Chapter 714 - In Position

….. Recollection from Lu Jin's visit.

Lu Jin placed a flashdisk on the table.

"What is that?" Linfeng asked with narrowed eyes.

Lu Jin ignored the couple's vigilance. His words were straightforward. "This flashdrive contains a list of people who have connections with Ming Zhi Yi currently. My father is only one man. However, he possesses a large network of powerful connections. And because of these people, his power and influence is considerably immense. It is something that the legendary families cannot ignore. I believe that you both will know what you can do with this."

Xiong Zhi and Linfeng glanced at each other, before looking back at Lu Jin.

This was no small thing.

If they have this, infiltrating Ming Zhi Yi's side would be possible. Estimating his power would be easier. And if they used it more wisely, it could even be a weapon against him.

Linfeng picked up the flash drive, while Xiong Zhi confusedly asked Lu Jin. 

"I really don't know what you are thinking, Young Master Lu Jin. For you to hand something like this to us. Since you know that we are on Ming Zhi Yi's tail, then you should know the reason why we are doing this. You know clearly that this will not be good for you and your old man."

It would only bring them to ruin. 

It was almost as if Lu Jin wanted that to happen, which was ridiculous.

The man shook his head. "You do not need to know my reasons. Whether you use this to your advantage or not depends on you. You can doubt me if you wish, but I will still continue giving you aid."

Xiong Zhi just stared at Lu Jin. 

She could not really tell what this man really wanted…

***********

The enormous hall was decorated lavishly with utmost comfort and luxury in mind. The cushions were in auspicious red shades against the elegantly polished wooden tones.

A royal red carpet was rolled out from the large doors all the way outside. Most guests were big shots that appeared in the headlines of various countries. Tycoons and business magnates were accompanied by supermodels, famous stars, and film empresses and emperors.

Inside, Xiong Zhi and her grandfather were surrounded by other members of the organization. 

Old Xiong handled the guests well. However, Xiong Zhi was beginning to show signs of impatience on her beautiful face.

A rather handsome and well-accomplished man in his late twenties introduced himself to the Xiong family. He showed obvious interest in Xiong Zhi and did not leave the table. 

No matter how much Xiong Zhi answered his questions in a dismissive manner, he remained unfazed. 

He stared appreciatively at the graceful figure in the midnight blue mermaid dress. The snow white skin showing through the black lace on the plunging back was blinding.

"My lady, have you decided who would be your partner for tomorrow's masquerade party? If you have not thought of anyone yet, may I have the honor to be your partner?"

"No. I already have a partner." 

"Is that so? That's a pity. But perhaps, I can ask your hand for a dance tomorrow."

"Just leave tomorrow's matter for tomorrow," Xiong Zhi answered in a deadpan manner. 

This persistent man in front of her was the heir of a powerful family second only to the legendary family. They have great influence in the legendary families' faction, which was why she could not dismiss this man so easily. Had it been a few years ago, she would not have cared. But after her thorough experiences as a CEO, she became more aware of the value of having a strong social network.

She was no longer as flippant and ignorant of the ways of the world as she had been before.

Still, it did not mean that Xiong Zhi would wrong herself and endure the other's forced company. So she tactfully gave hints that she did not want to talk by answering promptly. 

Intelligent and tactful people worth making connections with should be able to tell her meaning.

However, her patience was already thinning with the man's persistence.

The man continued to smile. "Let's do that then. Oh right, how about I invite you for a drink later after the auction?"

"No. I will be busy later."

Xiong Zhi's eyes would glance at the Tang family's table and the Abromich family's table from time to time. 

Among the people who were given a task to do, Xiong Zhi was most worried about Tang Yin's task. 

The task involving the Abromich family was very important.

Her long dark lashes were hooded as she immersed herself in her own thoughts.

"...."

The young man was finally feeling embarrassed after being rejected many times by Xiong Zhi. However, he gritted his teeth and did not give up. 

This Xiong Heiress still did not have a fiance. There might be some rumors that she was in an intimate relationship with her butler, but he did not believe that. 

How could a master and butler have a romantic relationship? Especially with this kind of woman who was way out of their league, the unreachable flower on top of the mountain... That was just absurd.

In order for him and his family to reach another height, one of the most effective ways was for him to marry an heiress of a legendary family.

The man persisted. 

"On, that's too bad, my lady. Fortunately, the event will be held for three days. Maybe I could have a chance within those three days?" 

"....." (╬ -_ -)

Xiong Zhi turned her head to look coldly at the man. She was about to forgo courtesy and straightforwardly say that she was not interested, when a hand suddenly landed on the man's shoulder.

