Within the Sheng Lan Family's garden, Lin Yu and Sheng Lan Kui sat side by side in a transport vehicle personally driven by the old steward, smoothly traversing the Sheng Lan Family's garden.

"How did you think I would abandon Sleepless Sky Huo Le and switch to your side," Lin Yu asked helplessly, looking at Sheng Lan Kui's dead-fish eyes, "Don't you know that my biggest backer in the Sleepless Night Family is actually the Family Head? Even if I were to defect... I should be going to Sleepless Sky Huo Shu."

"Because this is your first time coming to the Sheng Lan Family alone. Before, you always came with Sleepless Sky Huo Le, and you were always looking for Sheng Lan Lai," Sheng Lan Kui said somewhat awkwardly, "It's precisely because I know you have a close relationship with the Sleepless Night Family Head that I couldn't help but fantasize a little... if you really did switch to my side, wouldn't that be like me bypassing Sleepless Sky Huo Shu and Sleepless Sky Huo Le and directly gaining the support of their mother?"

"Then why don't you go directly to her?"

Lin Yu countered.

He remembered the Sleepless Night Family Head vaguely complaining that neither Sheng Lan Lai nor Sheng Lan Kui had ever considered directly visiting her to try and win her support.

Unexpectedly, Sheng Lan Kui's expression changed slightly, and he shook his head.

"Are you kidding? That's the Sleepless Night Family Head, the Chosen One of the God of Wisdom! Moreover, she is the one who, during the previous generation's struggle among the Seven Sons of the Sleepless Sky family for succession and the factional strife within the Truth Corporation, genuinely crushed all competitors, eliminated all opposition, directly revived the declining Sleepless Sky family, reinvigorated the nearly fragmented Truth Corporation, and even created three superior-level alchemy techniques. This is a formidable figure who combines top-tier political strategist, entrepreneur, and alchemist into one! Even my father and grandfather, two generations of Sheng Lan Family Heads, when mentioning that person, speak of her with great admiration and even considerable wariness!"

"Admittedly, my uncle was once her principal husband... but my uncle has been deceased for so many years, how would I dare to use that connection to try and curry favor now," Sheng Lan Kui said seriously, "Don't think that just because you were lucky enough to win her favor, pleasing that person is an easy thing..."

At this point, a look of envy appeared on Sheng Lan Kui's face: "That is a heaven-sent opportunity!"

Hearing Sheng Lan Kui say this, Lin Yu couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised.

The head of a Peerage Nobility family, a Chosen One of the gods, Lin Yu certainly knew she was no simple character.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so careful and respectful when meeting her.

But...

Through Sheng Lan Kui's attitude, Lin Yu realized that even though he already held the Sleepless Night Family Head in high regard, he might still have somewhat underestimated her.

It seems this person is considered formidable even among the heads of the Peerage Nobility families!

"In short, if I could truly please her, gain a word or two of advice or affirmation, it would be a huge step towards the position of Family Head for me, and I might even directly secure an arranged marriage with Sleepless Sky Huoxing," Sheng Lan Kui said seriously, "But if I offend her, forget about Miss Huoxing and the Family Head position... I might even be exiled to the Great Wasteland to pioneer with the Pioneer Corps, patrol with the inspection teams, or maybe even have to supervise engineering teams at the Great Wasteland people's outposts!"

Listening to Sheng Lan Kui's words, Lin Yu couldn't help but sigh: "That's really exaggerated..."

This sigh wasn't entirely for the Sleepless Night Family Head.

Part of it was also directed at Sheng Lan Kui—this guy, even at this point, is still thinking about Sleepless Sky Huoxing!

"Wait, you wouldn't use that connection to try and win Sleepless Sky Huoxing, would you?"

Sheng Lan Kui suddenly became alert.

"How could I!"

Lin Yu said helplessly.

Sheng Lan Kui didn't look entirely reassured, but he slowly nodded, pretending to be relaxed: "I believe you're not that kind of despicable and lowly person, you wouldn't use such methods to go against Miss Huoxing's will..."

"But speaking of which, are you really not considering abandoning Sleepless Sky Huo Le and allying with me?"

"Then what benefits would I get for coming over," Lin Yu sighed, "You Peerage Nobility people are really something. If you want me to come over, you should at least think about what you can offer me, right?"

Sheng Lan Kui thought for a moment and said, "I can secure you a seat in the Sleepless City council, even a noble title... then you'd be Baron Furbollo."

"That sounds even less appealing than the position of Truth Corporation president that Sleepless Sky Huo Shu promised me."

"Then, plus my friendship?"

Sheng Lan Kui asked again.

Lin Yu facepalmed: "Would anyone really side with you because of that?"

"Yes, my steward Barry switched from Sheng Lan Lai to my side because of that," Sheng Lan Kui said, a flash of disdain crossing his face as he mentioned his eldest brother, "Sheng Lan Lai simply doesn't understand people's hearts. He only knows how to bind with benefits and intimidate with power... That approach doesn't work in our Sheng Lan Family."

The transport vehicle slowly stopped in front of a three-story mansion.

"We're here. This is my 'Kui Mansion'," servants guided the two as they disembarked. Sheng Lan Kui walked towards the mansion as he spoke, "By the way, Barry is doing well, recuperating inside. If you want, you can go see him."

"The family doctor said it was all thanks to your timely intervention, otherwise he might have been in serious danger—I owe you a huge favor."

Sheng Lan Kui thanked him sincerely again.

The mansion doors opened wide. The furnishings in the main hall inside looked quite flamboyant, with bright, warm colors everywhere. The walls were hung with various swords, weapons, and specimens and skulls of animals.

"Visiting Barry can wait, it's better to let the patient rest quietly," Lin Yu politely declined, then said, "As for the favor... I'm here this time to collect on that favor."

"So soon?"

Sheng Lan Kui was somewhat surprised.

"What, were you just being polite with me?"

Lin Yu asked, and Sheng Lan Kui quickly shook his head.

"Of course not, please speak freely."

"This matter is better discussed when there's no one else around."

Lin Yu said.

Sheng Lan Kui waved his hand generously: "What are you talking about? These servants have been with me since childhood, they're all trustworthy..."

"Alright, then I'll just say it. I know you recently went to the Gray Three Streets in the Outer City to take on a..."

"Hey! Hey! Hey!"

Sheng Lan Kui loudly exclaimed, interrupting Lin Yu's words.

"Mr. Furbollo, this is, after all, your private matter. Let's go to the study to discuss it in detail!"

Sheng Lan Kui said, then looked at the surrounding servants.

"I say, Mr. Furbollo is my honored guest. You all, hurry up and prepare tea, tidy up the guest rooms, and get some food ready in the dining room—do I really need to teach you this?"

"Also, I have important matters to discuss with him. No one is to approach until we come out—and don't let anyone else approach either!"

"Understood?"

"Understood!"

The servants responded in unison, then quickly dispersed.

Instantly, only Lin Yu and Sheng Lan Kui could be seen in the vast mansion hall.

Sheng Lan Kui breathed a sigh of relief and poked Lin Yu: "Come on, come on, let's go talk in the study!"