Chapter 0609: Infuriated Yu Hongxi
Li Luo arrived at the Golden Dragon Bank shortly after, directly making his way towards the purchases department. Immediately getting to work, he started on discussions for a large purchase of spirit liquids and purifying lights. However, not long after, a familiar face popped up. Lu Qing'er had snuck in front of his very eyes with her hands behind her back.
"Hey! Why didn't you look for me?" She was dressed in a white top with a short skirt, revealing her snow-white thighs as she beamed at Li Luo. At the same time, she turned to face the supervisor in charge of the purchasing department with the same smile. "Steward Mu, as per the usual rules."
The one addressed as Steward Mu similarly smiled and nodded. "Yes, Young Mistress. I understand."
As a result, Li Luo's discount was maximized to the greatest extent possible. The tiny margins from this deal were inconsequential to the Golden Dragon Bank, and offending the young mistress was unwise. An envious look was shot towards Li Luo. It seemed that being handsome truly had benefits.
"Qing'er... you're making things difficult for me. People will think I’m taking advantage of you!" Li Luo's expression turned gloomy.
Lu Qing'er complimented in response, "Aiya! You're now the East Divine Continent's most outstanding One Star Hall student, achieving glory for all of the Xia Kingdom. The Golden Dragon Bank actually wants to collaborate with you, allowing us to benefit from YOUR fame. Thus, will Young Lord Li Luo reconsider and give us a chance?"
"Well, if that's the case..." Li Luo pondered over it for a mere two seconds before giving an extremely exaggerated expression. "Just this once, then. Not because I really want it... but it would be a waste if I didn’t..."
Lu Qing'er's smiling face seemed to bloom upon hearing his words. "Thank you, esteemed Young Lord!"
On the other hand, Steward Mu, who had heard their conversation, was rolling his eyes in absolute disgust, berating Li Luo in his heart! Just what sort of twisted person would force the young mistress to beg him to be on the receiving end of such wondrous benefits? Was there any sort of justice or fairness in this world? So what if he was handsome?
However, he also knew that the two were just messing around. Furthermore, this was not the first time this had happened. It was merely that as a fellow member of the sterner sex, he felt like retching upon seeing this.
Everyone also knew that the Golden Dragon Bank was the richest amongst the factions of the Xia Kingdom. As a result, Yu Hongxi was the richest matriarch around, and as her only daughter, Lu Qing'er was naturally the Xia Kingdom's richest young lady. Whoever caught her fancy and married her would literally be able to lug a mountain of gold back home as a result.
Li Luo, on the other hand, was not planning to do whatever the envious Steward Mu was imagining. All of the assistance that Lu Qing'er had accorded him was deeply etched into his mind, and there was no need to bring this favor up amongst friends. So long as Lu Qing'er required his help in future, he would wholeheartedly devote his assistance to her. The two continued to chat for a bit before he finally raised his request. "Qing'er, I'd like to meet President Yu."
Yu Hongxi was often tied down with daily affairs and had an endless stream of appointments. If he wanted to have a quick chat with her, the only way would be through her daughter.
"Well, luckily, Mom is still around. Just follow me." Lu Qing'er chuckled.
After giving a few instructions to the steward, she led Li Luo through the depths of the Golden Dragon Bank, directly into Yu Hongxi's office.
Under her guidance, Li Luo had managed to get through without any form of obstruction. At the same time, a head burrowed within mounds of files raised to inspect this new disturbance. She seemed unsurprised, and as a Duke expert, she had long sensed the duo's approach.
A hint of dissatisfaction could be seen as she glanced at her daughter. That brat simply couldn't resist any of Li Luo's requests!
"Oh? Isn't that the East Divine Continent's strongest One Star Hall student? Your presence graces these halls. It's truly an honor." Yu Hongxi drawled sardonically as she snapped the file in her hand closed. Clearly, the Holy Grail Meet's results had been publicized throughout the entire Xia Kingdom. Furthermore, it was an event of huge importance because the Astral Sage College was the representative of the Xia Kingdom. Standing out amongst the colleges of the East Divine Continent and winning the competition in one fell swoop had brought about much pride to the common people.
