Although Jiang Chen had no particular experience dealing with young girls, he knew that girls of this age were especially curious.
The more mysterious you acted, the more curious they would become.
So, when faced with Miss Keke's curiosity, Jiang Chen simply offered a faint smile and said nothing more.
The more he behaved this way, the more unfathomable he appeared to Miss Keke.
After a moment, her gaze toward him had changed. It wasn't the infatuation of a lovestruck girl, but rather a mixture of curiosity, longing, admiration, worship, and even an urge to see through him.
After a while, the manager returned to the lounge area and walked straight up to Jiang Chen.
"Friend, our Gang Master has heard about this and has agreed to meet with you."
Jiang Chen seemed to have expected as much. In an unhurried tone, he asked, "Is Master Mu present?"
The manager had never encountered anyone who dared to haggle so impolitely on the territory of their Star Workshop. However, considering the importance of this transaction, he suppressed his irritation and replied evenly, "You'll know once we're there."
"Lead the way." Jiang Chen waved his hand.
Miss Keke hurried ahead, walking alongside the manager and whispering something into his ear in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz. But Jiang Chen's Wind-listening Ear caught every word clearly.
Miss Keke was telling the manager that he was from Wanyuan Island.
Upon hearing this, the manager's body stiffened slightly. He turned and gave Jiang Chen a meaningful glance, his eyes carrying an additional layer of scrutiny.
Clearly, unlike Miss Keke, he didn't take the claim at face value.
Star Workshop wasn't far from the Star Plucking Gang's headquarters. After only a short walk, they arrived.
The Star Plucking Gang's headquarters was quite imposing. Though it was situated in the mundane quarters of Dan Fire City, its grandeur was no less than that of any reclusive sect.
"Friend, once inside the headquarters, you'd best keep your eyes open. Especially in front of our Gang Master—drop that arrogant attitude of yours. Otherwise… heh." The manager issued his warning.
Jiang Chen smiled faintly. The man's apparent goodwill was nothing but a preemptive jab, an attempt to rattle him psychologically so he would show weakness during the negotiation.
Jiang Chen had no intention of falling into their rhythm.
Passing through checkpoint after checkpoint under the man's guidance, they finally reached the core area of the headquarters.
Through a heavily guarded gate, Jiang Chen entered a courtyard.
The courtyard was a haven of tranquility amid the bustle, tastefully decorated. It was clear that the Star Plucking Gang, compared to ordinary gangs, carried an additional air of refinement.
In Jiang Chen's view, however, this was nothing but pretension. With a gang's rough-and-tumble nature laid bare, putting on airs of sophistication was merely putting on a show.
"Gang Master, I've brought the person." The manager stopped at the outer edge of the courtyard and called inward.
"Bring him in." From behind a grove of apricot trees came a commanding voice.
"Let's go." The manager shot Jiang Chen a glance.
Passing through the apricot grove, a large man in yellow robes stood with his hands clasped behind his back, towering like a mountain beside a pond.
The rockery on the pond had water trickling down its surface, creating a rather poetic atmosphere.
Yet paired with this mountainous man in yellow robes, the whole scene looked jarringly incongruous.
The man in yellow robes was none other than the Star Plucking Gang's Gang Master, Gai Zonglin.
Gai Zonglin's eyes shot toward Jiang Chen like bolts of lightning. His fierce tiger-like gaze crackled with what seemed like actual electricity, making Jiang Chen's entire body feel uncomfortable.
Fortunately, Jiang Chen's state of mind was exceptional. Facing such overbearing scrutiny, he showed not the slightest trace of fear. He stood with a smile and cupped his fists. "I have long heard that the Star Plucking Gang's Gang Master is peerless and unparalleled. Seeing you today, the reputation is well deserved."
Gai Zonglin was fond of a martial world nickname—"Peerless and Unparalleled." He took great pride in it and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Gai Zonglin's expression remained indifferent as he gave a slight nod. "I hear you wish to make a deal with my Star Plucking Gang? How do you envision this transaction?"
Jiang Chen surveyed his surroundings. "I don't see the party I came to deal with."
Gai Zonglin raised an eyebrow. "The Star Plucking Gang naturally has me as its master. If you want to do business with my Star Plucking Gang, who else but me would you deal with?"
Jiang Chen smiled calmly. "I have no doubt whatsoever about the Gang Master's control over the Star Plucking Gang. Let's speak plainly—I came here for Master Mu."
"Master Mu?" Gai Zonglin let out a cold laugh. "Could it be that you, too, are interested in the Innate Wood Spirit Body? Forgive my poor discernment, but which force in Dan Fire City do you represent?"