Chapter 210 - 129: Meteoric Rise
Wu Manqing’s delicate brows furrowed. She set down her teacup and said in a heavy tone, "What are you panicking about? It’s not the end of the world. Slow down and tell me what happened."
Xiaohuan took several deep breaths before she could finally force out the words. "It’s Elder Chen! He’s been appointed Chief Disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute! It happened this morning, on the Transmission Square, in front of all the institute’s disciples."
CLANG!
The teacup slipped from Gu Ruo Hua’s hand, clattering against the table. Scalding tea splashed onto her magnificent dress, but she didn’t even notice. She shot to her feet, her beautiful eyes wide as saucers as she stared at Xiaohuan, as if she had just heard the most unbelievable story.
’Chief Disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute!?’
’Someone of that status... even Father would have to treat him with the utmost respect, not daring to show the slightest neglect.’
The teacup in Li Wan’s hand froze in mid-air, her fingers trembling slightly beneath her moon-white sleeves. For the first time, her face, usually as placid as a tranquil lake, went completely blank with shock.
’Did I mishear? Or did Xiaohuan misspeak?’
The entire private room instantly fell deathly silent.
The only sounds were Xiaohuan’s ragged breaths and the suddenly frantic pounding of three hearts.
Wu Manqing shot to her feet, her voice trembling. "What... What did you say?! Say it again!"
Startled by her lady’s outburst, Xiaohuan hastily repeated, "My Lady, it’s true! It’s the absolute truth! Elder Chen... Chen Qing... Master Chen! He’s been appointed Chief Disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute! The news is all over the Wutai Sect by now!"
’Chen Qing... is the Chief Disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute?’
Wu Manqing murmured to herself.
’It feels so surreal, so unreal... like some bizarre, fantastical dream.’
’That boy from Gaolin County who needed her help just two years ago? The one she’d viewed as a promising investment?’
’And now he’s suddenly the Chief Disciple of a Wutai Sect institute, with a status rivaling that of an Elder?!’
It was a bolt from the blue!
For Gu Ruo Hua and Li Wan, the news was like a clap of thunder exploding right next to their ears.
Gu Ruo Hua’s mind was roaring, with a single thought spinning wildly within: ’That fisherman? That kid from the Cyan Wood Institute? Chief Disciple?!’
’A fisherman? How could he possibly have gotten this far?!’
’How is this possible?!’
’This world... has it really changed so much?’
The tempest in Li Wan’s heart was no less turbulent than Gu Ruo Hua’s.
But she was already thinking deeper, further ahead than Gu Ruo Hua.
’Chief Disciple of a Wutai Sect institute!’
’What does this mean?’
’It means that Chen Qing has now truly joined the ranks of the most elite young masters in Yunlin Prefecture. He is a future pillar of the Wutai Sect!’
’When he’s out in the world, his every word and deed will represent the will of the Wutai Sect’s Cyan Wood Institute!’
’His status is enough to dictate the fortunes of a mid-tier family!’
’With the patronage and support of a man like that, the Wu Family wouldn’t just be joining the Yunlin Commerce Association...’
’Their potential in the Prefecture City, and even throughout all of Yunlin Prefecture, would be immeasurable!’
Wu Manqing finally recovered from her initial shock, and a tidal wave of elation washed over her.
’Chief Disciple!’
’The weight of that title is immense!’
’Just a nominal Tributor? An annual stipend? That’s nowhere near enough!’
’I have to bind him completely to the Wu Family’s chariot!’
Countless thoughts flashed through her mind, and a bold plan quickly took shape.
’Give Chen Qing a direct share in the Wu Family’s core businesses!’
’Make him a true stakeholder! That’s the only way to secure this patron for good!’
Just then, Li Wan took a deep breath, shattering the suffocating silence in the room. "Manqing..."
Wu Manqing looked at the hesitant Li Wan and asked, "Li Wan, what is it?"
Li Wan leaned forward slightly, a pleading note in her voice. "Manqing, we’ve been like sisters for years, so I won’t beat around the bush. Chief Chen—no, Elder Chen is now the honored Chief Disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute. His status is completely different. I’d like to be so bold as to ask you to help arrange a banquet. On behalf of the Li Family, I want to speak with Chief Chen... to see if it’s possible for him to also become a nominal Tributor for my Li Family?"
"The terms are completely negotiable! If this succeeds, the Li and Wu Families, who are already close, will naturally grow even tighter. We can watch over and help one another, and prosper together!"
Li Wan’s words sent a jolt through Gu Ruo Hua, who had just been coming to her senses.
She instantly understood Li Wan’s intention and cursed herself for being so slow. She quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, yes! Me too! And the Gu Family! Manqing, my dear sister! You have to help me, too! The Gu Family also wants to ask Chief Chen to be a nominal Tributor! Li Wan is right, our three families have always been close..."
Forging a connection with the Chief Disciple of a Wutai Sect institute was a golden opportunity for their respective families, one that comes once in a lifetime!
Wu Manqing looked at her two friends—who had once been so high and mighty, yet were now staring at her with such pleading eyes—and felt a complex mix of emotions.
There was pride, and a touch of wistfulness.
She was also well aware of Chen Qing’s current standing. His time and his goodwill had become exceptionally valuable.
Making a rash introduction might not be a good idea; it could even annoy Chen Qing.
Wu Manqing mulled it over for a moment, neither agreeing nor refusing. "Li Wan, Ruo Hua, I understand what you’re asking. Elder Chen’s status is different now, and he must be incredibly busy. As for this matter... I can’t make any promises."
"How about this: I’ll find the right time to sound Chief Chen out first. If he’s amenable, I’ll make the introductions for you. What do you think?"
Hearing this, Li Wan and Gu Ruo Hua, though a little disappointed not to receive an immediate promise, knew it was the most prudent approach. They quickly nodded in agreement.
"Yes, yes, that’s perfect! Thank you, Manqing! We’ll leave it all in your hands!"
"Dearest Manqing, you have to put in a good word for us!"