Wang Liu Mei had fallen asleep, sleeping so soundly that when she woke up, an hour and a half had already passed.
Upon waking, Wang Liu Mei found herself lying flat on the sofa with a cushion under her head and Reid's jacket draped over her.
Meanwhile, Reid was sitting by the window seat, happily drinking a can of cola with his left hand while eating fried chicken with his right.
Wang Liu Mei looked down to check her clothing - no signs of having been disturbed, no unusual sensations or strange odors on her body. It seemed Reid Isaac truly hadn't done anything to her. Or perhaps, in his eyes, cola and fried chicken were more appealing than she was?
One could only say, don't try to guess a woman's thoughts. Wang Liu Mei certainly didn't want Reid taking advantage of her, but when he actually didn't, she began wondering if she lacked charm.
Wang Liu Mei briefly wondered how someone as clueless as Reid managed to attract so many wives. Could it really be that they were assigned by the organization?
However, Wang Liu Mei definitely wouldn't voice her minor dissatisfaction. Seeing Reid looking like a college student sneaking out at night to eat cheap food actually amused her.
For someone in a high position to have such an ordinary side created quite a contrast, making Wang Liu Mei not only curious but unconsciously moving to sit opposite Reid.
Though once seated, Wang Liu Mei immediately switched to work mode. But still curious about what had just happened, she directly asked:
"What did you do just now? Some kind of hypnosis? I actually fell asleep so deeply in front of someone unfamiliar."
Hearing this, Reid rolled his eyes at Wang Liu Mei and directly exchanged for another can of cola from the G Coin Store, handing it to her.
Yes, cola was something that could be exchanged in the G Coin Store. After all, the store could draw resources like water and rice, and feeding cola to the system for reverse scanning could also access the store. This was because cola was originally invented as medicine and had once been military supplies.
However, fried chicken wasn't available. The store could record some pre-made dishes, but what got exchanged out would be raw.
The fried chicken in front of Reid had been fried by Ange on the Gran Chaos and sent down.
As for Wang Liu Mei's question, Reid had indeed used some ability.
However, Reid's New Human Ability was clearly not the kind of charm toward women that Paptimus Scirocco possessed.
But after experiencing Lalah Sune's mental waves that forcibly eliminated fighting spirit, Reid had learned how to use his own mental waves to help others relax.
Of course, this technique couldn't be considered hypnosis. Used on an unprepared ordinary person, it would only make them yawn.
Wang Liu Mei had been tired to begin with, plus Reid's massage technique was quite skillful, which was why she fell asleep so easily.
However, Reid would never explicitly explain abilities to Wang Liu Mei. If she really thought he could perform hypnosis, she might become overly cautious around him in the future.
So while handing the cola to Wang Liu Mei, Reid said exasperatedly:
"What do you mean 'unfamiliar person'? We've met many times and have major cooperation between us.
Although this cooperation brings you substantial benefits, exposure could cost you your life. Is 'unfamiliar' all you have to say about your business partner?"
"As for hypnosis, if I could hypnotize you, would I need to be talking with you like this? A hypnotized you would let me do whatever I want. You're just too tired."
Upon hearing this, Wang Liu Mei found it reasonable. She took the cola, opened it, poured it into a cup on the table, and said,
"Calling you 'unfamiliar' is already a considerate evaluation for your sake. If you ask me, you're a total weirdo, a pervert. Who in their right mind would silently wait in a young lady's room for her to finish bathing?"
Reid looked at Wang Liu Mei's somewhat fierce expression and thought to himself, didn't you say earlier that you didn't want to talk about this? Why bring it up again after waking up?
However, Reid also knew that reasoning with women was useless. Just because she said not to mention it didn't mean she couldn't bring it up herself.
So, Reid half-truthfully feigned embarrassment and replied helplessly,
"I just thought this kind of entrance would leave a bigger impression on you."
Wang Liu Mei was speechless and immediately looked at Reid with an expression that seemed to say, "Are you some kind of chuunibyou teenager?"
Reid indicated that this was just his nature, so he directly met Wang Liu Mei's gaze with a look that said, "This is just how I am, what are you going to do about it?"
The two stared at each other for a long time. Wang Liu Mei didn't see any trace of chuunibyou in Reid's eyes, only that this person seemed to be teasing her—truly despicable.
So Wang Liu Mei directly took a big gulp of cola, then suddenly thought that this sugary, unhealthy drink actually tasted pretty good and really could help people relax.
