Chapter 173: Chapter 173: You Passed the Level

Hearing Lin Kuang’s words, the two security guards couldn’t help but look at him gratefully. If Lin Kuang hadn’t spoken up for them, who knows how Zhang Lianmei would have punished them. After all, she was a famously venomous beauty!

“Of course, Mr. Lin. Right this way, please.”

With that, Zhang Lianmei bowed slightly, inviting Lin Kuang into the company.

Lin Kuang nodded and stepped into the Eagle Company, with Zhang Lianmei following a single step behind.

When they reached the elevators, Zhang Lianmei pressed the call button for Lin Kuang, and the two of them stepped inside. The elevator doors closed. Lin Kuang stood quietly, with Zhang Lianmei beside him.

The space inside the elevator was small, and Lin Kuang could clearly smell the faint scent of perfume coming from Zhang Lianmei. He had to admit, it was quite a pleasant smell.

They rode the elevator to the sixteenth floor, and after exiting, they made their way to Zhang Lianmei’s office.

“Mr. Lin, please take a seat,” Zhang Lianmei said with a smile, gesturing toward the executive chair—her usual spot.

Seeing this, Lin Kuang gave a faint smile. “You take it. I’ll sit on the sofa.” With that, he made himself comfortable on the sofa.

Zhang Lianmei was slightly startled, then found herself unconsciously sighing in relief.

In fact, she had just been testing him. She knew perfectly well that sitting in that chair was the same as claiming the position of the Eagle Sect’s leader! If he had taken that seat, it would have meant he wanted to be the leader. And if he wanted to be the leader, she would have inevitably harbored some resentment. That small grudge could have easily escalated into a war between them. Now that Lin Kuang hadn’t taken the seat, it indicated he had no intention of leading the Eagle Sect, which allowed her to relax.

With this thought, Zhang Lianmei respectfully took a seat opposite Lin Kuang.

“Lianmei, relax. The Eagle Sect is yours, and I have no intention of meddling. I’ll just occasionally ask you to do a few things for me. I won’t inquire into or interfere with your other affairs. So, I don’t want something like this to happen a second time,” Lin Kuang said indifferently as he looked at Zhang Lianmei sitting before him.

How could he not understand what she meant? Besides, he truly had no desire to be the leader. This woman was shrewd and capable, an asset he didn’t want to lose. That was why he was giving her this warning.

Hearing Lin Kuang’s words, Zhang Lianmei’s expression changed, and a flicker of fear shot through her heart.

“I-I’m sorry, Mr. Lin,” Zhang Lianmei stammered.

She always maintained an attitude of reverence toward Lin Kuang because she was afraid of him—afraid that he could make her disappear from this world!

Seeing this, Lin Kuang waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it, it’s nothing. Sit down. I just hope this sort of thing doesn’t happen again.”

“Yes, Mr. Lin. Rest assured, I guarantee it won’t happen again,” Zhang Lianmei said cautiously, fine beads of sweat appearing on her smooth forehead.

Once Zhang Lianmei sat down again, Lin Kuang asked, “How are the preparations going? Do you have a plan?”

“Mr. Lin, you previously mentioned dealing with Leopard Hall,” Zhang Lianmei said cautiously. “I’ve come up with two possible plans. Please hear me out. My methods might not be perfect, but they could be of some help.”

Hearing this, Lin Kuang laughed. “Lianmei, there’s no need to be so formal. Just speak freely. We’re partners, and I’d consider us friends as well.”

A wave of joy and relief washed over Zhang Lianmei at his words.

“Alright. My first plan is to make a move tonight. I’ve already spoken briefly with Zhou Ertao. He’s willing to help us take out Zhou Dadao and seize power. In return, he wants Leopard Hall, but he won’t share its profits with us.

“We could still make a move in secret after Zhou Dadao is dead and snatch Leopard Hall’s resources for ourselves. However, this approach is quite risky, though I’m not personally opposed to it.

“The second plan is for Sunday night. Zhou Dadao is hosting a banquet for the various underground bosses of East Sea to discuss the drug trade. I’ll be attending as well.

“We can use that opportunity to secretly eliminate him. Once Zhou Dadao is dead, Leopard Hall is certain to fall into temporary chaos. We can exploit that chaos to launch a surprise attack.

“However, this plan requires you to act personally. As soon as you take out Zhou Dadao, we can make our move.

“Those are the two plans I’ve come up with. The decision is yours.”

Zhang Lianmei laid out her thoughts all at once, then looked at Lin Kuang with an expectant gaze.

Hearing her out, Lin Kuang looked at her with appreciation. If managed properly, this woman could be a huge asset. Her methods and cunning are both top-notch. At the very least, I can’t find any flaws in her proposals. Her plans are completely viable.

Seeing her expectant gaze, Lin Kuang smiled. “Very good. Let’s go with the second plan. It’s an excellent idea, Lianmei. You’re very impressive,” he praised her sincerely.

Hearing his praise, Zhang Lianmei’s heart swelled with uncontrollable excitement.

This is the first task I’m doing for him, so I have to perform it beautifully. I have to show him that I’m a smart, capable woman. I have to make him realize that he needs me! This is my motivation. If I’m just another woman who knows how to seduce men, I’ll be of no value to him.

After the initial rush of excitement, Zhang Lianmei forced herself to calm down, her beautiful eyes locking with Lin Kuang’s.

“Mr. Lin, aren’t you worried that I might leak your plan to assassinate Zhou Dadao and team up with him to kill you instead?” she asked quietly.

Even as she asked the question, her heart was trembling with fear. She was terrified that Lin Kuang might kill her right here on the spot!

Hearing this, Lin Kuang paused for a moment, then smiled. “I believe in the principle of ’trust those you use, and don’t use those you distrust.’ Besides, as I said, we’re friends. I am always very trusting of my friends.

“Moreover, if you really intended to do that, you would have already made your move against me, wouldn’t you?”

As he spoke, Lin Kuang smiled at Zhang Lianmei, his gaze holding a profound meaning.

At his words, Zhang Lianmei shuddered and quickly stood up. “Mr. Lin, I assure you, what happened today will never happen again! From now on, I will completely follow any decision you make!”

“Alright, you’ve passed the test. I’m glad you didn’t have those people make a move,” Lin Kuang said, pointing a finger at a nearby wall. The color drained from Zhang Lianmei’s face once more.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep