Chapter 2624: Chapter 2619: Manuals and Principles

It indeed arrived quickly.

Yuan Shan hadn’t even finished her first cup of new tea when there was a knock at the door.

Honestly, although it’s a street-front shop, the bookstore rarely encounters such treatment.

After all, when it’s not open for business, even if you can see the owner inside, few have the courage to disturb such a presence.

Even the invited Mr. Chen Pingxian could somewhat feel similar emotions.

It was clear he hesitated for a moment, but finally chose to knock politely three times.

"Welcome."

Fortunately, the proprietor displayed a merchant’s geniality, immediately making an invitation.

"Sorry to disturb you."

As the head of the family, Chen Pingxian quickly braved the pressure, carefully entering and walking up to the counter.

"Please sit, I should be the one apologizing for making you come all this way."

Fu Qian’s geniality continued, signaling with a smile for him to take a seat and chat, not forgetting to pour another cup of tea.

Since when has this guy been so polite?

Yuan Shan was momentarily stunned, especially comparing this with her own past experiences.

The invitation to sit wasn’t just polite; there actually was a chair for guests.

It had been specially brought down from upstairs before anyone arrived.

Thinking back to the past, when this scoundrel and Su Gao would each take a seat to read books, forcing her to talk while standing, made her sigh at the world’s unfairness.

But regardless, she had the magnanimity to see this as a positive gesture, at least it didn’t look like a plot to disturb the town.

Yuan Shan remembered a suggestion he once made, to fool Ariel, he would pretend and actually eliminate the new head of the Chen Family.

From this perspective, Chen Pingxian’s cautious attitude seemed reasonable.

Many people don’t actually know the dangers they’ve faced at certain moments in life.

"Like I mentioned during our last meeting, I’m very interested in the Chen Family’s ancestral cultivation method."

Of course, not a trace of deception could be seen on the Poison Master’s face now, even his words were solemn, directly approaching the main topic.

"Because I’ve been quite busy lately, I had to ask Chief Yuan to invite you here."

...

Clearly, it was a treatment Chen Pingxian hadn’t expected.

The higher one’s position, the more they can sense the disparity.

To banter with someone who can easily chat with the Chief of the Capital Night Watchman, it’s already beyond what industrial power or influence can describe.

Thus, overhearing topics related to his family at banquets, it’s easy to imagine the complexity of his emotions.

Fortunately, a bold initiative later seemed to steer the situation toward a positive direction.

But having it turn out this well still felt somewhat surreal.

"Mr. Fang, you are too kind, it’s our honor. Just worried about disturbing you, I strictly ordered those young ones to stay home, not to follow along."

No matter how complex the emotions, the formalities had to be met, and Chen Pingxian seriously expressed his being flattered, also explaining why he came alone.

"Young people, it’s understandable especially when haste makes waste."

Fu Qian was empathetic towards their eagerness, gesturing that it was human nature.

"...Actually, I came this time with some summarized cultivation insights our family has gathered over the years."

The atmosphere gradually became harmonious, almost bringing an afternoon tea chat feel.

Yet amid the surprising harmony, Chen Pingxian could hardly bear it first.

Not only did he proactively mention the key points, he even pulled out a notebook from his person mid-sentence.

It wasn’t particularly thick, but its antiquity was clear, truly befitting of ancestral insights.

Even Fu Qian’s gaze was naturally drawn to it.

...

Indeed, a family of cultivation, an ancestral manual, it was almost too cinematic.

In that moment, Fu Qian couldn’t help but sigh internally, seemingly feeling the weight of the word "martial arts."

If it were not a notebook but a folded kasaya, would it be more classic?

"What does Mr. Chen mean by this?"

Nonetheless, daydreams aside, Fu Qian’s expression turned stern, squinting as he questioned.

"...These are just some summarized experiences. If Mr. Fang is interested, it would be the Chen Family’s honor."

There’s a saying about commanding respect without anger, the abrupt change in attitude made even Chen Pingxian’s breath thin.

Despite this, he still stiffened up to explain, continuing to present the notebook with both hands.

"I remember being very clear that I had no intention of prying into your family’s secret skills. Do you think I wasn’t sincere at the time?"

But Fu Qian wasn’t one to let things slide, nearly smirking without a second glance.

"How could I? Please believe there is no such intention... I’ll put it away now."

Seemingly finally sensing the resolve there, Chen Pingxian dared not remain polite, hurriedly and reverently taking the notebook back.

"It seems I misunderstood. I’ve benefited greatly from today’s conversation. Please, do return."

Unfortunately, Fu Qian wasn’t letting him off easily; although no anger showed, he waved his hand, directly ending the meeting.

This...

Already not knowing how to handle himself, Chen Pingxian looked helplessly at Yuan Shan.

"Rest assured, Mr. Fang won’t hold such matters against you. You should go back for now; we still have things to discuss."

But even the initiator here felt more words were unnecessary, directly indicating the seminar was over.

...

"Earlier, you commented that sending them a gift was just a gesture, that you’re not really interested in their secret skills?"

Chief Night Watchman, swamped with affairs, straightforwardly states there’s an "important issue" to discuss next. Of course, Chen Pingxian didn’t dare to insist and quickly took his leave.

As he swiftly disappeared from view, Yuan Shan’s gaze returned to Fu Qian, no longer stern but instead curious about the prior proceedings.

"How could that be? I was indeed interested before, but after some professional exchanges, researching them further seems less significant now."

Fu Qian leisurely sipped his tea, any traces of prior dignity gone, clearly having found an excuse to send someone away.

Yet he was honest with Yuan Shan’s inquiry, explaining how at the banquet, he deliberately maneuvered to make the Chen Family voluntarily present themselves as research subjects.

However, soon after, he encountered Nepheli, who had already conducted detailed studies, and discussed Chen Family’s core traits in depth.

"I see, so when you asked me to invite him over, you thought his behavior was unusual?"

Clearly not believing Fu Qian would lie about such matters, Yuan Shan nodded slightly.

"I hadn’t thought so before, but now it does seem odd. First actively approaching me, then offering family secrets so willingly, Chen Pingxian’s eagerness seems unusual. What do you make of it?"

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