benefits? Is that it?”
Yang Xin felt drowsy. She spent the entire night devising more recipes, so she thought that she didn't hear Nik correctly.
Nik nodded and spoke naturally, ”Of course, I will take an active role in preparing the recruitment drive for the kids and hold the method of recruitment. Still, the staff appointed by the Alchemist Association will have a minor decision-making role, too.”
Realizing that Nik meant what she did hear, Yang Xin perked up and silently looked at Nik.
”What if I just give you the right to select the students yourself?” She inquired, as Nik smiled and shook his head.
”Strength, I have plenty. But expertise in alchemy, none. Anyway, if the Alchemist Association agrees, only then will I accept this task.”
”Then, the task will be upgraded into a long-term plan,” Yang Xin stated before thinking, ”How about you meet me at the Saint Judge Hall tomorrow? The same time as today?”
Nik shook his head.
”No, before agreeing on anything, I'll have to hear your side of the task, and I usually have a lecture at this time.”
Yang Xin frowned, ”The last time I heard, the classes are finished by this time.”
Nik smiled, ”I am learning the Art of Inscription from Xiu Yin of the Snow Wind Family. So, I am usually busy during this hour of the day.”
Yang Xin tilted her head sideways as Nik stood up and took his leave.
”A teacher learning more and letting all the credit benefit his students... I should chat with Yin'er. She'll answer anything with enough jellies...”