Cohabitation with Sword Spirit-Chapter 350 - 87: The Difficult Task of Becoming a Matchmaker
Shen Jinghai realized that he’s been losing his composure more frequently lately.
For the past twenty years, as the Deputy City Lord, he has been meticulous and conscientious, not only excelling in his official duties but also maintaining his personal image perfectly. In a city that advocates responding to grievances straightforwardly and reveres combativeness, a Deputy City Lord with a cold demeanor, strong methods, and no regard for personal feelings naturally commands both respect and fear.
Shen Jinghai didn’t need to deliberately create a more amiable image like other administrators. As the Deputy City Lord, he was above concerns about the public’s impression of him, answering only to the City Lord’s will. Therefore, becoming a mysterious and unapproachable Deputy City Lord was more convenient for conducting matters. For twenty years, Shen Jinghai has adhered to this policy, deeply embedding his image in the hearts of Shen City’s people. Mentioning Shen Jinghai would subconsciously bring a chill, like a cold wind hitting one’s face.
However, with the arrival of the Li Family from Cyan Cloud in Shen City, Shen Jinghai’s personal image began to show signs of collapse. His dating history, hidden for over ten years, was finally exposed, and whether in front of the Lord City Lord or his subordinates, shock and bewilderment continuously emerged.
And this time, in front of several accompanying secretaries, Shen Jinghai once again lost his composure.
Far away, a hundred miles away, Wang Jiu and Zhao Jincheng were walking side by side, talking and laughing, almost causing him to fall off the city wall. His accompanying staff lacked such eyesight and couldn’t see the figures the size of sand grains a hundred miles away, but they could see Shen Jinghai’s gaping mouth.
Secretary A, actively concerned for his superior, promptly inquired, "Deputy City Lord, is there something wrong?"
Secretary B wisely chose to avert his gaze and take a few steps back quietly. Catching a glimpse of Secretary A’s concern, he felt a secret glee.
You fool, your superior is embarrassed, and you still want to crowd forward, afraid they’ll not silence you?
It seems the day when I become Secretary A isn’t far off!
Further away, several intern secretaries were overjoyed, watching the senior who excelled only in family background and academics eagerly expressing concern to the Deputy City Lord, oblivious to Shen Jinghai’s increasingly unattractive expression.
Haha, with such a senior, how can I not be promoted quickly!?
It seems the day when I become Secretary B isn’t far off!
Meanwhile, hearing Secretary A’s chatter in his ear, Shen Jinghai indeed felt a moment of shame and anger rise. But before he could act, a gentle female voice sounded in his ear.
"What’s wrong, Jing?"
In the whole of Shen City, only one person would call him by this name.
Although Shen Jinghai had long revealed his true identity to her, she still preferred to call him by that fictitious name in private, adding a touch of playfulness to their relationship.
Upon hearing this person’s voice, Shen Jinghai’s anger instantly extinguished, a trace of gentleness involuntarily appearing on his face, though behind the gentleness lay more helpless bitterness.
"I saw something mind-blowing... I’ll share my Spiritual Vision with you, see for yourself."
Then, Shen Jinghai operated his Primordial Spirit, linking up with Cai’Er, who, not far beside him, accompanied him in the guise of a maid, sharing the scene he had seen.
The next moment, the newly married woman let out an uncontrollable gasp of delight.
"Oh my!"
Shen Jinghai was utterly bewildered: "What!"
"Those two are walking together! And they seem to have quite a good rapport, at least Zhao Jincheng seems very fond of Wang Jiu! Amazing!"
Shen Jinghai felt this once eloquent, considerate woman now seemed utterly unreasonable: "What’s so great about that!? You should know what their relationship is, right!?"
As the creative suggester of the adventurous dating plan, Cai’Er certainly knew the relationship between Zhao Jincheng and Wang Jiu.
"They’re rivals in life-and-death competition revolving around Shen Qingming," Cai’Er said. "So, don’t you think these two coming together is more interesting and exciting?"
"What’s interesting about that!? Not even in your favorite novels is there such a plot, right?"
"That’s because you haven’t read works from Mr. Three Lives Stone’s fan circle, like the latest circulating short story, ’Nine-Colored Dew,’ which features a romance between Mr. Qing Wan and Mr. Jiu. Masterfully written, it’s neither gaudy nor vulgar, exceptionally brilliant."
"Stop reading those trashy books!"
After a conversation with Cai’Er, Shen Jinghai found himself more exhausted, wishing to plunge off the city wall and sleep eternally.
However, the responsibilities of a Deputy City Lord kept him constantly vigilant, his nerves never relaxing.
No matter Zhao Jincheng’s reasons for teaming up with Wang Jiu, what remained was to utilize this condition well and execute the tasks assigned by Lord City Lord.
Having a close relationship with Wang Jiu is actually not a bad thing in some respects. By utilizing his relationship with Wang Jiu, one can seamlessly arrange for Zhao Jincheng to get close to the Li Family and Shen Qingming. Then after that...
Examples of two men becoming bitter enemies over a woman are countless. As long as one designs a little plot and creates a bit of conflict between Shen Qingming and Wang Jiu, and then has Zhao Jincheng step in timely to comfort, stealing the love isn’t impossible.
