“One million Blue Star Coins? An interview program?” Li Yuan's eyes widened in disbelief.
What kind of game is this?
The key point, according to Uncle Wan, is that this program is about the story between himself and the Starfire Martial Hall?
But there’s really no story to tell!
Previously, whenever he bought vitality elixirs, it was always through the Starry Sky Martial Hall.
“Don’t understand?” Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan’s somewhat puzzled expression and smiled, “That Song Yi at the Starry Sky Martial Hall is in charge of various contract reviews and the distribution of funds for the martial hall's operations.”
“Financial authority?” Li Yuan asked.
“Yes.” Wan Qinghe observed Li Yuan, “Seems like you know quite a bit.”
Li Yuan smiled back. His uncle, Li Changzhou, had worked in construction for many years and occasionally taught him a thing or two, so he had picked up some knowledge.
In any organization, management is essentially about controlling the three powers of personnel, finance, and affairs.
Li Yuan could infer that Song Yi held a significant amount of power at the Starry Sky Guanshan Branch Hall.
“The martial halls conduct a review every three years,” Wan Qinghe patiently explained, “The next review is approaching.”
“Your near-contract with the Starry Sky Martial Hall is not a secret,” Wan Qinghe continued with a smile.
What he didn’t mention was that this bit of news was mainly leaked by him and Xu Bo.
“If you only show potential for a B rank contract, it won’t matter much,” Wan Qinghe chuckled. “But your performance has been outstanding, especially during the April assessment where you are practically the top martial artist in Jiang City.”
“And your previous invitations from Jiangbei Martial University… this has definitely put her in a tough spot.”
“From now on, the better you perform, the more passive she becomes.”
“I suspect that someone at the Starry Sky Martial Hall is targeting her,” Wan Qinghe added with a smile. “Controlling the finances of a local martial hall holds significant benefits.”
“Internal strife?” Li Yuan asked, intrigued.
“More accurately, mutual supervision,” Wan Qinghe chuckled. “It encourages healthy competition within.”
Li Yuan was left speechless. His uncle was indeed of a higher rank than him.
“So, she’s looking for me?” Li Yuan pondered thoughtfully. “She wants me to use this program to show that my choice to sign with the Starfire Martial Hall is due to my own initiative rather than her negligence?”
“A one-time solution to eliminate me as a problem?” Li Yuan chuckled. “Can’t solve the issue, so she gets rid of the one bringing it up?”
“Clever,” Wan Qinghe praised with a smile. “Once you appear on the program, and she does substantial promotion behind the scenes, then publicly, no one could use that reason against her anymore.”
“At least she would have a strong argument to defend herself.”
“Uncle Wan, what do you think I should do?” Li Yuan asked respectfully.
In truth, Li Yuan already had an idea in mind, but he could tell his uncle was very eager to showcase his opinions.
It was evident that elders enjoy being respected and having their insights sought by younger generations who can think critically and reflectively.
As expected, Li Yuan was not surprised.
“If you refuse, you would offend her, but it wouldn’t impact you much. As long as she isn’t foolish, she won’t target you again,” Wan Qinghe chuckled, “Because you are now strong enough to become her trouble.”
“However, having one less direct enemy is ultimately a good thing; mischievous kids can be hard to deal with,” Wan Qinghe smiled.
Li Yuan grinned, knowing that his strength was fundamental.
Why didn’t Song Yi come to find him previously? Why didn’t she think of resolving him as a problem? She just thought he was insignificant.
If Song Yi knew that Uncle Wan regarded her as a mere nuisance, it would surely drive her mad.
“If you agree to transform this conflict into harmony, not only will she pay, but she’ll also owe you a favor.” Wan Qinghe continued, “Furthermore, once the program airs, if the upper management at Starfire Martial Hall learns of this, they will value you even more.”
It sounded like nothing but advantages.
“However, this might offend the high-ups at the Starry Sky Martial Hall who are targeting Song Yi,” Li Yuan replied. “Still, I am with Starfire Martial Hall, and I’m not concerned about her.”
“Right.” Wan Qinghe looked at Li Yuan with growing admiration. “The decision is yours.”
