Saving System: Calm Down, My Fleeing Host!

Chapter 371 - 363: Laying All Cards on the Table

"Nonsense, it’s all nonsense." The long-haired elder was furious.

The Great Elder narrowed his eyes dangerously, thinking earlier that this woman had some insight, but she turned out to be an overconfident fool.

He snorted coldly, "Miss Cheng, do you misunderstand yourself? With your conditions, it’s unlikely you’d find such a person in this lifetime. Even if one existed, they wouldn’t be a match for a mere mortal like you."

"There’s no need for the elders to worry about this little girl. If I can’t find someone suitable, not marrying at all is also an option."

This was her final goal, to make them back off.

So they were lying in wait for them here. Ever since the Great Elder began managing the clan’s affairs, the Sikong Family had never been so humiliated.

If it weren’t for the opponent’s identity as a variable, they would have been reduced to a puddle of blood and disappeared from the world by now.

With a cold expression, the Great Elder turned to Sikong Yinlong and sternly said, "Family Head, do you really want to marry such a shameless person? The Sikong Family cannot afford this disgrace."

Tsk tsk!

How was she shameless?

Clearly, it was they who were aggressive.

"Does Miss Cheng know what she’s saying?"

Cheng Xiaoxiao replied smoothly, "Since the Sikong Family Master finds it difficult, why not call off the marriage?"

Sikong Yinlong directly ignored Cheng Xiaoxiao’s response.

He continued, "With those words just now, no one can leave this great hall."

"I was merely stating the criteria for choosing a future husband. If there is any offense, please do not take it personally."

Cheng Xiaoxiao was not at all intimidated. Now that things had come to this, she was ready to run if needed.

The reason she hadn’t disappeared without a trace before was that she didn’t want to reveal her trump cards in front of these people.

After all, being masters of divination, who knew what methods or hidden cards they possessed?

Now that it had come to this, she couldn’t care much anymore.

"How fitting to take it personally. Miss Cheng indeed has a sharp tongue."

It seemed he had underestimated this little wildcat. What confidence did she have to speak so audaciously here? How did she intend to leave smoothly?

"You’re too kind, the Sikong Aristocratic Family’s century-old reputation precedes itself and surely wouldn’t stoop to nitpicking with a small figure like me."

"It seems Miss Cheng is not very familiar with me. I repay every slight and have no soft spot for women."

Sikong Yinlong did not believe that the unique karmic connection because of the variable justified her commanding the Sikong Family. Previously, it was just difficult to encounter such an interesting soul, watching the show was all it was, but now that the play involved him, it was another matter.

Cheng Xiaoxiao caught the underlying meaning in Sikong Yinlong’s words. Was he implying he was ready to get serious?

Since words were now out in the open, there was no need to put on an act with the Sikong Family. With a swift change in demeanor, she proclaimed, "Coincidentally, this City Lord also has a small mind. Sikong Family’s intentions are clear to us both, so there’s no need for doublespeak. It’s a fact that the Sikong Family Master saved this City Lord, for which I’m grateful, and thus I’m willing to offer the Sikong Family an opportunity to cooperate and achieve mutual benefit."

Only now did the elders correctly regard this young girl in front of them, noticing her resolute gaze, steady demeanor, and clear articulation, fully understanding their intentions, with a hint of a leader’s charisma and courage.

It was a stark contrast to her usual weaker appearance.

"Hehe, why should I achieve mutual benefit with you? What bargaining chip do you have to negotiate with the Sikong Family?"

Sikong Yinlong’s eyes flickered slightly; one must admit, this little wildcat was perceptive, quickly figuring out their intentions and plans.

"Because I am in-dis-pen-sable." Cheng Xiaoxiao firmly promised, one word at a time, her voice resounding like a rainbow.

"Hahaha! Sometimes being too arrogant isn’t necessarily a good thing."

Cheng Xiaoxiao assumed the other party would be enraged, and she was ready to escape at any moment but did not expect that after laughing, the tone would shift.

"However, I like it."

Seeing the Family Master’s somewhat manic demeanor, the elders were silent. The happier the Family Master laughed, the more manic he became in action.

Cheng Xiaoxiao looked at the somewhat deranged person, feeling anxious inside; the risk of bargaining with a tiger was really high, not knowing when she might be bitten back.

"I wonder how City Lord Cheng envisions cooperation for mutual benefit between us?"

Sikong Yinlong’s face suddenly turned calm, even the address changed, making it even more nerve-wracking to watch.

Since the other party handed the initiative over to her, regardless of his underlying intentions, as long as it did not affect the surface cooperation, it was manageable.

Cheng Xiaoxiao suppressed the unease in her heart, discarding the oppressive aura the other party exuded, steadying her nerves before speaking righteously, "Whether it’s the Sikong Family or my Phoenix City, surviving this natural disaster is a blessing from heaven. But this can only protect ourselves. If the Sikong Family were to brave the extreme cold and blizzard under the guise of saving the world, their reputation and status would reach new heights.

Of course, if they truly do this, most of the common people will buy into it, and some clans and wealthy merchants may also buy into it, but for the big players in power, it’s not necessarily good.

They may suspect the Sikong Family of having ambitions to return to the center of power, threatening many people’s interests.

If those in power become suspicious, the Sikong Family could become everyone’s enemy, with random accusations leading to potential eternal ruin, and the resources used to aid the populace wasted, possibly even inviting more covetous strongmen, leaving the Sikong Family with no peaceful days.

If you cooperate with me, it will be different. I am born of the common people, without the messy political power struggles. If I lead first and the Sikong Family backs me, accumulating enough reputation over time, the world will naturally recognize the contributions and efforts of the Sikong Family. People will be moved and praised by the Sikong Family’s dedication to the country and people, achieving both goals.

I can leverage the Sikong Family to escape poverty, become wealthy, while the Sikong Family gains fame, prestige, and power, ultimately dominating the continent won’t be a difficult task. Isn’t that a win-win?"

Clap, clap, clap!

Sikong Yinlong couldn’t help but applaud.

The little wildcat indeed lived up to her name; her cunning ideas were not inferior to those of men, far exceeding those old guys who only knew how to fuss.

"So there’s no need for marriage or anything; I haven’t obstructed the Sikong Family’s path."

"Miss Cheng’s suggestion is indeed excellent."

Hearing this, Cheng Xiaoxiao was overjoyed at first, but then her smile froze.

"Guards, Miss Cheng is still injured and not clear-headed, speaking nonsense. Take her away and let her sober up properly."

These days of care made her feel emboldened, it’s apparently time for a lesson.

And so, Cheng Xiaoxiao was locked away in a dark, damp dungeon.

She hadn’t even had time to figure out where she went wrong, only feeling that they were indeed perverted.

Tsk tsk, the dungeon was dark, cold, with temperatures between minus 30 and 40 degrees, vastly different from ground level.

No one brought food, was the intention to freeze her to death or starve her?

"Ah, Qiqi, do you think we should just help ourselves?"

Just leave like that? She was somewhat unwilling to do so.

The Sikong Family’s wealth was just too vast, yet she dared not completely offend the Sikong Family.