Then let them offer their loyalty!

Page 158

Cao Dabiao understood the first two sentences, but he was a little confused by the last one: "Ouyang is missing a radical? What does that mean?"

At this moment, Chen Feng understood Qiu Tu's riddle, and even with his usually aloof nature, he couldn't help but chuckle. Then he commented, "It seems that evil god is indeed not easy to deal with..."

Seeing that Chen Feng had guessed the answer, Qiu Tu smiled at him, then sighed with a deep look, "He's indeed not easy to deal with..."

At this point, Qiu Tu unconsciously put his hands behind his head, recalling the soon-to-be-born Moonlight Lake that involved numerous forces both inside and outside the New Territories City...

Since so many forces are so interested in Moonlight Lake, could I take advantage of this resource and cause some trouble?

Meanwhile.

As Qiu Tu was thinking this.

The countdown hourglass displaying the "Appreciation of the Evil God" in the upper left corner of his vision slowly began to change.

As the countdown hourglass changed, several new notifications popped up in front of Qiu Tu.

"Congratulations on successfully surviving the crisis of 'the appreciation of the evil god'. You not only gained the initial trust of the evil god, but you also did not betray the human team."

"However, the evil god is not easily fooled. She has also given you a task to test your 'loyalty': to obtain the true time that Moonlight Lake has condensed."

"You only have four days. If you can't obtain this information within four days, she might make you understand the price of toying with an evil god!"

As the notification ended, the countdown hourglass for "The Evil God's Appreciation" slowly transformed into a small, swaying treasure chest.

Then it moved to the right, placing itself alongside the Crisis Chest obtained after completing "Jia Shu's Assassination".

Meanwhile, another countdown hourglass popped out and landed next to the other two crisis hourglasses...

[A Promise to an Evil God (4 Days)]

[The Alliance's Revenge (8.5 Days)]

【Threat in the Dark (∞)】

......

Silent all night.

The next day, Qiu Tu carried Shen Lingshuang out of his bed.

Although he made a series of preparations last night, things did not turn out as he had anticipated the worst-case scenario.

—Or rather, he and Qin Shuman did not have any spies from the Alliance.

The alliance most likely didn't know he would be moving today, so they didn't seize the last opportunity to attack him last night.

This relieved Qiu Tu: he had been facing too many enemies lately, and he was too tired to deal with the Allied Forces!

After getting up in the morning, I had breakfast with Shen Lingshuang. Then Lin Zuo called.

The phone call was brief; it informed Qiu Tu that the villa had been chosen and that moving staff had been arranged. They could move in immediately.

However, to avoid anyone following Qiu Tu and discovering his new address, he advised Qiu Tu not to show up himself.

Qiu Tu readily agreed to the request, and then summoned his two trusted and cautious confidants, Eagle and Ah Kun, to oversee the entire moving operation....

As for Qiu Tu himself, he was going to meet with Secretary Tao and discuss a business deal with Committee Member Jiang regarding his promotion...

Driving his beat-up car, Qiu Tu headed towards the residential buildings across from the Investigation Bureau.

After driving for more than twenty minutes, Qiu Tu finally arrived at the house where they had met last time.

He drove in a circle, stopped the car some distance away, and then walked through several alleyways before finally entering the house...

------

I'll still be updating 3 chapters and 1 words today! The next chapter will be updated at 20 PM!

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Chapter 186: 108 Ways to Enhance Relationships (Part 2) (10,000 words, please vote!)

As soon as Qiu Tu stepped into the courtyard, he heard a beautiful harmonica melody coming from inside the house.

The music was clear and melodious, like a mountain spring, swirling and dancing in the air.

Sometimes it's as light as a spring breeze, carrying a hint of subtle joy; other times it's as deep as the night, concealing countless thoughts and stories.

Upon seeing this, Qiu Tu stopped and listened attentively.

In chaotic times, there are countless people and countless stories. Clearly, the woman inside the house was no exception...

