Thinking about it, Qiu Tu's mind raced as he pondered how to answer the question.
Admit that he likes her?
Qiu Tu believed... With Elder Tang's standing, he must know exactly what his character and qualities were. Lying would be pointless.
Who doesn't like her?
What's the difference between this and losing face?
Thus, after deliberating for a moment, he earnestly said, "Elder Tang, I really like Feifei."
"We are both very rational people. We know now is not the time for romantic involvement. There are many more important matters awaiting us."
Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Elder Tang chuckled and then said, "You sure talk well, my boy."
"You may be rational yourself. Are you sure that Fei Yatou is rational as well?"
To be honest, Qiu Tu also felt that Tang Feifei had recently been getting a bit carried away.
Their relationship had started as a "cat and mouse" game, later it evolved into "Rich Lady and Xiao Bai." But now... It was increasingly feeling like a business partnership or a romantic relationship.
Even many times, Qiu Tu could see love for him in Tang Feifei's eyes.
This was a dangerous sign.
In a relationship that was supposed to be open, whoever fell in love first, lost.
Thinking about this, Qiu Tu hesitated: So... did Elder Tang notice this and come to warn him?
Does the second-in-command of the Sanctuary have so much free time?
Would he concern himself with his granddaughter's love life?
The more Qiu Tu thought about it, the more he sensed something amiss.
However... As a younger person when the elder brought up this topic, he definitely had to listen.
So, Qiu Tu gave an awkward smile, then said, "Lately, Feifei hasn't really been focusing on her work."
This was Qiu Tu's indirect admission that Tang Feifei was getting emotionally involved.
Seeing Qiu Tu's frankness, Elder Tang slightly nodded, his eyes showing a trace of satisfaction.
Then, with his hands behind his back, looking at the striving Xinjie City in the harsh winter, he softly said, "I remember that your parents are no longer here, right?"
Hearing Elder Tang's words, Qiu Tu was slightly stunned and then responded, "Yes."
Elder Tang gave a deep "Mm" and said, "Then, come to our house for the New Year's Eve dinner."
"After the New Year, members from various departments of the Sanctuary and from other states, including some of my disciples, will come to visit me. You can meet them and get to know each other."
Hearing Elder Tang's words, Qiu Tu's mind shuddered.
Elder Tang spoke casually as if continuing the casual topic of meeting over New Year.
But... Meeting over New Year is different for ordinary people and important figures.
With someone of Elder Tang's stature, being invited to his home for New Year's indicated an exceptional status.
Not just anyone who visited him over New Year, but figures close to becoming Deputy Speaker like Guo Huai.
Now, by inviting Qiu Tu over for New Year and planning to introduce him to the core and powerful members of the Fengtian Faction after the holiday...
It was clear he was grooming Qiu Tu as a key figure.
Was he recruiting him...
Or did he seriously consider him a potential grandson-in-law?
Then... if in the end, things didn't work out between him and Tang Feifei, wouldn't the Tang family's efforts be in vain?
And... Given his current promising trajectory, did he need to stamp himself with the brand of the Fengtian Faction?
Meanwhile, as Qiu Tu pondered this...
Could it be that he pondered a bit too long, for Elder Tang turned back sharply, his piercing gaze focusing on him.
In that instant, Qiu Tu felt as if he was completely seen through, and his hair stood on end.
Just as he was about to explain himself, Elder Tang shook his head slightly and said, "You... think too much and are too calculating."
"On a lower level, this is beneficial. But at a higher level, it might consume too much of your energy."
"At the top, there may indeed be some factional disputes, but more often, it's about sincere cooperation to grow the Sanctuary."
As he said this, Elder Tang paused then added, "If I'm not wrong, you've reached Fourth Order, haven't you?"
Hearing Elder Tang's words, Qiu Tu shivered.
Although Elder Tang phrased it as a question, he used a tone of certainty.
So, after a moment's consideration, Qiu Tu admitted it.
He nodded and gave an, "Mm."
Elder Tang then said, "And you've also become a Domain Master?"
Qiu Tu felt as if he had few secrets in front of this old man.
He tried to withhold some information, "It's all thanks to Feifei."
Implying: It was Tang Feifei who helped him become the Domain Master, and he was the second one.
But then, Elder Tang just chuckled, his penetrating eyes seeming to see right through Qiu Tu as he said lightly, "I know full well what Feifei is capable of and how cunning she is."
"I don't distrust the feelings between you."
"But... even if she disregards family interests and helps you become a Domain Master and a Fourth-order Cataclysmic, she would surely inform her family."
"It's basic respect for family."
Qiu Tu was about to speak.
Elder Tang, as if he saw through everything, said, "Since you're the second Domain Master."
"The region you control must be the Bright Moon Area, right?"