Li Luo's reputation and name had naturally also resonated amongst the populace.
It was then that numerous people came to the realization that the blank palace young lord of House Luolan had finally spread his wings. The new generation of House Luolan would possess a strong foundation, and soon it would be their time to shine.
On the other hand, Li Luo modestly replied, "Honestly speaking, I was lucky! I simply managed to hold on a little longer than Jing Taixu."
"No need to act humble here. The Holy Grail Meet is the gathering of the East Divine Continent's most elite youths. Being able to distinguish yourself is a testament to your ability. Li Taixuan and Tan Tailan truly have a good son," Yu Hongxi replied indifferently. However, her gaze seemed to contain some appreciation for the youth standing before her. Anyone who valued talent would be interested in him, considering the fact that he held both potential and ability.
Li Luo smiled as he continued to banter a bit more with the president.
"So, why are you here?" Yu Hongxi eventually put a stop to the pleasantries, cutting right to the chase as someone exceptionally experienced in negotiations. Li Luo was definitely here for some reason, and she too had many things on her plate to idly chat all day, unlike Li Luo.
Li Luo hesitated as he contemplated how he would bring up the topic. He decided he would just look Yu Hongxi right in the eye with no intention of hiding anything. "President Yu, you must know about House Luolan's Housemeet in two months’ time."
Her eyes flashed in response and she gave a wry smile. "Who wouldn't know of the most momentous event that is about to befall the Xia Kingdom. Countless peak powers are carefully observing the situation, and whether one of the great houses will fall remains to be seen. Everything will be decided in two months' time. If you would like to find the Golden Dragon Bank as a backer, then I will have to disappoint you, unfortunately. The Golden Dragon Bank is in a similar situation to the Astral Sage College. We will not interfere with the internecine strife of the kingdom. After all, harmony breeds wealth," she calmly added.
Li Luo shook his head. "Well, that wasn't my intention. I am very clear on the Golden Dragon Bank's stance of neutrality. How could I request something so unreasonable? It's just that someone was kind enough to give me a reminder that I had to be wary of the Golden Dragon Bank as well..."
Yu Hongxi's eyes turned into slits upon hearing those incendiary words. "Hmm? Does Young Lord Li Luo feel that the Golden Dragon Bank covets House Luolan? That we will stoop down to your level and strike you when the chips are down?" Her tone had turned icy-cold, contrasting against the boiling atmosphere in the room.
On the other hand, Lu Qing'er's expression had changed into one of anxiety.
"Hmph! House Luolan might have some broken-down magical trinkets left behind, but I, Yu Hongxi, would never care for such trifles. I even know that Li Taixuan left behind a formation that borrows the power and influence that House Luolan wields to suppress any Duke experts. The stronger House Luolan is, the stronger the formation. Do you think that would be enough to stop me if I truly wished to get past it? You borrowed the success of the Suncreek Villa to bolster House Luolan. But have you thought about the source of that success? All of the materials you used to craft spirit liquids and purifying lights were purchased from the Golden Dragon Bank! We monopolize 60% of the Xia Kingdom's materials, and if we so wished, we could snap your supply lines like a twig. What would the Suncreek Villa do then? Li Luo, do you think that the other peak factions of the Xia Kingdom haven’t already tried to convince the Golden Dragon Bank to cripple your last lines of survival? They had even offered up massive amounts of wealth! You are too naive." Yu Hongxi snorted frostily. Her sharp words bit deep. Her gorgeous face held traces of contempt and was cold like a glacier.
Seeing Yu Hongxi's sudden explosion, Lu Qing'er hurriedly tugged at her forearm, attempting to soothe her. "Mom! Please calm down. If Li Luo indeed suspected that you were masterminding a scheme, would he have approached you directly?" At the same time, she quickly shot Li Luo a meaningful glance.
Li Luo immediately cupped his fist and bowed his head slightly, displaying a face full of sincerity. "Aunt Yu, I definitely know that you've been taking care of House Luolan from the shadows. In fact, I'm greatly appreciative of all that you've done. I wasn't suspecting you, I merely wanted to point out that the internal workings of the Golden Dragon Bank are complex and I'm concerned that dangers lie beneath the surface. The Housemeet holds exceptional importance to us, and the Golden Dragon Bank is the mightiest behemoth in the Xia Kingdom. Even a fart would throw everything into disarray... I know that the bank has always remained neutral, but I worry others may harbor less savory thoughts. Unable to differentiate their professional duties from their personal interests, it would only be detrimental to your reputation."
