Chapter 279 - 114: Just Know I’m Good to You; Did I Really Owe Him a Favor?

The banquet was a delight for both host and guest.

After learning Jiang Lan’s purpose, Shang Mingyu also put her many previous concerns to rest.

However, with her cautious nature, she still held some reservations and didn’t completely trust Jiang Lan’s words.

She could tell that Jiang Lan must have discovered her unique nature, which was why he had invited her.

They would each stay out of the other’s way.

He wouldn’t meddle in Shang Mingyu’s affairs, and Shang Mingyu shouldn’t pry into his secrets.

Shang Mingyu was solely focused on her grand plan to restore her dynasty, so she naturally wouldn’t go looking for trouble. Thus, she agreed without hesitation.

’If there’s no conflict of interest, why make things unpleasant?’

Through their interaction, she realized that Jiang Lan, like herself, was a person who put his own interests above all else.

For years, Jiang Lan had used the facade of a debauched rake to hide his true abilities and bide his time. But in reality, his ambition was immense, and his schemes were monumental.

At least for now, their interests would not clash.

"While I have some interest in that Exotic Stone, it isn’t overwhelming. If Miss Hong is truly set on acquiring it, I can actually help you," Jiang Lan said.

Shang Mingyu looked at him with her beautiful eyes, then offered a charming smile. "For Young Master Jiang to be so kind, I feel rather flattered."

"It’s just an Exotic Stone. Compared to that, I’d much rather gain a friend in Miss Hong," Jiang Lan stated frankly.

"Since Young Master Jiang puts it that way, it seems I have no choice but to accept you as a friend," Shang Mingyu said with a laugh.

"The fellow who bought the Exotic Stone at the auction is probably no ordinary Yijian Palace disciple. I ran into him on a street in the Imperial Capital yesterday, but for some reason, he seemed to harbor a deep hatred for me..."

Jiang Lan shook his head lightly. "If I’m not mistaken, that fellow will likely come looking for you next, Miss Hong."

Shang Mingyu was taken aback. She hadn’t expected something like that.

However, she quickly understood his implication. ’The Yijian Palace disciple who bought the Exotic Stone has a grudge against Jiang Lan?’

She was shrewd enough not to press for details.

After the banquet concluded, Shang Mingyu took her leave.

However, they exchanged Communication Jade Talismans, so they could cooperate in the future should the opportunity arise.

’For now, there really isn’t a major conflict of interest between us. In fact, in a way, she could become a blade in my hand, a pawn on my board... or to put it more nicely, an ally.’

Jiang Lan wanted to seize Emperor Xia’s personal fortune and the entire National Fortune of the Great Xia Dynasty. Shang Mingyu wanted to overthrow Great Xia’s rule and restore the Shang Dynasty.

They both shared a common enemy: Emperor Xia.

Until that changed, they could naturally be considered allies.

"You must be hungry."

Jiang Lan’s gaze returned to You’Er, who was waiting obediently by his side.

"Have a fresh spread of dishes brought in."

He gave the order for someone to clear the table. Although he and Shang Mingyu had only had some wine and hadn’t touched the food, it had all grown cold after their long conversation.

"It’s... still good to eat..."

You’Er glanced at the delicacies on the table, all of which were things she had never seen before.

They were not only exquisitely presented but also gave off a mouth-watering aroma.

"It’s cold now."

Jiang Lan gestured with his hand, indicating she didn’t need to keep standing.

Hearing this, a hint of confusion appeared in You’Er’s amber eyes. ’Does that mean... you can’t eat it if it’s cold?’

"From now on, you’re with me. You won’t have to eat cold food again. This is all just cold leftovers," Jiang Lan said. He knew why she was confused; in the fighting pits, she was lucky to have anything to eat at all, let alone have the luxury of choosing between hot and cold.

"M-Master... you’re so good to me..."

"And... you’re... you’re not disgusted with me." You’Er lowered her gaze, fidgeting with her fingers.

"As long as you know I’m good to you."

"In this world, I’m probably the only one who will ever treat you this well."

Jiang Lan reached out and gently ruffled her silken, raven-black hair, which was so glossy it could reflect light.

You’Er hummed softly in assent.

Soon, the table in the private room was cleared and replaced with a fresh spread of food and wine, even more lavish than the last.

You’Er had never seen so much food before. Her eyes were glued to the dishes, unable to look away.

But with Jiang Lan beside her, she ate very delicately, taking small bites to taste everything. Whenever she tried something delicious, her amber eyes would light up like stars.

Watching her, Jiang Lan thought she looked like a little gluttonous kitten that hadn’t had a proper meal in ages.

He shook his head inwardly. ’If You’Er weren’t useful to me, if she couldn’t bring me benefits and fortune, I probably would have watched her die in the fighting pits without feeling a thing.’

When it came down to it, he was just like Shang Mingyu—a person who put his own interests above all else.

「By the time they left Yunlan Platform and returned to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, it was already afternoon.」

Jiang Lan ordered someone to fetch a box of Snow Jade Skin Rejuvenating Ointment. It was a scar-removing Spirit Medicine developed by the Imperial Medical Bureau, worth a fortune, and could make scarred skin look as good as new.

In addition, he had someone bring a bottle of the Third-Turned Marrow Cleansing Pill. Used together, the two items could essentially restore You’Er’s skin to its normal state.

His father didn’t ask many questions about You’Er. Even with all his experience, he might not have been able to perceive her unique nature.

And Jiang Lan had no intention of explaining.

Li Mengning had returned to the Taiyi Sect with his mother, Li Qingshu, yesterday. The younger generation of the Sui Ji branch of the Li Family needed Li Mengning to represent them and maintain order.

Among her peers in the Taiyi Sect, Li Mengning’s strength was currently the greatest; she was in a league of her own.