Chapter 27: The Goal is to Recruit the Thirteen Flame-Chasers into miHoYo!
As it turned out, bringing Kiana along was a correct decision.
It wasn't that Eden was difficult to get along with; in fact, as one of the few truly "normal" people among the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, Eden was undoubtedly among the easiest to deal with. Of course, some might argue that the easiest should be Elysia, but that "easiest" was a bit like Schrödinger's cat. While it was true that Elysia was passionate toward everyone, there were degrees to it. To obtain the highest level of treatment from the Realm's "Yuri Queen," you generally needed to meet certain criteria:
First, you had to be beautiful.
Second, you had to be a girl.
Third, you had to be a Herrscher.
Fourth, it was preferable if you had horns.
Naturally, since this world had no Honkai or Herrschers, those last two could be crossed off.
While Eden was approachable, she was not a "more money than brains" airhead. It stood to reason that someone holding wealth equivalent to a small nation could not be a simpleton; otherwise, she could never have held onto it.
If dealing with Elysia required using Kiana—or rather, a "beautiful girl"—as a catalyst to open the conversation, then dealing with Eden required "honesty." The reason Su Mu brought Kiana was that she was truly transparent; she was a complete... dummy.
Su Mu and Kiana arrived at Eden's reception room, where a tall woman had been waiting for some time. If Kiana left an impression of youthful vitality, then Eden's most striking feature was undoubtedly her elegant and noble temperament. It was a warmth and grace that people couldn't help but be drawn into—the unique charm of a mature woman. Fortunately, Su Mu had lived through two lives; otherwise, an ordinary person would have found it difficult to maintain their composure.
"Impressive..." A glint of surprise appeared in Elysia's beautiful eyes. "To be able to stay this calm upon meeting Sister Eden, you're the first one, Su Mu."
Elysia's words made Eden smile. "Ellie, I don't bite. Isn't that a bit much?"
Su Mu smiled noncommittally. To say his heart didn't skip a beat facing Eden would be a lie. But he wasn't the type to lose his footing just because he saw a beauty. Most importantly, he was here on a mission today. Women? They would only slow down his work!
"You must be Mr. Su Mu. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. No wonder Pardo mentions you so often." Eden studied Su Mu with interest. As a world-famous star, she had seen countless people, but the man before her still managed to give her a refreshing feeling. Su Mu possessed a steadiness that didn't match his youthful appearance.
College students these days were often "crispy" like fried chicken or wobbly like jelly; being weak and sickly was becoming the norm. But Su Mu was different. He had well-proportioned muscle lines and bright, spirited eyes; it was clear he exercised regularly.
"Does Mr. Su Mu exercise often?"
"I studied computer science in university. You can't handle being a programmer without a healthy body, so I exercise occasionally."
"I see." Eden nodded. "Please, sit down and let's talk, Mr. Su Mu."
Kiana clicked her tongue. "I didn't think it would be this formal. I thought we were just here for a meal." Her voice wasn't quiet, and it naturally reached Eden's ears.
"I'm so sorry, I inadvertently became too serious." A gentle smile appeared on Eden's face. "I indeed intended to invite you for a casual meal, but I've heard Pardo mention Mr. Su Mu so many times that I couldn't help but be a bit formal."
As Eden smiled, the invisible pressure vanished. Kiana breathed a sigh of relief and sat down next to Su Mu. "Wealthy Sister, you really scared me. I thought you were going to do something to Su Mu."
"Wealthy Sister?" Eden was stunned. Clearly, she hadn't expected Kiana to use such a term.
"Well, with such a big manor, you're definitely a Wealthy Sister!"
"That is truly..." Eden couldn't help but burst into laughter. "That's the first time someone has called me that. Kiana, do you want to become wealthy?"
Su Mu glanced at Kiana. This was the exact reason he brought her. Eden wouldn't dislike an honest person, especially someone as straightforward as Kiana. Without a doubt, Kiana had instantly raised Eden's favorability.
"Of course!" Kiana's eyes shone. "If I were as rich as you, Wealthy Sister, I'd build a huge house too..."
"And then?"
"And then, I'd have no worries about food or clothes. I'd eat whenever I wanted, sleep as late as I wanted, and live a carefree, free life!"
Kiana's answer made Eden chuckle again.
"Ah, sorry, I got too excited..." Kiana realized her lapse in etiquette and lowered her head in shame.
"It's quite alright. I appreciate honest people. There are not many who can be so true to their desires." Eden shook her head. Clearly, Kiana's outburst hadn't offended her; if anything, it made her happy. "Now then, Mr. Su Mu, back to the topic at hand."
In the next moment, the gentle and kind Miss Eden slightly narrowed her eyes, and a trace of danger radiated from her.
"I've heard about you from Pardo, including your kindness to her, your request, and that *Elysian Realm* game proposal—and your request to have Kiana accompany you to this dinner. Mr. Su Mu, you are better prepared than I imagined."
Su Mu offered a slight smile. "As expected, nothing escapes your eyes, Miss Eden."
Eden looked at Su Mu playfully. "If I'm not mistaken, you knew Kiana would say those things before you even arrived, didn't you?"
Su Mu shrugged. "Precisely as you suspect. It is indeed so."
"I like honest children like Kiana. This 'greeting gift' is quite good; I accept it." She paused. "Now then, let's talk about your request."
Getting straight to the point—that was truly Eden.
Su Mu took a deep breath and spoke. "I hope not only to obtain the support of everyone in the Golden Courtyard but, if possible, I would like to invite several of you to join our company."
He wasn't just here for the authorization of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers.
"I sincerely hope you will join us as our Music Director."
END OF CHAPTER