"Hm? Fugui, you’ve given me an idea. Perhaps it’s worth a try."

Lin Changheng slapped his forehead, his brow instantly smoothing. At the same time, his gaze, filled with delighted surprise and anticipation, swept across the high-ranking members at the table.

On the surface, he was soliciting their opinions, but that wasn’t really the case.

After all, Xu Fugui had already proposed the plan, and now Lin Changheng was speaking up. Although he didn’t state it outright, the unspoken implication was self-evident.

If the Xu Family’s upper echelon decided it was better to avoid trouble, or if they refused or deflected due to other concerns, it would inevitably dishearten Lin Changheng—a man who never made unreasonable demands of the family.

And they would have to seriously consider the negative consequences of disheartening this Middle Grade Alchemist.

Immediately, under Lin Changheng’s expectant gaze, the corners of the senior members’ mouths twitched, their eyelids jumped, and they had no idea how to respond.

The table was instantly plunged into a strange silence.

After all, any matter involving the Liu Family was of the highest importance to the clan and required either a resolution from the senior members or a nod from the Patriarch.

They didn’t dare to agree on their own authority.

Seeing the mood grow colder and the smile on Lin Changheng’s face stiffen slightly, Xu Xuzhong finally let out a light cough, breaking the atmosphere. "Since this matter concerns Alchemist Lin’s progress in the Alchemy Dao, it is also a matter for our family and ought to be addressed. However, we have our own difficulties and cannot decide with a single word. I hope Alchemist Lin can understand."

As soon as he spoke, the senior members present all nodded, murmuring their assent. At the same time, their gazes toward Xu Xuzhong filled with an inexplicable sense of relief.

A moment ago, things had appeared calm, but everyone had felt like they were being roasted over a fire.

They had been caught between a rock and a hard place, where any choice felt wrong. Thus, when someone spoke up to break the impasse, they naturally felt a sense of relief.

Lin Changheng did not consider himself an unreasonable person, and finding sense in Xu Xuzhong’s words, he nodded in agreement.

Xu Xuzhong paused for a moment before continuing, "Alchemist Lin is being reasonable and has made a concession, so we must reciprocate and make an effort of our own. When the banquet is over, I will propose this matter to the Patriarch and do my best to win his approval. When that time comes, I hope all of you here will co-sign the petition."

"What do you say?"

As he spoke, his expression suddenly grew stern, and he swept his gaze over each of the senior members.

After a brief moment of contemplation—perhaps because someone took the lead, or perhaps because the safety of the herd gave them cover—people began to nod and speak up.

"Of course."

"No problem."

"It’s only right!"

"..."

As the crowd voiced their agreement, a smile blossomed on Lin Changheng’s face. "Lin thanks you all."

"I will repay this kindness in the future."

"Don’t mention it, don’t mention it."

With the problem resolved and wine cups clinking, the banquet was once again filled with a joyous atmosphere.

...

After the banquet ended, Lin Changheng and Xu Fugui were walking back along a gravel path.

"Fugui, your reactions are truly fast..."

Lin Changheng kicked a loose stone, unable to help but marvel.

"Heh heh, we’ve known each other for years. Our chemistry is top-notch; what more needs to be said? It’s maxed out! I was just worried I spoke up too fast and that they’d think we were putting on a two-man act."

Xu Fugui patted his full, protruding belly, shaking his head with satisfaction as he spoke.

Recalling the details, Lin Changheng couldn’t help but laugh. "That’s certainly a possibility. Our timing was so perfect, I almost thought you were a plant I’d arranged ahead of time."

"Heh heh, but it’s no big deal. So what if I looked like a plant? With my future father-in-law backing me up, I’m not afraid. Brother Lin, you don’t need to worry so much in the future. If you need anything, just come straight to me. Don’t worry about getting me into trouble."

Xu Fugui suddenly stopped and looked at Lin Changheng, his expression serious.

Lin Changheng was taken aback for a moment. Seeing the firm, earnest look in his friend’s eyes, he was genuinely touched. He replied with equal sincerity, "Alright!"

"Haha, that’s more like it!"

Xu Fugui grinned widely.