Li Yuan could see through his uncle’s intentions.
“Uncle Wan, I agree with you. Reconciliation is better,” Li Yuan said directly. “I have a bit of my own thoughts.”
“Speak up,” Wan Qinghe replied.
“Isn’t one million a bit cheap?” Li Yuan asked quietly.
Wan Qinghe was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter, “You really are clever—what do you want to do?”
“For one million, I will only participate in the show, stating that I have always admired the Starfire Martial Hall,” Li Yuan said with a smile. “For two million, I’ll say that I’ve idolized Master Dongfang since childhood and aspire to join the Starfire Martial Hall.”
“For three million, besides the above, I will add that my family is friends with ‘Zhong Cheng’ from the Starry Sky Martial Hall, so the Hall Master Song Yi made a lot of promises to me in private, even planning to apply for a B rank contract on my behalf. But in the end, despite such temptation, I resolutely chose to join the Starfire Martial Hall.” Li Yuan finished in one breath.
Wan Qinghe’s gaze towards Li Yuan changed completely.
Three proposals: basic, premium, and flagship?
If the last proposal were accepted, it would mean that Song Yi wasn’t at fault, but rather had done her best, fulfilling her responsibilities.
No point deductions, and possibly even extra points.
“Uncle Wan, my idea might not be mature. What do you think?” Li Yuan showed respect for his elder’s opinion.
“You can go with the last plan,” Wan Qinghe deliberated. “However, did you really plan to join the Starfire Martial Hall initially?”
“Yes!”
“Although it’s not as exaggerated as my third proposal, I genuinely wanted to join the Starfire Martial Hall,” Li Yuan replied firmly. “This is something I cannot hide from Uncle Wan. I have admired Master Dongfang since childhood, and one of my room’s walls has his saying, ‘Martial Path is Me’.”
“When I was young, I wrote more than once, ‘My greatest admiration is for Master Dongfang’.”
“Moreover, my classmates all know my idol is Master Dongfang.” Li Yuan quickly provided the necessary ‘materials’ for the show.
But in reality, his words were a bit misleading.
Yes, Li Yuan admired Dongfang Ji, but he had never been that eager to join Starfire Martial Hall.
Three points true, seven points false.
But who could discern? No one had mind-reading abilities.
“Then that’s good.” Wan Qinghe believed Li Yuan.
Suddenly, Wan Qinghe remembered something and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Back then, your teacher told me that your uncle and aunt didn’t really agree with you immediately signing a B rank contract with us; it was your insistence.”
“I always felt that your teacher was trying to fool me. But now? I believe it,” Wan Qinghe chuckled.
Li Yuan kept smiling.
Teacher Xu Bo had indeed optimized his process significantly at that time.
“Alright.”
“Then we will go with the third plan. I’ll communicate with Song Yi; leave it to me.”
“I can’t guarantee you’ll receive three million, but at least I’ll do my best to help you get two million,” Wan Qinghe smiled. “Once the program airs and it becomes popular, the higher-ups in the martial hall will surely have a better impression of you.”
“Thank you, Uncle Wan.” Li Yuan expressed sincerely. “Also, I thought about this—if I can score 300 points in the Falling Star assessment and rise in the Blue Star ‘Youth Talents Ranking,’ wouldn’t that increase my bargaining chips?”
“Falling Star 300 points? Do you have confidence?” Wan Qinghe’s eyes lit up.
Falling Star 300 points is a small watershed in four ranks of skill.
“Yes,” Li Yuan confirmed. “I have already reached 242 points in Falling Star as of a week ago.”
“If I spend some more time, I should be able to surpass it in the next couple of days.”
“Haha, that’s great. If you can reach that, I will make sure she pays you at least three million,” Wan Qinghe laughed. “Alright, continue to train.”
“Yes.”
...
“Uncle Wan's fierce power is mysterious and unpredictable; it must be about his mastery over his entire body’s strength,” Li Yuan pondered alone in the martial hall.
“Body control.”
“Unity and subtlety.” Li Yuan resumed his spear training, moving very slowly.
