Firm and powerful, it struck the heart.
The first impression Chen Yu had of the scholar before him was absolute confidence. That kind of confident gaze was heartfelt, unlike those who were barely literate or possessed some knowledge but lacked true brilliance, who would feel uneasy.
When the scholar stood before Chen Yu and spoke those words, Chen Yu's heart trembled slightly.
The world was not short of arrogant individuals who were full of themselves. Yet, the audacious words spoken by the scholar before him gave the feeling that he was meant to say such things.
He was definitely a talent, and a great one at that.
Chen Yu dared to be so certain.
Even Hei Lu was taken aback. He looked at the tattered scholar before him with a sense of unfamiliarity. When Hei Lu had rescued him, he had appeared as dull as a simpleton, taking a long time to answer any question. How could he have transformed into someone else upon meeting the boss?
His words were incredibly arrogant. Many scholars in Fengqi City…
The scholars who came here were seeking employment. Although they didn't say it, any observant person could see their intentions. It was rare for anyone to genuinely come to fulfill ambitions.
However, to be able to openly declare that they had come for fame and fortune, this scholar before him was definitely the first.
"Luo Yu."
Chen Yu, leaning back in his rattan chair, a slight smile on his lips, met Luo Yu's gaze.
"Well said, coming for fame and fortune."
"You must have seen it after entering the city. Fengqi City has countless scholars. All these scholars intend to fulfill their ambitions here, yet none of them admit they are here for fame and fortune."
"Don't you find that vulgar?"
"Or do you believe they truly seek to fulfill their ambitions? If Fengqi City hadn't offered generous compensation and prestigious positions, would they have come here?" Luo Yu asked with a smile, "Perhaps I am judging a gentleman with the heart of a villain. Those scholars might indeed have aspirations to sacrifice themselves for the greater good and save the common people from hardship. I am vulgar, and I don't care. I know my own mind; I am here for fame and fortune."
"You believe my Fengqi City can provide you with such a stage," Chen Yu said with a chuckle.
To his surprise, Luo Yu shook his head and, gazing at Chen Yu on the rattan chair, whispered.
"I see potential in you."
"Fengqi City, a city on the brink of collapse located in the frontier, what great future can it have? Even if the territory is vast, it is not something that can be easily controlled. If anyone else were in the City Lord's position, in my opinion, Fengqi City would inevitably be destroyed, with no chance of survival."
"You are different!"
"If you are the City Lord of this city, then Fengqi City might still have a glimmer of hope. With my assistance, Fengqi City will surely survive in the impending chaos of the underground world. In times of turmoil, warlords vie for territory, the wise strive for renown. You will expand our territory, and I will spread our fame far and wide."
Luo Yu smiled confidently, and Chen Yu's interest in him grew even stronger.
"Where does your confidence stem from?"
"You will know with a test," Luo Yu said with a slight narrowing of his eyes, lowering his voice. "Although your city has attracted many scholars, including those from renowned families and prestigious backgrounds, if you were to bind them all together, they wouldn't even be a match for a single finger of mine."
"Kid, don't be so arrogant. Do you know who you're talking to?"
Hei Lu, who had been silent until then, could no longer hold back.
He was too arrogant.
Even if Luo Yu was young and in his prime, he shouldn't be this arrogant. He thought the scholars of the entire city were no match for him, but who did he think he was?
In the free towns, storytellers often recounted tales of the Three Kingdoms.
There was a saying in it that Hei Lu particularly liked: "Three cobblers with their wits combined equal Zhu Geliang." A single person's wisdom was ultimately limited. He dared to make such grand pronouncements.
However, Chen Yu smiled and raised his hand, his gaze fixed on Luo Yu before him.
"Very well, I will test you then."
"Serve tea in the main hall."
With that, Chen Yu directly disconnected from Liya's video feed. He gestured for Luo Yu to follow, leading him to the main hall of the City Lord's mansion annex.
No one knew what Luo Yu and Chen Yu discussed.
What was known was that from day to dusk, from dusk to night, and from night back to day, no one was allowed to enter the room.
Even the little demon could only linger outside the door for a while before pursing its lips and leaving.
Chen Yu and Luo Yu sat opposite each other in the room, with Hei Lu personally guarding the outside. If it weren't for the fact that Chen Yu's presence could still be felt and that they hadn't left the room for several days, people would have thought something had happened.
A full seven days—
Chen Yu and Luo Yu, who had entered the room, sat inside for seven days. When the door of the room was pushed open again, both Chen Yu and Luo Yu had radiant smiles on their faces.
Their gazes at each other were like those of kindred spirits who had met too late.
It was on that day that Luo Yu was directly appointed to the core of Fengqi City, holding the position of Vice City Lord, on par with Klay, jointly managing the daily affairs of Fengqi City. The selection and assessment of scholars were also handled by Luo Yu.
"What did you two talk about?"
The little demon, floating in mid-air and nibbling on cheese, had confusion filling its eyes.
"You promoted him to Vice City Lord immediately after he pledged allegiance. It's clear that this Luo Yu has his exceptional qualities. Aren't you giving him too much authority, handing over the scholar selection entirely to him? This is a crucial position. If he harbors ill intentions towards you, then all your cities will become places where he can plant his people."
"You must be shocked too. I am actually very shocked."
Chen Yu, leaning back in his rattan chair, looked up at the gray sky above.
"I have been in the underground world for over a year. During this time, I have met many trustworthy partners: Kuka, Hei Lu, Kailin, Nuoya... they all have their respective talents, but in my eyes, they are all just average. After a full year, I have finally met a capable individual. With him in charge, Fengqi City... no, even if we want to contend for supremacy in the future, there will be no worries."
Looking at Chen Yu's serious expression, the little demon was somewhat shocked.
Having been in the underground world for so long, it had never heard Chen Yu praise anyone so highly.
"Is he very intelligent?"
"Intelligence can no longer describe him. His breadth of knowledge and clarity of thought are beyond anything I have ever encountered," Chen Yu said, narrowing his eyes slightly. The little demon's eyes widened, "Could it be that he is smarter than you?"
"How is that possible?"
Chen Yu, who had been admiring him a moment ago, suddenly changed his expression and said sternly.
"If he wants to compete with me, he still needs to cultivate for several more decades."
"Hmph..." The little demon's eyes immediately rolled back in exasperation, its gaze filled with speechlessness. "You truly have no shame, Chen Yu. Why can you be so shameless? I really can't take it anymore."
On the rattan chair, Chen Yu smiled as he watched the agitated little demon, his mind replaying his conversation with Luo Yu.
To have such a person as an aide is truly a blessing of three lifetimes.