Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty! Chapter 1676

Qing Lan, one must admit, embodies the ideal employee for the modern era. Her specialty? Excelling at looking out for herself.

Despite Qiu Tu having just laid out a grand vision and dangled enticing rewards, she immediately became wary the instant he mentioned assigning her a task.

She carefully clutched the grand prospects Qiu Tu offered, ensuring they wouldn't be snatched away. Then, with her large, expressive eyes fixed on him, she inquired, "Qiu Tu, do you know what I detested most when I was part of the 'Fog Hidden Association'?"

Qiu Tu, momentarily taken aback, responded with a curious, "What was that?"

Qing Lan's cheeks puffed up, resembling a steamed bun. "It was when Tian Qi would try to have a heart-to-heart with me."

"Once we started talking, he'd lament the 'Fog Hidden Association's' decline, how the veteran members had lost their drive, the new recruits couldn't handle the pressure, the city's tax revenue was dwindling, and the West God King was demanding increased tribute."

"Anyone with a discerning eye could see he was merely maneuvering. However, those less perceptive might have ended up believing the organization's downfall was my fault."

"By the end of these conversations, he would invariably suggest that I should shoulder more responsibilities, entrusting me with an even greater workload."

At this point, Qing Lan paused before continuing, "Honestly... as long as the compensation is adequate and the missions are assigned in a standard manner, I can manage."

"But... what truly irks me is when the remuneration doesn't align with the scope of the tasks."

"So, each time, I would merely feign agreement outwardly while doing nothing behind the scenes."

Having finished her explanation, Qing Lan cast an innocent glance at Qiu Tu once more, her large eyes blinking with feigned naivety.

Upon hearing Qing Lan's words, Qiu Tu couldn't suppress a chuckle. This young woman was remarkably astute—a genuine sly fox, adept at speaking in veiled terms.

While she appeared to be complaining about Tian Qi, she was, in reality, preemptively setting boundaries with Qiu Tu.

——A balance must exist between responsibilities and entitlements. The amount of work performed should correspond to the compensation received.

She might be accepting the benefits, but if Qiu Tu imagined that would make her strive to her limits, he was mistaken!

Yet, truthfully, Qiu Tu had never anticipated securing Qing Lan's loyalty so readily with a mere handful of perks. The more he interacted with her, the more he recognized her fundamentally pragmatic outlook on life.

She avoids internal conflicts, dismisses empty promises, deflects blame onto others, and is the first to disappear when danger looms—prioritizing self-preservation above all else.

Individuals like her are challenging to win over genuinely—but once their loyalty is earned, it becomes nearly impossible to lose.

And the truth is, connecting with such a woman is straightforward: maintain consistent kindness towards her.

Because she possesses such clarity of mind, she's not prone to excessive flattery, nor would she ever resort to betrayal.

She possesses an unerring ability to discern who treats her well and who does not. And... those who genuinely care for her? In her eyes, their value is beyond measure in this world.

Lost in these reflections, Qiu Tu broke free from his thoughts. He looked at Qing Lan and stated with a smile, "You've misunderstood. I had no intention of assigning you any perilous tasks."

"I simply require your assistance in relaying some messages while you engage in your competition with her."

Hearing this, Qing Lan's eyes widened in astonishment.

She gazed at Qiu Tu, her disbelief evident, and asked, "Don't tell me you've even secured Shao Hua's cooperation?"

Qiu Tu: ...

Qiu Tu's "reputation" must have truly preceded him, and observing his expression, Qing Lan became almost entirely convinced that her assumption was correct.

A grin spread across her face as she leaned closer to Qiu Tu, playfully nudging him with her arm, her voice brimming with curiosity, "Qiu Tu, do tell, how did you manage to win over that ice queen?"

"Was it through smooth-talking? Did she gradually fall for you over time?"

"Or perhaps... you were intimate with her first and then reasoned with her? Letting her experience your, shall we say, 'benevolence and depth' firsthand?"

Qiu Tu: .....

It was as if Qing Lan hadn't noticed Qiu Tu's speechless expression at all. Having peppered him with questions, she continued, her tone laced with gossip—

"You have no idea how notorious Shao Hua's cold demeanor is."

"In just the past few years, she's brought the end to no less than eighty, perhaps even a hundred, of her aspiring admirers."

At this, Qing Lan gestured with her small hand, "And I'm not speaking figuratively, mind you; I mean she literally ended their lives~~"

"Don't forget, she's kin to the Southern God King. Unless she manages to offend one of the other God Kings, nobody dares to cross her."

Ignoring the flow of idle chatter, Qiu Tu kept his gaze locked onto Qing Lan's eyes.

Her eyes, pure and unclouded, held no hint of gossip, only a wise sparkle. Her words and actions, however, were worlds apart.

Clearly... a performance was underway.

Qiu Tu, adept at deciphering intentions, saw through her facade instantly.

He surmised that she likely believed he harbored feelings for Shao Hua. This conversation, he figured, was her subtle attempt to feed him information and gently dissuade him.

Internal thoughts surfaced: 'This woman, if treated with kindness, recognizes it. She'll reciprocate in her own unique fashion, even going so far as to help maintain his dignity.'

With this realization, Qiu Tu chose to put an end to the brewing misunderstanding. A smile touched his lips as he replied, "You're reading too much into this. I'm not that desperate."

"There are simply some matters I cannot address directly, and fearing observation, I thought to enlist your assistance."

Qiu Tu then stated plainly, "Remember... your official standing is that of a high-ranking operative within the 'Fog Hidden Association.'"

Having earned a 90 out of 100 from Zhao Ji herself, Qing Lan was undoubtedly a formidable individual, excelling in both aptitude and intellect.

Thus, with a mere suggestion, she grasped the situation immediately.