"Excuse me, Sir. The event is about to start. Please return to your seat." 

Linfeng's smiling peach blossom eyes met the man's surprised gaze.

The slim butler outfit outlined his tall figure well. The additional decorative chain links on the suit and tie instantly elevated his visage to haute couture fashion.

His build was masculine, but due to the natural poise in his movements, he did not appear rugged and instead possessed a kind of magnetism that captivated the surrounding eyes.

The interrupted man frowned at Linfeng and looked around. 

There were still fifteen minutes before the event started. A lot of people were still wandering in nearby tables.

And some guests had not arrived from outside yet.

The man looked again at Linfeng. Seeing the latter's good looks and taller height, his already worsening mood fell to the bottom.

"Looking at your clothes, you must be someone's butler. Do you not know that it is rude to interrupt your superiors' conversation, especially when it is not the time yet? Also, do not touch someone's shoulder so easily." The man sneered as he wiped his shoulders.

Xiong Zhi imperceptibly frowned. 

Linfeng was also an invited guest, but he chose to attend the event as her butler for today. Still, his face and fame was already considerably known in the financial circles.

Obviously, the annoying man before them was an ignorant silk pants who did not even recognize the recent star who made waves in the domestic economy and ICT industry.

Xiong Zhi was about to speak out when an incoming group of guests recognized Linfeng.

"Oh, Mr. Zhou Linfeng. You came." 

Mr. Finch and his entourage stopped by Xiong Zhi's table. 

However, he unexpectedly did not greet the Xiong family first, but the butler. 

Linfeng smiled and shook hands with Mr. Finch. "It's nice to see you here, Mr. Finch."

Mr. Finch gave Old Xiong and Xiong Zhi simple greetings. He did not even bother to greet the other guests as none of them caught his attention besides the representatives from the Xiong family.

His influence did not need the Xiong family's power nor did they have any dealings with each other, since Mr. Finch's main markets were in other continents and regions. Their main industries also did not overlap.

The prestigious man turned to Linfeng again. "I heard that all six of you will be attending the event. However, seeing your clothes, you must be attending today as this beautiful lady's companion." 

Xiong Zhi smiled politely at Mr. Finch while Linfeng nodded graciously.

"Indeed. Today, I am attending as my precious Young Miss's butler. But starting tomorrow, I will be joining my brothers on their table. They plan to come by tomorrow."

"Then I will see you tomorrow. I hope you can spend time with me by then."

"Of course, I look forward to it."

Mr. Finch soon left the table to head for their reserved seats.

The man who was belittling Linfeng earlier was open-mouthed. 

For god's sake, that was Mr. Finch!

The powerful tycoon in the R continent and the owner of VIKINGS! He was a VVIP here as well?

And that man acknowledged this butler! 

Wait. Hold on.

This-this-this guy was called Zhou Linfeng? 

The sixth king?!

The man slowly backed away from the table. 

Oh, f***k. He messed up. 

"I-I am sorry, please forget what I just said. It is my mistake. P-please excuse me…"

"..."

Linfeng glanced at the man's disappearing back. He leaned down and whispered to Xiong Zhi. "Young Miss, are you alright?"

Xiong Zhi's eyes curved up gently. 

Her man did not need her protection at all. He was very capable. 

Although she felt disappointed for not having to do anything, she was happier for him. 

"Rest assured, Linfeng. Such trivialities will not affect me." Then her face became serious again. "By the way, is Gu Zhen already in position?"

Linfeng nodded. "Yes. I also talked to Tanaka Shinichi. He is willing to cooperate."

"Good." 

Xiong Zhi glanced at the Lu family's table and at the Guan family's table nearby. 

Both members were starting their own tasks. 

Now, the problem was Tang Yin.

Linfeng noticed her glance at the Tangs.

"Don't worry about her. She already 'approached' Eitan twice. I think, by the third time, Eitan will take the bait she is throwing," he comforted.

"Well, I hope that she will not waste this opportunity."

"Excuse me, the two of you..." Old Xiong suddenly interrupted their whispering with a cool glare. "Can you two wait for the event to finish and not flirt in open space?"

Xiong Zhi straightened up and blinked her eyes innocently. 

Linfeng coughed and distanced himself. He briefly looked around.

The people near them were glancing at them with knowing looks.

Linfeng covered his mouth and coughed again. He forgot to hold back after chasing away the bees that were flying around his Young Miss.

Fortunately, their efforts to build up their achievements made the rumors no longer matter.

***

(A/n: Mr. Finch is the owner of VIKINGS. A company comparable to Grand company (William's family company) and also a hidden Lord. Refer chapter 498-499.)