The Xu Family head was now playing on old affections. He had changed his earlier form of address from the official "Chief Lin" to the personal "Changheng," and brought up their shared past along the way, reminding Lin Changheng not to forget their old bond.
Clearly, he had already accepted that Lin Changheng would leave. He was merely reinforcing their old ties: since he could not change the outcome, they might as well part on good terms and leave a favorable final impression.
It was what a clever man would do, and the course that best served his interests-preserving a lingering ember of goodwill.
Xu Xujun's question, however, invited reflection. He seemed somewhat unwilling to accept the situation and was still using Master Mo's whereabouts to gauge the relationship between Lin Changheng and Mo Zhaoli.
He was probing from the sidelines.
If Lin Changheng knew nothing about Master Mo's attendance or Zhaoli's Foundation Establishment, that would mean the two were not truly close. Their apparent relationship might even be a deliberately constructed facade, which could open the door to complications.
Lin Changheng noticed this. Not only did he answer accurately, but he also called her "little sister Zhaoli," borrowing a little of her prestige. He even intended to produce her letters as proof at the slightest sign of trouble, putting an end to certain higher-ups' unrealistic hopes.
Sure enough, the matter reached a satisfactory conclusion. Even Xu Xujun, who had remained cool and detached at the side, revealed a warm smile.
As the sayings went, "Things get done easily with someone at court," and "A great tree offers welcome shade." The cultivation world was no exception, and this time he had both.
After seeing off the Xu Family High Council, Lin Changheng had no intention of returning to the Xu