Chapter 243: a favor

LUO YAN smiled. "Yes, it's been a while. Oh, but you shouldn't call such a magnificent place like this 'humble'. It feels like you're secretly boasting when you describe it in such an opposite manner."

Bai Ze couldn't help but glanced down at his cousin. He just had an illusion that Luo Yan was being super sarcastic right now. But that couldn't be that, right?

Duan Yu stared at the white-haired elf's smiling but not really smiling face. Hearing the hidden barb in his statement, it seemed like this elf still disliked him quite a bit. He wondered why when he was sure he didn't offend him during the blue door task. 

He glanced at the black fox on his shoulder. Was that his pet? He remembered how bright he looked when he received that [Ambrosia Pod] after they were done with their task in the blue door. Was it perhaps because of this pet?

He smiled back. "Was that how it sounded like? But, you know, saying that in such a straightforward manner would be kind of… tactless, don't you think?" 

Luo Yan felt like a vein on his forehead just popped. So, this guy was basically saying that he's tactless. Was that it?

[Mashter, this guy looks annoying. Can Eclipse scratch his face?]

When he heard his little fox say that, his annoyance subsided a little. [You can't. But maybe, in the near future, when we have the chance, I'll let you scratch him to your heart's content.]

[Okay. Eclipse will wait for that moment!]

Bai Ze suddenly became a bit confused. Because it felt like two was fighting but not really fighting in the real sense of the word. So, to dispel this weird tension, he said, "How did the two of you know each other?"

"Brother, do you remember when we attended the King of Arcadia's birthday banquet? We saw Uriel there. He happened to end up being team mates with me and Brother YUN," Luo Yan explained.

Bai Ze nodded. So, they were team mates then. 

"Yes, your new team mate was really amazing. His acting was top notch. He didn't even have a problem wearing that. As if he wore those things many, many times before." Duan Yu smiled and looked at the white-haired elf meaningfully. "But that's impossible, right? Or was it?"

"Wearing 'that'? What exactly is 'that'?" Bai Ze asked, even more confused than before.

Luo Yan felt like another vein on his forehead just popped. This annoying guy. Of course, he knew what 'that' meant. Uriel was talking about him crossdressing. He took a deep breath and smiled his sweetest smile. 

"Of course, it is. I was actually very uncomfortable back then. I just held it in because it's part of the task. If you think that I showed no flaw, then I'm glad. Because it meant that I did a good job. But I'd say your acting was a notch higher than mine. Acting like some high-handed doctor who looked at people condescendingly like he's better than anyone else, you did it so perfectly, I almost believed that you're really like that in real life." He tilted his head, put his forefinger on his chin, and smiled. "But that's impossible, right?"

Now, it was Duan Yu's turn to be ticked off. Because the other was basically saying that he's an arrogant person who looked down on people. And he did it while acting all cute. He shook his head. If he continued bickering with him, there would be no end to their conversation. Then they wouldn't ever get to the point on why this elf wanted to meet him. 

So, he'd just throw the white flag first. For now, at least.

"Please, do sit down and let's talk about your reason why you came to visit me here."

Luo Yan also knew when to stop. So, he didn't say anything and just sat down on one of seats available. Bai Ze, who still had no idea what's happening, sat down beside Luo Yan. 

"Then, can you tell me what brings you here?" Duan Yu asked, sitting down on the opposite seat.

"It's about the Yuexing Pavilion that I received as a reward from the King. I'm sure you still remember it," Luo Yan said, getting straight to the point. Going around in circles would only lengthen his conversation with this guy. And he wanted to get out of here as soon as possible.

Duan Yu smiled secretly. So, it was about that. Although he already had a feeling that it would be related to that. That's why he wasn't that surprised when he heard it.

"Yes. I've seen your advertisement. It's very well made. I heard that your pavilion will open this Saturday. Congratulations," he said, not really meaning it. "I remember I asked you to invite me to be a guest once it opened."

Luo Yan smiled. "Don't worry, your invitation has already been sent out. You will probably receive it soon."

"So, the reason you wanted to meet me was related to the pavilion, correct?"

"Indeed. I hope Uriel could keep it a secret, the fact that I'm the owner of the pavilion." 

Duan Yu raised one of his brows. He heard that many players assumed that this pavilion was a new business that the game developers made. So, Noctis wanted to keep that illusion. He must admit that was a good business move. Because that way, other players wouldn't have a prejudice against it and would just accept its presence naturally. That way, they wouldn't hesitate to waste their money on it.

He leaned back. "And what do I get in return for doing that?"

Tch. Luo Yan knew this guy wouldn't just happily agree to his request. "I'm planning to give out membership card to the customers of the pavilion. If you agree, then I will give you the highest tier of membership card."

"I'm not interested in that though."

Luo Yan almost gritted his teeth when he heard that answer. "Then tell me what you want."

"A favor," Duan Yu answered simply. 

A crease formed on Luo Yan's pretty face. "What kind of favor?"

"I haven't decided yet. But I hope once I did, no matter what it is, you will honor it."

Luo Yan looked at the sly smile on Uriel's face. He remembered Shen Ji Yun once said that he was like a fox. But looking at this guy, he was probably more of a fox than he was. 

"Hey, you, you better not ask our Xiao- I mean, our Noctis to do anything inappropriate. Or I'll beat you to a pulp," Bai Ze warned, looking all intimidating.

But Duan Yu only smiled at that. "Of course."

Luo Yan weighed the pros and cons of agreeing to do this 'favor'. Choosing between the well-being of his pavilion or doing something for this jerk in the future. At the end, he could only choose the latter.

"Deal."

Duan Yu smiled widely after hearing that. "Very good."

Luo Yan truly wanted to wipe that smile off of his face. "You better do your end of the bargain. Once I heard even the slightest rumor about me being the owner of Yuexing Pavilion, I'll come after you. And trust me, you wouldn't like that."

Bai Ze suddenly had chills when he saw Luo Yan's expression. No, it was more accurate to say that he had no expression at all. This was the first time he saw him looking like that. It was kind of scary considering how he was always smiling with stars in his eyes. 

Luo Yan stood up. He didn't wait for Uriel's answer and just walked out of there. Bai Ze helplessly followed him out.

And Duan Yu who was left alone only smiled triumphantly.