Chapter 497 - 248: The Madam’s Night Visit and Ouyang’s Praise

Chapter 497: Chapter 248: The Madam’s Night Visit and Ouyang’s Praise

Ceding thirty percent of their profits was painful, but it was still within an acceptable range.

Helping the Nie Family establish a foothold in Nanzhao would mean giving up some profits and influence, and it might provoke a backlash from the local powers.

But compared to being completely swallowed or crushed by the Profound Yin Valley, this was undoubtedly the better choice.

More importantly, this showed her the possibility of the Nie Family truly getting involved, rather than just being an ally in name only.

At this thought, Lady Lan felt a pang of shame.

’To think I used my own petty mindset to judge an honorable man, assuming Chen Sheng would make improper demands...’

’It seems this Inspector Chen, while certainly resourceful, is fundamentally a man who operates on rules and mutual interest, not some fool blinded by lust.’

In that moment, Lady Lan’s impression of Chen Sheng improved considerably.

"Lord Chen, your considerations are thorough. I am truly impressed."

Lady Lan rose and gave Chen a formal bow.

"On this matter, I agree in principle. As for the specific details, I will discuss them with the sect’s core members before speaking further with you, Lord Chen, and the Nie Family.

I hope that you, Lord Chen, will put in a good word for our Ten Thousand Poisons Sect when you speak with the Nie Family.

I and everyone in the sect will be endlessly grateful. We will be sure to reward you generously in the future!"

"Sect Leader Lan, you’re too kind. This is simply a matter of mutual benefit, where we each get what we need."

Chen Sheng also rose to return the bow, a faint smile on his face.

"Lord Chen, you are truly a straightforward man. A dragon among men."

Lady Lan’s mood lightened slightly, and she offered a compliment.

"Sect Leader Lan is the true heroine among women."

Chen Sheng returned the compliment politely.

After a few more simple pleasantries, Lady Lan chose an appropriate moment to take her leave.

She once again pulled up her wide hood, hiding her beautiful face in the shadows as her entire figure was once more enveloped by the black robe.

Lady Lan gave Chen Sheng a slight nod, then quietly pulled open the door. Her figure, like a wisp of mist melting into the night, quickly vanished at the end of the corridor.

But unbeknownst to her, a figure had been standing silently behind a nearby pillar for quite some time.

Ouyang Ke watched with great interest as the black-robed figure disappeared into the night.

Although the person was well-concealed, he had grown up in the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect and was an expert at observing body shapes and gaits. He could vaguely tell it was a woman, and moreover...

He also had a strange sense of familiarity.

’Chen, oh Chen, you really are something else...’

Ouyang Ke stroked his chin, a look of admiration flashing in his eyes as he muttered to himself:

"You’ve barely arrived and already have a beauty visiting you at night. I just wonder which one of our senior or junior sisters it was..."

His curiosity piqued, and since he already had a favor to ask, Ouyang Ke straightened his robes, walked toward Chen Sheng’s guest room, and raised his hand to knock.

Inside, Chen Sheng had just set down his teacup when he heard another knock, and he couldn’t help but chuckle.

’Tonight is certainly lively.’

He opened the door and, seeing it was Ouyang Ke, stepped aside to welcome him in.

"Ouyang, please come in."

"Chen, sorry to bother you!"

Ouyang Ke walked in with a grin, lowering his voice before he even sat down.

"I saw her just now... a young lady leaving your room? Tsk tsk, what moves! I’m completely in awe!"

Chen Sheng raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Oh? And how did you determine it was a woman, Ouyang?"

"Her posture, her delicate gait—it was obvious at a glance."

Ouyang Ke said proudly, then leaned in closer, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"And she looked a little familiar... Chen, be honest, is she one of ours from the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect?"

An extremely subtle ripple passed through the depths of Chen Sheng’s eyes. He then picked up the teapot to pour him some tea, neither confirming nor denying.

"And if she were, what would you do, Ouyang?"

"Why, I’d help you seal the deal, of course!"

Ouyang Ke puffed out his chest, saying nonchalantly:

"I can’t make promises about other things, but I have some pull here in the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect. As long as you’ve taken a fancy to her, Chen, no matter which disciple it is, I’ll do everything in my power to help.

I could even go talk to my mother about it, and I guarantee I’ll get her to approve!"

Hearing this, the corners of Chen Sheng’s mouth curved into a meaningful smile. He raised his cup and said:

"In that case... I thank you in advance."

"We’re brothers! No need for thanks!"

Ouyang Ke waved his hand magnanimously, then rubbed his hands together, a broad smile spreading across his face.

"But, Chen... your little brother here actually does have a small matter I was hoping you could help with..."

"Feel free to speak. If I can help, I will do my best. But if I can’t, I hope you won’t blame me, Ouyang."

"Of course."

Ouyang Ke nodded emphatically, then leaned his body forward slightly and said in a low voice:

"It’s about Miss Nie..."

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