After finishing the cola, Wang Liu Mei decided to steer the conversation to serious matters. It was almost midnight now, and staying up late wasn't good for a young lady's skin.
Thus, Wang Liu Mei asked very seriously,
"Alright, Mr. Reid, your joking around has indeed helped me relax. Let's talk business now. What is your purpose in coming to see me this time? To collect the first dividend from your investment four years ago? Or is there something else?"
Hearing this, Reid's expression turned serious too, and he asked with a strange smile,
"Oh? If I wanted dividends, what kind of dividends are you prepared to give me?"
Wang Liu Mei had long been prepared for this and directly replied,
"That depends on what kind of dividends Mr. Reid wants, then we can discuss how much to give. I presume Mr. Reid definitely doesn't want money, right?"
Reid nodded. Money in the AD Universe meant nothing to him, so of course he didn't want it. He then deliberately asked,
"What if I wanted you, Miss Wang Liu Mei?"
Wang Liu Mei knew this was part of Reid's bargaining strategy, so she didn't overthink it and instead responded matter-of-factly,
"If you want my body, then the benefits you've given me are indeed sufficient. If you had negotiated with the Wang family back then, those old fellows would have definitely sent me to your bed. But if you want my heart, I can only say that mere benefits alone are impossible. If you can't obtain both body and heart, I can only say there would be considerable risks afterward."
Wang Liu Mei's meaning was actually quite simple, which could be summarized in one sentence: "It would be easy for you, Reid, to get my body, but don't think about getting my heart. If you force yourself on me, I'll definitely cause trouble for you later."
Reid nodded. This girl was telling the truth, though making her give her heart... was far less simple than strengthening their mutual interests.
So Reid also replied seriously,
"It's fine, there's no rush about the dividends, just keep developing. Your current strength isn't enough to help me, but I'll remind you that the pace of true global transformation is accelerating. If you can't accumulate sufficient power before the real changes begin, the freedom you desire may not materialize in the future.
Also, allow me to toot my own horn—when you feel you can't keep going and I happen to reappear, you can come to me. Given your ability to develop influence right under Ribbons' nose over these four years, I can offer you shelter.
Moreover, my situation is actually much freer than you imagine. Although the work certainly won't be easy, it's not too burdensome either."
Reid's offer to take in Wang Liu Mei stemmed from his observation while she was asleep earlier—he thought she seemed like a managerial talent, particularly well-versed in intelligence and espionage.
Plus, recruiting Wang Liu Mei came with Hong Long as a bonus—truly not a loss.
Wang Liu Mei felt Reid's recruitment attempt was much more sincere than before, but since she hadn't struggled enough yet, she certainly wouldn't give up now. Smiling, she replied:
"Alright, I'll remember your kindness. But, Mr. Reid, since you're not here for the dividends, what matter requires your personal visit? Surely you didn't really come to peek at me bathing?"
Seeing Wang Liu Mei bring up the earlier incident again, Reid knew she was actually quite bothered by it, but he addressed the main business first:
"Nothing much, just give me the A-Laws high-level banquet invitation that Regene Regetta gave you. I plan to forge a few copies to sneak into the banquet and freeload off the big shots."
At this, Wang Liu Mei's eyes immediately lit up. Reid attending that A-Laws high-level banquet meant there would be quite a spectacle to watch.
She naturally ignored the obvious excuse about "freeloading"—if Reid was going, he must know Ribbons would be there and was targeting him.
Wang Liu Mei was well aware of the battle above the Earth Federation's anti-government forces detention prison. Ribbons had mobilized Federation forces intending to besiege SDP, but instead had thousands of Mobile Suits shot down by a single machine with one sword.
The Earth Federation was deeply shaken—the very next day they initiated over a dozen previously rejected or shelved new MS development projects. They were truly frightened.
And Reid definitely wasn't the type to let an enemy show hostility without retaliation, so his attendance at this banquet must mean he was going to cause trouble for Ribbons.
Reid Isaac and Ribbons Almark occupied the top two spots on Wang Liu Mei's mental list of people she couldn't afford to provoke for now. If these two were to have a real confrontation, Wang Liu Mei felt she could accept either outcome.
Well, there was a difference—if Ribbons Almark died, Wang Liu Mei thought she'd immediately open champagne.
But if Reid died... no, Reid Isaac couldn't die before Ribbons Almark was dealt with.
