Reed Pavilion
Yan Fei and Lu Qianyu sat facing each other at the tea table, the elegant aroma of black tea filling the tea room.
After they reached a consensus, silence ensued.
Lu Qianyu had no idea what her boss was planning.
But since the other party hasn't said anything more, it means now is not the time to talk business.
He remained silent, just as he had when he first entered, waiting for Yan Fei to speak first before he spoke.
During that time, he glanced at the glass fish tank placed under the windowsill.
Inside, the Leaf Sheep shook their fluffy bodies, still eating the Light Algae.
Looking up, outside the window are the glass streetlights that float everywhere in Chongming City, continuously emitting a soft yet bright white light.
Light streamed through the huge, full-length lattice window, illuminating the beautiful, naturally formed textures on the rock walls of the trench opposite.
After the last lamp drifted away from the vicinity, Yan Fei then proceeded to introduce the main characters of tomorrow's birthday banquet.
"Guan Xiangming, Yuan Rong, Yuan Yuan, Yuanli —we need to pay special attention to these four Sea Race Dragon Spirit Species tomorrow."
"Guan Xiangming is the current Prime Minister of the Sea Race, the former head of the Guan Family, and also the 'birthday star' of this banquet."
"It's said that to avoid suspicion, the current head of the Guan Family has given the position to his eldest son Guan Yucheng, but everyone still calls him the former head of the family."
Yan Fei shook the teacup in her hand and chuckled softly.
"Heh, those who know, know."
He took a small sip of tea and then continued.
"Yuan Rong, Yuan Yuan, and Yuanli are the three heirs of the Dragon Spirit Species Royal Family who currently have actual inheritance rights."
"The eldest prince Yuan Rong, is the favored eldest son of the powerful clans, and I currently belong to the faction of the First Prince's Faction."
As he spoke these words, a clear look of contempt appeared in his one intact, grayish-white eye.
Lu Qianyu understood the meaning behind his words.
This eldest son is probably just a puppet of powerful families.
The two tacitly agreed not to delve further into the discussion about the eldest prince, and shifted the topic to the next important figure.
"The Second Prince, Yuan Yuan, has a wife who is the Guan Family's Eldest Legitimate Daughter, and she enjoys considerable prestige among the upper echelons of the Sea Race."
Yan Fei's voice suddenly dropped to a whisper, "The Dragon King seems to favor the Second Prince as his successor to the throne."
As expected.
Lu Qianyu nodded, indicating that she understood.
The eldest son, unable to control the powerful families, was instead controlled by them, so it was understandable that he wanted to pass the throne to his second son.
However, the use of "suspected" suggests that there might be other hidden reasons that prevented the second prince from directly becoming the Crown Prince.
Finally, the Third Prince, Yuanli, is very popular with the people.
"Furthermore, he was the one who seized Mao City not long ago, and he has won over some officials from commoner backgrounds."
"However, he is nearly ten years younger than the other two princes and has only been in the decision-making process for a short time, putting him at a significant disadvantage."
After Yan Fei finished introducing the four Sea Race, a glass street lamp happened to float by outside the window.
Once there was nothing else outside the window, Yan Fei continued, "The day to decide the Crown Prince is approaching; if we don't act now, we'll miss our chance."
"This birthday banquet not only brings together almost all the top officials, but it also happens to coincide with the capture of Mao City, which could very well lead to problems."
"Adapt to changing circumstances, gather as much intelligence as possible, and prioritize self-preservation in emergency situations."
Lu Qianyu looked into Yan Fei's eyes and nodded solemnly.
Looking directly into Yan Fei's eyes, he noticed some more details.
That intact eye seemed to have a slight difference from the Human Race eye in that it was slightly narrower; the pupil appeared to be closer to a vertical pupil.
He secretly noted this detail down, and then replied, "I understand."
"Okay, you can go and get back to work now."
Just before Lu Qianyu got up to leave, Yan Fei suddenly added another sentence.
"By the way, this is Leaf Sheep. It feeds on Light Algae and glows when it senses a sudden, large fluctuation in Psychic Energy."
"Keep it in your Equipment Room; consider it an extra layer of protection."
He picked up the small glass fish tank that Lu Qianyu had been secretly staring at for a while when she came in, and handed it to her.
Lu Qianyu stared at the small pet being handed to her, paused for a moment, and then slowly took it.
"Thank you, I'll head down now."
He had no reason to refuse the other party's kindness, and he also expressed understanding that his basic information had been obtained.
Those grayish-white eyes, seemingly able to see through everything, watched him as he calmly left the tea room.
Let's set aside the question of whether they possess exceptional professional skills.
After all, he hadn't established Communication Chain yet; even a skilled cook can't make a meal without ingredients.
"But that comprehension alone is enough."
A promising talent with a clean background; no wonder he was sent here by his superiors right after graduation.
It seems that writing that Work Report wasn't a waste of time.
Yan Fei sipped her tea in a good mood, her hazy eyes reflecting some unreadable thoughts.
He looked out the window, and then, for some inexplicable reason, his eyes met those of the Reed Pavilion, who was standing on the opposite sidewalk.
"Um?"
Although their gazes met only briefly, the sudden goosebumps on Yan Fei told him that the owner of those dark red eyes was extremely dangerous.
"Knock knock!"
A light tapping sound rang out on the table, followed by a dark figure emerging from the shadows of the tea room.
"The guy on the sidewalk across the street just now."
"Male, strikingly handsome, around 180cm tall, with black hair and dark red eyes, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants."
The moment the words were spoken, the dark figure vanished.
I don't recall anyone by that name. Could they be a spy sent by another race?
Yan Fei's expression was solemn as she gently stroked her teacup with her fingers, quietly continuing to watch the bustling scene below.
The tea room was quiet, but a familiar greeting came through the stained glass window below.
"Sir, welcome to the Reed Pavilion. Is this your first time here? Would you like tea or a meal?"
The hostess bowed with practiced ease, and looking at the exceptionally beautiful face before her, her professional smile became much brighter.
Shisui was well aware of his good looks, so he gave a faint smile and asked.
Are there any lively places to have tea?
"Yes, sir, yes! I'll take you there right away."
The hostess was taken aback by the sudden smile.
Looking directly into those almond-shaped eyes with upturned corners made her feel a little dizzy.
With her remaining rationality, she led the other person into the Reed Pavilion and chose a lively yet not crowded single table for them.
"Thanks."
After Shisui sat down, he turned his head to thank the hostess gratefully and casually ordered a pot of black tea.
The hostess led Radiant Feathers almost fleeing to the kitchen.
His smile remained unchanged as he began to spread out "spies" in his surroundings.
At this moment, Shisui was seated almost in the center of the first floor of the Reed Pavilion.
This spot is closest to the elegant central garden, making for an exceptionally beautiful view.
While admiring the scenery before him, Shisui waited for the Radiant Feathers to fully unfold.
No wonder it's a popular spot recommended by locals; it's definitely worth coming here.
As he thought this, he recalled that fleeting glance he had just caught.
Just now, a gaze fell upon this seemingly three-story teahouse, which Shisui Sui keenly noticed.
Hmm, there will probably be more little tails coming up.
I'll change my appearance when I go back.