The Manager's "Change of Face"

"Alright, if you have something to discuss, hurry up and say it. It would be best if we can settle it before you get your Gold Soul Coins ready," Lang Lei said indifferently, picking up the cup of water in front of him and taking a sip.

Hmm, it really is juice. It's quite sweet, with no artificial additives.

You know, in this universe of explosive technological advancements, all sorts of artificial fruit juices are constantly emerging.

Although his voice wasn't loud, the coldness and impatience it conveyed made the Great Soul Arena manager's heart tighten. The manager quickly put on a smile, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes, we'll get it done for you as soon as possible. We absolutely won't waste your precious time."

As he spoke, the manager wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Ever since he achieved his current cultivation level and climbed to the position of Great Soul Arena manager, he had never felt so subservient.

Normally, people were the ones trying to please and flatter him. But now, the situation was completely reversed. This made the manager feel very uncomfortable, and he couldn't help but sigh at the unpredictable nature of life.

However, he also understood the reason for this situation. After all, even those slightly higher in status than him usually had some needs from him, so they wouldn't easily offend him, the manager of the Great Soul Arena.

Yet, Lang Lei seemed to be an exception. He was like a person devoid of desires, making it impossible for anyone to find a way to please him.

There's no other way. Since I'm the one asking for a favor, I have to lower my stance. The manager took a deep breath, steadied himself, and continued with a fawning smile, "Don't worry, we will do our utmost to satisfy your request as quickly as possible."

"Then stop wasting my time. What exactly do you want? What's your objective? Tell me clearly, all at once, and then I'll consider whether to agree. Also, I actually preferred your tough attitude from earlier," Lang Lei said with a playful smirk.

A hint of an embarrassed smile appeared on the Great Soul Arena manager's face. He chuckled dryly and quickly took a small booklet from his pocket, explaining, "Young man, please don't misunderstand. I... I had to maintain my authority in front of my subordinates..."

Lang Lei's lips curved upwards slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. He knew very well that people like this cared about their reputation and liked to put on airs in front of others. However, he didn't expose him. He merely glanced at the booklet indifferently and then fell silent.

Seeing this, the Great Soul Arena manager quickly continued, "It's like this. You should know that besides collecting tickets from ordinary spectators, our Great Soul Arena's biggest source of income is from betting. But with someone like you..."

Lang Lei naturally understood what he meant. It was simply that his strength was too great, affecting their betting revenue. After all, few people would bet against a master like him. Consequently, the Great Soul Arena lost a lot of income.

However, Lang Lei didn't find it a big deal, as he wasn't making money this way. Moreover, he knew his background was extraordinary, and they surely wouldn't dare to do anything to him. If it were someone else, they would have likely been coerced or threatened long ago. Having dealt with the Interstellar Peace Company frequently, he was all too familiar with such tactics.

But for businessmen, profit comes first. Blocking someone's path to wealth is like killing their parents; it's something they absolutely cannot tolerate. Yet, the fact that they could still maintain such a polite attitude was solely because Lang Lei's current stance was unclear. If Lang Lei were to resolutely cause them trouble, it was foreseeable that the families behind the Great Soul Arena would not let it go.

Even with the powerful Snow Empress and Ice Empress backing him, they likely wouldn't hesitate to cause him some trouble in the Great Soul Arena. After all, in the face of profit, any force could be provoked into a fight.

Lang Lei naturally understood the implications. While he wasn't afraid of trouble, he was indeed annoyed by it. Thus, he directly questioned the Great Soul Arena manager, "So, how do you intend to handle this? Are you going to ban me from participating in Soul Fights at the Great Soul Arena?"

Faced with Lang Lei's question, the Great Soul Arena manager reacted swiftly. He quickly replied, "Of course not, we would never ban you from participating in Soul Fights. It's just that, from now on, betting will no longer be an entertainment option for your matches."

The Great Soul Arena manager's answer was exceptionally decisive, as if he were afraid Lang Lei would stop patronizing the Great Soul Arena because of this decision.

Despite this, the Great Soul Arena manager knew very well that although they had lost the betting income from Lang Lei's matches, they still had another way to make money – ticket sales. After all, Lang Lei possessed considerable strength and popularity. His matches would undoubtedly attract a large number of spectators, and ticket revenue could also be a significant income!

Lang Lei's presence would clearly have some star power after today. A Soul Grand Master with two Thousand-Year Spirit Rings defeating a well-equipped Soul Elder team was a huge selling point in itself. People are naturally drawn to strength, and Lang Lei's matches would have a considerable number of regular viewers.

Furthermore, if Lang Lei were to stop participating in Soul Fights at the Great Soul Arena after their conversation, his job would likely be over.

First of all, the shareholders behind the scenes would definitely not allow the Great Soul Arena to offend such a colossal figure as Lang Lei. He would very likely become a scapegoat for their apologies to Lang Lei.

"If that's all, there was no need to invite me here, was there?" Lang Lei's lips curved upwards slightly, revealing a faint smile. He also shrugged his shoulders, appearing somewhat puzzled by the current situation.

He continued, "Setting up entertainment options is entirely your business. I wouldn't interfere that much. After all, this is your territory, and I'm not in a position to dictate."

Although he felt a little regretful, as he had lost a legitimate opportunity to earn Gold Soul Coins, Lang Lei still appeared quite magnanimous.

I've always been a reasonable person. I can't hold a grudge against the Great Soul Arena over such a small matter, can I? That would make me no different from unreasonable people. Besides, it wouldn't do me any good and would only make me seem petty.

"Young man, you are truly magnanimous. I am impressed," the Great Soul Arena manager said with a fawning smile. He secretly breathed a sigh of relief, as he had initially worried that Lang Lei would take his anger out on the Great Soul Arena over this matter, potentially even causing him to lose his job.

Lang Lei waved his hand and replied with a smile, "Manager, you flatter me. I just don't think it's necessary to quibble over such trivial matters." He paused for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject, "However, to be honest, I actually preferred your demeanor from earlier. Please revert to that."

The manager's smile froze instantly. He said awkwardly, "Young... young man is joking again..." The Great Soul Arena manager flipped a page in his booklet and continued, "There's also one last thing..."

"Speak."