Jinwen Xingmang Yue walked over with a beaming smile, a hint of grievance on her face. "I heard you went to find Little Xie, planning to take him to explore the treasure map? Taking him but not me? Of course I had to come and make my presence known, to see if our Whirlwind Sister has forgotten about me."
Qi Xu answered with a straight face, "Don't wrong me like that. How could I possibly take him and not you? I wasn't planning to take either of you. My capabilities are limited; I can't carry you all."
Jinwen Xingmang Yue's smile froze. "Well, you know... we already have a cooperative foundation. The treasure map requires zone leaders to participate, and you can't bring your own people. Take us along."
"You reminded me. It's almost the end of the month. I can send a few more of my people out to try and snag more top spots on the leaderboards first." Qi Xu genuinely thought this was a good idea, though this month, most of the strong members in the team had gone to the Color Secret Realm. Changing zones might not guarantee a top spot either.
She could let Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly, Golden Bell Armor Iron Shirt, Crushed Ice Lamb, and Happy Big Sis go out first to test the waters. Getting a top spot would be great, preparing for the future, but it wouldn't matter if they didn't.
As long as there were enough Zone Change Cards, they could play this way every month.
Jinwen Xingmang Yue wasn't ready to give up. "Have you heard about the 『Master Gathering』?"
Qi Xu nodded. It seemed this one had been developing quite well recently too.
Let's form an alliance again by the end of the year. To build team harmony and tacit understanding, it would be perfect to go to the Treasure Map Secret Realm for some joint training beforehand.
Qi Xu refused directly. "The 『Master Gathering』 doesn't have opportunities requiring cooperation. It's every man for himself; everyone is a competitor."
Only then did Jinwen Xingmang Yue completely drop the idea. "Fine, a wasted trip then. Whatever, I can't beat you in a fight, and I can't out-talk you either. I'll be off then."
Qi Xu brought out a plate of skewers. "Don't be like that. Since you're already here, have a meal before you go." As she said this, she sent a message to Laicai: "Search Jinwen Xingmang Yue, big client, zone leaderboard top spot."
Jinwen Xingmang Yue's eyes lit up. "Wow, Little Xie and Cheese Milk Cap Eight-Point Sugar would be absolutely jealous if they knew!"
The two ate while exchanging the latest news they'd each gathered.
Qi Xu actually managed to learn something quite useful. Jinwen Xingmang Yue had not only participated in the Cross-Zone Arena Challenge but had also completed the 『Strongest Contender Tournament』 after winning.
She took first place in 10 zones, successfully securing a spot in the 『Master Gathering』.
The Strongest Contender Tournament was a team event. When she participated, the rule was that the zone leader brought 20 people, and the other 30 slots were open for free registration from all players in the entire zone, with participants chosen randomly from the applicants.
This point was quite important. Knowing in advance allowed for some slight preparations. It was just a pity the specific details couldn't be spoken; even if uttered, they'd be censored.
In the brief moment Qi Xu was lost in thought, Jinwen Xingmang Yue had already zoned out, holding her skewer, not eating it for a long while, her hand continuously turning it over and examining it.
Seeing this posture, Qi Xu understood—Laicai's elite team was on the case, probably Laicai personally. So she didn't disturb.
After nearly ten minutes, Jinwen Xingmang Yue finally said with a delighted expression, "This trip really was worth it."
"Why do you say that?"
"Of course because I got to see you, easing my pangs of longing." Jinwen Xingmang Yue's eyebrows danced wildly, clearly in a good mood.
This was Laicai's skill—always making people feel they spent money, got emotional value, and got a great deal.
Qi Xu smiled slightly, not exposing her.
She also casually glanced at the message Laicai had sent over.
1,000 princess round fans were sold, along with a bunch of miscellaneous little trinkets sold in bundles. Most crucially, she signed a long-term supply agreement to provide different types of items based on the disaster types in her zone.
But, this zone leader is a bit poor. Couldn't dig out anything more."
Qi Xu suddenly thought this was a great idea. Since Taotao could supply an unlimited amount, selling to one zone or ten zones made no difference. Getting to know more zone leaders would be beneficial.
Jinwen Xingmang Yue didn't tell Qi Xu about this matter, and Qi Xu naturally wouldn't bring it up either. On the surface, they smiled cheerfully, each harboring their own schemes.
After a friendly lunch, Jinwen Xingmang Yue left. But the moment she was gone, Xie Shaoning arrived.
Qi Xu immediately sent another message to Laicai: "Happyending, same as the one this morning."
"Well, Brother Xie, what brings you here in person?"
Xie Shaoning, hands in his pockets, looking quite dashing in a trench coat and sunglasses, executed a cool dismount from his vehicle, head held high, chest out, striding over with broad steps. He slapped the treasure map onto Qi Xu's vehicle with enough aloofness.
"The 『Divine Mind Void Realm』 treasure map you wanted."
Sure enough, distance makes the heart grow fonder.
Qi Xu had almost forgotten he was a top-tier cringe-master.
"Huh?"
"Nothing."
Although War Wolf 009's injuries were now completely healed, things like treasure maps—the more, the better. Earning some points inside was much more cost-effective than picking up boxes on the highway.
Qi Xu picked up the treasure map to look. It also required zone leaders to participate, but having been a leader once was enough. The total number was also 10 people.
If that was the case, then Dandan Qi, Zhufu, and Crushed Ice Lamb now met the conditions. There was no need to look for outsiders. With a little coordination among teammates from her own zone, they could easily make up the numbers.
"Take me along?"
"Just name the price for the treasure map."
Xie Shaoning was slightly disappointed. Still not taking me, huh? He wanted to hang on a little longer but was afraid he wouldn't be able to get back.
So he went straight for an outrageous demand: "50,000 Survival Coins. But if you take me along, I'll give you the treasure map for free. You just need to cover my entry fee."
"No need." Qi Xu promptly and decisively transferred 50,000 Survival Coins to him.
Then she notified Laicai that action could commence.
She also casually brought out some more skewers and beer. "Since you're here, have something to eat before you go."
Xie Shaoning was instantly captivated by the food. "My goodness, how is this so fragrant? But no beer, thanks. I don't drink."
Xie Shaoning was seriously focused on eating, not even checking messages from Laicai.
Only after finishing all twenty or thirty skewers on the table did he savor the lingering flavor with a look of delight. Qi Xu noticed the skewer sticks had been licked clean of cumin and chili flakes...
This kid really loved to eat and absolutely refused to waste.
Similarly, she exchanged a wave of information with Xie Shaoning. The Strongest Contender Tournament he participated in had exactly the same rules as Jinwen Xingmang Yue's, and he had also successfully secured a top spot.
Qi Xu was so shocked she forgot to blink. Had Little Xie successfully evolved?
"Have you made any good friends recently?"
"Huh? What?"
"Never mind."
..........