He consciously sensed and mobilized deeper layers of his strength.
Li Yuan paid little attention to Song Yi’s matters.
Money? If he could get two or three million, that would be great; if not, then so be it.
After more than ten minutes...
“Strong.”
“As long as one is strong enough.” Li Yuan’s spear howled, its shadow shifting unpredictably. “Whoever troubles me will find me a source of trouble.”
“Boom!”
Suddenly, he thrust the spear forward explosively, resembling a streak of light cutting through the air, causing a thunderous roar to erupt in the martial arts room.
[Your spear technique has risen from 25% in the fourth rank to 26%.]
...
In the twelfth floor of the martial hall, the hall master’s office.
“Hall Master Song.” Wan Qinghe smiled as he looked at the elegant woman projected on the light screen. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“How’s it going?” Song Yi asked. “Is Li Yuan willing to agree?”
“Li Yuan is very polite and is willing to participate in the program,” Wan Qinghe replied.
Song Yi felt delighted in her heart.
“However.” Wan Qinghe changed his tone, his expression growing stern. “If Li Yuan is willing to help Hall Master Song, doesn’t Hall Master Song also need to be a bit accommodating?”
Song Yi understood what he meant and immediately replied, “Hall Master Wan, just say it. What price are you asking?”
“Ten million!” Wan Qinghe said lightly.
“What?” Song Yi's face changed slightly. With her wealth, she could afford that amount.
But it felt excessive.
“He is worth this price,” Wan Qinghe said calmly. “I’ll discuss the details with you.”
Then, he proceeded to tell Song Yi about the three proposals.
Song Yi’s face was full of intrigue.
“Additionally,” Wan Qinghe revealed an inexplicable smile, “I remind Hall Master Song, I can also prepare another program to let Li Yuan speak well about how I recognized his talent and how he joined our Starfire Martial Hall 'the real process'.”
Song Yi's face turned extremely dark.
“Hall Master Wan, you are overestimating Li Yuan,” she gritted her teeth. “In my evaluation, his contribution is minimal; at most, he only accounts for two or three points out of one hundred.”
“You’re just a few points shy of passing the review,” Wan Qinghe said bluntly.
“Furthermore, let me remind you.”
“Tonight or tomorrow, Li Yuan will achieve over 300 points in the Starry Sky Combat Network.”
“By then, this price will no longer apply,” Wan Qinghe said coldly.
Song Yi's expression shifted again.
“Ten million is too much.” Song Yi said somberly. “I’ll pay a maximum of six million; if not, I’ll give up my position.”
She also had her own bottom line.
“Alright, we have a deal,” Wan Qinghe nodded. “However, you will need to cover all the taxes.”
“Taxes? What taxes?” Song Yi felt a sense of unease flicker in her mind.
“You will donate the money to the ‘Guanshan District Red River Street Martial Talent Development Fund Association’ through legitimate means,” Wan Qinghe replied calmly. “The rest, you don’t need to worry about.”
Donate?
Song Yi was taken aback. What sort of shabby association was that? She had never heard of it.
In the end, Song Yi had no choice but to agree.
“The money must arrive within two hours. Remember, don’t use your own accounts,” Wan Qinghe reminded. “You’ll be on the program tomorrow.”
“You have three days to promote.”
After hanging up with Song Yi, Wan Qinghe dialed another V-Comm, and soon.
“Big Brother.” A deep voice came through.
“Lao Liu, didn’t I ask you to establish an association on Red River Street last time?” Wan Qinghe’s voice was deep. “Today, money will come in, around six million after taxes.”
“Keep the accounts in order.”
“In a week, a program will air, and you will give the money to the top student of Guanshan District's Senior Three (Class Two), a student named ‘Li Yuan’ as a reward for helping poor aspiring martial artists.”
“How much are we keeping?”
“Not a cent, I’ll cover the intermediary expenses.”
“Understood.”
...
An hour later.
“Li Yuan? Song Yi initially only wanted to offer two million. However, I negotiated hard and finally got her to agree to six million,” Wan Qinghe called Li Yuan through V-Comm.
(End of Chapter)