Chapter 707: Chapter 707: Want to Join the Ninth Team Chapter 707: Chapter 707: Want to Join the Ninth Team “Here’s the deal,” he announced, “All you need to know is to hunt well, and once you snag a big prize, the rewards won’t be scarce later on. Got it?”
Below, the team’s response was scattered and weak, “Understood.”
Wang Changdong grunted in affirmation, then turned to the new folks, “Have you decided yet? Starting your own team or looking to join one of ours?”
After exchanging glances, someone stepped forward, “We, we want to join team nine.”
In fact, they had come to apply the day before. When they arrived just outside the Manor earlier, they had already met face to face, fully aware that they were new faces and would hardly be welcomed in the existing teams.
Rather than force their way in, they might as well form their own team.
After all, being new, the Manor wouldn’t demand a high number of catches from them right away–they could gradually adjust before venturing deeper into the mountains.
The group had discussed this before entering the Manor, but before they had a chance to speak up, they heard Wang Changdong mentioning that Lu Shuyu had become the steward.
They bowed their heads for a moment, promptly changing their minds.
If Lu Shuyu wouldn’t be hunting in the mountains anymore, then wouldn’t team nine have nobody but Fang Xiyue?
This meant that joining team nine would be simple–the only change would be adding Fang Xiyue to their team, yet the benefits were significant.
First off, Fang Xiyue, along with Lady Lu, had brought in so many catches–that surely meant they were experienced and had some real skills. Secondly, Lady Lu had been part of team nine before and had close ties with Fang Xiyue. Now that she was the steward, she would likely give extra care to team nine.
Such an appealing solution, perfect for them in every way.
Thus, without a second thought, they decided to switch sides.
However, no sooner had they spoken than Wang Changdong frowned and said, “That might not work. Team nine originally had just two members, but now that Lady Lu has become the steward, it leaves only Miss Fang. Miss Fang had a good collaboration with team three before, so she’s joining team three now. As for team nine, I still intend to keep it. It’s a special case with great significance. Even unoccupied, leaving it be isn’t a problem.”
The newcomers were speechless.
What a tremendous disappointment.
So if team three accepted Fang Xiyue, maybe they could also…
Just as the thought emerged, they heard Ma Lu speak up, “The bailiff is right. During the tiger hunt in the mountains, we too observed the ladies’ abilities. Originally, our team three wouldn’t take on any more members, but Miss Fang is an exception.”
Well, that settled it, and it wasn’t easy for the newcomers to protest any further.
Though reluctant, they had no choice but to tell the officers, “Then, we’ll just form team ten.”
“Alright, you’re team ten,” he confirmed. “Register with Steward Lu shortly, and you’ll be ready to set off.”
Wang Changdong finished speaking, and Shu Yu, with a stern expression, approached the writing desk, took out the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone once more, and addressed the crowd, “Get in line, everyone. Sign up one by one.”
Team five dawdled aimlessly, while Ma Lu and his colleagues swiftly registered their names, gathered Fang Xiyue, picked up the gear, and strode out of the Manor.
Having not ventured into the mountains for two days, their bodies had grown stiff.
The rest of the teams, though awkward-faced, approached silently. Now that she was in charge, if she bore no grudges, it was still possible to build a good rapport.
Only team five’s members were visibly resentful, coming forward at last.