novelraw Chapter 336: Forced relationships are never sweet
Chapter 336: Forced relationships are never sweet
Long Shouzhuo waved his hand magnanimously and said warmly, "Ah, sir, you are mistaken.
My mentioning this matter now is absolutely not to coerce you.
Regarding this quota, I have the authority to grant you one, even if you are unwilling to join the Dragon Rise Society. That is perfectly acceptable.
A melon won't be sweet if it's twisted off the vine. I understand this principle well.
If your heart is not here, forcing you to join the society would be of no benefit to either of us. However..."
Su Zhan immediately cupped his fists, his expression solemn. "Please speak freely, President Long. It is only reasonable that there are conditions. If there were none, it would instead make this junior feel uneasy.
There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Since you, President, are willing to offer me this convenience, I, this junior, am naturally willing to pay the corresponding price."
To have something sought, and something given—only then can a relationship endure.
The more the other party appeared to want nothing, the greater the pressure he felt.
Now that Long Shouzhuo had clearly stated his conditions, Su Zhan's mind felt much more at ease.Seeing he was so perceptive, the approval in Long Shouzhuo's eyes grew stronger. He stopped beating around the bush and spoke directly, "There is indeed one matter I entrust to you. Within Black City, there are several organizations that have never been on good terms with the Dragon Rise Society, and friction is constant.
If you encounter their people on the competition stage during this Grand Competition...
Feel free to act without restraint, no need for any scruples.
If you can... even better, take the opportunity to kill them.
The rules of the Grand Competition permit life-or-death combat. As long as the opponent has not verbally surrendered, or the referee has not declared the match concluded, the fight can continue."
Su Zhan agreed, "That is not difficult. I, your junior, have noted it. If I truly encounter them, I will naturally do my best."
This condition was indeed nothing much for him.
Acting within the permitted rules while also repaying the other party's favor was killing two birds with one stone.
He already intended to strive for victory in the Grand Competition. Taking care of a few opponents along the way, especially those at odds with the Dragon Rise Society, was merely a matter of seizing the opportunity.
For him, this was far more advantageous than joining the Dragon Rise Society.
Joining the society would bring convenience, but naturally also responsibility.
Su Zhan disliked trouble.
Striking at the forces of the other party's enemies could be accomplished quickly. Compared to that long-term responsibility, this was much more cost-effective.
The two of them chatted for a while longer about some details of the Grand Competition and the general state of affairs in Black City.
The atmosphere was quite harmonious.
As if remembering something, Long Shouzhuo asked with concern, "You have just arrived in Black City, so I presume you don't yet have a fixed place to stay?
If you don't mind, why not stay at our Dragon Rise Society for these few days.
Although it may not compare to the luxury outside, it is quiet and safe. As for all food, drink, and daily necessities, you need only instruct the servants to prepare them."
Su Zhan indeed needed a stable environment to rest and recuperate for a bit, so he stopped declining and accepted frankly. "Since you, President, are so hospitable, then this junior will respectfully comply. In that case, I will be imposing."
"What imposition? Your willingness to stay is giving this old man face."
Long Shouzhuo waved his hand with a smile, then asked as if casually, "By the way, I haven't yet asked for your specific age? That will help determine which age bracket you'll compete in."
"Under twenty-five."
Su Zhan replied.
Astonishment flashed in Long Shouzhuo's eyes. He clapped his hands in admiration. "Under twenty-five? Extraordinary, truly extraordinary! To have reached the Special-risk level at such a young age—such talent is truly the first I've seen in my life!
In my view, barring any accidents, the position of champion in the under-twenty-five age bracket is undoubtedly yours.
Truly, heroes emerge from among the young, making us old folks envious."
A Special-risk level individual under twenty-five was earth-shattering no matter where you placed him.
Su Zhan humbly shook his head, his tone calm. "President Long, you flatter me too much.
