What kind of person are you? Yan Li could only give a hollow chuckle and remain silent, lifting his teacup to drink as he pondered alone.
Never mind what kind of person he was—this talk of paying with one hand and delivering the goods with the other felt strange no matter how Yan Li considered it. Was this how people from the same sect spoke? Was this how fellow Elders conversed? He had spent many years in Purple Gold Cave and had never heard of such a thing. This was the first time.
It also made him realize that, for the time being, Niu Youdao had yet to integrate into the collective of Purple Gold Cave, while Purple Gold Cave had not fully accepted him either. Deep down, they still regarded Niu Youdao as an outsider.
After pondering for a while, Yan Li set down his teacup, rose to his feet, and said, "I'll remember your terms. But I can't agree to them yet. I'll return and report this before giving you an answer."
Niu Youdao rose as well. "Then I'll see you out."
"No, no need to trouble yourself." Yan Li did not know whether he was mocking Niu Youdao or himself. He waved a hand, strode swiftly out of the pavilion, and left first.
Watching him depart, Niu Youdao sat back down and slowly drank his tea, clearly absorbed in thought.
Guan Fangyi, who had taken the initiative to see the guest off, returned and entered the pavilion. Fanning herself with her round fan, she asked, "Pay with one hand and hand over the people with the other—do you want that husband and wife, or do you want money? You've thoroughly muddled me. I really can't figure it out."
Niu Youdao toyed with the lid of his teacup.