After listening quietly for two or three minutes, Qiu Tu clapped his hands and walked inside.

"I didn't expect Secretary Tao to be able to play the harmonica. As expected, people who can serve as secretaries to committee members are not simple."

Hearing Qiu Tu's praise, Tao Yaoyao inside the room smiled and replied, "It's just a little toy for my spare time."

"Compared to Director Qiu... he's insignificant."

As she spoke, she turned around and looked at Qiu Tu.

At that moment, Qiu Tu, who had just entered the room, also happened to look at her.

It must be said that this woman is indeed very alluring, and her makeup and clothing are quite daring.

A tight-fitting business suit accentuated her curvaceous figure, the fully enveloping fabric highlighting her curves and making every inch of it seem to hold untold secrets and allure. It also made one want to unravel it and explore.

The upturned eyeliner and deep red lips added a touch of danger to the mystery.

Let people know that the woman in front of you is not some kind soul, but a Black Widow who could take your life at any moment.

To be honest, such a temperament and makeup are like the most conspicuous spotlight in chaotic times, making everyone's eyes involuntarily focus on her.

It relentlessly attracts all greedy and covetous gazes.

The fact that this woman is still living a good life despite these circumstances, coupled with her talent for playing musical instruments, further demonstrates her extraordinary nature.

Musical instruments were not something that ordinary people at the bottom of society could access in times of chaos.

As he mentally constructed a model of the woman before him, Qiu Tu smiled and walked into the inner room, saying, "Being able to play a musical instrument in chaotic times is no small feat."

At this point, Qiu Tu suddenly asked, "Besides... Secretary Tao must be proficient in more than just one musical instrument, right?"

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Tao Yaoyao's lips curled into a faint smile. She stated frankly, "Indeed, it's not just one instrument. I know a little about the harmonica, violin, harp, and even the saxophone."

'As expected, their identity is extraordinary.'

While continuing to sort through the intelligence in his mind, Qiu Tu praised, "Secretary Tao is indeed very talented."

"I hope to have the opportunity to hear Secretary Tao perform."

Tao Yaoyao's eyes were alluring, but her tone of voice was sharp and thorny.

“Sure. As long as Director Qiu becomes the director, I will definitely come to perform for you late at night.”

A dangerous yet aggressive statement.

It seemed to mock Qiu Tu's inadequacy; it also seemed to give Qiu Tu hope; coupled with the ambiguous atmosphere of the late-night performance...

Dangerous yet alluring.

Qiu Tu found it somewhat interesting.

He stared into Tao Yaoyao's narrow, alluring eyes and said casually, "Then it's a deal."

"When I'm actually promoted to director, I'll definitely call Secretary Tao."

"Secretary Tao, please don't refuse my late-night invitation then..."

Tao Yaoyao originally thought that her mild retort to Qiu Tu would make him back down, but she didn't expect that Qiu Tu would dare to take advantage of the situation.

This caused a dangerous glint to flash in her narrowed eyes...

Qiu Tu keenly noticed the change in Tao Yaoyao's eyes. He immediately knew that going too far was counterproductive, so he didn't wait for Tao Yaoyao to continue her counterattack, but decisively brought the topic back.

He said, "Secretary Tao, I have something important to discuss with you this time."

Tao Yaoyao opened her mouth a few times, but as expected, she didn't continue the previous topic. "Oh? What important matter is it?"

Qiu Tu, taking the initiative, gestured for a chair.

Then, as he sat down first, he said, "I believe that Commissioner Jiang has seen my sincerity in the past two days."

"So now it's time for Committee Member Jiang to show his sincerity."

With a simple gesture of gesturing and by sitting down first, Qiu Tu immediately regained control of the conversation.

Secretary Tao glanced down at Qiu Tu and noticed that Qiu Tu was sitting while she was standing. She felt like his subordinate or secretary.

