Yun Ran was the first to send a message: [I’m ready, can head out anytime tonight!]
Shouldn’t he be the one to say that? But with Elder Gong in the group, he dare not act casually.
He started grumbling inwardly about Yun Ran: She’s just as annoying as ever!
However, he sped up his preparations. Originally, he planned to set off tomorrow, but now they would leave tonight, so he had to get everything ready immediately.
Yun Ran on the other hand was quite leisurely, got up from bed, enjoyed a nice bath, and ate peaches sliced with Ginsengfruit.
Come evening, Yun Ran was eagerly waiting for the car to take her to the airport, knowing very well there were perks to traveling with big shots from the Special Administration Bureau.
She didn’t have to worry about any travel preparations, just follow along.
At the airport, she saw the private jet waiting from afar, with several people loading things onto it.
A familiar voice of Minister Duan suddenly came from behind, carrying a bit of animosity.
She turned around, and sure enough, there was Minister Duan with his official demeanor.
Especially when he saw the little Ginsengfruit tagging along, carrying a large suitcase.
Minister Duan frowned even more: "For such a dangerous mission, why would you bring a child, and make a child push luggage, isn’t that a bit exploitative!"
Yun Ran shrugged her hands: "Minister Duan, it’s a bit unfair to say that. This is my little apprentice, naturally, I take him wherever I go.
You can’t maliciously speculate just because my teaching methods differ from yours."
Minister Duan really wished he could slap himself twice for thinking Yun Ran was actually pretty decent this morning.
Now he realized, when Yun Ran wants to befriend someone, her sweet words could coax birds out of trees.
But once her goals are achieved, she becomes incredibly annoying.
Who taught her this temper, it’s even more irritating than a brat!
Minister Duan bypassed Yun Ran directly, heading towards the plane, clearly not wanting to deal with her to avoid getting aggravated.
Yun Ran didn’t think there was anything wrong with her temperament, one should live freely.
She promptly followed suit.
The people Minister Duan brought quickly scanned Yun Ran with their eyes; before today, they had only heard bits about Yun Ran.
When they learned of this mission, they reviewed Yun Ran’s file thoroughly.
Now seeing her in person, they could only think those who wrote the file must have been bribed.
They had never seen someone dare speak so cheekily and with a sly sarcastic tone to their minister. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ nοvelfire.net
Elder Gong arrived then, clearly aged, yet his presence exuded an aura of authority.
His gaze caused everyone around, who were busy, to stop and bow respectfully.
Yun Ran looked on enviously, wishing she could also command such an intimidating presence when making an entrance.
Elder Gong noticed Yun Ran’s expression and found it amusing.
Yun Ran nodded earnestly, though she was quite capable, her youth made others less willing to acknowledge her.
Back at Qingfeng Temple, her status was above most, though her youthful appearance often lacked authority.
Previously in the Northwest, they stood on opposing sides, and Elder Gong never showed Yun Ran goodwill.
But now that Yun Ran was no longer with the Special Administration Bureau, there were no stance issues between them.
Elder Gong viewed Yun Ran with some appreciation for a junior.
"Although your skills are high, your worldly status hasn’t quite reached that. I hear you wish to establish your own sect, perhaps in a few years, your social status will catch up."
Yun Ran merely lamented the superficial judgments based on looks but wasn’t attached to such matters.
Hearing Elder Gong’s comforting words made her respect the old man even more.
"I didn’t expect someone like you to have such faith in me. I thought many, especially those conservative folks, would think I’m overreaching."
Elder Gong, being of the conservative faction himself, was indirectly targeted by Yun Ran’s comment. Yet he didn’t mind.
"Position often binds with identity; differing stances don’t mean a lack of insight.
A girl like you lacks nothing, be it schemes or talents, plus you have great luck. Many would offer you olive branches if you wish..."
Yun Ran quickly waved her hand: "Please stop, or I’ll become arrogant."
Elder Gong knew Yun Ran wasn’t scared of arrogance but wanted to prevent him from voicing recruitment intentions.
Such a clever girl, a pity she wasn’t born into the Mystical Sect aristocratic family.
Even if Yun Ran were from a minor Mystical Sect branch, he would have done everything to elevate her to lead their faction.
Previously, some suggested eliminating Yun Ran before she matured, avoiding future opposition.
Elder Gong was the first to oppose; only those who had confronted Yun Ran knew she wasn’t underdeveloped.
She was already a towering tree; others were fooled by her youthful composure.
Anyone trying to harm her would be handing over their own lives.
That’s why, when Yun Ran approached him, he agreed without hesitation; having one more friend is better than creating an enemy.
Furthermore, he could sense Yun Ran’s vision far exceeded petty power struggles; she wouldn’t actively participate in such conflicts.
Maybe Yun Ran would become a third neutral force, attracting many who waver in their allegiances towards her.
Considering this, Elder Gong chuckled: "With your skills, it’s justified to be proud."
Being shown such respect, Yun Ran naturally reciprocated casually.
She replied matter-of-factly: "You indeed have insight. But I’m only interested in making money and ghost hunting, nothing else concerns me.
To me, it doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white; as long as it catches mice, it’s a good cat."