"Director Wu, what business do you have with me?"
Two days later, early in the morning, Chen Yi stepped into the West Factory and saw Director Wu Qingsheng standing with a gloomy expression.
"Follow me."
Uncertain about the matter, Chen Yi followed Director Wu up the stairs to the study. Inside, they discovered someone waiting.
It was none other than Li Baihu from the Eastern Factory.
"Greetings, Baihu Chen."
Li Baihu cupped his hands in greeting.
Chen Yi followed suit, though confusion brewed in his heart.
Why would someone from the Eastern Factory be here?
Director Wu strode to the desk, pausing a moment before tossing a red memorial onto the table in front of Chen Yi.
Without betraying any emotion, Chen Yi didn't bend to pick it up. Instead, with a subtle flick of his foot under its edge, the memorial leapt into the air and gracefully fell into his hand.
The entire movement was seamless and fluid.
It was a perfect application of Qinggong techniques.
Witnessing this, Director Wu's eyelid twitched faintly.
The technique was exquisite, steady, and thoroughly martial in demeanor.
But wasn't this Chen Yi previously regarded as a blank slate, a mere silver-plated spear—outwardly adorned but ultimately useless?
This Chen Yi had only appeared in the public eye a month ago, yet in just one month, his skills had advanced to such a level…
Did he experience some fortuitous event, meet a great master, or… had he merely kept a low profile all along?
Director Wu frowned slightly, his thoughts tangled. Previously, he had treated this Lin Party-backed Baihu with a polite facade but scant regard in private.
Chen Yi opened the memorial, glanced at it briefly, then took another look at Li Baihu from the Eastern Factory. Instantly, he understood the situation.
As it turned out, the Eastern Factory's Director Xue Youge had submitted an accusation against him to the Empress Dowager, who was acting as regent. The memorial accused him, Baihu of the West Factory, Chen Yi, of defying the law and privately taking a maidservant for interrogation.
Once Chen Yi finished reading, Director Wu spoke,
"I intercepted this memorial at the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs before it reached the Empress Dowager. But how much longer can I hold it off? Based on rank, Director Xue is a senior eunuch, while I am only of the Sixth Rank."
Chen Yi pinched the memorial between his fingers, pondering briefly.
At this moment, Li Baihu from the Eastern Factory spoke up at an opportune moment:
"Baihu Chen, this matter places both Director Xue and us in a difficult position. After all, we all work for the Heavenly Family, sharing glory and disgrace alike. Reporting you reflects poorly on us Eastern Factory brothers as well."
Chen Yi offered a slight smile and asked,
"So, what course of action would you suggest now?"
Director Wu spoke coldly:
"Naturally, you'll need to return that maid to the Prince Xiang Mansion. Then, we'll consider this matter resolved."
Before Chen Yi could reply, Li Baihu interjected,
"Baihu Chen is a man of honor. This was merely a moment of impulse. From my perspective, there's room for further discussion."
Listening to the back-and-forth, Chen Yi narrowed his eyes slightly, picking up on something.
These two—one played the "bad cop," while the other played the "good cop."
But was this schemed out in advance, or was Director Wu being manipulated?
Director Wu's tone turned sharp,
"Further discussion? What more is there to discuss?"
Li Baihu immediately countered,
"Director Xue said that one should always leave some room for maneuver. He doesn't wish to antagonize the West Factory. This memorial—he's willing to retract it."
After finishing, Li Baihu turned to Chen Yi, his tone carrying a hint of warning:
"However, Baihu Chen, you must tread carefully in the future. Don't provoke the Eastern Factory or violate its rules. Matters concerning the Eastern Factory are not your concern."
Chen Yi listened quietly, his expression unchanged.
Director Wu also caught the veiled threat in Li Baihu's words, sensing something off.
Why did it feel like… Li Baihu was using him to play the "bad cop"?
Whatever, as long as it's all for the Heavenly Family's service.
Seeing Chen Yi's silence, Li Baihu smirked inwardly and said,
"Baihu Chen, I know you're young and spirited, but being too sharp can be a downfall. Recklessly charging forward will only bring trouble upon yourself. One misstep, and every step thereafter will be miscalculated.
Allow me to remind you—causing trouble everywhere makes it all too easy for someone to eliminate you."
Hearing this, Director Wu frowned slightly.
Realizing he may have spoken too harshly, Li Baihu quickly softened his tone, sounding earnest,
"Rather than continuing on this path, why not pull back in time? We, the Eastern and West Factories, are like brothers. With cooperation, we can always lend mutual support…"
Before finishing his sentence, Chen Yi's face broke into a warm smile:
"Baihu speaks the truth."
Li Baihu was stunned, not expecting Chen Yi to agree so readily,
"Agree… agree with what?"