After they walked a bit further, Xu Fugui, having mulled things over, sensed something wasn’t quite right. He suddenly asked, "Steward Xu Xuzhong... he wasn’t another one of your ’plants,’ was he, Brother Lin?"

"Otherwise, none of it would have connected so perfectly."

Lin Changheng smiled at his question, having no intention of hiding the truth. "Brother Xuzhong wasn’t a plant, but he was indeed helping me."

"That explains it."

Xu Fugui slapped his thigh in a flash of understanding.

And in truth, it was just as he had guessed.

Lin Changheng had previously consulted Xu Xuzhong, intending to find an opportunity to approach the Liu Family on his own.

But Xu Xuzhong had frowned and, after a long moment of thought, shot down that plan.

Because the Liu Family’s envoys were a special case, if Lin Changheng were to approach them on his own initiative, it would—regardless of success—certainly arouse suspicion among the Xu Family’s upper echelon that he was planning to "jump ship."

Once that label of suspicion was slapped on him, everything he did would be misinterpreted and he would attract unwanted attention, which was not a good thing for Lin Changheng.

It was crucial to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

Moreover, the relationship between the Liu Family and the Xu Family was still delicate, so it was best for him not to get involved.

Then, Xu Xuzhong had proposed a plan—the prototype for what had unfolded today.

But Lin Changheng had made a slight adjustment, changing the plan so that instead of proposing the idea himself, Xu Xuzhong would act as a peacemaker to resolve the awkward deadlock.

This way, Xu Xuzhong could be seen as acting for the greater good while also leveraging the influence of the other senior members at the banquet.

Regardless of the outcome, this wouldn’t tarnish Xu Xuzhong’s image in the eyes of his peers; in fact, he would seem warm-hearted. And if any problems arose, he wouldn’t be the one taking sole responsibility before the Patriarch, thus avoiding the spotlight.

Lin Changheng’s goal was simple: he couldn’t allow the person who helped him to get too deeply entangled.

Then, Xu Fugui added, "If this doesn’t work out later and you still need a push, I can swallow my pride and ask my father-in-law to step in."

"No, that won’t be necessary! You aren’t even married yet. If you go running to him for help now, you’ll inevitably be looked down upon."

This time, Lin Changheng refused him outright, giving Xu Fugui no chance to argue.

"For this attempt, I’ll do my best and leave the rest to fate. If it works, wonderful. If not, then so be it. I have other plans..."

"Alright then. If you need me, Brother Lin, just say the word."

Their voices deliberately low, the two continued on their way, their conversation fading into the distance.

...

「Two days passed.」

Lin Changheng was peacefully performing Alchemy in the Alchemy Room. Just as he finished a Pill Formula and stepped outside, he saw Xu Hanji, dressed in white, waiting for him. A thought immediately stirred in his mind:

’The Eldest Miss is here. Could she be waiting for Lin?’

Xu Hanji gave a slight nod. "Indeed. I have been entrusted by the family to discuss an important matter with you."

"Then you must have been waiting for a long time, Eldest Miss. Please, come into the Quiet Chamber to have a seat, and we can speak in detail."

Following Lin Changheng inside, Xu Hanji stopped him as he was about to prepare tea and got straight to the point. "A few days ago, Alchemist Lin, you expressed a desire to purchase Essence Blood. The family naturally took this matter seriously and used the opportunity to negotiate earnestly with the Liu Family’s envoy. In the end, we obtained their consent."

Joy immediately lit up Lin Changheng’s face. He nodded his thanks and stated in a serious tone that he would bear the cost of the Spirit Stones and any related expenses for the Essence Blood transaction.

Hearing this, Xu Hanji nodded to herself in approval but said aloud, "There is no issue with you providing the Spirit Stones, Alchemist Lin, but you need not cover the additional costs."

After a pause, she explained, "Our merchant caravans will bring it back on one of their trips. There are no real costs involved; it will merely take up a little space in a Storage Bag."

"That works as well."

Lin Changheng had no objection.

"There is one other matter I came to discuss. The Liu Family has made a request of their own: they wish to meet you and ask what kind of Essence Blood you require."