Chapter 157: Incitement

As for the outside of the Bai residence, Luo Kui's accompanying guards were keeping a constant watch. If there were any signs of trouble, they would still have time to report back to him.

"Lord Yan, as for the matter concerning the Madam, I observed her for a full day yesterday and have not yet noticed anything unusual. However, please rest assured, Lord Bai, that I will not let down your high expectations and am determined to investigate this matter to the bottom." Before Yan Chixia could even ask, Luo Kui took the initiative to state his position. Whether he felt confident in his heart did not matter; what mattered was letting the other party see his efforts. Only in this way could he strive for the maximum benefits for himself once the deed was done.

Although it was still too early to speak of such things now, if he dragged it out until that moment, it would be far too late. Only by plotting every step with caution could he achieve victory at every turn.

"Everything Boss Luo has done is seen clearly by my lord. My purpose in coming here today is nothing special, merely to share a few humble thoughts with you. As to whether they are viable or not, Boss Luo must decide for himself. In any case, my lord looks only at results and does not fuss over the process, isn't that so?" Yan Chixia smiled, sounding as though he were merely making an offhand remark, not treating his words with solemn gravity.

Under different circumstances and varying situations, employing different strategies could yield unexpected results.

"Please speak, Lord Yan, I am all ears," Luo Kui said, startled for a moment before quickly responding.

He was currently plagued by worries, and the other person's arrival was simply too timely. The other's advice could well be described as heavenly music; how could it possibly be called a humble opinion?

"Sometimes, an appropriate relaxation is also a roundabout strategy. If the pressure is kept too tight all the time, I'm afraid it might yield the opposite result," Yan Chixia said with profound meaning.

"Lord Yan... what do you mean?"

Luo Kui paused, looking at Yan Chixia in surprise, somewhat failing to grasp the other's true intention. The day before, the man had not spoken in this manner.

He clearly remembered that on that day, Yan Chixia had told him to take the matter extremely seriously and not let word spread. Although he had not explicitly told him to handle it personally, every line between the words had conveyed precisely that meaning.

"After returning and thinking carefully about it, I still feel something is a bit amiss. Yesterday, when you were keeping watch on the Madam, I'm afraid it wasn't that she failed to show any flaws, but rather that she had already noticed something and thus behaved with such absolute normalcy, attempting to make us dismiss our doubts," Yan Chixia analyzed.

"Lord Yan, could it be that I exposed myself yesterday?" Luo Kui frowned, his heart sinking involuntarily. If he had been exposed, it would spell serious trouble. Putting aside the hostility he would incur from Madam Bai, how could he carry out his subsequent plans?

"Do not panic just yet; the situation is not as terrible as you imagine. You probably haven't been exposed yet. There is a high probability that the Madam has only sensed something slightly and lacks substantial evidence. If she had already confirmed it, do you think you could still be sitting here safe and sound, drinking tea with me?" At this point, Yan Chixia suddenly changed the subject and said:

"However, don't rejoice too soon either. You might as well retreat behind the scenes and leave this matter to a few trusted subordinates. They shouldn't trail her so closely anymore; they only need to focus on whether the Madam exhibits any abnormal behavior. Once there is any slight disturbance, it won't be too late for you to step in personally."

To Luo Kui, Yan Chixia's words were nothing short of celestial music. For a moment, both his body and soul attained immense satisfaction, bringing a feeling of having finally weathered the storm to see the light.

Luo Kui naturally voted in favor of Yan Chixia's proposal with both hands. If he were to raise any objections, wouldn't he simply be going against his own interests?

"Lord Yan's words truly awaken one from a dream. Previously, I was far too hasty and almost brought about a catastrophe." Although Luo Kui still wore a lingering look of fear, the trace of an unnameable smile on his face could not be concealed no matter what.

All in all, Yan Chixia's proposal hit right at what Luo Kui desired.

After discussing a bit longer, Yan Chixia took his leave under the pretext of being busy with official duties, leaving behind a visibly agitated Luo Kui.

However, leaving such a matter to his subordinates still left Luo Kui somewhat uneasy. After giving repeated instructions, he finally departed with apparent reluctance.

...

As for what follows, we shall see tomorrow. I will revise it shortly; I've simply been too busy lately, please forgive me.

"This..." Chen Changfeng instantly realized something extraordinary, his expression turning somewhat dumbfounded.

"Besides, isn't there still you keeping a constant watch from behind? The moment we make any move detrimental to Madam Bai, you can step in and stop it in time, can't you?" Luo Kui continued to cajole him.

Yet this could hardly be called cajoling; rather, it was stating a fact. Every word he had spoken just now was true, and he had not deceived Chen Changfeng.

"You mean... the Madam..." Chen Changfeng still found it somewhat hard to believe; the impact of this matter upon him was simply too great.

However, before the matter was set in stone, it was better for him to maintain a half-skeptical attitude. Yet what Luo Kui had just said made a fair amount of sense and was worth a try.

In his eyes, those few people right before him were merely weak children, utterly unworthy of mention. Under his watchful guard, they would never be able to stir up any waves.

"Choose your words carefully, choose your words carefully," Luo Kui quickly cut off Chen Changfeng's train of thought. Some matters were best understood without being spoken aloud; there was no need to voice them.

"Before this matter is verified, all of this must remain hidden in the dark. If we have wronged Madam Bai... then the final outcome will take on an entirely different hue."

"There are no impenetrable walls in this world. Only those who choose their words and actions with caution while working under powerful figures can live a long life."

Luo Kui felt he had made himself clear enough, and he believed Chen Changfeng was not a foolish man.

"Brother Luo speaks wisely. Since this matter was ordered by Lord Bai, I shall simply turn a blind eye to it henceforth. But let ugliness be spoken of first: if what you said just now was meant to trick me, don't blame me for being discourteous." Chen Changfeng was quick to catch on; his mind was now entirely occupied with how to distance himself from the affair.

At this thought, the gaze he cast toward Luo Kui inevitably mixed with a trace of sympathy. This was entirely a thankless, bitter chore—even if done well, it would not bring forth open praise, but if done wrong, the punishment would far exceed anything simple.

"Brother Chen, wait a moment. I have one more thing to ask, and I beg you to answer truthfully." Seeing that Chen Changfeng's heart was leaning toward withdrawal, Luo Kui quickly stopped him and went straight to the point.

"Brother Luo, please speak." Chen Changfeng remained calm.