In Order To Ascend, I Became A Modern Wage Slave - Chapter 12: The Cherished Immortal Lord (11)

Chapter 12: The Cherished Immortal Lord (11)

 

The place for attending court was completely different from what Xi Yu had imagined. As soon as he walked in, Xi Yu knew he had been tricked, but since he was already there, he might as well make himself at home.

 

He curiously looked around.

 

While he was observing others, others were observing him, their eyes filled with joy.

 

Who is this!

 

Isn’t this their dear General Manager Xi!

 

Finally, they were free from Luo Yang’s evil clutches. Today, they were continuing the meeting that hadn’t been concluded last time. The department manager, whose heart had been hanging all night, finally felt relieved. He smiled obsequiously at Xi Yu, hoping that when Luo Yang started scolding, Xi Yu would save them once again.

 

“So I’m the boss?”

 

After entering the office, Luo Yang carefully explained everything to him. Xi Yu began to process it slowly and then asked, “So, the way he smiled at me earlier, what mistake did he make?”

 

“It’s not really a mistake. You can think of it as, um…” Luo Yang was momentarily at a loss for words. After hesitating for a while, he said, “Think of it as they can’t make money, the treasury is empty. Does that make sense to you?”

 

Xi Yu nodded. Luo Yang reminded him, “There will be a meeting later. Since you’re here, it wouldn’t be appropriate not to attend. Just sit next to me, and when they talk, just nod your head.”

 

Xi Yu asked, “Just nod?”

 

Luo Yang thought for a moment. “You can also say a word or two, depending on the situation.”

 

In hindsight, the department manager walked in smiling and left crying because the good boss he imagined would step in to save them didn’t show up. Luo Yang scolded him harshly. When the manager turned to Xi Yu for help, Xi Yu only said two sentences.

 

When Xi Yu spoke, his expression was cold and emotionless, and the oppressive atmosphere around him made it hard to breathe.

 

Luo Yang had been lecturing them for half a day, but those two sentences were far more devastating.

 

After the meeting ended, Luo Yang curiously asked, “Were you some kind of grandmaster teaching disciples back in the cultivation world?”

 

Xi Yu replied, “No, why do you ask?”

 

Luo Yang said, “It’s just that your… aura earlier was a bit intimidating.”

 

“Oh,” Xi Yu said casually, “I used to be a ruler.”

 

Luo Yang: “?”

 

The emperor was right by my side?

 

As soon as Xi Yu entered the room, his gaze locked onto the statue on the cabinet. In front of the statue were offerings of apples, candies, and steamed buns. Three incense sticks were burning in a censer in front of it—a standard setup for a ritual offering. Xi Yu was very familiar with this, but what puzzled him was who the statue depicted.

 

Luo Yang explained enthusiastically, “This is the God of Wealth.”

 

“The God of Wealth? What’s his name?” Xi Yu wanted to see if he recognized this deity, but Luo Yang was stumped and had to pull out his phone to search. The results were diverse and conflicting. Finally, he concluded that the title “God of Wealth” was more of a collective term and didn’t refer to a specific individual.

 

Luo Yang immediately clarified, “This is one of the Gods of Wealth. As for his exact name, I don’t know. In any case, it’s not wrong to worship him here.”

 

Xi Yu raised a philosophical question: “So, do you people actually believe in gods or not?”

 

Luo Yang said, “Well… it’s better to believe than not to believe, right?”

 

That was a good answer, though Xi Yu felt like he got no real answer at all. Luo Yang was a smooth talker, never giving a definitive response. Xi Yu saw through this and didn’t press further. He nodded, accepting the reply.

 

Knock, knock, knock—

 

Luo Yang said, “Come in!”

 

The door opened, and a bespectacled young man with a face full of acne peeked in like a thief. He bowed to Luo Yang and Xi Yu. Luo Yang, caught off guard, quickly went to support him. “Oh my, what’s this for?”

 

The bespectacled man raised his head nervously and said, “I’d like to request some time off.”

 

Luo Yang asked, “What’s the reason?”

 

The bespectacled man shyly replied, “My girlfriend and I want to visit Luonan Mountain on Qixi to pray. We’re getting married soon and hope for a good blessing.”

