My Twin Sugar Mommies and Two Systems are 100 Years Late! Chapter 11.
"So, you're saying that a voice called out to you, claiming to be an Immortal—the Business Immortal?"
"And that he was at a critical turning point in his cultivation and needs to expand his business reach to ensure a smoother breakthrough?"
"He wants you to help him establish and manage his business in this world? And in exchange, he'll take you as his Disciple-in-Name, passing on his auxiliary techniques and a mountain of resources?"
In the simple dining room where Yan Anle had eaten every meal for the past century, Dou E—who had bolted upright at some point—organized everything he had just told her.
"Did I get all that right?" she probed, her voice thick with astonishment.
Yan Anle's heart felt as though a needle or two were pricking it for deceiving her so, but he suppressed the guilt and affirmed her summary with a smile. "Mm-hmm. If you don't believe it, would you like to come see the auction house with me? I have yet to see it myself."
"Ah, how could I ever doubt the Young Master? If the Young Master says the sand in our little courtyard is tastier than roasted duck, then it is! If he says the moon is the sun, then it is! Young Master, take me along. I want to see!" Dou E chirped like a child whose father had just asked, "You don't want to go to the amusement park anymore?" All the while, she hurriedly stuffed the three pill bottles into a pouch dangling from her waist.
"Fine, fine. No need for the flattery. I'll take you. But first..." A wry smile appeared on Yan Anle's face, though it only lasted a moment. "Are we not forgetting something particularly important?"
Dou E, who had already stacked the bowls and chopsticks, paused. "Forgotten something important?"
Her Young Master exhaled audibly. "Your wounds. How did you get them?"
Upon hearing his question, Dou E seemed to recall the recent events, and her brow furrowed. Her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Moments later, Yan Anle snapped her out of her daze. "Dou E?"
Once her eyes regained their clarity, she spoke through gritted teeth. "I was ambushed by that slut!"
Yan Anle's brow raised slightly. Looking back over the years, the number of people who could make his precious little maid curse so naturally could be counted on one hand.
'The most recent one should be...' He made an educated guess. "Ji Yuanlan?"
Proving his arrow had hit the mark, Dou E's expression turned grimmer as she spat, "Yes, Young Master, it's her! That woman—I don't know what tricks she used—managed to seduce Manager Shi. They worked together. He gave me a packet of Clean Bone Powder, claiming it was a complimentary gift for being a regular customer. Yet, just as I was leaving the street after finishing my shopping, she and Manager Shi showed up with guards. She claimed she saw me steal from his store when he wasn't looking. Of course, I denied it. But!"
Yan Anle's brows knitted.
She continued her narration, "Then, that damned Manager Shi pointed at me and said there was no need to sling mud at each other; a direct search would solve the case. He promised that if I were being slandered, he would compensate me and help me seek an explanation from her. Hearing his words, I felt reassured and gave in."
She paused again, her breathing uneven.
"Who knew that he would point out the very packet of Clean Bone Powder as an item he 'didn't remember' giving me! What complimentary gift? It was clearly a trap!"
Yan Anle's expression turned ugly. "And at that point, you argued that he had given it to you, but he denied it?"
"Yes!" Dou E confirmed. "But the more I tried to explain, the angrier he became, claiming he never knew I was the type to steal and then refuse to admit it when caught. He then ordered his guards to capture me and bring me back to face 'punishment' for theft."
Yan Anle clenched his fists and hissed, "Bastard!"
Dou E closed her eyes and calmed down slightly. Seeing Yan Anle get agitated for her sake warmed her heart. She continued her story in a softer tone. "Sigh. At that point, I realized what was truly happening and I lost my cool, directly whipping out my daggers to attack her. Manager Shi's guards stepped in to intervene. I exchanged a few moves with them before realizing that while I wouldn't lose to any of them one-on-one, I was outnumbered. So, I fled, and they pursued me throughout the night. During our cat-and-mouse game, I set some traps and ambushes, injuring and killing several of them. Eventually, I made my way back to the clan this morning, and the rest you already know."
A brief period of silence followed as Yan Anle silently swore that as soon as his fists were big enough, those unscrupulous fellows would reap the wages of their karma.
'It's not just me. I have to make sure that Dou E gains more strength as fast as possible!' He approached her and patted her head, soothing her. "Don't worry, Dou E. Now that I have the system—er, I mean, now that I have become the Business Immortal's disciple, even if it is only 'in-name,' our destinies have changed. In the future, people like them will be like sand on the road—unable to resist if you want to step on them."
Hearing his words, Dou E felt they weren't just empty comforts. 'He is making me a promise!'
She lowered her head, hiding a small smile as she muttered, "Yes, Young Master. Dou E looks forward to that day!"
Seeing her mood improve, he nodded. "Good! Now, hurry along and drop off those plates. I can't wait to hold the first auction!"
"Right away, Young Master!" Dou E left with a spring in her step. "I'll be through washing them before you know it!"
Watching her figure disappear from sight, he signaled the system. 'Open the gate!'
[Myriad Worlds Auction House]: [Yes, Host!]
Suddenly, space twisted nearby, and an oval portal slightly taller than Yan Anle appeared in the dining room. As Yan Anle observed the portal with excitement and curiosity, the system issued a warning:
[Be careful, Host. The moment you cross over, the portal will immediately close. If you want anyone else to follow you, they must enter first.]
That "anyone else" obviously referred to Dou E.
His fingers, which were just two inches shy of touching the portal, paused immediately. He complained, "You should have mentioned such an important detail earlier! Quickly, if there are any other warnings I should know about, tell me now."
[Myriad Worlds Auction House]: [I can't think of anything else for now. Don't worry; when they come to mind, I will inform you in time. For now, would you like to review the details of the items you drew from the Beginner Gift Box?]
Yan Anle sat back down in a chair. "Sure."
Meanwhile, elsewhere, a leaf-shaped flying artifact shrunk to the size of a palm and was caught by the leader of a group of four hooded ladies.
As they hovered in the air above a certain city, she said, "Yuruo, Bingruo. You two, go down and investigate his whereabouts. Remember, his given name is Anle, family name Yan. Also, you must not let anyone detect your presence. Leave no traces."
Two of her three subordinates responded in unison before their figures vanished. "Yes, Your Highness."
Next, the leader silently floated to the ground, her last follower in tandem. Strangely, as they walked, the crowd parted instinctively, clearing a path for them without a second glance. It was as if the onlookers' minds refused to register their existence, even as their bodies moved to avoid a collision.
Some time later, the leader muttered, "Let's see what kind of place this is—one that can nurture a person capable of capturing Big Sister's attention, forcing her to enlist me act personally. Feiruo, aren't you curious as well?"
The last follower, Feiruo, nodded and replied honestly, "Indeed, I am, Your Highness."