Fama's Invitation, Yaoye's Gift!

"Now that you have passed the Grade 5 Alchemist examination, young friend, what are your plans for the future?"

Fama gazed at Xiao Chen with burning intensity, his eyes filled with appreciation as he secretly calculated the possibility of recruiting him.

In truth, he knew that with Xiao Chen's talent, persuading him to stay and take up a post here was unlikely, but he still wanted to try.

After all, a Grade 5 Alchemist of such a young age was an extreme rarity across the entire continent; one could see just how monstrous his talent was.

If he could be brought into the Alchemist Association and nurtured with care and sufficient resources, it was estimated that in a few years, he would surpass the Pill King Gu He.

At that time, the prestige of the Alchemist Association would completely eclipse the Cloud Mist Sect and the Imperial family, becoming the true number one power in the Gama Empire.

Xiao Chen smiled at these words and waved his hand to change the subject. "President Fama, let's discuss future plans later. I'm feeling a bit hungry now and intend to go get something to eat!"

Fama's intention to recruit him was written all over his face, and how could he not see it? It was just that this conflicted with his own plans; while the Imperial Capital was fine, it was not a place to stay for long.

"Hahaha, that is my oversight! I forgot that you have been working hard for three days and haven't eaten yet!"

Fama was an old fox and instantly understood the meaning behind Xiao Chen's words. Although he had been rebuffed, it did not stop him from wanting to build a good relationship with Xiao Chen. He hurriedly ordered Gerard, who was standing to the side, "Gerard, go quickly and book a table at the Moon-Gazing Pavilion. Remember, it must be on the top floor!"

After instructing Gerard, Fama turned back to Xiao Chen and introduced it with a chuckle, "The food at the Moon-Gazing Pavilion is considered the best in the Imperial Capital. I hope you will do me the honor of joining me!"

"President Fama is too kind. I am sorry to put you to such expense!"

Xiao Chen had also heard of the Moon-Gazing Pavilion. Backed by the Gama Empire Imperial family and the Mittel Clan, it was no exaggeration to call it the most high-end restaurant in the Imperial Capital.

The food inside was often prepared with low-grade medicinal herbs, and the private rooms on the top floor only hosted royalty, nobles, and high-level figures from major powers; ordinary wealthy merchants couldn't book them even if they had the money.

Fama frowned slightly, feigning displeasure, and waved his hand. "What are you saying, young friend? You and I hit it off the moment we met. To be able to share wine and conversation with you—how can a little spending on food and drink be considered an expense?"

Just as Fama finished speaking, a crisp, melodious female voice rang out from not far away. Yaoye approached slowly with a smile in her eyes. "Oh? President Fama is hosting a banquet? That is truly rare. I wonder if this humble woman might be thick-skinned enough to join you for a delicious meal?"

Yaoye had arrived three days ago, but when she reached the Alchemist Association, she learned that Xiao Chen had already entered the secret chamber. With no other choice, she could only wait here, and that wait lasted three days.

Now that she had finally seized the opportunity, she naturally wouldn't let it go. Even if she had to cast aside her pride, she had to at least get familiar with him first.

"I didn't expect the Eldest Princess to grace us with her presence. May I ask what brings the Eldest Princess to the Alchemist Association?"

Fama's expression was somewhat unsightly. He knew exactly why Yaoye had come at this time—it was nothing more than to poach someone.

Yaoye knew her actions would surely displease Fama, but what if they did? She didn't want to offend the Alchemist Association, but she couldn't just stand by and watch such talent be recruited by them, allowing the Alchemist Association to grow even stronger, could she?

"I heard that a genius alchemist had arrived in the Imperial Capital recently, having passed the Grade 5 Alchemist examination at such a young age. I was curious, so I came to see him for myself!"

Yaoye's words were airtight. She had heard the news, felt curious, and came to take a look. But how could an old fox like Fama believe that? He snorted coldly, "Since Princess Yaoye has seen what she came to see, please return."

"Don't be in such a hurry, President Fama. I haven't eaten yet either. Why don't we go together?"

As Yaoye spoke, her gaze kept sweeping over Xiao Chen, her eyes full of admiration. If such a genius youth could be used by her, the rise of the Imperial family would be just around the corner.

The current Gama Empire appeared calm on the surface, but beneath the surface, undercurrents were surging. With the Cloud Mist Sect suppressing from above and the Alchemist Association acting as a check from below, this was a situation Yaoye, as the future ruler of the Gama Empire, did not want to see.

Fama desperately wanted to refuse sternly, but with Xiao Chen at his side, he couldn't speak his mind. If he were to offend this youth, there would be no hope for recruitment at all.

Thinking of this, Fama could only suppress the frustration in his heart, wearing a look of slight displeasure with a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "Since the Eldest Princess wishes to come, then come. It's not like I can't afford one more meal!"

Fama's words were sharp and pointed, clearly mocking the Eldest Princess of the Gama Empire for resorting to such tactics just to poach someone.

Yet, Yaoye acted as if she hadn't heard him, nimbly avoiding the confrontation. Her gaze shifted to Little Doctor Fairy. "This little sister is truly beautiful. Is she the young master's fiancée?"

Upon hearing this, Little Doctor Fairy lowered her head in shyness, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes. She didn't dare look at Xiao Chen, but she felt secretly delighted, thinking that this beautiful big sister was a very good person.

Seeing this, Xiao Chen smiled helplessly and reached out to pat Little Doctor Fairy's head. "Xian'er has a rather introverted personality and is not good with words. Please don't take offense, Princess Yaoye!" As he spoke, he took the opportunity to pull the uneasy Little Doctor Fairy into his arms.

"It is no trouble. She is so beautiful, how could I have the heart to blame her?"

Watching the intimate display between the two, a smile curled at the corners of Yaoye's mouth. She lightly brushed the ring on her finger, and a luxuriously crafted jade box inlaid with dark gold patterns appeared in her palm.

The patterns on the jade box were ancient and elegant, faintly surrounded by a wisp of light fragrance; one could tell at a glance that it was no ordinary object. Yaoye pushed the jade box forward with her palm, and under the control of Battle Qi, it flew before Little Doctor Fairy. "I feel like I've known you for a long time, little sister. Please do not decline this small gift!"

Little Doctor Fairy looked at the jade box in front of her but did not reach for it, instead looking up at Xiao Chen. "Since it is Princess Yaoye's kind intention, just take it!"

Xiao Chen knew full well that Yaoye was using this opportunity to build a connection, but he chose to accept it because he vaguely sensed that the item inside might be useful to Little Doctor Fairy.

Seeing this, Fama sighed inwardly at Yaoye's smooth tactics; she had closed the distance between them without a sound. At this rate, he feared that his own attempt to recruit Xiao Chen would become even more difficult.

Having received Xiao Chen's approval, Little Doctor Fairy obediently thanked her and steadily took the exquisite jade box. Seeing her gentle and submissive appearance, the smile in Yaoye's eyes became even more sincere and soft. She teased gently, "Why don't you open it, little sister, and see if the contents are to your liking?"