Because the shadow Ribbons Almark cast over Wang Liu Mei was persistent and constantly life-threatening, while Reid Isaac had only taken advantage of her this once due to his mischievous streak, without any particular malice toward her.
Having clarified their relative importance to herself, Wang Liu Mei decisively spoke up to dissuade him:
"Mr. Reid, this is a high-level A-Laws banquet, filled entirely with A-Laws sympathizers. Moreover, attendees aren't allowed to bring Mobile Suits. Even if you're highly skilled in combat, your physical body still can't withstand firearms."
Through his Newtype Sense, Reid could tell that Wang Liu Mei was genuinely trying to persuade him this time. Though he didn't understand why the girl had started caring about his survival, Reid indicated that someone as cautious as him would never rashly enter the banquet.
Most people at this banquet wouldn't recognize Reid, and he would certainly conduct advance reconnaissance of the venue. The Gran Chaos would remain on standby at high altitude.
If anything went wrong, the Joyeuse Gundam under Nein's control could storm the banquet hall within seconds.
Furthermore, Reid wouldn't be operating alone. With the Xia sisters as guards and his Newtype ability to sense malice, it would be nearly impossible to ambush him.
Thus Reid maintained his position, saying:
"Miss Wang Liu Mei, rest assured. I wouldn't joke with my own life. To put it bluntly, I've already scouted that manor and made preparations."
After speaking, Reid took out previously taken photos of the manor from his pocket and handed them to Wang Liu Mei as proof of his prior reconnaissance.
Seeing that Reid had already visited the banquet venue, Wang Liu Mei understood he must have made all necessary arrangements. Relieved, she handed over the invitation while saying:
"After you forge the invitation, just give this to Hong Long directly. And don't break into my room without permission again."
Having obtained what he wanted, Reid prepared to take his leave. But before going, he deliberately leaned close to Wang Liu Mei's ear and whispered:
"Miss Wang Liu Mei, you have a great figure and you're quite beautiful. So why not occasionally remove the mask you wear? Keeping it on too long might make you forget what you're really like."
After saying this, Reid quickly stepped back to dodge the furious groin kick Wang Liu Mei aimed at him, then teased:
"You see? This expression looks much more genuine. We'll meet again at the banquet."
This time Reid immediately ran out the door after speaking, leaving Wang Liu Mei alone in the room fuming.
Though angry, Wang Liu Mei soon found Reid rather interesting. Since their first meeting four years ago, he always seemed able to get under her skin - he really understood her well.
Not long after Reid left, Hong Long knocked and entered. Seeing his sister's flushed face and unevenly aligned trousers (from that full-force groin kick), he immediately grew concerned. Their conversation had lasted over two hours without him being called to retrieve documents - far longer than normal.
Plus there were indentations on the sofa where someone had been pressed down, and one of Wang Liu Mei's small accessories remained on the couch. His precious little sister might have been taken advantage of.
The usually taciturn Hong Long struggled for words before cautiously asking:
"Liu Mei... are you alright...."
Hearing her brother use her personal name instead of "Miss," Wang Liu Mei was momentarily stunned - it had been so long since she'd received such familial concern.
But being clever, she immediately guessed what Hong Long had misunderstood, especially when he suddenly clenched his fists and declared:
"I'm going to find Reid Isaac and make him take responsibility!"
With that, Hong Long turned to chase after Reid.
Upon hearing this, Wang Liu Mei immediately exploded. With a completely unladylike flying kick that sent Hong Long stumbling, she planted her hands on her hips and furiously lashed out:
"What nonsense are you thinking?! Do you really want me to be bullied that badly?! And what kind of brother sends his own sister out like that? Taking responsibility? What responsibility? Making me become Reid Isaac's who-knows-how-many-th concubine?"
Hong Long immediately realized his misunderstanding and quickly straightened up to endure her scolding.
Of course, Wang Liu Mei calmed down after venting for a while. She suddenly felt Reid was right - constantly wearing a mask was exhausting, and occasionally letting loose like this felt rather good.
As for her useless brother whose incompetence forced her to become the family head at just fifteen, bearing all these responsibilities - Wang Liu Mei genuinely held resentment toward him.
But he was still her closest family after all. Without Hong Long's support, Wang Liu Mei wouldn't have made it through.
So after finishing her outburst, as she left the room, Wang Liu Mei still said:
"Hong Long, no matter where my future leads, you have to follow me. That's your responsibility."
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