The threats and temptations woven through Lingren's words formed a carefully crafted net, wrapping around Aiven's mind.
He had made it clear that he knew there was something uncanny about Aiven's paintings, that Aiven had accomplices, and even hinted that Yu Xing posed a potentially enormous threat.
The plan he offered would help Aiven deal with the nuisance that was Yu Xing, keep them from attracting too much attention, and earn them a considerable sum. Better still, with him—a third party "on bad terms with Yu Xing"—acting as the go-between, it all seemed perfectly natural.
Aiven's ensnared mind raced.
He stared intently at Lingren, trying to find the slightest crack in those smiling eyes. But they were nothing more than an unfathomable, shadowy pool. "As an investigator, if you do this, won't Ideal Nation hold you accountable?"
"Friend, Ideal Nation was never founded to uphold justice." Lingren let out a soft, derisive laugh. "You've seen the filth in high society. Ideal Nation is even dirtier."
"Just look at me. I'm a rotten scoundrel, and yet I still hold a high position."
Those words set Aiven's heart ablaze.
"Then how can you be sure Yu Xing will accept the painting you send him? He knows perfectly well there's something wrong with it, doesn't he?" Aiven's voice was a little hoarse. He was tempted.
Lingren chuckled, his tone certain. "He will. Given his pride and his interest in 'anomalies,' he won't turn down a gift like this. Besides, it's a provocation from me—a man he despises. He'll go to any lengths to figure out its secrets."
He paused, then added, "Of course, to make sure the plan goes smoothly, you'll need to 'explain' the 'essence' of the painting to him yourself when you hand it over later, so he can... fully appreciate