According to the plan discussed by Bi Quan and Guan Huarong, they were supposed to invite Xiao Feng and his group over, then subtly probe them at the dinner table to determine their approximate social strata.
But despite all their calculations, the two old foxes did not anticipate that Bi Junxian would suddenly bring so many people back. How the hell are they supposed to probe now? Just handling these folks would be a headache, right?
"Mr. Guan is here too," said Xiao Feng cheerfully as he walked in last, greeting Guan Huarong.
Guan Huarong's heart skipped a beat, knowing full well that this was more than a simple greeting. But for now, he could only smile back and say, "What a coincidence, I also received an invitation."
Xiao Feng gave a smirk-filled nod, thinking to himself that this old guy was really asking for trouble.
Initially, he thought the old man seemed honest enough, but now it appeared that he was truly mischievous.
"Old Lu," Bi Quan said expressionlessly.
The butler immediately stepped forward: "Master."
"Make arrangements to entertain our distinguished guests."
"Yes, Master."
Guan Huarong glanced at the butler beside him, tilted his head, signaling him to help organize the guests.
After all, he had already passed the buck once; if he slack off now, he would surely be unjustified.
The two butlers exchanged a look, sharing a mutual feeling of being at a loss for words.
The original plan was for thirty seats, which would have been more than enough for Xiao Feng and his companions. Even if there were an additional seventy or eighty people, it wouldn't have been a big issue.
But suddenly having over a hundred extra folks was an unprecedented situation for the two of them.
Old Lu thought it over and said, "Anyway, let's first get some tables and chairs over here. Then I'll contact a few chefs and servants."
The butler beside Guan Huarong nodded: "That's all we can do."
With tasks divided, each went about their respective duties.
"Feel free to wander around the manor, everyone. I'm afraid I have to excuse myself," Bi Quan said, leaving behind these words and gesturing to his son before turning towards a secluded area.
At this moment, the colorful lights installed on the pavilion's pointed roof and columns lit up, reflecting in the pond, making a striking appearance.
The wealthy guests strolled about casually, forming small groups as they admired the scenery while discussing what Bi Quan might say at the upcoming banquet.
"I bet Bi Quan is feeling really frustrated right now. He would never have expected you to bring so many people all at once," Lin Zhiyan laughed.
In fact, Xiao Feng's move was equally surprising to her.
She had considered that Xiao Feng might accept or decline, but she hadn't anticipated him choosing such a course of action.
Xiao Feng replied calmly, "There's no doubt that Bi Quan has ulterior motives. These old foxes love to start with etiquette before switching to aggression.
He probably wants to use the dinner as a chance to find out our background and, once he has a clear idea, he will reveal his true objectives and plan his next step."
"Then why did you bring so many people over?" Lin Zhiyan asked curiously.
If Xiao Feng feared Bi Quan probing his background, facing retaliation seemed unbelievable.
Since it wasn't fear of retaliation, then wasn't it unnecessary?
"There are three reasons."
Xiao Feng explained, "First, to annoy Bi Quan and Bi Junxian. They want to understand me, and I simply won't let them succeed.
Second, inviting so many people for dinner will cause them a financial loss.
Third, we get a free dinner, why not?"
"I thought you enjoyed the feeling of being unpredictable," Lin Zhiyan laughed, shaking her head.
Xiao Feng replied calmly, "Nothing can be hidden forever. Considering we're not far from Jiangcheng, it's only a matter of time before they find out about me. There's no way to completely conceal it.
Unless we disguise ourselves completely like Doctor Sun, using fake identities, then we could claim to be from the Moon without any issues."
"Old Xiao, if you know our identities can't be concealed, aren't you planning to take some action?" Zhao Guo'an asked.
"Take action?" Xiao Feng questioned, "Do you think I should, knowing full well that these two, wait, better add Guan Huarong too, these three will likely retaliate, and strike first by eliminating them right away?"
"Given your usual approach of nipping dangers in the bud, and now that we're aware there's a more than ninety-nine percent chance of facing retaliation, shouldn't you take some precautions?"
"You're right, something should be done." Xiao Feng nodded, "How about this, later you find a chance to poison Bi Quan and Bi Junxian, directly kill them both, and Guan Huarong as well, might as well include him."
"This… doesn't seem right, does it?" Zhao Guo'an hesitated, "We're mainly about saving lives in our line of work. If we do this, how could we face our ancestors?"
Xiao Feng retorted, "Then why did you talk so much?"
"..." Zhao Guo'an.
...
By now, night had already fallen.
While the wealthy guests awaited dinner, a girl with picturesque features and a floral crown ascended the steps to Anping Temple.
"Ding-a-ling… Ding-a-ling… Ding-a-ling…"
With every step she took, crisp sounds accompanied her, pleasant and not at all irritating.
The sound came from the bells on her fair ankles.
Moreover, her clothing was quite distinctive.
The top was vibrant, made of coarse fabric, and exposed her navel.
The bottom was a short skirt paired with knee-high stockings, both the color and fabric similar to her top, revealing a segment of her snow-white thighs, looking charming.
"Knock knock knock!"
The girl knocked on the temple door.
Not long after, a monk opened the door, and upon seeing her, exclaimed, "Little Hua Ling, why have you returned?"
"Senior brother."
The girl gave a sweet smile, bowing in greeting to the monk.
"Quick, quick, come inside. If the other senior brothers see you're back, they'll certainly neglect their work!" The monk ushered her in.
She entered through the temple gate, curiously asking, "What's keeping you all so busy?"
"You wouldn't believe it. Today I've really seen it all. Do you know how many wealthy people have come today?" The monk gleefully summarized the auction event.
"This was proposed by Uncle Master Hong Ren?" the girl seemed somewhat displeased.
The monk noticed her mood and added, "Little Hua Ling, this matter was agreed upon unanimously by your eighteen senior brothers. You can ask them if you don't believe me."
"I will." The girl nodded and then said, "I must trouble you, Senior Brother, not to tell the others I've returned. I have matters to attend to, so I need to leave tonight."
"So soon?" The monk looked troubled and said, "If they find out you came back but I didn't tell them, then I…"
His words of trouble were cut short as his arm was grabbed by the girl, followed by a little shake.
"Senior Brother, please, do agree, okay?"
The voice was both tender and sweet, paired with a look of pitiful charm, making it hard for anyone to resist or have the heart to refuse.
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