 

“Oh, oh, oh! Sure, sure, approved! Congratulations on your marriage! Remember to invite me to the wedding. I’ll give you a big red envelope.”

 

Hearing this, the bespectacled man bowed again and said joyfully, “Of course! Thank you, boss! Thank you!”

 

As the bespectacled man left, Luo Yang sighed at the beauty of love. Xi Yu ignored the part about Luonan Mountain and pondered the content of the meeting. “So we’re short on money because we lack talent?”

 

Luo Yang wanted to tell him that they weren’t actually short on money. But if he said that, Xi Yu would inevitably ask why they lived in such a shabby house. Then Luo Yang would have to explain the high housing prices of the present day, which would lead to a series of comparisons with ancient times. He already felt intellectually exhausted.

 

Why doesn’t time travel come with inherited memories?

 

So Luo Yang nodded. “You’re right!”

 

“Then why not find some?” Xi Yu asked.

 

Luo Yang massaged his temples. It seemed no matter what answer he gave, it would lead to a series of follow-up questions. Throughout history, there had only been one way to stop endless chatter: action.

 

Action could solve all problems perfectly!

 

So Luo Yang slapped the table and said, “Fine! Let’s go out and recruit!”

 

The atmosphere froze.

 

“We?” Xi Yu questioned.

 

Luo Yang nodded. “Of course, let’s head out immediately!”

 

Xi Yu had a habit from his days as a ruler. He would question everything, then let his subordinates figure out their mistakes and handle them. He had never intended to solve problems himself.

 

Luo Yang took Xi Yu to a nearby university. It was summer break, so most of the students on campus were preparing for graduate exams, ensuring high quality. However, whether they were willing was another matter. Their small company didn’t offer much pay, and those interested in tutoring jobs often found better opportunities on their own.

 

Xi Yu’s good looks were an asset. Just standing there, he became a picturesque scene. They didn’t even need to approach people; others came to him voluntarily.

 

“Hey, handsome, can I have your WeChat?”

 

“WeChat? What’s that?”

 

“?”

 

…

 

The process that followed was simple. Someone approached Xi Yu for his WeChat, and Luo Yang took the opportunity to promote their company, successfully recruiting those who showed interest.

 

Exactly.

 

While promoting, people waved him off and left.

 

Luo Yang felt a bit hurt and decided to change tactics. He took out Xi Yu’s phone, brought up his WeChat QR code, and told him that if someone approached, he should let them scan it and then chat with them slowly on WeChat.

 

Xi Yu held the phone, puzzled… Why was he so obediently standing there?

 

Just as he was about to throw the phone and leave, a magnetic and gentle voice called out to him, “Hello there.”

 

Without even looking at the person, Xi Yu immediately handed over the phone he was about to throw, saying, “This is my WeChat, add me.”

 

After that, he turned around, ready to leave.

 

The young man chuckled, “Why so enthusiastic?”

 

Xi Yu paused mid-step, retracted his foot, turned back, and looked at the person. Before he could get a clear view, Luo Yang rushed up and squeezed between them, slapping the young man’s shoulder with joy. “What are you doing here? Long time no see, long time no see!”

 

No need to look to know who it was.

 

It was the young man they met at the hospital yesterday.

 

As Xi Yu looked over, the young man was also looking at him. With a smile in his eyes, the young man stretched his hand past Luo Yang and handed the phone back to him. “I’ve added you. Remember to accept.”

 

During Xi Yu’s time as a ruler, he had developed the habit of analyzing people’s expressions to gauge their attitude toward him.

 

For example, the supervisor they met earlier displayed fawning behavior typical of a subordinate toward a superior. Luo Yang seemed neither fond of nor averse to him, and his attentiveness likely stemmed from the former’s influence. But this young man…

 

He was an enigma.

 

Xi Yu felt as though the young man liked him a lot.

 

He couldn’t explain why or pinpoint the basis for this feeling. Such intuition always felt elusive and perplexing. Even Xi Yu himself found it hard to believe, but it did raise his guard against the young man. Despite this, he instinctively reached out to take back the phone.

