Deep within the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, in a small courtyard.
Upon hearing that Chen Shi'an had come to visit, Tao Yaoyao immediately had Cui Zhu escort him to her residence.
"Squad Leader Chen, did you give the Perfume Sachet to Commander Ye?" Cui Zhu stopped at the doorway and asked quietly.
Chen Shi'an nodded and smiled. "Of course I kept your business in mind. I gave it to him that very day."
A delighted smile appeared on Cui Zhu's face. "Did you mention my name? What did he say?"
Chen Shi'an promptly replied, "Naturally, I mentioned your name. But after he accepted the Perfume Sachet, he said nothing."
"Oh," Cui Zhu murmured, clear disappointment showing in her eyes. Then she smiled again. "As long as he accepted it."
Tao Yaoyao was already waiting inside. Seeing Chen Shi'an enter, she immediately approached with a radiant smile. "What wind blew you here, Squad Leader Chen?"
Chen Shi'an smiled faintly and got straight to the point. "I came to purchase some information from you, Pavilion Master Tao."
Tao Yaoyao invited him to sit beside the tea table. "What sort of information?"
"Blackwater Ridge," Chen Shi'an answered quietly.
Tao Yaoyao raised her eyelids slightly. "The matter of Blackwater Ridge involves quite a few important figures in the stronghold. The information is too sensitive. I'm afraid I cannot trade with you, Squad Leader Chen."
The corners of Chen Shi'an's mouth lifted. "You don't mean what you're saying, Pavilion Master Tao. Across the entire Desolate Ruins, I doubt there's any information the Hundred Flowers Pavilion dares not sell.
"Or do you think I cannot afford the price?"
Tao Yaoyao smiled charmingly. "You jest, Squad Leader Chen. Your circumstances are nothing like they once were. How could I worry that you cannot afford it?"
Chen Shi'an