Pianpian sat there, absentmindedly gazing at the crowd beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.
When she saw the ordinary-looking man, she merely gave him a casual glance.
Then her eyes narrowed slightly. She slowly rose and nodded. "Greetings, Lord Xijiesi."
This seemingly ordinary visitor was actually a Supreme.
However, Pianpian showed only the basic courtesy. After nodding, she slowly sat back down.
Xijiesi did not mind. He looked her over, casually took a seat, and said, "Tea."
Before long, a maid approached with a steaming cup of tea.
Ignoring the temperature, Xijiesi lifted the cup and took two sips before speaking.
"Miss Pianpian, it has been years since we last met. Your charm has only grown more captivating. Even in the Celestial River, news of you reaches us from time to time."
Pianpian smiled faintly and glanced around. The others promptly withdrew, leaving behind only a middle-aged B-rank woman.
Only then did she speak slowly. "I heard Tai Ping's acquisition of Ping An has not been going very smoothly?"
Xijiesi nodded impassively. "Mm. We have already abandoned the project. That is business."
Though his face remained expressionless, there was a trace of displeasure in his tone.
Yet Pianpian acted as though she had not noticed and continued asking, "Why not continue?"
Xijiesi answered indifferently, "They found strong reinforcements. We cannot afford to provoke them."
"Oh, is that so?" Pianpian tilted her head and looked at him with interest. "Admitting that others are stronger is not easy, is it?"
"One must know oneself," a flicker of anger passing through Xijiesi's eyes. "Does Miss Pianpian have anything else to say?"
Pianpian spoke again. "Even if Tai Ping withdraws, can you guarantee that Ping An will not retaliate?"
Xijiesi fell silent. This was also what had been troubling them recently.
Tai Ping Merchant Group had