Chapter 342: Another Big Fish

Chapter 342: Another Big Fish

Lin Nuo was just waiting for her to say this.

I, Lin Nuo, am merely feigning reluctance; do you really think I’m being polite?

“Then I shall gratefully accept.”

Lin Nuo unceremoniously took the cool water, drank a couple of sips. At noon, under the sweltering heat, a few sips of cool water were just perfect.

The cool water lived up to its name—chilly even without a fridge.

Lin Nuo let out a long sigh of relief; it was a comfort, a taste he hadn’t had in a long while.

Happiness is that simple.

Mu Yiting noticed how Ni Daye held the bottle, the habit during drinking that was strikingly similar to Lin Nuo’s, but the dissimilarities were very deliberate, completely intentional on the other’s part.

It’s Lin Nuo! If the previous hints were mere guesses, now it’s conclusive.

“How is it?” Mu Yiting asked.

“Delicious! Not only is the young master a great leader, but he also has exceptional skills in craftsmanship.”

Lin Nuo flattered a bit—though it wasn’t really flattery; he was just stating the truth. Usually, he didn’t like to compliment people, but when he was undercover, a little honesty wouldn’t hurt.

“Is that so?” Mu Yiting said skeptically.

“Indeed.”

Lin Nuo nodded repeatedly,

“I, Ni Daye, swear to the heavens that there’s no falsehood here.”

Ni Daye’s oath has nothing to do with me, Lin Nuo. After all, I’ve read novels and watched shows where subordinates flatter their leaders; I’m just following the script.

“Mmhm.”

Mu Yiting couldn’t help but giggle; this Lin Nuo, who was willing to say nice things, wasn’t so bad after all.

Being complimented felt really good.

Let’s just keep things as they are—female superior and male subordinate, where she could hear compliments from him every day.

Deep down, as a girl, it’s only natural to want compliments from the man she admires.

Most longed-for compliments like being beautiful, having a good personality, a great figure, or being talented could brighten her day.

Of course, now as a small leader in the underworld, she couldn’t act like a lovesick fool, blushing over a few compliments.

It didn’t matter if he didn’t flatter her; whether praised or insulted, conversing with Lin Nuo was her most pleasant time.

While they were chatting, a fish in the pond got hooked—a big fish with incredible strength, acting dishonorably, launched a sneak attack on Lin Nuo, pulling hard. Caught off guard, Lin Nuo almost got pulled into the water.

Mu Yiting reacted quickly. Seeing Lin Nuo leaning towards the water, she hurriedly grabbed his hands and pulled him back.

The fishing line snapped, and with the sudden force, they both fell backward, unaware, into an embrace as they landed on the ground.

The big fish emerged from the water, flipped over, then dove back down, swirling and splashing the water as it escaped.

Meanwhile, Lin Nuo and Mu Yiting found themselves in a heap together.

This marked Lin Nuo’s second loss to a big fish this year.

And both times, he had a girl beside him.

Last time it was Luo Yi and Qin Shili; this time it was Mu Yiting.

Good grief! Are you big fish lying in wait for girls to show up?

“This fish has some serious strength; it must have cultivated to an extraordinary state.”

As Lin Nuo attempted to get up, Mu Yiting was right where his chest was, still holding onto him.

“Y-Young Master?”

Lin Nuo looked at Mu Yiting, who had her eyes closed, and nudged her to get up.

She didn’t respond.

Is she unconscious? No way!

It didn’t seem likely.

Lin Nuo could discern real fainting from fake fainting; after countless battles, he had encountered many pretending to be dead and identified them all. He could tell the difference from experience and knife them if needed.

Mu Yiting, however, was just pretending.

Very obviously.

The ground was grassy by the pond—falling back and bumping your head should hardly be a problem. Who would believe she’d faint just from being pulled back too hard?

And, with me, Lin Nuo, as a cushion, how could anything happen?

Now wasn’t the time to finish her off.

Out of courtesy, he tried calling her name.

Naturally, it was just a token effort since you can’t wake someone pretending to sleep.

Lin Nuo carefully moved Mu Yiting aside, thinking of going after that big fish to settle the score. He’d plunge into the water and battle it out for three hundred rounds; today, whoever is cowardly is a grandson.

But just as Lin Nuo was about to let go, Mu Yiting suddenly woke up, feigning panic, and immediately grabbed him.

“Ni Gongzi, what just happened?”

Mu Yiting acted like a timid little girl startled by something, leaning against Lin Nuo for emphasis.

In the Xuanyun Sect, Mu Yiting was seen as a sweet and adorable young lady; she was good at playing her role and could easily switch between various charming images, but she could never become a loli.

After all, a figure without spirit… Like Li Ruo’er, that petite girl with big eyes and chubby cheeks—that’s truly the essence of the loli.

“Just encountered a big fish; it was strong enough to pull us in. The line broke, and then we fell over.”

“Oh, so that’s what happened! I thought something terrible occurred, which scared me.”

Mu Yiting pretended she hadn’t regained her composure, continuing to lean against Lin Nuo.

Lin Nuo couldn’t just push her away; how could he push his female superior? He’d be done for!

“Ahem, Young Master, do you think we should be like this? What if it gets out?”

“Get out about what?”

“Some rumors.”

“Do you mind?” Mu Yiting asked.

“Having any rumors about me and the Young Master is an honor; how could I mind? I’m just worried about your reputation, Young Master.”

“It wouldn’t affect me. By the way, I don’t have a partner yet. I’m just a girl, and my parents hope I can find a talented, ideal husband—one who can ensure both happiness and the revitalization of Helong Hall.”

“Wishing the Young Master success soon.”

“I already have a target; it just depends on whether he’s interested.”

“Then wishing you success.”

“Wishing me success, huh? You’d be better off saying nothing.”

Mu Yiting shook her head; this man wants me to succeed, yet he could just agree to it—was that a ridicule?

“I’m telling you, I actually have many suitors.”

“With the Young Master’s beauty and charm, it’s only natural.”

Lin Nuo continued to compliment Mu Yiting. Even though flattering a female superior was part of being undercover, why was he taking so much time to butter up a female superior?

“You really are… sigh. Forget it. The last time you did well in negotiations with Lu—now you’ll hold great power and have the chance to showcase your talents.”

“Young Master, I think this matter might be handled poorly.”

“Handled poorly? How so?”

“I’m willing to follow and assist the Young Master, but suddenly giving power might stir emotions within Helong Hall. I feel it would be better to say I made a mistake and lower my position first; the position of Zhonghu seems just right.”

The term Zhonghu refers to a middle position, serving as a bridge between the upper and lower tiers, facilitating communication.

In the underworld, being thrust into a high position without a strong support base makes one live each day in fear; you never know when you might be taken out while sleeping.

The position of Zhonghu has its perks in that it collects a wealth of intelligence.

As long as he can maintain his presence, he can gather intel both above and below.

People below want to curry favor with him.

The higher-ups recognize his potential and want to win him over too.

Being in the middle is safer.

Moreover, becoming a high-ranking official means constant scrutiny; it’s not that easy to sow discord among various factions.

Plans change; rising too swiftly can lead to a fall, so better to take it slow.