Chapter 306
The self in the simulation had been misled by the "Subverter," but overall, the line of thought was correct.
In Bolun City, the mountains are high and the emperor is far away. With so many significant events happening recently, coupled with the ever-expanding territory and influx of people, who knows what kind of chaos might arise next?
In Ansu City, even if the sky were to fall, there are those "tall ones" to hold it up. Xia'er only needs to blend in, using the simulation to avoid some risks in advance.
At least for now, Ansu City seems much safer than Bolun City—after all, Xia'er had hardly seen a good day in Bolun.
However, there were a few aspects where Xia'er hesitated.
Would others listen to her and come to Ansu with her?
Aivina, her sister, Adele, Amy...
Tala was not included in this; Xia'er knew that if she pointed east, Tala would never go west. Bringing Tala along would be like having a "Saintly Sect reinforcement" as a trump card, and Xia'er could never abandon her.
Aivina had also been somewhat ambiguous about going to Ansu last time, seemingly reluctant to engage with the family.
But there was no rush; Xia'er could wait until after the banquet on July 7 to ask each of them one by one.
As for how to get there, Xia'er had it all figured out.
School.
Augusfu University or Ansu United College; if the former didn’t work, she could go for the latter. With Aivina around, getting a recommendation for admission would be quite simple.
After finalizing her plans, Xia'er burned the notes she had just written on the terrace. Just as she finished and stepped back inside, Aivina happened to push the door open.
“I’m back.”
Aivina closed the door, slumped her shoulders, and walked over to the bed, flopping down on it.
Now, in front of Xia'er, Aivina seemed increasingly unconcerned about her image.
Xia'er recalled the events from the simulation and approached Aivina, climbing onto the bed. “Aivina.”
“Hmm?”
Aivina turned her face to look at Xia'er.
“Stop drinking. Next time.”
Xia'er said.
“Ah? Why?”
Aivina blinked, a bit puzzled by Xia'er’s somewhat abrupt statement.
Xia'er’s words were hard for Aivina to grasp. After all, in Bolun City, where clean water is scarce, various wines are considered the cleanest beverages. Many nobles hardly drink water at all, opting instead for wine, tea, or coffee.
Moreover, drinking water could lead to cholera and typhoid; it’s better to drink tea, coffee, or wine.
Xia'er found herself at a loss for words in response to Aivina’s question.
She couldn’t exactly say that Aivina’s drunkenness had caused the "Subverter" to crash, nor could she admit her concern about being pinned down by a tipsy Aivina using her powers.
“I just don’t like the taste of alcohol.”
Xia'er slowly replied, fabricating a lie.
“Alright, I won’t drink anymore.”
Aivina nodded.
Since Xia'er didn’t like the taste of alcohol, she would drink less in the future.
“Do me a favor.”
Xia'er lay on her side, looking at Aivina, and said, “Tomorrow, invite Lucy to the manor. I need to talk to her.”
“Lucy... Xilufa?”
Aivina pondered for a moment before asking, “Afternoon tea, is that okay? I’d like to sit in.”
“Sure.”
Xia'er nodded.
This wasn’t something Xia'er needed to hide from Aivina. As a "psychologist" with extraordinary abilities, Aivina wouldn’t reveal any flaws at the banquet.
Now, all that was left was to wait for Lucy to come tomorrow, quickly build a rapport using the "formula" from the simulation, and invite her to engage in this "deal."
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**Chapter 173: Commissioner Lucy is Eager to Progress**
On July 5, in Bolun City, at the manor on No. 13, Jueshi Bridge District.
Today, many servants and attendants were given the day off because the manor was to welcome a mysterious guest.
The old butler had been waiting at the door early, watching as a carriage marked with the company’s emblem slowly came to a stop. Behind him stood a knight clad in full armor, even in the sweltering heat.
Once the carriage was steady, the old butler stepped forward, opened the door, and slightly bowed, saying, “Miss Xilufa, the young lady is waiting for you inside.”
