First Public Appearance

"I'm not some important figure," Luo Wen continued. "Where I come from, there are plenty of people like me.

"I have no power, no influence, nothing that can send your Zhou Family soaring to the heavens in a single step."

Zhou Yanbai opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but Luo Wen raised a hand to stop him.

"But," Luo Wen said.

After that "but," he paused for several long breaths.

"You said the Zhou Family in Linyuan can't reach what lies outside. That's true. I'm outside, and I am indeed very far from Linyuan. But being far away doesn't mean I can't see it."

He looked at Zhou Yanbai. There was just a little more warmth in his gaze than usual—not much, only a trace, like a sliver of light passing through a winter window.

"I watched your two children today. Zhou Mingyuan has a good foundation and a good temperament. The flaws he pointed out to Lu Chi weren't empty politeness; he genuinely saw them. As for Zhou Wanwan's footwork, among the people I've seen, those her age who can train to that level can be counted on one hand."

Zhou Yanbai held his breath.

"I'll remember this favor," Luo Wen said. "Not because I owe you anything, but because you were willing to stake the Zhou Family's future on someone of unknown origin like me. That judgment and courage are worth remembering."

He paused. The faint warmth left his tone, and he became the same indifferent Luo Wen again.

"But I'm not so easily bought. What I agreed to today wasn't to become the Zhou Family's backer. It was a promise to repay a favor.

"If there is an opportunity in the future, and it does not violate my principles, I will repay it."

After hearing this,