Lu Ming bowed to Peng Ying, expressing his gratitude.
Peng Ying waved her hand and said, "Don't be like that, I don't like such formalities. Your bow makes me feel like I'm being laid to rest."
Her words amused Lu Ming. He had to admit, Peng Ying had a likable side to her personality.
Peng Ying continued, "The morning after tomorrow, be here at eight sharp. I'll take you to the exhibition."
"Alright, thank you."
This time, Lu Ming simply cupped his fists and turned to leave.
As he opened the main door, he saw He Honghui standing at the entrance, his eyes darting around, clearly plotting some mischief. This man was full of schemes, and Lu Ming gave him a deliberate glance, making a mental note to keep an eye on him.
After Lu Ming left, He Honghui scurried over to Peng Ying and said anxiously, "Star Envoy, you agreed to Lu Ming's request?"
"Yes," Peng Ying replied. "Lu Ming's unique skill is indeed impressive. I admire it."
He Honghui said urgently, "No, Star Envoy, this Lu Ming has a deep-seated conflict with our White Lotus Sect. He's going to the exhibition with ulterior motives. Lu Ming will definitely sabotage Logan's plans. If something goes wrong, how will we answer to the two Great Protectors?"
Hmph.
Peng Ying let out a light laugh.
She said with great confidence, "Who do you think I am? Can't I see Lu Ming's true intentions?"
He Honghui was confused. "Since you already know Lu Ming's true intentions, Star Envoy, why did you let him join the exhibition?"
"Because I don't care," Peng Ying shrugged. "Whether Logan's project succeeds or not, what does it have to do with me? Besides, he'll inevitably encounter people trying to disrupt his nefarious deeds in the future. If he can't even handle Lu Ming now, how will he face more opposition later? If his plan is indeed ruined by Lu Ming, it just means Logan is incompetent and it's better for him to leave sooner."
Uh...
He Honghui didn't comment on Peng Ying's explanation and could only sigh.
However.
He Honghui's thoughts took a turn: If he could eliminate Lu Ming at the exhibition, not only would he complete the task assigned by the Left Protector, but he would also be a great help to Logan. Doing one thing and getting double credit, wonderful!
With this thought, a smile spread across He Honghui's lips, and he began to scheme how to deal with the troublesome Lu Ming.
Meanwhile.
After receiving Peng Ying's affirmative answer, Lu Ming returned to Xun Rong with peace of mind.
The moment he entered the door, he saw Jiang Lan standing at the entrance with her hands on her hips, glaring at him angrily, as if she was about to settle accounts with him.
Bad feeling!
Lu Ming instinctively took a step back, preparing to bolt.
"Stop right there!" Jiang Lan shouted.
Ironically, the dignified Dragon Warlord was now being intimidated by a young girl, frozen in place, afraid to move.
He scratched his head and said with a fawning smile, "Xiao Lan, good morning."
"Heh." Jiang Lan glared at Lu Ming and said very seriously, "Yes, you went out early in the morning to date someone, of course it's good. But by doing this, are you worthy of me... Sister?!"
It seemed Jiang Lan had already found out about his meeting with Peng Ying that morning.
Since she knew, there was no need to hide it. Lu Ming walked up and said, "Xiao Lan, let me explain. It's not what you think. I did go to see Peng Ying, but not for a date. I needed her help with something important."
"Heh, what kind of important matter requires Peng Ying's help? Can't I help you? Can't Sister help you?"
Sigh... it's really hard to appease a woman when she's angry.
Lu Ming looked around and leaned closer to Jiang Lan, whispering, "I'll only tell you about this."
"Why are you whispering? Are you afraid people will hear you doing something you shouldn't? Speak up!"
It was clear that Jiang Lan was genuinely angry.
Jiang Lan had prepared a nutritious breakfast for Lu Ming. However, when she opened the door, he was gone! After inquiring, she learned that Lu Ming had gone to see Peng Ying early in the morning.
This made Jiang Lan furious, and she almost ran to Jiang Mengxin to report him.
Lu Ming showed great patience towards Jiang Lan. Instead of getting angry at her outburst, he patiently coaxed her, "It's not something I shouldn't do, but it's not suitable for too many people to know. Let's go back to the office, and I'll tell you in detail."
Jiang Lan glanced at Lu Ming, her heart finally softening. "Okay, I'll listen to your sophistry!"
The two returned to the office.
Lu Ming didn't hide anything. He explained Logan's sinister plan and then recounted his plea to Peng Ying, omitting the part about meeting with the Sun Envoy, Dong Gang.
After hearing the entire story, Jiang Lan was skeptical.
She had vaguely heard about Logan's scheme concerning the noble school and knew generally about his wicked nature. She hadn't expected that after so many years, Logan would still harbor such animosity towards China.
Lu Ming patted his chest and said, "Xiao Lan, I truly sought Peng Ying's help for the sake of national honor. There were absolutely no personal feelings involved!"
Having said that much, Jiang Lan largely believed Lu Ming.
However, she couldn't help but ask, "Did you really move Peng Ying with your music, or did you sell yourself short?"
"No!"
"Let me calculate."
"Calculate? Calculate what?" Lu Ming asked, looking at Jiang Lan with confusion.
Jiang Lan took out a pen and paper and wrote down the time Lu Ming left and the time he returned. "From when you left until you returned, it took nearly 100 minutes. Even if the round trip took 80 minutes, you only spent about 20 minutes with Peng Ying."
Jiang Lan nodded. "Mm, I believe you now."
What?
Lu Ming was completely bewildered.
He asked, "Why do you believe me after I only stayed for 20 minutes?"
Jiang Lan said, "Because it would take about another 10 minutes to reach the White Lotus Sect, report your arrival, and meet Peng Ying. This leaves you with only about 10 minutes alone with Peng Ying. If you had truly sold yourself, from the moment you two entered the room, undressed, engaged in foreplay, intercourse, and then dressed again, 10 minutes wouldn't be enough. Unless you're a three-second man. Therefore, I believe what you said. You truly conquered Peng Ying with music, not with your body."
This...
Lu Ming's head was filled with dark lines. Was this the normal thinking of a girl?
He found it all very strange!
Furthermore, a woman who paid such attention to detail was terrifying. Anyone who married her could never lie, not even a little, or she would see right through them.
It was too frightening.
Lu Ming had always thought Jiang Lan was just a simple and cute young girl, but he never expected that Jiang Lan also had such depth.
Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover.