"Now that you've passed the fifth-grade alchemist examination, young friend, what do you intend to do next?"
Fama gazed at Xiao Chen with bright, eager eyes. His gaze brimmed with appreciation for a rare talent as he quietly considered whether he could recruit him.
He knew that, given Xiao Chen's talent, persuading him to stay and take a position here was unlikely. Still, he wanted to try.
After all, a fifth-grade alchemist so young was exceedingly rare across the entire continent. His talent was nothing short of monstrous.
If the Alchemist Association could bring him into its ranks, cultivate him with care, and provide sufficient resources, he would likely surpass Pill King Gu He in just a few years.
By then, the Alchemist Association's prestige would overtake both the Misty Cloud Sect and the Imperial Family, making it the undisputed foremost power in the Jia Ma Empire.
Xiao Chen smiled at his words and waved a hand, changing the subject. "President Fama, I'll think about what to do later. I'm a little hungry now, so I'm going to get something to eat!"
Fama's intentions were written all over his face. How could Xiao Chen not see them? But they conflicted with his plans. The Imperial Capital was a fine place, but not somewhere he meant to stay for long.
"Hahaha, I was careless. I forgot you've been working hard for three days, young friend, and haven't eaten!"
Fama was shrewd with age and understood Xiao Chen's meaning at once. Though Xiao Chen had turned him down, that didn't stop him from building a good relationship with him. He hurriedly instructed Gerard, who stood nearby, "Gerard, go book a banquet at the Moon-Gazing Pavilion. And remember, it must be on the top floor!"
After giving Gerard his orders, Fama turned back to Xiao Chen and cheerfully introduced the place. "The Moon-Gazing Pavilion's cuisine is the finest in the Imperial Capital. I hope you'll do me the honor of joining me!"
"President Fama, you're too kind. I'm imposing on you."
Xiao Chen had heard of the Moon-Gazing Pavilion. Backed by the Jia Ma Imperial Family and the Mittel Family, it was no exaggeration to call it the most luxurious restaurant in the Imperial Capital.
The restaurant's dishes were often prepared with low-grade spirit medicines, and its private rooms on the top floor catered exclusively to nobles and senior figures from powerful factions. Even wealthy merchants couldn't book one, no matter how much money they had.
Fama furrowed his brow and waved his hand, pretending to be displeased. "What are you saying, young friend? You and I hit it off at once. Sharing a drink with you is a pleasure. How could a little expense for food and wine possibly be an imposition?"
Just as Fama finished speaking, a clear, lilting female voice sounded from nearby. Yaoye approached with a smile in her eyes. "Oh? President Fama's treating someone? That's rare indeed. Would you mind if I shamelessly joined you for a fine meal?"
Yaoye had arrived three days earlier, but when she reached the Alchemist Association, she learned that Xiao Chen had already entered the secret chamber. With no other choice, she had waited here—and waited for three whole days.
Now that she had finally found her chance, she naturally wouldn't let it slip by. Even if she had to throw all caution to the wind and swallow her pride, she would at least make his acquaintance first.
"I never expected the eldest princess herself to grace us with her presence. May I ask what brings you to the Alchemist Association?"
Fama's expression darkened. He knew exactly why Yaoye had come at this particular time: she had come to steal Xiao Chen away.
Yaoye knew her actions would surely displease Fama, but so what if they did? She didn't want to offend the Alchemist Association, but neither could she sit by and let it recruit such a rare talent and grow even stronger.
"I heard that a young alchemy genius recently arrived in the Imperial Capital. He passed the fifth-grade alchemist examination at such a tender age, and I grew curious. So I came to see him for myself!"
Yaoye's words were flawless. She had simply heard the news, grown curious, and come to take a look. But Fama was an old fox and believed none of it. He snorted. "Since Princess Yaoye has seen what she came to see, please return."
"Don't be so hasty, President Fama. I haven't eaten either. Why don't we dine together?"
As she spoke, Yaoye kept sizing up Xiao Chen, admiration filling her eyes. If a gifted young man like him could work for her, the Imperial Family's resurgence would be just around the corner.
The Jia Ma Empire seemed peaceful on the surface, but undercurrents ran deep. The Misty Cloud Sect pressed down from above, while the Alchemist Association kept the Imperial Family in check. As the future ruler of the Jia Ma Empire, Yaoye couldn't stand to see things remain this way.
Fama very much wanted to refuse outright, but Xiao Chen was beside him. He couldn't make his intentions too obvious. If he offended the young man, any hope of recruiting him would be gone for good.
With that in mind, Fama could only swallow his frustration. Displeasure showed on his face, and his words carried a hint of mockery. "If the eldest princess wants to join us, then by all means. It's not as though I can't afford another meal."
His words were barbed, clearly mocking the dignified eldest princess of the Jia Ma Empire for resorting to such tricks just to steal someone away.
But Yaoye acted as though she hadn't heard him. She deftly sidestepped the verbal sparring and shifted her gaze to Xiao Yi Xian. "What a beautiful young lady. Could she be your fiancée, young master?"
At those words, Xiao Yi Xian lowered her head shyly, her fingers twisting at her clothes. She didn't dare look at Xiao Chen, but inside, she was secretly delighted. This beautiful older sister really is a wonderful person.
Seeing her reaction, Xiao Chen smiled helplessly and reached out to pat Xiao Yi Xian on the head. "Xian'er is rather shy and not very talkative. Please don't take offense, Princess Yaoye!" As he spoke, he drew the flustered Xiao Yi Xian into his arms.
"Not at all. How could I possibly blame such a beautiful young lady?"
Yaoye watched the two of them with a smile tugging at her lips. She lightly brushed the ring on her finger, and an exquisite jade box, inlaid with dark gold patterns, appeared in her palm.
The box was decorated with elegant, antique patterns and surrounded by a faint, delicate fragrance. It was clearly no ordinary item. Yaoye gently pushed it forward, and Battle Qi carried it to Xiao Yi Xian. "My dear sister, I feel we've hit it off at once. This is just a small gift. I hope you won't refuse it."
Xiao Yi Xian didn't take the jade box. Instead, she looked up at Xiao Chen. "Since it's Princess Yaoye's gift, you should accept it."
Xiao Chen knew Yaoye was using the opportunity to draw closer to them, but he still chose to accept the gift. He had a vague feeling that whatever was inside might be useful to Xiao Yi Xian.
Watching this, Fama couldn't help but admire Yaoye's tact. She had drawn closer to the two of them without making a fuss. If things went on like this, recruiting Xiao Chen would be even more difficult.
With Xiao Chen's approval, Xiao Yi Xian obediently thanked Yaoye and accepted the delicate jade box. Seeing her so gentle and demure, Yaoye's smile grew all the more sincere and warm. She teased softly, "Why don't you open it and see if what's inside is to your liking?"
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