Chapter Forty: A Gamble Without Loss

Although these thoughts were swirling in his mind, Tianming could never just sit back and watch; that simply wasn’t his way. He believed in acting according to his heart. Tianming knew that while Wang Sheng appeared unconcerned on the surface, deep down he was secretly watching over his daughter, unsure how to express himself. Since Tianming had benefited from Wang Sheng’s help, perhaps mending the relationship between father and daughter was the best choice he could make.

“Uncle, shall I go check on her?” Tianming glanced at Wang Shangshang in the corner and turned to ask Wang Sheng.

“…Go ahead,” Wang Sheng replied coolly.

The shift in address was abrupt—Wang Sheng couldn’t help but glance at Tianming in surprise, but the look quickly faded, replaced by his usual cold expression as he nodded.

“I’m going, but Uncle, you really aren’t stopping me at all, huh? Hmm… Actually, there’s something I’m not sure if I should say?” Tianming frowned and countered.

Wang Sheng’s straightforward answer made Tianming reconsider his intention to comfort Wang Shangshang, and his curiosity shifted.

“Just say it,” Wang Sheng urged, his face betraying a hint of discomfort, as if he felt exposed.

“Don’t be angry, but may I ask—can I guess that all of this was arranged by you?” Tianming shook his head, biting his lip as he spoke.

He shot Wang Sheng a meaningful look—after all, things couldn’t possibly be so coincidental. All the good fortune seemed to fall on him; just the fact that the granddaughter of the Third Elder was guiding him alone was unbelievable. If it wasn’t chance, then surely there was someone orchestrating events behind the scenes, and Wang Sheng was the only plausible candidate.

“Heh… You’re quite perceptive. I didn’t expect you’d figure it out,” Wang Sheng paused, then smiled bitterly, spreading his hands.

He had his own troubles, so he’d left a few loose ends for Tianming to pick up on; otherwise, if Wang Sheng truly wanted to trick him, no one would ever know, and Tianming would end up feeling grateful to him.

“The city’s full of schemes—I should go back to the countryside!” Tianming muttered, nearly spitting blood in exasperation.

He hadn’t expected that the schemes on this Heavenly Star were so deep—he was still just an innocent youth.

“Hm… What did you say?” Wang Sheng looked at Tianming in surprise.

Er…

Tianming stared at Wang Sheng, impressed by how sharp his ears were. He’d barely moved his lips. Clearly, he shouldn’t carelessly speak in Wang Sheng’s presence; if he must, he’d better keep it in his mind.

“Oh, it’s nothing. Uncle, how do you plan to compensate me for my emotional distress? Let me say this up front—I won’t be satisfied with less than a thousand yuan stones.” Tianming shook his head, grinning mischievously.

He knew Wang Sheng meant him no harm, so he let it go with a joke.

“You still want to die with regrets, huh?” Wang Sheng retorted, annoyed.

Wang Sheng felt uneasy after speaking, only to find Tianming staring at him with a look of dissatisfaction.

“Fine, I’ll be honest. You’re wrong to blame me in this matter—I’m just someone who knew about it…” Wang Sheng sighed helplessly.

Oh?

Tianming was intrigued, hoping to hear more, but just when the story was about to unfold, Wang Sheng stopped. After a quiet pause, Tianming couldn’t resist.

“…And then?” he prompted.

“Forget it. I’ll just compensate you for your so-called emotional distress,” Wang Sheng said, spreading his hands in resignation.

Some things simply couldn’t be said outright, especially since Wang Sheng felt guilty.

“Alright,” Tianming replied calmly.

Seeing Wang Sheng unwilling to speak, Tianming didn’t press further. He knew well enough the difference between yuan stones and curiosity.

“So… What do you think of my daughter?” Wang Sheng asked with a sly smile after a moment’s thought.

The prospect of gaining a son-in-law made his smile even broader.

“She’s very nice!” Tianming replied without hesitation.

Then, realizing something, he quickly glanced over his shoulder to make sure Wang Shangshang hadn’t noticed, and breathed a sigh of relief.

“Don’t think you can brush me off so easily—dream on!” Tianming rolled his eyes in disdain at Wang Sheng.

At this moment, Tianming felt a bit sorry for Wang Shangshang. With such an unreliable father, she really had to be prepared for anything.

“Heh, is the famous Elder Wang Sheng so poor he can’t spare a few yuan stones?” Tianming scoffed, shaking his head.

He extended his hand in front of Wang Sheng, the meaning clear.

“Boy, do you want me to slap you dead? Don’t think I didn’t notice you took advantage of my daughter—hugging her so closely! I haven’t even settled accounts with you yet!” Wang Sheng slapped Tianming’s hand away, glaring at him coldly.

If it had been anyone else, he would have knocked their head off; but since it was Tianming, Wang Sheng could only grit his teeth. He realized now that, in Tianming’s eyes, yuan stones mattered more than his daughter. Wang Sheng finally understood why Tianming was still unattached.

“So, it’s my fault after all?” Tianming smiled bitterly, helpless.

He didn’t deny it; the setup had been a trap, but he had indeed seen everything Wang Sheng mentioned.

Since Wang Sheng had no intention of paying him, Tianming decided to slip away before Wang Sheng could take revenge.

“Wait! If you really want yuan stones, prove you deserve them. If you can get your name on the Heavenly Ranking within a week, I’ll pay you ten thousand yuan stones—no matter your position, even if you’re last. But if you fail…” Wang Sheng called out sternly.

Tianming stopped in his tracks, conflicted. He knew that if he lost, yuan stones would truly be out of reach, but either way, the outcome could benefit him.

“…Is this a wager?” Tianming turned back.

“Of course!” Wang Sheng nodded.

“If it’s a wager, there should be a witness. What if you suddenly back out?” Tianming scratched his head, wary of Wang Sheng’s quick agreement.

Just now, Wang Sheng had promised compensation, only to add conditions, making Tianming suspicious.

Er…

“Boy, what are you worried about? It’s my loss either way—what are you afraid of?” Wang Sheng stared at Tianming, incredulous.

No one had ever spoken to him like this before, especially when he was the one at a disadvantage. No matter the outcome, he’d have to compensate, losing both daughter and yuan stones. Wang Sheng felt a pang of sorrow, as if stabbed by a knife; it was better to raise a son.

“…I’ll be the witness!” Suddenly, a weathered voice rang out.

As the two stared each other down, the sudden interruption made them turn around in haste.

Out of the mist, thick with the palpable energy of heaven and earth, an elderly figure emerged.

“Grand Elder!” A rich voice was accompanied by a sweet one.

Tianming realized that Wang Shangshang had recovered and was walking toward him.

“Shangshang?” Her fragrance enveloped him, and Tianming quietly called her name.

Hmph.

Unfortunately, Wang Shangshang walked past him coldly, not even glancing at Tianming.

Recalling Wang Sheng’s earlier words, Tianming felt at ease. He admitted he was lacking in this area—perhaps Wang Shangshang had already made her choice. Tianming laughed silently at himself; perhaps it was for the best.