She chuckled softly, "Hehe...", and then sat down without a care in the world.

Then she turned the tables on him, asking, "On what basis does Director Qiu believe that Committee Member Jiang needs to demonstrate his sincerity?"

This statement seemed to imply a plan to discard someone after they've served their purpose. However, Qiu Tu acted as if he hadn't heard it and continued, "After what happened the other day, Jia Shu can no longer serve as the Minister of the Political Department."

"At that time, Yan Chen will most likely choose one of the two deputy ministers of the political department to take over. And the position I have my eye on is that deputy minister's position."

At this point, Qiu Tu paused for a moment, "This requires Committee Member Jiang's help."

Tao Yaoyao was initially listening rather casually, but when she heard that Qiu Tu wanted to be the vice minister, she was immediately stunned. "Vice minister?"

She recalled Qiu Tu's resume and then said, "If I remember correctly, Director Qiu was recently promoted."

"Wouldn't the resistance be too great if we continued to rise now?"

Qiu Tu didn't explain, but smiled mysteriously, "Since I dare to make this request, I must be confident."

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Tao Yaoyao frowned slightly, revealing a hint of seriousness and focus.

Her gaze fell on Qiu Tu, as if trying to figure out what he was up to...

But Qiu Tu is now a cunning old fox, so how could he possibly reveal his emotions?

So even though she observed for a while, she didn't get any valuable clues.

Therefore, she could only gently remind him, "Director Qiu, you should know that once the committee member helps you at the municipal committee meeting..."

"Then... your relationship with the committee member is now completely exposed."

"Let's not even talk about whether you can get promoted. Even if you do, Director Yan will still see you as a thorn in his side."

"At that time, you will likely face difficulties in the Investigation Department."

Hearing Tao Yaoyao's words, Qiu Tu smiled. He looked into Tao Yaoyao's alluring eyes and asked, "Secretary Tao, are you worried about me?"

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Tao Yaoyao's expression froze.

She was about to retort.

However, Qiu Tu immediately took back his words, "But isn't what Commissioner Jiang needs—someone who can stand against Director Yan in the Investigation Bureau?"

"If I rush to the front now and attract Director Yan's attention, allowing Committee Member Jiang to make his plans at his leisure, wouldn't that be exactly what Committee Member Jiang wants?"

"Whether I am slapped to death by Yan Chen or successfully gain a foothold, it will be beneficial and harmless for Committee Member Jiang."

"As for my own life or death, what does that have to do with you, Secretary Tao, or Committee Member Jiang?"

"A seemingly insignificant move could yield huge profits. With such a sure-fire gamble, why would Secretary Tao need to ask so many questions?"

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Tao Yaoyao took a deep breath and looked Qiu Tu over again with her narrow eyes.

Even though Tao Yaoyao always thought highly of herself, she had to admit that Qiu Tu possessed a unique charm:

He always manages to skillfully grasp the crux of a matter and then use his unique rhetoric to draw people into the situation.

This also gives him an irresistible charm, making people unable to resist being drawn to his words.

The problem is that even after reviewing and analyzing his logic, it becomes clear that he wasn't playing a language game, but was genuinely stating the facts.

— A fact that makes people feel like they've made a huge profit.

But... how could anyone sacrifice themselves just so that others could make a fortune?

'So... what exactly is this man relying on to think he can survive between these two giants?'

Why did he believe he could be promoted so quickly, rising through the ranks to become a deputy minister?

Perhaps because her mind was filled with too many questions, Tao Yaoyao suddenly felt that Qiu Tu was shrouded in mystery, making her unable to resist trying to unravel his secrets...

Qiu Tu keenly noticed Tao Yaoyao's changing emotions, and then a smile quietly appeared on his lips.

The second of 108 ways to enhance relationships in "The Emotional Handbook": Women are attracted, not chased.

Being powerful (wealthy, influential) and mysterious is the most important magic weapon to attract women.