 

The screen was still lit, and he stared at it for a while without understanding anything, then shoved it into his pocket.

 

Luo Yang had told him that this device was equivalent to a high-level magical tool in his era. It could be used for communication over great distances, receive all kinds of information from around the world, and was generally very powerful. He had promised to teach him how to use it when the time came.

 

The time hadn’t come yet, so Xi Yu still didn’t know how to use this magical tool.

 

Luo Yang patted the young man’s shoulder and asked enthusiastically, “By the way, I forgot to ask yesterday—how should I address you?”

 

The young man replied, “My surname is Lian, and my given name is Bei.”

 

Although he was answering Luo Yang’s question, he was looking at Xi Yu while speaking. After finishing, he straightened up, stepped back a little, and naturally freed himself from Luo Yang’s hand on his shoulder. Luo Yang didn’t seem to mind, repeating the name as if savoring it, “Lian Bei—so your surname is Lian. That’s quite rare.”

 

Xi Yu was sensitive to the word “Bei” (North) and instinctively lowered his head to ponder it. When he looked up again, the young man had somehow moved closer, now standing directly between him and Luo Yang. Smiling, the young man chatted with Luo Yang, “Indeed rare. By the way, what brings you two here?”

 

Luo Yang sighed, “It’s a long story…”

 

After listening to Luo Yang’s rambling explanation, Lian Bei thoughtfully rubbed his chin and said, “I see. Let me think. I might be able to help with the promotion.”

 

Luo Yang’s eyes sparkled. “Really?”

 

Lian Bei replied, “I’m the president of the student council.”

 

What kind of position was that?

 

Lian Bei kindly explained to Xi Yu, “It’s a highly authoritative and prestigious position.”

 

Xi Yu said, “Then you’re quite impressive.”

 

Though his tone was calm and indifferent, it carried an indescribable undertone. Lian Bei, however, seemed genuinely pleased and nodded in acknowledgment. “Thanks for the compliment.”

 

Hearing there was a chance for help, Luo Yang grew excited and impatiently asked, “How will you help promote?”

 

Lian Bei asked, “Do you have any flyers?”

 

“Yes, yes!” Luo Yang nodded repeatedly, checked his hands, and then glanced at Xi Yu’s hands—both empty. Suddenly, he smacked his forehead. “I forgot! I’ll go get them right now!”

 

Their company was close to the university, about a 10- to 20-minute walk at a leisurely pace. Running would take even less time. When Xi Yu moved to follow, Luo Yang patted his shoulder and reassured him, “You stay here and wait. I’ll be quick—very quick!”

 

With that, he dashed off like he was on wheels, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

 

They stood in the shade of a building next to an open gate. Every now and then, someone would come out through the gate.

 

Xi Yu chose this spot because the cool breeze wafting through the open gate was a godsend in the scorching weather.

 

He had initially wanted to go inside, but a row of strange-looking objects blocked his path. Just as he was about to step over them, Luo Yang quickly stopped him and explained animatedly.

 

In essence, they didn’t have access passes and couldn’t go in.

 

At this moment, Lian Bei walked up to the gate and waved him over. “It’s too hot out here. Let’s go inside and wait.”

 

Xi Yu asked, “We can go in?”

 

Lian Bei smiled. “Of course.”

 

He seemed much more capable than Luo Yang. Once inside, a girl standing next to them said a few words to Lian Bei, smiling at both him and Xi Yu in a peculiar way. In any case, they were allowed in smoothly, and Lian Bei led Xi Yu to a spot by the window, where they sat facing each other.

 

Unable to resist, Xi Yu asked, “What did you say to her earlier?”

 

“Nothing bad about you.” Lian Bei glanced at his phone and asked, “Why haven’t you accepted my friend request?”

 

“…”

 

Seeing Xi Yu’s expression, Lian Bei suddenly laughed, leaning forward slightly. “You don’t know how to use it yet, do you?”

 

“…”

 

Xi Yu, being prideful, would never admit it when Lian Bei put it that way. After a long silence, he finally blurted out stiffly, “Nonsense, I know how.”

 

Clearly unconvinced, Lian Bei tapped the table twice in front of him.

 

“Take it out. I’ll teach you.”