Chen Yi raised his hands in a gesture of respect, sincerely stating,
"The Eastern and West Factories are indeed like brothers and should support each other. Inadvertently offending the Eastern Factory before was my error. I am grateful for Director Xue's magnanimity. With the havoc wrought by the Demon Sect in the Capital City, I will ensure not to violate the Eastern Factory's rules again."
Hearing these words, Li Baihu looked momentarily shocked, not expecting such easy compliance from Chen Yi.
"Since the matter has been resolved, you may leave now,"
Director Wu instructed.
As they left the study, Li Baihu was about to depart when Chen Yi stopped him.
"Baihu Li, I have something to discuss."
Li Baihu halted,
"May I ask… what is it?"
Lowering his voice, Chen Yi said,
"Does Director Xue know anything about… the Demon Sect Saintess?"
Li Baihu, puzzled, responded,
"Explain further."
Recognizing that Li Baihu was unaware, Chen Yi spoke slowly,
"Since Director Wu isn't here, I'll speak openly."
"The reason I intercepted and killed those Demon Sect individuals wasn't for personal gain. It was for the benefit of the Eastern Factory."
Li Baihu asked in disbelief,
"For the Eastern Factory?"
Chen Yi explained,
"The Divine Sect is trying to incite a vassal king, a highly risky move that could lead to their complete downfall if mishandled. But have you considered—why are they so persistent?
Based on my investigation, the Divine Sect's actions are part of a larger conspiracy involving the emergence of their Saintess. Once she is revealed, the Eastern Factory, which is closely tied to the Prince Xiang Mansion raid, will inevitably be implicated.
I suspected the Eastern Factory was unaware and was being used by the Demon Sect. That's why I struck decisively to stop their scheme and prevent the Eastern Factory from being dragged into it."
Hearing this, Li Baihu was shocked and terrified. He had heard vague rumors about a Saintess but dismissed them as hearsay.
Chen Yi observed Li Baihu's reaction keenly.
Having lived through this once, Chen Yi knew that only a handful of people in the Capital City were aware that Yin Tingxue was the Saintess.
Among them, Eastern Factory Director Xue Youge wasn't one. Although he colluded with the Demon Sect, his career still meant more to him than their cause.
After all, which high-ranking official would trade their luxurious life for the remote wilderness of the Demon Sect?
Li Baihu thought back on Chen Yi's apparent sincerity, juxtaposed against his past reputation.
This West Factory Baihu, once known for self-serving corruption, wouldn't partake in dangerous, altruistic ventures without hidden motives.
Surely, there was more to this than met the eye!
"The reason I took action against those Demon Sect members was to sever ties and step back in time. After all..."
Letting his words trail off, Chen Yi added lightly,
"Some things weigh next to nothing until weighed; under scrutiny, they may tip the scales at a thousand pounds."
Li Baihu broke into a cold sweat, repeatedly cupping his hands in gratitude,
"Thank you, Baihu Chen, for the warning. If the Saintess emerges, and this leaks out, the Eastern Factory will lose countless heads."
Chen Yi patted Li Baihu on the shoulder, earnestly saying,
"Director Xue was right. One's loss is everyone's loss. The Eastern and West Factories are like grasshoppers tied to the same string."
Li Baihu, feeling a sense of deliverance, began trusting Chen Yi more, saying,
"Thank you, Baihu Chen. This is an immense favor. How can I repay you?"
Chen Yi replied,
"I've heard that among the Eastern Factory's possessions is a manual on the Copper Bone Skill. Could you lend it to me for a look?"
Li Baihu hesitated,
"That… It was compiled by Director Xue and isn't meant to circulate beyond the Factory..."
Chen Yi let out a cold chuckle,
"Just now, Baihu spoke of an immense favor. Do I not deserve any consideration for my aid to the Eastern Factory?"
Li Baihu mulled it over. Considering how close his Factory had been to losing everything, what was a martial arts manual in comparison? Especially since Chen Yi wasn't some incorruptible gentleman. Perhaps this marked the start of a mutually beneficial alliance...
"Very well, I'll bring it to you."
Chen Yi cupped his hands in thanks, saying,
"Thank you, Baihu. With this manual and the intelligence you gain, this becomes a true win-win situation."
Li Baihu laughed,
"Well spoken—a true win-win."
Watching Li Baihu's hurried departure, Chen Yi's face lit up with a sly smile in the shadows.
In the first playthrough, he would've relied on brute force, charging forward recklessly and resetting whenever he failed.
But now…
He would rely on strategy.
He would let opportunities present themselves and come to him willingly—grateful, even.
Did they not understand the privilege of being a second-playthrough player?
A second-playthrough player…
Always aims to win not just once but twice.
Now it was just a matter of whether it would be a big win, a medium win, or a small win.