Yu Hongxi thunderously replied, "What did you call me? ‘Aunt Yu?’ Address me by my proper title: President Yu!"
Li Luo was taken aback by this, and since he clearly knew that she was fuming, he could only sheepishly accede to her request. "President Yu, please."
Another cold snort echoed throughout the small room, and she continued to glare at Li Luo intently. A moment later, the coldness in her expression seemed to dissipate and her tone regained its usual calmness. "I don't need your concern when it comes to the inner affairs of the Golden Dragon Bank. I will deal with it myself. You had better think about how to resolve your own predicament during the Housemeet. Otherwise, House Luolan will cease to exist in two months' time."
Li Luo smiled at the positive change in events. "House Luolan is the result of my parents' blood and sweat. I will naturally do my best to protect it. If I'm unable to do so, Sister Qing'e and I will definitely cut our losses and escape. Once we reach the Duke Stage, we'll come back to settle the accounts."
"Do you think a Duke is that great?" Yu Hongxi retorted.
The response was met with a self-assured smirk. "Well, if the Duke Stage isn't sufficient... then we'll reach the King Stage."
His handsome face seemed to contain an inexplicable confidence. Coupled with his assertive smile, even Lu Qing'er was swayed by his charm, and she lightly bit her lip upon this sight.
Yu Hongxi's previously apathetic gaze seemed to focus at that moment. The King Stage... This was something that even she could not touch. Anyone with such a title was a titan in their own right, even when it came to the main branch of the Golden Dragon Bank.
"You're barely grown up, but your words are already so haughty," she rebuked. “This brat has a wild temperament and an even wilder imagination.” Although he had spoken of entering the Duke Stage, this was something that she had never doubted given his potential and enough time. However, to reach the King Stage? This was a chasm that many heavenly geniuses were unable to vault over throughout the annals of history. Yet this reckless dual resonance cultivator in front of her was spouting such grand words. "Alright, you can leave now. All you have to do is settle your own affairs." Yu Hongxi waved her hand as though she was shooing a fly away before immersing herself in her work once again.
Thoughts ran through his mind, but he stopped himself from engaging in any more superfluous words. After bowing with his hand clasped once again, he glanced up to bid farewell to Lu Qing'er and then turned to leave.
Just as he was about to open the door, Yu Hongxi's commanding tone rang out once again.
"Wait."
Li Luo turned curiously to see what was going on.
What greeted him was a steely-faced president. "Call me ‘Aunt Yu.’"
Slightly taken aback and not knowing whether to laugh or cry at this new development, Li Luo hurriedly said, "Aunt Yu." Then he took his leave and tightly shut the door behind him.
As she looked at the closed door, Yu Hongxi angrily slammed the table as she grumbled, "That brat doesn't know his limits. He actually thought I'd covet his crappy house? Preposterous!"
Lu Qing'er hurriedly rushed to her mom's side, quickly massaging her shoulders in an attempt to calm her down. "Mom, you can't blame Li Luo... He's under massive amounts of pressure, and if he didn't trust you, he would never have brazenly spoken out like that."
Yu Hongxi shot daggers at her treasured daughter. "That brat is trying to take advantage of your mom and you're still siding with him?"
Lu Qing'er sincerely replied. "How am I siding with him? He was clearly trembling like a mouse before you."
"Hmph. He's clearly putting on an act. It's surprising how the son of Li Taixuan and Tan Tailan turned out this way, considering how different their personalities are!" she disdainfully replied.
At the same time, a smile bloomed on Lu Qing'er's face in amusement. "Mom, do you think there is some truth to Li Luo's words? Could it be that within the Golden Dragon Bank..." A frown formed on Yu Hongxi's face and her eyes narrowed. Yet nothing else was said.
Lu Qing'er didn’t probe any further, only obediently massaging her mom's shoulders, hoping to restore a sense of tranquility to this eventful day.