For a moment, Shen Jinghai had already concocted four or five mature plans in his mind, each with detailed theoretical guidance... Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but glance at Cai’Er.
If it weren’t for her, he indeed wouldn’t have thought to delve into this area of knowledge. He originally thought he wouldn’t need to learn these things in his life; now it seems there’s no harm in learning a bit.
After roughly considering everything, Shen Jinghai collected his thoughts, switched to the cold and distant demeanor he usually wore, activated a technique and with a flash, arrived a hundred miles away.
——
"Young Master Zhao, Mr. Wang," Shen Jinghai clasped his hands in respect.
Wang Jiu nodded lightly without opening his mouth to respond, yet beside him, Zhao Jincheng was already furrowing his brows.
Originally, he was chatting with Mr. Wang Jiu about the world-famous Golden Jade delicacies, eliciting a strong interest from Mr. Wang Jiu towards Golden Jade City, and it seemed he could invite him to be a guest there. But now, where did this pale-faced guy come from, not even considering the current atmosphere, daring to interrupt their conversation?!
However, Zhao Jincheng’s good upbringing from Golden Jade City didn’t let him flare up at all; instead, he maintained a gentle smile, bowed his head in response, and then said, "You must be Vice City Lord Jinghai... Apologies for not fulfilling my duties today. I was supposed to meet you at Red Leaf Mountain, but ended up going the wrong way when I stepped out, and inadvertently ended up at Southern Wilderness Mountain. Fortunately, I encountered Mr. Wang Jiu over there, and with his help, I managed to return."
After speaking, Zhao Jincheng again clasped his hands in respect towards Wang Jiu: "Thank you, sir, for your lifesaving grace today. As always, such grace shall undoubtedly be repaid by the Zhao Family."
Upon hearing these words, Shen Jinghai’s mind was absolutely thunderstruck.
Who the hell has taken my script?!
Originally, I designed the plot to let you and Shen Qingming enjoy the leaves together at Red Leaf Mountain, with the help of several misleading signposts causing both to get lost, then encounter, get acquainted, adventure together, and help each other straight through to developing mutual feelings. Why have the male and female leads become you and Wang Jiu?!
But since things have come to this point, he could only accept reality. Shen Jinghai barely squeezed out a smile and said, "It’s good to see Young Master Zhao unharmed; I must admit our inadequacy in this arrangement, there was a misstep during coordination. Here, I extend my sincere apologies and ask for Young Master Zhao’s forgiveness."
Zhao Jincheng hurriedly returned the courtesy with clasped hands; the two exchanged a few pleasantries devoid of sincerity, finally drawing this matter to a close. Shen Jinghai then took advantage of the moment to inquire, "I wonder if the two of you have time this evening? I wish to host an informal gathering for both families. Although we’re all like branches of the Seven Great Noble Families with shared roots, until now we’ve seldom had the opportunity for the younger generation to exchange ideas and learn from each other. Now, seizing the occasion of Lord City Lord’s birthday banquet, the families could finally gather in one place. But on the birthday banquet day, the scene may unavoidably be chaotic, so why not have a private gathering to deepen relationships..."
His words are magnificent yet confident; as Vice City Lord, Shen Jinghai had meticulously prepared this speech for quite some time. There’s no fear of the other party refusing.
Sure enough, after contemplating for a moment, Zhao Jincheng nodded in agreement, "Alright, I will definitely attend in the evening, but what about you, Mr. Wang?"
Wang Jiu was more straightforward: "Will there be good food?"
Shen Jinghai chuckled, "Of course, in the evening I will invite top chefs from Shen City’s renowned restaurants to come and demonstrate their skills."
"Then no problem, I’ll definitely be there."
Shen Jinghai smiled, thinking to himself, whether you attend isn’t that important, the key is the female lead must attend.
"I wonder about Miss Qingming..."
Wang Jiu said, "If you need to make up the numbers, I’ll call her."
"Please be sure to call her!"
As they spoke, Zhao Jincheng on the other side asked curiously, "Oh, Shen Qingming? Seems I’ve heard this name before, I remember she’s the Cyan Cloud competition champion? If there’s an opportunity, I definitely want to spar with her."
When Shen Jinghai heard these words, his eyes almost sparkled, but he still maintained his calm and distant demeanor, smiling and saying, "Certainly there will be opportunities. Tonight’s dinner is meant to provide a platform for exchanges. Besides the Li Family, our Shen Family’s elites will also be present."
"Oh," Zhao Jincheng showed a seemingly interested but actually indifferent ceremonial smile.
As one of the top children of Golden Jade City, Zhao Jincheng had long learned these social skills in his boudoir, using them now seemed even more proficient than losing his way when going out.
However, being the Vice City Lord of Shen City, Shen Jinghai, who has witnessed countless social skills, easily saw through Zhao Jincheng’s insincere words and lack of desire to engage with Shen City’s elite.
Seeing this, Shen Jinghai couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
This is the way!
What’s there to spar with those smelly kids for? Go and spar with Shen Qingming properly!
