"Hello, Mister Ji."
The old man in the wheelchair was the first to extend his hand. "I am Elder Longge of Tower City... Thank you for what happened with Deng last time."
Deng?
Ji Jue was taken aback for a moment before recalling that it was the surname of Yacheng's elder. However, after becoming an elder, they were usually addressed by their clerical title, while their own names became known to few.
He was referring to how Ji Jue had previously urged Seven Cities to intercept the church vessel that had been hijacked, saving the medical team.
Ji Jue took his hand, releasing it as soon as they touched.
"It was nothing. There's no need to dwell on it."
"No. In these times, others may commit evil without consequence, but when one receives kindness, one must repay it."
Elder Longge's voice was hoarse. "That is the church's creed, and the principle we uphold. Deng wrote to me specially, asking me to convey his greetings and thanks.
Later, there will be a procurement letter requiring your confirmation. From now on, all equipment needed by the church in Tower City will be purchased from Coast Industry.
And if there is anything else you need, please be sure to say so."
"..."
Ji Jue fell silent for a moment, puzzled. "So straightforward?"
The elder's tone sounded less like gratitude than repayment for a favor owed. There was no intention of drawing closer, only courtesy and distance.
"When one has sat in this position long enough, one unknowingly becomes this way."
Elder Longge answered calmly. His face, covered in wrinkles and sunspots, had long grown accustomed to a harsh, expressionless look. Occasionally, the corners of his eyes twitched from spasms in his nerves, but more often than not, there was an innate severity and