I, your junior, have merely been fortunate enough to glimpse the threshold. My realm is not yet stable, and my foundation is shallow. How dare I compare myself to a senior like you, President, with such a profound foundation? The road ahead is long, and I still need to diligently cultivate."
His modest and proper response.
Made Long Shouzhuo's internal evaluation of him rise several notches further.
Not arrogant, not impatient, with a steady temperament—this young man was definitely not someone destined to remain in a small pond.
"You are far too modest, sir."
Long Shouzhuo chuckled, then turned and called out towards the door, "Attendant."
A servant responded and entered, bowing his head respectfully.
"Take this honored guest to the Listening Bamboo Pavilion to rest. Fulfill any and all of his needs without fail. There must be not the slightest neglect."
Long Shouzhuo instructed.
"Yes, President."
The servant respectfully accepted the order, then turned to Su Zhan, bowing. "Sir, please follow me."
Su Zhan stood up and cupped his fists towards Long Shouzhuo once more. "Thank you, President Long, for your hospitality. I, your junior, will take my leave for now."
"Please feel free, sir. If you have any needs at all, have someone inform me at any time."
Long Shouzhuo smiled and returned the courtesy.
After Su Zhan left following the servant.
Long Shouzhuo sat alone before the tea ceremony set, slowly rubbing the prayer beads in his hand. His gaze was complex as he muttered to himself, "Special-risk at twenty-five... The waters of Black City are probably going to be stirred up again... Perhaps, for my Dragon Rise Society, this is also an opportunity?"
...
Su Zhan followed the extremely respectful attendant, winding through the quieter inner corridors of the Dragon Rise Society's Main Hall.
The modest and amiable expression on Su Zhan's face gradually faded, returning to his usual calm.
*Whew... Dealing with such an old fox, having to speak in circles, all formal and polite, is truly exhausting.*
He grumbled inwardly.
Compared to this kind of conversation requiring constant attention to wording, he was more accustomed to a direct, straightforward communication style.
But being in Black City and facing a figure like Long Shouzhuo, the necessary formalities were indispensable.
His responses just now, though not his preference, had been watertight.
The attendant led him to the front of an independent small courtyard named the Listening Bamboo Pavilion.
The courtyard environment was serene and secluded, a world apart from the noisy chaos of Black City outside.
Sure enough, several clusters of slender bamboo grew beside the courtyard wall, rustling softly in the wind.
Pushing open the courtyard gate, inside was a guest room furnished with elegant taste.
The tables, chairs, and bed were all crafted from fine wood.
Writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were also provided. The air carried a faint scent of sandalwood.
"Sir, this is the Listening Bamboo Pavilion. Does it meet your satisfaction? If you have any needs at all—such as food, hot water, or anything else—you need only pull the bell cord inside the room. I will come immediately to receive your instructions."
The attendant stood with hands clasped by the door, his tone exceedingly respectful.
He understood that a guest whom the President treated with such seriousness was definitely no ordinary person.
Su Zhan swept a glance over the room and nodded. "Very good. Thank you for your trouble."
"I dare not accept such thanks. It is my good fortune to serve you, sir."
The attendant hastily bowed. "Then... I will not disturb your rest any further, sir. I take my leave."
Only after the attendant gently closed the courtyard gate and left.
Did Su Zhan truly relax.
He walked to the window, looked at the swaying bamboo shadows outside, and felt this rare tranquility.
Long Shouzhuo... Well-informed, shrewd and calculating.
His show of goodwill, besides valuing Su Zhan's strength, was to borrow Su Zhan's hand to strike at his opponents during the Grand Competition.
However, it was a matter of each taking what they needed.
This temporary convenience was not free.
But regardless, with the guaranteed quota from the Dragon Rise Society and a safe place to stay, he had finally gained a preliminary foothold in Black City.
Next, it was time to recuperate and build up energy, preparing for the Black City Grand Competition five days later—the event that would determine whether he could meet the City Lord.