Chapter Twenty: Dear New Employee

“I want you to consider the terms first; there’s no need to rush your answer. You still have seven days,” Ye Yan added.

Across from him, Xu Si managed a bitter smile for a moment. “The first condition is manageable, but the second and especially the third—those won’t be so easy to pull off.”

Ye Yan seemed utterly unconcerned. “If it were that easy, why would I come to you? Nowhere Unlimited is poor, swamped with rules, and the benefits are terrible… isn’t that right?” He blinked at Xu Si.

Xu Si was momentarily lost for words. Indeed, compared to the lavish perks offered by World Society, Nowhere Unlimited was left in the dust. On days without assignments, members had to survive by delivering packages—it was a hard life, to say the least.

But there was nothing to be done. One was a civilian organization, the other official; the difference was vast, their resources worlds apart.

After a long drag from his cigarette, Xu Si finally spoke, “You mean that girl, Duo Duo? The Gu child from the Southern China hideout?”

Xu Si was quite familiar with Ye Yan’s history and knew he was acquainted with Chen Duo. Back then, Old Liao had nearly pulled his hair out trying to find a sparring partner for Chen Duo who wasn’t afraid of poison—and his hairline, already suffering, took another blow. In the end, it was Xu Si who played matchmaker and introduced them.

“You’re good to the girl.”

“That’s right.” Ye Yan downed his coffee in one gulp. “Let’s not waste words. Just say yes or no.”

“The first two terms are fine, but as for the last one, I can try—though I absolutely cannot promise success. That’s Old Liao’s turf, after all; it’s not my place to interfere.”

“Alright,” Ye Yan nodded decisively.

He was well aware of the tangled web of interests and factions within Nowhere Unlimited. The fact that Xu Si was willing to say so much already showed great sincerity.

Money was no longer something Ye Yan lacked.

What mattered to him were Xia He and Chen Duo. The former needed no further explanation; the latter was simply a pitiful little sister. Ye Yan just wanted to give her a better environment.

“No need to be hasty with your answer; terms should be mutual. Since you’ve made three additional requests, it’s only fair I ask for one in return, right?” Xu Si wasn’t one to take a loss quietly and put his own condition on the table.

“Go on.”

“After you join Nowhere Unlimited, you’ll have to compete in the Luo Tian Grand Tournament in a month and help Zhang Chulan clear the field of a few opponents. That’s not too much to ask, is it?”

“You want me to participate?”

Ye Yan was momentarily stunned, not grasping the request.

“Why not?” Xu Si looked at him, puzzled. In his eyes, it was just another tournament—hardly an excessive demand for someone like Ye Yan.

“It’s not that I can’t, but if I’m up there, wouldn’t that be bullying the others?” Ye Yan sounded genuinely hesitant.

“Bullying?” Xu Si replied breezily, “What are you talking about? My dear new recruit, you’re only twenty-three this year—a junior under thirty competing in Luo Tian Grand Tournament is perfectly reasonable, isn’t it?”

“…I don’t buy that for a second.” The corner of Ye Yan’s mouth twitched. Once again, he was reminded how thick-skinned Xu Si could be—truly unmatched.

Xu Si pressed his advantage, “Ye Zi, if you can’t even do me this little favor, there’s really nothing left for us to discuss, wouldn’t you agree?”

His smile was full of unspoken meaning.

“…Fine,” Ye Yan finally relented.

It was just a Luo Tian Grand Tournament, after all.

He’d go—he was still young, just over twenty, only a little bit stronger than the other juniors. Just a little bit; it wasn’t that outrageous, he told himself.

Moreover, this year’s tournament was open to all young exponents under thirty across the country, and with Lu Jin offering the Heavenly Talisman as an extra prize, the competition’s popularity had soared to new heights. Now, young talents from all over the nation were probably gearing up for the event.

Once the main points were settled, Ye Yan and Xu Si discussed the details. Only then did Ye Yan return to World Society; by the time he got back, it was already afternoon.

As he entered the main gate, he happened to encounter Feng Zhenghao returning from outside, accompanied by a young man with long red hair, dressed in training robes, his expression tinged with arrogance.

“Uncle Feng,” Ye Yan greeted.

“Little Ye, you’re back?” Feng Zhenghao’s smile was warm. “How did things go on your end?”

“Not bad,” Ye Yan scratched his head casually.

Feng Zhenghao nodded, seemingly in high spirits—perhaps due to gaining a new follower. “Oh, Little Ye, let me introduce you. This is Master Jia Zhengyu from Jia Village in Shaanbei. He’s a distinguished guest.”

“Nice to meet you, Master Jia.” Ye Yan smiled politely.

“And you as well.” The young man nodded cordially.

“This is Little Ye—Ye Yan, the legendary Third Hero, currently one of World Society’s honored guests and the face of our organization,” Feng Zhenghao said with a hearty laugh.

“Uncle Feng, please don’t tease me. Third Hero, really—I can’t compare with you,” Ye Yan replied, feeling a little awkward at the praise. Human joy and sorrow rarely align; for him, such compliments were embarrassing.

Jia Zhengyu’s eyes, however, lit up as he sized up Ye Yan—the very young man who had so changed his impression of World Society.

“I never imagined the famed Master Ye would be so young,” Jia Zhengyu said, both complimentary and surprised.

He had heard of Ye Yan; indeed, if it weren’t for the business between Ye Yan and Ding Shian, he would never have traveled so far to Tianjin to serve as a guest at World Society. Although he had seen side-profile photos of Ye Yan in various reports, his attention had never been drawn to his age—he hadn’t expected the real person to be even younger than himself.

“You’re too kind, Master Jia,” Ye Yan replied with a soft nod, unmoved by the flattery.

Feng Zhenghao clapped Jia Zhengyu on the shoulder, roaring with laughter. “Don’t be fooled by Little Ye being the same age as my daughter. His strength is formidable—he’s the equal of those old veterans.”

He spoke with deep pride, like a mother-in-law boasting about her son-in-law.

Three people, dressed in suit, traditional attire, and modern trends, made for a striking trio. Their presence drew many curious glances, even a few cameras.

Feng Zhenghao noticed and quickly ushered Ye Yan and Jia Zhengyu inside. “Alright, enough lingering at the door—come to my office. I have some fantastic news to share with you.”

“Uncle Feng, could it be…” Ye Yan was the first to guess.

“That’s right.” Feng Zhenghao adjusted his glasses, the curve of his smiling lips never faltering, proof that he was in an excellent mood.