It’s said that all men have some special quirks—is that really true?

Loving breasts, legs, or even feet can be somewhat understandable—but loving foot-washing water?

That’s beyond common sense.

It defies understanding.

Once again, it’s proven that human joys and sorrows are not really shared.

Women simply cannot comprehend men’s feelings.

Just like they can’t understand why men would like sour and stinky socks.

At the end of the day.

Lan Peizhi is not an average goddess. Those types are overly confident, while she lacks clear awareness of her own charm.

Let alone drink it; if her foot-washing water were put up for auction, it would undoubtedly be snatched up and fetch astronomical prices—though the bidders would certainly remain anonymous.

"You’ve punched me and cursed me, and I even tried the foot-washing water—cursing me again is too much."

"Didn’t you bring this on yourself?"

Yeah.

It was indeed brought on by myself.

The guy had started to cultivate himself long ago, and the violence tonight was not his choice.

Jiang Chen finally put down the already crumpled disposable cup. "Can we call it even between us now?"

"Eat this bowl of lard."

Knowing that drinking the bathwater might not achieve the desired punishment, Lan Peizhi changed tactics.

Looking at the bowlful of lard on the table, eating it would surely make someone vomit. Jiang Chen could be stubborn too.

"Goodbye."

With that said, he propped himself up on the table and pretended to stand up, but his slow movements due to pain made him look... somewhat pitiful.

"What is it?"

The Blood Guanyin is not narrow-minded. As the other party said, even with resentment and anger, it’s mostly been vented by now.

"You know about the Shen Zhou, Korea, and Japanese tri-party discussions to restart the free trade agreement, right?"

Lan Peizhi remained silent.

"Once the tri-party free trade agreement is restarted, it will have widespread implications for the international situation. In other words, as many people support it, just as many will oppose it. I didn’t hide it intentionally; to prevent sabotage, the three parties decided from the beginning that the meeting would be held secretly."

Jiang Chen spoke unhurriedly. A big shot is a big shot; he can quickly switch states.

This is the right approach.

Cao Jinse was right. Someone climbed so fast by stepping on many shoulders, Lan Peizhi being one of them.

If not for inheriting the foundation left by Lan Peizhi, could anyone have manipulated Korea’s internal affairs in just a few years?

Perhaps he doesn’t care.

But don’t forget the person who laid the groundwork when you drink water.

He may not care, but that doesn’t mean you can not care.

"But involving so many people, keeping it entirely confidential is hardly easy. No matter how cautious, there might be leaks. News of the tri-party representatives meeting in Kyoto has spread. Intelligence shows someone is planning to sabotage this epoch-making trilateral cooperation by causing it to fail again."

Lan Peizhi is neither a common businessman nor a typical martial arts person. Reaching this height, her perspective on issues will naturally change.

Or rather.

You must possess a certain vision to reach a certain height.

Just look at Cao Jinse’s exceptional promotion to understand.

At any time, the big picture must take precedence.

"Speak plainly."

"Don’t be so impatient."

Jiang Chen remained unhurried: "The enemy’s plan is simple and crude. The most direct and efficient way to solve the problem is to eliminate the problem makers. This is the same worldwide. They’ve targeted the delegation attending the meeting in Kyoto. If anything happens to them, the long-stalled agreement will surely fail again. The main target this time is Fujiwara Reiki, the sister of the Japanese Fujiwara Family Head."

"You should find the special intelligence department."

Lan Peizhi’s words were concise.

Indeed.

Such a big issue involving international disputes—shouldn’t you urgently negotiate with the government instead of wasting time talking to a civilian like her?

When someone is plotting nefarious deeds, security measures must be immediately enhanced.

"Not suitable."

Jiang Chen shook his head. "If I could be 100% sure of the intelligence source, I’d directly inform the authorities, but I can’t guarantee being perfectly accurate."

Lan Peizhi detected a hint.

This is his own intelligence?

That explains it.

If you go to tell the nation that the world will end tomorrow and they must build a Noah’s Ark quickly, see if anyone listens to you.

"Where did you get your intelligence?"

Jiang Chen stared at her.

"The Tianci Society."

Lan Peizhi realized.

"Besides this reason, we cannot create panic within the delegations. If they realize they’re in danger, it won’t aid the negotiation process. That’s why I came to you."

Lan Peizhi fully understood and empathized with the other party’s predicament.

But understanding is understanding.

"Why do I feel like I’m really an immortal."

Her tone was bland, loaded with sarcasm.

"When I come to you, it means you can contribute a part. Kyoto’s city security level is well known—even if the enemy wants to sabotage, they can’t do it openly. With your exceptional martial skills, having you here means those little crooks are nothing to worry about."

He’s asking her to be a bodyguard, huh.

Lan Peizhi’s lips curled slightly. "I’m not a cop or a security guard."

"But you’re a part of the Tianci Society."

That straightforward statement instantly silenced Lan Peizhi.

Indeed.

She certainly hasn’t forgotten.

In fact, back in Haojiang, she had already boarded the pirate ship.

She and the other party had become deeply intertwined without realizing it.

"This matter can only be handled by us. Fujiwara Reiki cannot be harmed as she embodies enormous benefits for us."

He certainly wasn’t fabricating an excuse to deepen feelings with the other party. Even if he wanted to, there was no need for such a big lie. He did receive related intelligence, specifically from the gradually materializing Tianci Society—or more accurately, from the high-cost-built "Sky Net."

Invoking the Tianci Society means abandoning personal relationships and focusing strictly on the task.

Since it’s a task, it can’t depend on personal likes or dislikes.

Lan Peizhi stayed silent—neither agreeing nor refusing.

"You don’t need to think too much; it’s not complicated. The workload isn’t big. Normally, my presence is enough, but if things get urgent, I might need to call you."

How can someone manage to be so seriously funny?

It’s absolute artistry.

Lan Peizhi’s lips moved slightly, and though not obvious, the succinct question she uttered pricked someone’s pride.

"Is your presence enough?"

The boastful Jiang Chen didn’t feel awkward, seemingly oblivious to his current state, and responded calmly: "Dealing with ordinary people isn’t much of a problem."

Whether boasting or not, the key question is confidence.

The dust on him now appeared like seasoned frost.

Lan Peizhi refrained from mocking a foreseeing person, nodding lightly: "Stay safe."

"Don’t worry."

Having achieved his aim, Jiang Chen stood up, and as he slowly walked outside, he paused, turned back, and said with foresight.

"Your phone won’t be unreachable then, right?"

"That depends on the signal."

Lan Peizhi raised her head.

Their eyes met.

"If a call doesn’t get through, just shout a code word, and I will appear."

"What code word?"

"Guanyin save me."

"???

Jiang Chen widened his eyes, "Wei Hong won’t do?"

Lan Peizhi stayed silent.

Jiang Chen then gracefully waved his hand.

"Goodnight."

He turned around, dragging heavy steps, crossed the threshold, and his awkward figure gradually merged into the thick night.

Lan Peizhi quietly watched him leave, step by step, a smile unconsciously forming at the corner of her mouth, then quickly retracting.

She sat silently under the incandescent light, her gaze unfocused, gradually lost in thought.

The fascinating night had become dull once more.