Chapter 657: Which Category Do You Belong To?
Previously, Zhang Changchun and Xu Meijing were discussing important matters when they suddenly sensed a power fluctuation emanating from down the mountain, and this power fluctuation was Spirit Power.
Zhang Family Slope was not inherently large; compared to true grand mountains, the difference was quite significant. This Zhang Family Slope, however, did not exceed their sensing range, so they detected Yang Haoran's arrival instantly.
At the time, everyone present believed the newcomer must be one of Xu Meijing's people, perhaps needing to find her for some important matter. Even Xu Meijing herself thought so. Thus, Zhang Changchun sent his third son down to assess the situation.
Zhang Changchun had no objection to his third son bringing the person into the barrier. However, bringing them up to the second floor of the guest house displeased him somewhat, because in his eyes, not just anyone was qualified to ascend here. Even if Xu Meijing's subordinate had an extremely urgent matter for her, they should not have been brought to the second floor.
But what he never expected was that the visitor would be Yang Haoran. This not only dispelled the dissatisfaction in his heart but even gave rise to a pleasant surprise, especially now, after hearing Yang Haoran's words, his inner delight intensified further.
Yang Haoran was here to help him; how could he not be pleased? This was a helper who had willingly presented himself; there was simply no reason for him to be unhappy.
"For Emissary of Death Yang to personally make a trip for our Zhang family's affairs, I am truly grateful. Right now, my Zhang family indeed urgently needs a helper like Emissary of Death Yang."
Zhang Changchun's joy was evident to everyone present, and Yang Haoran was no exception. However, compared to Zhang Changchun's happiness, he was more concerned by Xu Meijing's frown.
"Haha, Old Master Zhang, my abilities are quite limited. Whether I can actually help you is another matter entirely," Yang Haoran chuckled.
Zhang Changchun spoke with a smile, the happiness in his heart undiminished by Yang Haoran's words.
However, at that moment, Xu Meijing slowly stood up.
"Everyone, please excuse me for a moment. Emissary of Death Yang has an important matter to discuss with me, so I need to speak with him first."
Xu Meijing spoke indifferently, then turned her gaze to Yang Haoran. Although she didn't say anything explicitly, her meaning was clear, and Yang Haoran naturally understood.
"I'm truly sorry, but this matter involves some secrets of our Underworld Office, and there's also a prohibition from higher-ups, so. . . it's not convenient to mention it in front of you all."
Yang Haoran offered an apologetic expression as he explained to the group. Compared to Xu Meijing, his demeanor and tone were considerably more polite.
"Hahahahaha, we understand, we absolutely understand. Who doesn't have a few secrets, right?"
Zhang Changchun spoke with a laugh, and the three others, including Ma Yuanjin, likewise chimed in agreement, showing not the slightest hint of displeasure.
They were all seasoned veterans; naturally, they wouldn't make such low-level mistakes. Moreover, Yang Haoran's words weren't without reason. After all, some matters involved secrets of the Underworld Office, which definitely wouldn't and couldn't be revealed to them. Besides, knowing might not even be a good thing for them.
Of course, the matter Yang Haoran wanted to discuss with Xu Meijing was not actually a secret of the Underworld Office; he was merely finding a high-sounding excuse for himself.
Xu Meijing was not as particular as he was; she simply left her seat and headed downstairs to the first floor.
"Haha, my apologies."
Yang Haoran smiled apologetically at the group, then followed Xu Meijing out of the second floor.
Upon reaching the first floor, the Night Watchers, seeing Xu Meijing descend, rose to salute her.
"Uncle, why did you just go up and come right back down? Is the matter concluded? And why don't I see my grandfather? " Ma Ling asked Yang Haoran.
"It's probably not finished. Emissary of Death Xu and I have some important matters to discuss, so we came down early," Yang Haoran explained with a smile.
Ma Ling simply let out a soft "Oh" and said nothing further. Xu Meijing glanced at Ma Ling, her brow furrowing slightly, then turned her gaze to the Night Watchers she had brought with her.
"You all wait here first."
