Chapter Fifty-Nine: Cooperation (Part Two)

Yinyao sat by the window, gazing out at the stone hills, the pond, the flowing water, and the small bridges beyond the attic. The surroundings were exquisite, and as she savored a cup of fine tea, she appeared utterly at ease. Lisu, meanwhile, wandered leisurely about the Elegant Residence, twirling his jade fan. He too looked every bit the refined young gentleman.

The two of them were waiting for Gu Xinyu and his companions to arrive. As Yinyao had anticipated, Gu Xinyu came right on time, accompanied by Chu Suyi, Muye, and Aishuo. Once everyone was seated, Yinyao ordered a pot of premium tea and took the seat of honor alongside Lisu.

Chu Suyi appeared quite spirited, showing no difference from his usual self. As he looked at Yinyao, an inexplicable feeling flitted through his heart, prompting him to steal a few more glances at her. He could not have said why, but whenever he saw Yinyao, a strange sensation lingered within him, elusive and hard to grasp. The more he tried to understand it, the more it vanished, making it all the more uncanny.

Casting her gaze over the group, Yinyao set down her teacup and spoke softly, “I believe you all know the purpose of this small gathering. That you are here means you accept my plan, or at least the proposal. So, what do you think?”

Her tone was calm yet carried an invisible pressure. Everyone present was a master, so she had no need to conceal her strength, though certain matters must remain secret. A formidable power—not ordinary at all. That was Chu Suyi’s first impression.

Gu Xinyu, Muye, and Aishuo were all somewhat startled by Yinyao’s prowess. Remarkable indeed.

Lisu said nothing. He too sensed Yinyao’s pressure. Was this a subtle show of force? He smiled inwardly, closed his jade fan, sipped his tea, and waited for the others’ reactions.

“Why?” Chu Suyi suppressed the many questions in his heart and merely asked that one word, neither hurried nor slow. There was a subtle clash of aura between him and Yinyao, as if to declare: I am no weakling.

Muye and Aishuo exchanged a glance but said nothing, for Chu Suyi was their anchor here. They awaited Yinyao’s answer, though they had already guessed most of it. Gu Xinyu lowered his head, drinking tea and hiding his expression. Inwardly, he thought: This partnership is beyond my control or interference; all I can do is watch and see how things unfold.

Yinyao raised her teacup without a hint of haste. “Perhaps the leader of the Martial Alliance or the master of Lingyu Pavilion is unaware, but Ji Muyu and I are mortal enemies. And you, too, have a deep-seated enmity with him. Both of us hate this man—why not join forces?”

Aside from Chu Suyi, the others were stirred by Yinyao’s words. She spoke only of her hatred, omitting the past, and their hearts surged with complex emotions.

“Oh, why not?” Chu Suyi’s eyes flashed with understanding, his lips curling in a smile as he repeated Yinyao’s words. “Partner with you? Why should I trust you? And what qualifies you to approach me?”

Gu Xinyu and the others held their breath, waiting for Yinyao’s response. Now, it was a negotiation between Chu Suyi and Yinyao alone.

Yinyao smiled at Chu Suyi, but said nothing.

Her reaction irked Chu Suyi; what did she mean by this? Why did he feel as though her laughter mocked his naïveté?

“Hmph, just because you’re Snake Lady Yinyao?” The disdain in his tone was obvious to all. Everyone turned to Yinyao, eager for her reply.

“Do you think I would seek you out relying only on that reputation?” Yinyao was neither angry nor defensive, merely smiling as she asked in return.

The other four remained steadfast in their silence.

“Haha, why not enlighten us?” Chu Suyi laughed knowingly. Clearly, Snake Lady Yinyao was no simple woman. This alliance was becoming more intriguing.

Lisu stayed silent, watching the verbal sparring between the two. Yinyao’s composure and her usual manner put him at ease; he trusted she would not disappoint him.

Gu Xinyu listened intently, catching the provocations between the two, and sensing Chu Suyi’s growing anticipation for the partnership. Glancing at the man beside Yinyao, who sat unmoving as if a deity, smiling quietly as he sipped tea, seemingly detached from the proceedings, yet his gaze never left Yinyao.

Muye and Aishuo exchanged knowing looks with Lisu and shared a wry smile: Was this the man Yinyao had mentioned before, who loved her even more than Chu Suyi? It must be; he radiated nobility, and his power felt immaculate and pure, the most sacred. Yet they could not grasp the workings of his mysterious force.

“Master Chu seems quite interested in my identity and strength, but what can I say—I don’t intend to tell you. However, I can assure you I will never drag you down.” Yinyao spun around, half-reclining in her rocking chair, her manner languid and her tone audacious.

Chu Suyi narrowed his eyes, studying this woman who was so unfamiliar to him. She was bold, carefree, unrestrained, and possessed boundless confidence.

Gu Xinyu, though uncertain of Yinyao’s true strength, understood her hatred for Ji Muyu well. He felt it was time to speak up, to lend a hand.

“Suyi, trust her. Our partnership will surely succeed.”

Hearing Gu Xinyu’s unexpected support, Chu Suyi relaxed his furrowed brow and glanced at Muye and Aishuo, who nodded with smiles, affirming Xinyu’s words.

Yinyao caught their trust and support at that moment, offering a grateful glance before returning to her usual calm. She was a person who distinguished clearly between gratitude and resentment; she could not truly harbor ill will toward them—it had never been their fault.

Gu Xinyu and his companions smiled in return, as if to say, “It’s only right.”

Watching the familiar exchange among the four, Chu Suyi found himself filled with even more questions, but he did not dwell on them. Since his brothers agreed, he had no reason to refuse. His earlier actions had merely been tests; if they were all willing to believe in her, then he would, too.

“Agreed.” One word, announcing the outcome.

“Excellent! Well said!” Yinyao rose, laughing heartily.

“May the partnership be smooth.” Gu Xinyu stood, and the others followed suit, all except Lisu, who remained seated, silent and aloof. At this moment, it seemed everyone had tacitly agreed to ignore Lisu.

“Waiter, bring us some fine wine!” Yinyao’s smile bloomed like a flower.

They drank and reveled until dawn.