Xu Yi waved a hand. "Thank you, Young Master, and Mr. Hong, for your generous regard. But I'm no good at assigning men, and I have no talent for strategy. I've always been used to going my own way. If I took this post despite that, I fear it would do more harm than good. Damaging my reputation would be a small matter; jeopardizing the Young Master's plans would be much worse. I ask that you reconsider your decision."
The man in crimson was about to press him further when the young master in yellow said, "Very well. Guo Zhongye will remain in command of the squad. You may all go and prepare. Make sure you learn who's in your squad and coordinate well, so you can earn more merit. I'll certainly reward you handsomely. Xu Yi arrived later and missed my earlier instructions. Old Hong, explain them to him."
With that, the young master in yellow disappeared, and the other forty-odd people dispersed as well.
The man in crimson led Xu Yi into the pavilion and complained, "Why must you hold yourself aloof, Mr. Xu? There's no harm in getting closer to my young master."
"You misunderstand, Mr. Hong," Xu Yi replied. "It's not that I think too highly of myself. To put it bluntly, I have no shortage of help. I'm afraid of taking on extra burdens."
The man in crimson was taken aback, then suddenly burst out laughing and gave him a thumbs-up. "Only a true hero can be true to himself. If anyone else said that, I'd laugh at him. But you, sir, have every right to make such a bold claim."
Then the man in crimson let the subject drop and briefed Xu Yi on the next stage of their mission.
They were to travel