After giving the instruction, Xu Meijing walked towards the guest house entrance. Yang Haoran smiled at Ma Ling, then looked at Zhang Li.
"You wait for me here. In the meantime, you can think carefully about how you need my help."
Having said that, Yang Haoran followed Xu Meijing out of the guest house. As the two approached the barrier, the light curtain of the barrier became visible and a gap appeared.
This situation naturally indicated that someone was secretly controlling the barrier. Whether it was Zhang Changchun controlling it, or his third son, or someone else, remained unknown.
"Are you very familiar with Ma Yuanjin's granddaughter? " Just as they stepped out of the barrier, Xu Meijing asked Yang Haoran, her expression not looking particularly pleased.
Recognizing the strange tone in Xu Meijing's voice, Yang Haoran's face showed a wry smile.
"Ma Ling is my friend; we've collaborated before," Yang Haoran explained.
"Heh, you certainly have a lot of girlfriends," Xu Meijing said with a cold laugh.
"Not girlfriends, but female friends. And I don't even have many female friends," Yang Haoran continued to explain.
"If you don't have many female friends, you should cherish them even more, don't you think I'm right?"
How could Yang Haoran not detect such obvious sarcasm? In response, he could only offer another explanation.
"I think you've misunderstood. Things aren't at all as you imagine. Although I don't have many virtues, honesty and reliability are definitely among them; everyone who knows me can attest to that."
Xu Meijing, who had been maintaining a cold expression, couldn't help but let a hint of a smile appear on her face upon hearing Yang Haoran's words.
"Honest and reliable? Aren't you afraid of being struck dead by lightning from the heavens? How did I never notice you were so glib before? It's only been a few days since we last met, and you've grown quite the nerve," Xu Meijing said with a smile.
"It's not that I can't be glib; it's just that I don't act glib in front of women, especially in front of women I like. . ."
At this point, Yang Haoran paused, a somewhat embarrassed expression surfacing on his face.
"Sigh, I'm already at this age, and I really can't bring myself to say such cheesy words," Yang Haoran said, feeling a little awkward.
"Some words you find cheesy, but many girls love to hear them. Even corny pickup lines can make some girls fall deeply into the mire, unable to extricate themselves," Xu Meijing chuckled.
"Didn't you also say that many girls like to hear them? That doesn't mean all girls like to hear them. There are always some who don't," Yang Haoran responded with a smile.
"Those who don't like to hear them are the minority. No wonder you're still single," Xu Meijing said with a laugh.
"So, do you belong to the minority, or the majority? " Yang Haoran pondered for a moment, then asked.
"Me? I. . . probably belong to the minority," Xu Meijing said, though her tone was somewhat uncertain.
However, Yang Haoran completely ignored the uncertainty in her tone.
"Heh, you yourself said you belong to the minority. Isn't that perfect? " Yang Haoran said with a smile.
Xu Meijing merely smiled, not directly answering Yang Haoran's question. At this moment, the two had already arrived at a pavilion.
"Let's not talk about these things for now. It's more important to discuss the serious business," Yang Haoran said.
Xu Meijing nodded, and then the two entered the pavilion, setting up a restrictive barrier.
Yang Haoran didn't beat around the bush; he directly informed Xu Meijing of his original purpose for coming to Ancheng this time. He hoped to go to the Underworld with Xu Meijing, preferably today.
Xu Meijing had originally thought Yang Haoran came to find her because something major had occurred, never expecting it was for this matter. Without much consideration, she directly agreed to Yang Haoran's request.
Yang Haoran was delighted to receive Xu Meijing's consent. This way, he could have some time alone with Xu Meijing on this trip. Though the time wouldn't be long, he was quite content.
He had originally been worried that the current situation was too chaotic, and Xu Meijing might not be able to spare the time. Now, there was no longer any need to worry about that.
"Oh, right, what exactly happened with the Zhang family this time? They didn't just invite you; they also invited the Ma family. Although I don't know the other two, I presume their strength is also considerable. What kind of malevolent spirit is it that requires such a large-scale mobilization? " Yang Haoran asked.
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