Negotiation, Price, and Thanks

Inside a fast food restaurant.

Chen Zhuo ate his hamburger, he couldn't help but steal glances at the two beautiful girls in front of him, each with a distinct style.

Zhu Ming needs no introduction; she is a very gentle and kind older sister, with a warm smile that exudes elegance.

The new girl was wearing a beautiful red and black school uniform from a private high school. The sophisticated design and the quality of the fabric were far superior to his loose, baggy uniform.

Although she was wearing sunglasses, you could still tell that she had a small face and delicate features.

However, Chen Zhuo didn't feel any enjoyment sitting with the two of them.

Instead, other passing students kept glancing at him, making Chen Zhuo a little nervous.

Meanwhile, Lin Yu, holding his phone, finished explaining Chen Zhuo's request to Li Nian.

"That's basically it... This kid just finished four Instance, and he ran into me in the Novice instance. He seems fine, just lucky."

"This is the post he commissioned—you two can discuss the specific price he can offer."

After Lin Yu finished speaking, he looked at Chen Zhuo.

Although Chen Zhuo was sitting right across from the two of them and had heard their conversation clearly, he still pretended to have just realized what was happening and put down the hamburger wrapper in his hand.

"Oh, ah, you guys are done chatting?"

"This... price, right?" Chen Zhuo tried his best to appear professional, "Why don't you introduce yourself? Sister Zhu Ming only told me you're Tier 2..."

Lin Yu looked at Li Nian with great interest.

He deliberately didn't introduce Li Nian to Chen Zhuo earlier because he wanted to see what kind of fake identity Li Nian would fabricate for him.

Li Nian also understood Lin Yu's intention.

She rested her chin on her hand, leaning slightly forward.

"Well, I have two pricing options. One is that you give me 500 points in cash, which is 50,000 yuan. In that case, I'll tell you I'm just an ordinary 'Tier 2' thief, using some [Common Item] and unremarkable skills to ensure you don't run into trouble in the next Instance."

"The other way... you'll have to pay me 1000 points—but not directly. I'll give you a list of items worth 1000 points each, Item that are sold on the 'forum' and only accept Item as payment."

"But on the other hand—no matter how difficult the next Instance is, I will do my best to ensure your safety."

"And... if the opportunity arises, I'll send you a lovely gift."

As Li Nian spoke, Chen Zhuo couldn't help but swallow hard, hearing the meaningful tone in her voice.

"What's the meaning?"

"This is all the information I can give you before you make your choice."

As Li Nian spoke, she took a sip of her iced cola, then frowned.

Why is this cola flat?

"One yuan and fifty cents a cup, please don't mind."

Lin Yu said from the side.

Upon hearing Li Nian's words, Chen Zhuo was caught in a moral dilemma.

Finally, he made up his mind.

"I choose the latter... I also hope to take this opportunity to get to know you!"

"Perhaps we can have a long-term partnership in the future."

Chen Zhuo said with piercing eyes.

Li Nian burst into laughter.

"I personally think you made a wise choice, in short..."

She pulled her sunglasses down slightly and looked at Chen Zhuo.

"Let me introduce myself frankly. My name is 'A Nian,' but you can also call me..."

"Master Thief".

She said that, without introducing herself any further.

This one name alone was enough to make Chen Zhuo exclaim in surprise.

"You're the 'Master Thief'?"

"Um... um..."

Li Nian nodded slightly. "Yes, the newest member of the 'Freedom Alliance'... well, but this title will probably be replaced by 'Sister Zhu Ming' next to me soon."

Li Nian chuckled and said, "How about it? A member of the 'Freedom Alliance' and a reserve member of the 'Freedom Alliance' carried you through the Instance. Wasn't that exciting?"

Chen Zhuo was clearly deeply shocked.

"This is so exciting..."

He murmured, a somewhat forced smile appearing on his face.

"Um, is it too late to back out now?"

"Haha--Of course not!"

Li Nian smiled and pulled a Utility knife from her pocket.

"Generally speaking, transactions involving 1000 points require a deposit and a Notary. The reason I didn't collect your deposit or have it Notary is naturally because I..."

"I'm confident I can collect this debt myself."

She pushed out the Utility knife blade, one section at a time, the sharp blade gleaming coldly.

"Alright, take out the [Team-up Card]."

Li Nian spoke, Lin Yu looked at Chen Zhuo.

"Don't be too nervous. Although it's true that the 'Freedom Alliance' was an organization that was expelled, they weren't particularly chaotic, violent, or malicious. This Miss 'A Nian' wouldn't kill innocent people indiscriminately; she's just keen on stealing."

Lin Yu smiled as he spoke.

Li Nian also pursed her lips. "That's true. If I had to say... actually, this 'Zhu Ming' Miss introduced me here is more dangerous."

Under the combined attack of the two, Chen Zhuo had no choice but to shakily pull out the [Three-person Team-up Card] from his pocket.

"Then, let's start forming a team."

There are reportedly two ways to use the [Team-up Card]. One way is to use it face-to-face, where you can successfully form a team by pinching the Team-up Card at the same time.

Another method of use is said to enable remote team formation, but Lin Yu is not clear on the specifics of how it works.

In short, the three of them reached out and grabbed the [Three-person Team-up Card] together, looking like they were playing with a Ouija board.

The cardholder, Chen Zhuo, read the sentence aloud with great confidence, even though it could have been recited silently.

"Use the Team-up Card!"

As Chen Zhuo finished speaking, the Team-up Card vanished instantly.

A line of [blood-red text] appeared before Lin Yu's eyes.

[Team successfully formed, current team size: 3]

[The party status will remain until the end of the next Instance run.]

Upon Li Nian dusted himself off and stood up.

"Alright, that's done!"

See you Tuesday night, Fatty.

Li Nian stood up casually, and Lin Yu followed suit.

The two left Chen Zhuo, who still seemed shaken, and headed out of the fast food restaurant.

On the way, Li Nian looked at Lin Yu and smiled.

"Wow, thank you so much... You actually helped me earn 1000 points in one go... and I even got a 'personal shopper'!"

For those who have been removed from the forum, if someone is willing to help them buy the [Item] that are sold on the forum for 1000 points, that would be more valuable than 1000 points and 100,000 RMB.

Lin Yu, however, remained humble.

"It's nothing, this is the reward you earned yourself... Let's make money together."

Li Nian nudged Lin Yu with her elbow with a grin. "Don't mention it, if it weren't for your introduction, I wouldn't have had this opportunity."

"And when I was scaring him just now, you didn't call me out on it!"

"No wonder they can fool the 'Psychology Society'!"