Chapter 18: Negotiation

Luo Jun leaned back in the sofa, his face etched with impatience. Luo Bi shot a mocking glance at Luo Yan. Guan Zhuting had also just called her son; she was now looking around restlessly, keeping a close eye on the distance between Luo Yan and Luo Bi, fearing that Luo Yan might lash out.

"What is going on?" Luo Feifan asked, first scanning the scene in the room.

"Grandfather!" Luo Yan dragged out the two words with exaggerated length. Shedding her previous arrogance, she stepped forward with a pout to complain: "Sister Luo Bi has it out for me. She would rather sell the Crimson Jade Stone to someone else than give it to me!"

Luo Feifan had already gained a general understanding of the situation through Luo Jun. He felt somewhat helpless; there was nothing wrong with Luo Yan wanting that Crimson Jade Stone, but her method of demanding it was wrong. He couldn't scold his precious granddaughter, so he cast a reproachful glance at Luo Jun instead—he couldn't even handle his two younger sisters fighting; his competence was still lacking.

When Luo Feifan turned back to Luo Yan, he said affectionately, "Your sister Luo Bi is not that kind of person. You have misunderstood her."

By this time, Feng Ling had entered, speaking with Wen Yao.

Wen Yao was somewhat surprised to see Feng Ling. "Feng Ling, what brings you here?" Both were from the Imperial Star and had some contact, making them acquaintances.

Feng Ling’s sharp gaze swept across the room, finally landing on Luo Bi before he answered, "My fiancée gambled her way to a Grade 4 Crimson Jade Stone. I heard someone was interested, so I came to take a look."

He didn't mention in a single word that someone was making things difficult for Luo Bi, but Wen Yao knew the whole story. His eyes flickered upon hearing this; he felt today's situation was becoming a nuisance. Although Feng Ling had a strong gene, his rank was low, but he was a member of the Imperial Family after all. If this matter wasn't handled well, it would be disadvantageous to him.

However, looking at Luo Bi beside Feng Ling, Wen Yao asked in surprise, "Your fiancée?"

Luo Bi felt uncomfortable under his gaze and averted her eyes.

Feng Ling nodded with a simple "Mhm" without further explanation, then changed the subject: "What exactly is going on?"

Knowing he couldn't hide it, Wen Yao briefly explained Luo Yan's demand for the Crimson Jade Stone.

"Trying to take it for free?" Feng Ling looked down upon the Luo family's method of demanding things and sneered, "You certainly aren't being polite."

He turned his head to ask Luo Bi, "What do you think?"

"I have a use for the Crimson Jade Stone, so I don't want to give it to her," Luo Bi answered bluntly. Even if she didn't need the stone, she wouldn't give it to Luo Yan. If she wanted her things, she could dream!

Feng Ling understood the situation. Once Luo Feifan finished soothing Luo Yan and turned to speak to Luo Bi, Feng Ling took over the conversation.

Luo Feifan inwardly complained about Luo Bi bringing Feng Ling into this, but he didn't show it on his face. He explained that Luo Yan urgently needed a Grade 3 or higher Jade Stone, concluding with, "This Grade 4 Crimson Jade Stone is crucial for Xiao Yan to pass her apprentice assessment. Otherwise, she wouldn't have lost her composure and upset Luo Bi in her urgency."

Sighing, he added, "Why don't you try to persuade her? This child has been willful since she was small."

Feng Ling raised an eyebrow but didn't move. "Grade 4 Crimson Jade Stones are not common, and the selling price is not low. I wonder what price the Head of the Luo family is offering?"

Feng Ling had served as an adjutant on the Blazing Emperor Star for several years, a job that required playing mind games and strategy. Once he understood the Luo family's intentions, he didn't resort to indirect tactics; he brought the Interstellar Credits directly onto the table, leaving Luo Feifan with no way to avoid the topic.

A look of irritation appeared on Luo Feifan's face, but Feng Ling remained indifferent. "As they say, even between brothers, accounts should be kept clear. It is better to settle things precisely among family to avoid future discord within the clan."

Luo Yan puffed out her cheeks, looking as if she wanted to speak, but Luo Jun gave her arm a secret squeeze. Only then did Luo Yan close her mouth, still feeling aggrieved.

(End of Chapter)