That statement was rather awkwardly phrased.
Despite already being the Director of the Supervision Institute, it was odd that he had to request Yan Wenli to assume the role...
Yan Wenli understood his implication.
The role of the Director of the Supervision Institute could be held by the same person as before, yet they could not serve the same master.
Slightly startled, then those slender eyes narrowed into a slit: "Do you trust me so much?"
"Yes, I trust the Director’s character. If he agrees, he won’t break his promise."
Yan Wenli scoffed, saying, "Everyone outside calls me a ’Mad Dog,’ thirsting for my blood, hungering for my flesh."
"I’ve been an official for many years and hardly have any friends; instead, I’ve gathered a large number of enemies..."
"Who would have thought, at this juncture... there’s a youngster who holds me in such high regard, who trusts me so much..."
Tang Fei looked calmly at Yan Wenli and said, "To tell the truth, if there were other choices, I wouldn’t dare take such a risk."
"But I’m very familiar with the system of the Supervision Institute. I know that only the Director has the dignity and capability... to take control of the supervision system amidst this chaos."
"So, I trust the Director, and I’m willing to entrust this significant position to him."
Yan Wenli, however, shook his head and said: "I cannot accept your offer."
"Why?" Tang Fei asked.
"I appreciate your trust, but please, let me honor our relationship as sovereign and subject."
"I don’t care about the deep-seated hatred between you, nor how the outside world perceives and regards him as the King... but when I was suppressed by the noble families, bereft of opportunities to rise, it was he who promoted me, who gave me a chance."
"It was also he who placed me in such a crucial position, understanding and utilizing me, treating me as his arm."
"If it weren’t for him, Yan Wenli would probably still be in some archive room, biding time..."
"Now that he’s faltered, fallen, or let’s say perished... regardless of the situation, I can’t take up the role of Director of the Supervision Institute."
"I did many things for him, some good and some bad, earning a formidable reputation... all that can be attributed to me now is ’loyalty’."
"If I were to accept your invitation, then even that would be lost."
Wouldn’t that fulfill the line from "No Longer Human": ’In my life, all is but a disgrace’?
After a long while, Tang Fei sighed softly and said, "As regrettable as it is, I understand the Director’s choice."
"Thank you." Yan Wenli nodded, looked at Tang Fei, and said, "Actually, the Supervision Institute isn’t lacking talent. Take a good look, and you’re sure to find a suitable Director."
"Yes, I understand," Tang Fei said aloud, "There’s another matter I need to trouble the Director with."
"Shang Xiulin’s children?"
"Yes," Tang Fei nodded and said, "They were taken away by colleagues from the Supervision Institute. I wonder if they could be released?"
Yan Wenli nodded and mentioned a name: "Chen Zhongping, have Yan Jinnian contact him and say it’s my suggestion."
"Will he release them?"
"At this point... I think they’d also like to end on good terms with you, don’t you?"
They had in their hands Zhong Daolong, the King, and Yan Wenli, the Director of the Supervision Institute. What would those below them do?
"For the sake of caution, let me say a word."
"Thank you, Director," Tang Fei gratefully said.
He activated the recording function on his phone. Yan Wenli, facing the camera, smiled and said, "Zhongping, release those people you hold. Things have come to this point; leave yourself an out. No need to worry about anything else; all is well."
Tang Fei sent the recorded video to Yan Jinnian, knowing what to do for contact.
Tang Fei secured his phone, looked at Yan Wenli, and said, "Director, please rest well; I won’t bother you any longer."
"I’ll send good food and wine daily. You won’t have any problems with your personal safety."
He paused and then smiled squinting his eyes, "As long as I can defend the Phoenix Palace, no one can harm you."
Yan Wenli waved his hand and said, "Life and death are predestined; I’m not worrying about it. Send the good food and drink quickly; it’s really boring without a drink."
"Not having it," Tang Fei grinned and said, "I know your liquor all comes from the palace, and now you’re living directly in the palace... isn’t that having as much as you want whenever you want?"
"Get on with your work; stop buzzing around this retired old man, wasting time."
"Alright then." Tang Fei nodded, got up, and left.
"Tang Fei..." Yan Wenli called out.
Tang Fei turned and looked at Yan Wenli, asking, "Director, is there anything else you need?"
Yan Wenli paused for a moment, then asked, "...is he... still alive?"
"Alive," Tang Fei answered briskly, "Being alive is more useful than being dead."
Yan Wenli watched Tang Fei’s retreating figure and let out a deep sigh.
When Tang Fei had been brought to the Supervision Institute, he had already known his identity and the mission he was to assume.
At that time, he was just a ’fish keeper.’
He wanted to see just how much turmoil this ’catfish’ could stir by throwing it in.
If successful, braised.
If a failure, deep fried. Thɪs chapter is updated by novelFirｅ.net
His fate had already been sealed.
The more they interacted, the more he grew fond of the young man’s character and admired his capability.
He always managed to achieve common goals in his own way.