"Tian Luo." Yun Qing first looked toward the elegant Yun Tianluo, his face breaking into a smile of deep trust. "You have the most meticulous mind, seven apertures of exquisite insight. Although we've settled on mediation for the mining dispute between the Northern Border's three cities and the Red Flame Sect, the subsequent transfer of resources still requires negotiation and accounting. I'll put you in full charge of this matter."
He deliberately emphasized "full charge," then sent a thick dossier floating over, saying with a radiant smile, "Within seven days, I want a detailed closing report. As your elder brother, I have every confidence in your methods." At those last words, Yun Qing's gaze grew subtle, laden with implication.
A seven-aperture exquisite heart ought to be negotiating and balancing accounts. If negotiations failed, he could always split the negotiating table apart and "persuade them with reason." What a perfect fit for his talents.
Yun Tianluo respectfully accepted the dossier with both hands and replied earnestly, "Rest assured, eldest brother. Tian Luo will spare no effort to handle every matter thoroughly and ease the burdens of the Young Lord and yourself."
Hmm... that sounded rather familiar. Yun Qing felt as though someone had just said something like that.
Wait! Wasn't that exactly how he had fobbed off Yun Huang?
Yun Qing stared at Yun Tianluo, whose expression remained unchanged, still the very image of a refined gentleman. Only a shadow seemed to flicker deep within his eyes. The Red Flame Sect? I heard their sect master was a hot-tempered old Fire Crow. Perhaps we could "exchange" some insights on Fire Divine Ability?
Yun Qing narrowed his eyes at Yun Tianluo's thoroughly false smile, then turned his attention to the culprit behind today's performance.
"Yun Jinglei."
Yun Jinglei's scalp tingled, and he