Reaching Consensus, Preparations Before the Dinner Party

After cursing the current Family Head Previous Generation Family Head of the Mercury Family, the Nightless Sky Family Head seemed to have become interested, pausing only briefly before continuing.

"Not only are those two from the Mercury Family idiots, but the rest of the Royal Nobles are now nothing but worthless trash."

"The fact that the Autumn Family lost to Arter Mercury back then is enough to show that the Autumn Family is a bunch of good-for-nothings... Even if the current heir has some talent, sooner or later he will be dragged down by his stupid, short-sighted, pedantic and rigid elders—I really don't understand, Arter Mercury was at least conciliatory in his foreign policy and soft-hearted towards Arlan, so he was actually gentle on the inside but tough on the outside..."

"The Autumn Family actually believes in outdated things like morality, and they're still relying on family rules to govern their own clan... It's ridiculous!"

"The Solence Family is a bunch of idiots. These guys know nothing but scheming and backstabbing... The Universal Trade Association hasn't had any major technological advancements for a full twenty years. I seriously doubt whether the current Solence Family Head can still master all of the Solence Family's Supreme Alchemy. It's no wonder that such a rigid and xenophobic family has become the lowest of the low among the Five Great Families in recent years."

"As for the Saint Orchid Family... ha, they're not much better off. The succession struggle has escalated to this point, and neither the eldest nor the third son has used the family's influence in the Council, nor done any publicity or supported their own faction's cronies in the Speaker election... not even one of them has the foresight to pay me a visit or offer a gift. They only know how to win over Huo Shu and Huo Le... what a joke. Do you think Huo Shu and Huo Le are more influential than me? I at least have the status of an aunt and uncle, and no one has even thought to use that."

After sharply criticizing the other Four Royal Nobles, the Nightless Sky Family Head drew a simple conclusion.

"So, to be honest, you can kill any of those Four Royal Nobles... In fact, if you choose the right ones, I would even support you in killing them."

"I've even disliked some of the idiots in my family for a long time—if it weren't for the preciousness of the Nightless Sky Family's Bloodline, I sometimes really want to carry out another purge."

Lin Yu did not perceive these words from the Nightless Sky Family Head as a sign of concession.

A woman of this status, the head of a family, who has stood at the pinnacle of power for who knows how long, even if she looks like little girl, is a ruthless person who can easily toy with Nightless Sky Huo Le and even control Paris.

Therefore, if the other party takes a step back, they are actually preparing to take three steps forward – a strategy of "retreating to advance".

Lin Yu looked at the Nightless Sky Family Head and spoke calmly.

But... what's the reality?

The Nightless Sky Family Head was not surprised that Lin Yu had seen through her intentions.

"But in reality, this situation... or rather, this commission itself, is somewhat targeted at our Nightless Sky clan," the Nightless Sky Family Head said, resting his chin on his hand. "Not only do they want to kill the person I promised to protect, but they also want to take action at Fire Apricot's coming-of-age ceremony. I can't help but suspect that the employer behind this commission also has designs on the Nightless Sky Family."

"So... I definitely won't help you. At most, I'll turn a blind eye and pretend you never told me about this."

The Nightless Sky Family Head said calmly, "Furthermore, even if you succeed, I will still gather the clan's strength to seal off the scene and pursue you with all my might."

Lin Yu laughed upon hearing the seemingly threatening words from the Nightless Sky Family Head.

"Or... is there a better solution?"

"A plan that can avoid damaging the reputation of the Nightless Sky Family, and even benefit you."

Lin Yu gave his answer—which was exactly the response the Nightless Sky Family Head wanted to hear.

From the moment she started commenting on the other families, Lin Yu had been looking forward to Nightless Sky.

Sure enough, she looked at Lin Yu and spoke with great interest.

Tell me about it.

It was already evening when I left the library and the tower.

Despite its name being the "city that City That Never Sleeps," the city still experiences the alternation of day and night.

It's just that at night, both the Outer City That Never Sleeps are brightly lit, as bright as day.

At the entrance of the tower, Nightless Sky Huo Le was still waiting for Lin Yu.

Why is it taking so long today?

Nightless Sky Huo Le looked at Lin Yu and said in surprise.

Lin Yu mimicked Fu Luo's manner, responding half-jokingly, "You haven't been back for too long, so you've been trying to build up your relationship with the Family Head. Don't worry, I've said a lot of nice things about you."

"Your mother's favorability towards you has increased dramatically; shouldn't you thank me profusely for that?"

Hearing Lin Yu's words, Nightless Sky Huo Le breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh, I thought something had happened... turns out it's just because you haven't been back for so long."

"After all, it's quite presumptuous of you to suddenly attend the coming-of-age ceremony as a guest. I thought Mother would be displeased..."

"Nightless Sky Huo Le said with concern," then waved his hand.

"Let's not talk about this anymore, let's go."

Lin Yu asked curiously, "Where are we going?"

"Let's go to Wanjin Heavenly Seat. I've made a reservation at their garden restaurant. After we eat, we'll stop by and buy some things." Nightless Sky Huo Le said in a serious tone.

Lin Yu was quite surprised. "You're really thanking me? Was it really necessary to make it so formal?"

Nightless Sky Huo Le curled its lip. "Don't flatter yourself... Sherlock, didn't Mother just ask you if you had prepared a generous gift?"

"I bet you weren't really prepared to give Fire Apricot a gift at all... or you're planning to just give her something perfunctory, right?"

Lin Yu immediately protested. "No, I was planning to subtly hint to President Paris about extorting some money..."

"Don't make things difficult for Paris. Although he's quite wealthy, he's struggling to make ends meet with his salary and the money he embezzles from his position, all to build connections for himself and to help me win over the company's higher-ups. Besides, he doesn't have any family backing him," Nightless Sky Huo Le said, shaking his head. "Moreover, Paris's taste can only be described as hopeless."

"You really do care about your subordinates, Miss Huo Le. But you're right, I was really afraid that guy would pull out a crystal orange figurine when I went to ask for a gift..."

As Lin Yu spoke, it was tantamount to tacitly approving of the Nightless Sky Huo Le's plan.

"Let's go then—I'll change my clothes and then we'll set off."

Then, Lin Yu spoke.

"Wait, there's one more thing."

"What is it?"

Nightless Sky Huo Le looked at Lin Yu and asked, puzzled.

"Get me a formal suit too," Lin Yu said, then pointed to his casual clothes. "Since it's a formal event, not only should the gift be good... but the clothes should also be presentable."

"It would be best to get your hair and makeup done again."

After thinking for a moment, Nightless Sky Huo Le said, "Then let's go to Wanjin Heavenly Seat, and I'll use my pocket money to buy you a new outfit."