[Su Xiao]

"Have you finished your little show?" asked the young woman, her words cutting through the air with coldness and malice. A voice, tinged with immaturity yet filled with authority, responded.

Immediately, she turned around, silently musing to herself, "It seems Hu Wen wasn't much of an influence."

She was taken aback by the sight before her: a boy of about 14, with silky black hair tied up in a high ponytail adorned with a sky-blue ribbon, eyes as blue as the ribbon itself, a nose with a slight arch, and facial features that seemed to have been carved by nature. Despite his casual demeanor, he exuded an aura of strength, akin to a sword sheathed but ready to be unsheathed at any moment.

"What do you mean by 'show,' sir?" she inquired.

[Ding, congratulations to the host for eliciting negative emotions of anger from Su Xiao, +1,000 W.E, +30 chance]

Jian Ning's eyes sparkled with surprise upon hearing the notification.

He smiled, pleased with the unexpected rewards, hungering for more. He knew that provoking her would yield significant gains.

"This 'show' involves airing your grievances in public. Matters like these should be handled discreetly. I'm quite certain Sky Flower's reputation will take a hit. Firing and humiliating your own employees for merely following your orders, or neglecting to have a receptionist available while I've been waiting for ten minutes to be served," Jian Ning burst into laughter, relishing the satisfaction of humiliating those who humiliate others.

"If our service doesn't meet your standards, then perhaps you should refrain from returning," the young woman retorted icily.

[Ding, congratulations to the host for eliciting negative emotions of anger from Su Xiao, +2,000 W.E, +10 Luck]

Upon hearing this, Jian Ning genuinely believed she lacked mental acuity.

The city's elite knew her well: Su Xiao, a member of the Su family, one of the triumvirate leaders of Sky Flower.

Yet Su Xiao was regarded as a failure, both in cultivation and in business acumen.

Some lauded her negotiating skills, particularly after her encounter with Hu Wen, but those with discernment recognized it as merely a rudimentary technique to twist her adversary's words.

This deficiency in emotional control was a major flaw in the world of commerce.

For these reasons, she had been relegated to this outpost, far removed from the limelight, after refusing a proposal from a scion of another prominent family.

A foolish decision, considering her sole asset was her beauty, devoid of any other substantive skill.

"I highly doubt the infamous Su Xiao has the authority to make such remarks," Jian Ning mocked.

[Ding, congratulations to the host for eliciting negative emotions of anger from Su Xiao, +1,000 W.E, +10 chance]

In truth, even the director and vice-director didn't hold her in high regard, certainly not as much as other influential figures in the city.

Despite being a mere branch, the director wielded absolute authority over it.

Su Xiao was on the verge of erupting at Jian Ning's remarks.

She found solace in this place, where so-called prodigies bowed at her feet, where she was worshipped as a deity rather than reviled as refuse. She even contemplated staying here if circumstances demanded.

Yet upon seeing Jian Shi, she saw an opportunity for advancement, perhaps even a return to the Su clan through marriage if Jian Shi proved sufficiently talented.

"Ms. Su, I believe it's time to desist. Furthermore, he's merely jesting with you," Jian Shi interjected, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

[Ding, congratulations to the host for eliciting mixed emotions from Jian Shi, +5,000 W.E, +50 chance]

"How do you know?" Su Xiao whispered.

"Because he's my adopted brother," Jian Shi replied, casting a pointed glance at Jian Ning.

Observing Jian Shi's intervention, Jian Ning wore a charming smile as he turned to the pair, silently requesting his system:

"System, display the statuses of Jian Shi and Su Xiao."

[Displaying Jian Shi's status]

[Name: Jian Shi]

[Cultivation: Rank 7 Tempering body]

[Age: Almost 17 years old]

[Body: None]

[Talents: Low-tier Yellow cultivation talent // star high tier weapon talent // Low-tier Yellow fire manipulation talent // High black-tier alchemy talent]

[Cultivation technique: Too advanced for analysis]

[Martial skills: 'Tiger Fist Technique' (Low-tier yellow rank) // 'Mystic Phantom Steps' (Mid-tier yellow rank) // 'Heavenly Collapse Palm' (High-tier yellow rank)]

[Luck: Star]

[Displaying Su Xiao's status]

[Name: Su Xiao]

[Cultivation: Rank 2 in Qi Gathering]

[Age: 20 years old]

[Body: None]

[Talents: Low-tier cultivation talent // Mid-tier swordsmanship talent // Low-tier fire manipulation talent // Mid-tier alchemy talent]

[Cultivation technique: Mid black-tier technique]

[Martial skills: Three high-tier yellow rank techniques -great achievement-, and one low-tier black rank technique -small achievement-]

[Luck: Heaven]

Jian Ning couldn't help but marvel at Jian Shi's constantly evolving status and Su Xiao's limited potential, as indicated by her status.

"Now that your little spectacle is over, kindly send a receptionist so I can conclude my business. I also expect compensation for the time wasted," Jian Ning said, flashing a charming smile.

Initially, Jian Ning had only aimed to provoke Su Xiao and perhaps aid Hu Wen, but in this world, those who extend a helping hand often find themselves devoured.

All the Wealth Essence and luck points were unforeseen gains. Jian Ning now possessed a clearer understanding of Ling's mechanics and how to easily accumulate luck points.

Due to the commotion, the branch director had descended to the scene and had overheard Jian Ning's remarks.

"Young Master Ning, at Sky Flower, we value our customers, and this was an oversight on our part. May I inquire if you've come to sell or to purchase?" the director inquired.

"For both," Jian Ning replied, maintaining his smile. He knew that selecting one option would limit his potential gains.

Though the director's eyebrows twitched slightly, he remained polite, "Then I shall summon our manager to attend to you. He will meet you in VIP Room No. 1."

"Thank you in advance," Jian Ning said with a smile as he made his way toward VIP Room No. 1.

"But sir—" Su Xiao attempted to interject upon hearing VIP Room No. 1, but she was swiftly cut off.

"Silence. Your actions have jeopardized our reputation. Were it not for your background, I would not have employed you at all," the director concluded, clicking his tongue in exasperation.

[Ding, congratulations to the host for eliciting negative emotions of anger and reproach from Su Xiao, +1,000 W.E, +5 chance]

Jian Ning suppressed a laugh. Su Xiao truly couldn't control her emotions.

Jian Ning contemplated pushing further for gains but decided to halt for the day. Originally, he hadn't intended to stir trouble but merely to earn money by selling his wares. Nevertheless, he ended up gaining far more than anticipated.