Though the astute old butler was an ordinary person, he seemed quite familiar with such matters, never once casting his gaze inside the carriage, ensuring the occupants felt no discomfort.
A figure stepped down from the carriage, dressed in a sharp black company uniform. The long black skirt brushed against her ankles, adorned with intricate golden patterns that shimmered like scales.
She wore a golden chip mask that sparkled in the sunlight, a luxurious gleam of black and gold—the signature colors of the Dedun Group, but not something just any employee could wear.
Lucy walked directly toward the armored knight at the door, a smile breaking through the mask as she slightly nodded and said, “It’s my first visit; thank you for hosting me... Sir, allow me to introduce myself. I am Lucy Xilufa, a senior commissioner of the Dedun Group.”
“I am Nia.”
Nia bowed her head slightly, not engaging in further conversation, and said, “The young lady is waiting for you in the study. Please follow me.”
Lucy followed Nia, curiously observing the surroundings of the manor.
She still didn’t know why the young lady of the Russell family had invited her over; so far, they had only met twice.
The first time was when she first arrived in Bolun City, where she immediately sought out the young lady to express her intentions and briefly mention her plans.
This was not only to ease the young lady’s wariness but also to ensure some cooperation in her actions and gather a bit of intelligence.
The second time was at the banquet on June 25, where they met again, exchanged some information, and conveyed the Dedun Group’s apologies—after all, the young lady of the Russell family had been present when the incident at the Dedun Manor occurred.
From these two encounters, Lucy had gleaned a bit about the young lady’s character.
She was a person of deep cunning, highly efficient in her speech and actions, communicating as if devoid of any emotional color—just stating the facts. Of course, this attitude might offend some, but Lucy preferred working with those who didn’t waste words.
If Lucy hadn’t known that the young lady of the Russell family had already advanced to the second tier as a "psychologist," she might have thought she was on the path of a "killer" or "detective."
But it was indeed a pity... such a talented individual had chosen the path of a "Listener." If she had pursued "detective," she would undoubtedly be the next head of the Russell family.
Rumor had it that she had some conflicts with her family... but what kind of conflict?
The armored figure in front of her stopped, and Lucy halted as well.
Now, she stood at the door of the study on the second floor, waiting for the armored figure to open the door. Once it swung open, Lucy nodded slightly in acknowledgment and stepped inside.
“Miss Xilufa.”
Aivina rose, extending her right hand, and said, “Thank you for accepting the invitation. Welcome.”
Lucy quickened her pace slightly, removed her gloves, and gently shook Aivina’s right hand, saying, “It’s an honor to be a guest of Miss Russell.”
“Please, have a seat.”
Once Lucy sat down, her eyes fell on three steaming cups of red tea arranged on the table.
Three cups?
Who else was coming?
Opode? Ashford?
Lucy set her mask down on the table, casually picked up a tea cup, and took a gentle sip. Noticing that Aivina hadn’t initiated the conversation, she finally asked, “May I ask why Miss Russell has invited me?”
“I’m just a middleman,”
Aivina shook her head and replied, “It’s not me who wants to see you; it’s a... friend of mine.”
Lucy noticed that when Aivina mentioned the word "friend," there was a clear hesitation and uncertainty in her demeanor, even her expression shifted slightly.
Logically speaking, someone of Miss Russell’s standing should be able to lie effortlessly; how could her expression change?
Unless...
She wasn’t really on friendly terms with that person but rather held some animosity... Lucy could certainly see that Aivina had a grudge against someone.
For instance, that royal disgrace, Opode.
It was evident from the previous banquet that Aivina was somewhat troubled by him, and Opode had a fiancée who seemed intent on clinging to the young lady of the Russell family.
She was not someone who could be easily deceived by sweet words.
But the person who wanted to see her this time was definitely not Opode.
Because she had already done a divination before coming, and the card drawn was "The Page," indicating a young or androgynous person. According to Lucy’s interpretation, it was a young woman, which didn’t fit Opode at all.
Moreover, the tarot cards also indicated... this would be a meeting with great rewards.
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