I am the villain in the book

Zhuang Zhiming?

The man before him, with a large belly and a face full of smiles, was actually Zhuang Zhiming, the leader of the Third Branch of Kui Long?

Wei Changtian's pupils suddenly contracted, and the smile on his face also stiffened for a moment.

He subconsciously wondered if it was just a coincidence of names, but he quickly rejected this assumption.

First of all, since the Third Branch is responsible for the "business" in the area of Da Ning, Da Feng, and Da Li, it is normal for Zhuang Zhiming to be in Da Ning.

In addition, Kui Long needs to constantly discover and win over those cultivation seeds with extremely high talent, so creating an organization like Chang Wu Tang is also very reasonable.

Secondly, the previous "Council of Elders" had already decided that the Third Branch would begin to contact Qin Zhengqiu's close associates, and now that ten days have passed, the order must have been conveyed.

So Zhuang Zhiming's appearance at this time is by no means accidental.

...

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Wei Changtian silently sized up the man in front of him again, his brow furrowing and then relaxing.

Fifth Grade?

How is that possible?

As the leader of the Third Branch, Zhuang Zhiming is at least considered a high-level figure in Kui Long.

But why is his internal energy fluctuation only at the level of the Fifth Grade?

Could it be that he has practiced some kind of technique to hide his realm?

The doubts in his mind flashed by, Wei Changtian didn't think too much about it, just smiled and cupped his hands in return:

"So it's Hall Master Zhuang, a pleasure to meet you."

"Chang Wu Tang spreads martial arts techniques to the world, the Hall Master's contribution is indispensable."

"Oh dear! Young Master Wei, you are too polite!"

First, he said that he was just a banished prince relegated to this place.

Then, he told Zhuang Zhiming that he could come to him if he encountered any trouble in Shu.

Wei Changtian's words were undoubtedly very contradictory, but they just right expressed the intention of "he wants to make friends with Zhuang Zhiming".

"I am flattered that Young Master thinks so highly of me, I am truly honored."

Zhuang Zhiming continued to nod and bow with a smile, then carefully raised his head and tentatively asked in a low voice:

"Young Master, I wonder what your arrangements are for you and your wife later?

"If you don't mind, I will have the chef prepare a few dishes, so that after you and your wife finish watching the martial arts performance, you can stay at our hall for lunch."

"If so..."

Wei Changtian glanced at Liang Qin beside him, hesitated slightly, then smiled and nodded: "Okay, thank you, Hall Master Zhuang."

"No trouble, no trouble, it is my honor to serve you and your wife!"

Zhuang Zhiming said, nodding and bowing again.

"Then I won't bother you any further, Young Master and Madam, if you have any instructions, just let me know."

"Okay, Hall Master Zhuang, take care."

"Yes, yes, yes..."

...

Soon, Zhuang Zhiming bowed and exited the room.

As the door was gently closed, Wei Changtian and Liang Qin sat back in their seats.

The latter didn't care about the little episode just now, her attention was already focused on the second sparring match that had begun in the arena.

And although Wei Changtian was also watching the two of them fight, his mind was not on it at all.

He had thought about who Kui Long would send to contact him, and he had also anticipated that this person might be Zhuang Zhiming.

But Wei Changtian never expected that the latter would be such an image.

Obviously, Zhuang Zhiming was definitely acting.

However, since he behaved like this today, it means that he has always been like this in front of other people.

The deceptive nature of such a contrast is indeed very strong - a mysterious organization leader holding great power, but showing himself as a greasy and treacherous businessman everywhere.

But is it really necessary?

There are not many people who know Kui Long in the first place, who are you pretending for?

Or is Zhuang Zhiming not pretending? But is he really like that?

...

Wei Changtian raised his teacup and took a sip of tea, and these questions were temporarily put aside as the tea entered his throat.

What kind of personality Zhuang Zhiming has and what his true strength is are not important.

What he should be considering most right now is what to do next.

What is certain is that Zhuang Zhiming will definitely find a reason to continue approaching him later, and inquire about Qin Zhengqiu and the Sword of挑月in various ways.

Regarding this matter, Wei Changtian had actually discussed with Chu Xianping and Du Chang how to deal with it before, and had also colluded in advance on what to say.

However, due to Li Wutong's actions, the overall plan has changed, which has also made Wei Changtian suddenly have some other ideas.

Perhaps, on the gambling table in Huailing, he can have more chips.

After watching three sparring matches in a row, it was noon.

Wei Changtian and Liang Qin, who were fully prepared, stayed at Chang Wu Tang for lunch together, and Zhuang Zhiming also naturally accompanied them in person.

However, all of Wei Changtian's preparations turned out to be useless.

During the meal, Zhuang Zhiming didn't mention Qin Zhengqiu's matter at all, and all he said was flattering words that even Wei Changtian felt nauseating.

It wasn't until after lunch, when Wei Changtian and Liang Qin left by car, that he asked a question—

"Young Master, I wonder if you are free the day after tomorrow?"

"Today was too rushed, and I didn't have time to prepare anything."

"If Young Master is free the day after tomorrow, can I trouble you for a moment at your residence..."

Huh?

Is it finally coming?

Why didn't you say it today, and wait until the day after tomorrow?

Could it be that Liang Qin is here today, so it's not convenient to speak?

Although Wei Changtian didn't know what Zhuang Zhiming was thinking, he didn't refuse, and after replying "I will be waiting for Hall Master Zhuang", he went home with Liang Qin by car.

On the way, the two chatted for a while about the three sparring matches they watched today, and then the topic slowly shifted to Zhuang Zhiming.

"Qin'er, what do you think of Zhuang Zhiming?"

Wei Changtian said casually: "He is clearly the Hall Master of Chang Wu Tang, but his words and actions are too mercenary."

"Well, he is a bit mercenary, but that's normal."

Liang Qin thought for a while and replied seriously: "If it weren't for this, Chang Wu Tang would not be able to maneuver so skillfully among the many sects."

"That makes sense."

Wei Changtian smiled: "It seems that this Zhuang Zhiming is still a shrewd businessman."

"Of course, although I don't understand business, my mother once told me what a clever businessman is like."

Liang Qin's mother, also Wei Changtian's former aunt and current mother-in-law, her surname is Jiang.

The Jiang family has been in business for generations, although not as good as the Xu family, but they can be ranked in Da Ning.

Such wealthy merchants naturally have their own set of business scriptures, so Wei Changtian became interested at the moment, and asked with a smile:

"Oh? What are clever businessmen like?"

"My mother said that if you want to do business well, then you must..."

Liang Qin tilted her head and said softly: "You must endure those who are stronger than you, and be ruthless to those who are weaker than you."

...

Endure the strong, be ruthless to the weak.

This is not only a business scripture, but also a way of survival applicable to anyone... although it sounds very cruel.

"Well, there is some truth to it..."

Nodding noncommittally, Wei Changtian was just about to change the subject.

But at this moment, his expression suddenly froze, and a muffled thunder seemed to explode in his mind.

Because due to Liang Qin's unintentional reminder, he finally remembered just now where he had seen the name "Zhuang Zhiming" before.

Zhuang Zhiming, he turned out to be, holy crap!!