Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty! Chapter 1677

——Even though many factions are now aware that Qing Lan allied with Qiu Tu during the "Heavenly God Trial".

However, Qing Lan has not officially severed ties with the "Fog Hidden Association", leaving her actual allegiance a mystery to the public.

From an outsider's perspective, Qing Lan appears to be merely hedging her bets rather than truly committing to Qiu Tu.

Furthermore, considering Qing Lan and Qiu Tu recently met and belong to different races, it is improbable for external observers to view her as a core member of Qiu Tu's group.

Consequently, any analysis by outsiders would suggest that Qiu Tu is unlikely to entrust Qing Lan with critical information, leading to significantly reduced surveillance on her.

Moreover, Qing Lan possesses considerable strength, making her exceptionally difficult to monitor effectively. This reality prompts many factions to likely abandon any attempts to keep tabs on her.

Upon reflection, Qing Lan emerges as an ideal candidate for relaying intelligence, provided that Qiu Tu is genuinely prepared to place his trust in her.

With this thought, Qing Lan's large, expressive eyes couldn't help but fixate intently on Qiu Tu.

In all honesty, up until this very day, Qing Lan's own perceptions mirrored those of everyone else.

She believed she was merely a disposable asset for Qiu Tu's use, a temporary component. To be considered even a person, let alone a trusted confidante, felt like a stroke of luck.

This very belief is why, after receiving her compensation and aiding Qiu Tu through his most challenging period, she began to intentionally slack off.

Who could have predicted that Qiu Tu would actually regard her as an integral part of his team, consistently honoring his commitments?

And... he even ventured to entrust her with such a pivotal Mission.

Such boldness and trust were experiences entirely alien to Qing Lan throughout her life. If a sliver of rationality wasn't present, she might have felt that burgeoning sentiment of, "a warrior dies for the one who truly understands them."

Yet, what Qing Lan remained unaware of was... as these thoughts coursed through her mind, Qiu Tu's gaze was quietly fixed upon the top of her head.

Because, concurrent with Qing Lan's reflections, a cascade of system notifications appeared above her: "Loyalty +1, +1, +3, +7"...

While Qing Lan perceives Qiu Tu as audacious, in reality... Qiu Tu is merely employing a clever strategy. The direct visualization of the "Loyalty Game" mechanics grants him precise insight into every fluctuation of Qing Lan's emotional state.

Furthermore, the events unfolding this evening were intricately orchestrated.

Qiu Tu's meticulously crafted plan consisted of several stages: First, to meet with Qing Lan. Second, to disclose his impending actions. Third, to gauge her Loyalty response.

Upon observing a surge in Qing Lan's Loyalty, thereby confirming his accurate assessment of her personality, Qiu Tu would then proceed to assign the subsequent Mission.

In truth, the act of assigning the Mission itself served as a diversion. More significant than the Mission's objective was Qiu Tu's underlying aim: to elevate Qing Lan's Loyalty.

It is crucial to understand that Qing Lan is the individual assessed by Zhao Ji as a 90 – an undeniable prodigy. In essence, this designates her as a less potent version of Zhao Ji. Barring any catastrophic failures, her attainment of Heavenly God status is virtually assured, with Divine King being a tangible possibility. She is unequivocally destined to become a vital ally in the future.

Investing in her at this juncture represents a decision with zero risk and guaranteed astronomical returns.

As for delegating the task of relaying a message to Shao Hua—that is, in effect, merely a secondary objective...

After all, while Qing Lan is a suitable conduit for the message, she is by no means the sole option—Qiu Tu possesses numerous alternative methods to communicate with Shao Hua.

However, he recognizes that to truly win over a subordinate, much like capturing a woman's heart, mere passive bestowal is insufficient. It necessitates active participation from her, gently guiding her towards increasing investment and commitment.

This strategy transcends the concept of sunk costs, aiming instead to cultivate ingrained behavioral patterns.

Throughout this period, in addition to his constant vigilance regarding Zhao Ji, Qiu Tu has diligently dedicated himself to studying Qing Lan.

As a "lesser Zhao Ji," even accounting for the constraints imposed by the "Fog Hidden Association," her current level of strength is unexpectedly mediocre—verging on alarmingly low.

Recall that Zhao Ji once remarked on Qing Lan's inherent talent, noting her lack of consistent effort. Therefore, Qiu Tu hypothesizes that Qing Lan's stalled progress might stem not solely from the "Fog Hidden Association's" limitations, but also significantly from her inherent disposition.

——She is simply far too indolent and disengaged.

Hence, assigning her more responsibilities coupled with enhanced rewards should serve as a potent catalyst for her motivation.

With these considerations in mind, after providing Qing Lan with the necessary briefing for her forthcoming tasks, Qiu Tu rose and escorted her to the exit of the villa.

Perhaps as a consequence of Qiu Tu's exceptionally persuasive approach today, Qing Lan seemed to float with an almost ethereal lightness as she departed.

Consequently, upon her return to the shared villa with Candle Dance, she could not suppress the irrepressible grin that graced her lips.

Candle Dance, who had recently become close friends with Qing Lan, glanced up from the television she was watching on the couch. Her slit pupils gazed coldly, and she inquired, "Well? Is Qiu Tu really that amazing? One night and you're already soaring on cloud nine?"

Women might present an innocent facade to the world, but their private conversations could be even more explicit than men's.

Therefore, Qing Lan was unfazed by Candle Dance's remark. Instead, she looked at her with a smug expression and deliberately stated, "Obviously! He gave me several billion in one go. Wouldn't you be thrilled too if you were in my position?"

Candle Dance cast a scrutinizing look at Qing Lan, "I do hope that by 'resources,' you aren't implying something else."

Qing Lan's smile became uncontrollably wide as she responded, "Of course, darling~~"

Placing a hand on her hip, she declared charmingly, "I'm warning you all, from this day forward, anyone who dares to speak ill of Qiu Tu, I will absolutely not forgive them!"

Witnessing Qing Lan transform into such a devoted follower left Candle Dance genuinely astonished.

She commented, "Wow, talk about 'wealth molding one's character'..."