All my teammates online are my girlfriends

Seeing that Lin Qiu had said so, Ze Zhi stopped worrying and obediently followed him upstairs.

However, judging from the big-breasted monster's reaction just now, it's clear that it didn't recognize me, so my image change was quite successful!

If the negotiations break down later, I can take the opportunity to ambush her!

I want her to know that poverty is justice!

"Let's stick to the usual teamwork later, and make sure nothing goes wrong."

As they approached the third floor, Lin Qiu gave a slightly worried reminder: "Just this clone is comparable to a low-health, high-strength boss; it must be someone very important!"

Let's see if we can gain some benefits and protect our Temple of Knights. If not, we'll have to blow up the building and its inhabitants!

As a famous building in the Shutlina night market, the Traveler's Tea House attracts a lot of tourists on its third floor, which overlooks the bustling night view, making it far more lively than the two floors below.

Even on the bustling third floor, the atmosphere is not noisy or chaotic, but rather filled with a comforting, lively ambiance.

While the third floor of the teahouse was as lively as ever tonight, there was a subtle new focal point. Everyone's gaze was drawn to the blonde girl by the railing, their eyes filled with amazement and longing.

Despite their longing, no one dared to approach and speak to her, as if there was an insurmountable chasm between the girl and outsiders.

However, Lin Qiu and Ze Zhi didn't have so many concerns and walked over in a carefree manner.

She noticed Lin Qiu coming up early on, and a smile immediately appeared in the girl's azure eyes.

"Mr. Huiyuan, we've been waiting for you for a long time. Please have some tea."

The young woman smiled and extended her hand in invitation. Her every move exuded an elegant aristocratic air, yet she was not aloof; instead, she gave people a sense of closeness.

"Ahem—I haven't asked yet?"

"Chu Ning, Liu Yu is my head maid. She had a conflict with you due to some misunderstandings before, and I apologize to you for that."

The girl's attitude was extremely sincere, showing no hostility whatsoever, which made Lin Qiu breathe a slight sigh of relief; it seemed she wasn't after a score.

“Well… Miss Chu Ning, we are just doing what we were entrusted to do. To be honest, Shutlina is a place we frequently visit. If you attack the city, it will cause us a lot of trouble.”

Lin Qiu spoke frankly from the start, especially regarding his own Knights' Hall. He said that if you were to deal with other places, it would be one thing, but if you were to set your sights on his own hall, then he would have no choice but to become an enemy!

This was earned with my own hard-earned money!

"You're worried about the Temple of Knights, aren't you? Actually, there's no need to worry about that."

Chu Ning smiled and poured a cup of tea for her and Ze Zhi.

“Shutrinia is currently almost powerless to resist, and taking it over would be an easy task. However, we do not advocate conquest by force, and it is best to avoid unnecessary bloodshed as much as possible.”

"But Shutlina is an important part of our plan, and we can't just give up. Why don't we discuss a win-win solution?"

"Oh? What is Miss Chu Ning's suggestion?"

The real show is coming!

Lin Qiu and Ze Zhi exchanged a glance without leaving a trace, both understanding each other's meaning, and then their eyes were fixed on Chu Ning opposite them.

"It's very simple. Give up all resistance and let us take over the city lord's mansion. Shutlina will be under our control."

"So what do we get in return?"

"We promise not to harm any of you, and we will not infringe upon your Temple of Knights in the slightest; it will remain yours. In fact, we will do our utmost to fulfill any request you may make."

Chu Ning gradually revealed her intention to win him over, staring at Lin Qiu with undisguised glare, which made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

This NPC seems to be even more intelligent than Alice.

"Any request is acceptable?"

"We will refuse to do anything that is within our capabilities, but if it violates our principles."

Chu Ning explained, and Lin Qiu fell into deep thought, his gaze constantly exchanging with Ze Zhi.

How credible do you think it is?

They don't seem to be lying. They've already done their reconnaissance and there are no enemies nearby. They seem sincere, but they might turn on you at a crucial moment.

Let's try again!

“Miss Chu Ning, your clone has fought against me, so you must be aware of my strength. In addition, my team includes Qing Yuan, who is stronger than me, and Yuan Zi, who is just as powerful as me. Hiss—oh right, there’s also a cat.”

Lin Qiu glared at Ze Zhi, who had suddenly stepped on her foot, but ultimately decided to include her in the calculation.

"If we join forces, given your current situation, Miss Chu Ning, we can easily eliminate you directly, thus eliminating any lingering concerns."

Lin Qiu stared directly into Chu Ning's eyes, gradually revealing a sense of pressure.

“I understand that, but I believe that having more friends is better than having more enemies. There is no harm in us cooperating; it’s just a change of city lord.”

Despite the threat in Lin Qiu's words, Chu Ning showed no sign of worry.

Her gaze swept meaningfully over Zezhi beside her; though she didn't speak, one could still sense a hint of closeness.

While there are risks in communicating with them individually, the benefits of becoming friends with them are absolutely enormous!

"But how can we guarantee that you won't suddenly change your mind?"

Zezhi couldn't help but ask, "If it's just a verbal promise, it's nothing but empty talk."

"If you're going to guarantee it... how about this?"

Under the watchful eyes of Lin Qiu and Ze Zhi, Chu Ning took out a scroll from her bosom and placed it on the table.

Even though it wasn't turned on, the system notification sound still rang in Lin Qiu and Ze Zhi's ears simultaneously—

"Triggering the legendary quest - The Fallen Kingdom of Youlan, choose to join Chu Ning's camp and assist her in restoring the kingdom, or join Ning Hai's camp and eliminate Chu Ning's side. The quest ending will affect the first layer of the game's structure."

Lin Qiu and Ze Zhi were both stunned when they saw the unknown reward of the mission before them.

This mission looks a bit like a hidden mission, but on a much larger scale. If one side joins, will other players join the other side?

At the same time, Chu Ning spoke again—

"This contains information on all the rare minerals and creatures I have collected so far. It is worth enough to buy the entire Shutrinia, and no adventurer knows about it. It also contains information on areas that you adventurers have not yet explored."

"All of this is yours if you agree to become our friend. Of course, if you break your promise and turn against us, you will have to pay a price."

079 - How many points would you give this maid outfit?

"So, Miss Chu Ning, what is the price?"

With her eyes fixed on the scroll on the table, Ze Zhi's hand, which was gripping Lin Qiu under the table, trembled slightly.

If this thing is real, it's an absolute steal!

You can be excited all you want, but don't pull me on!

Lin Qiu gave her a disgruntled look. Although there was no pain or itching, it was still trembling! Anyone would think I was doing something under the table!

Chu Ning also stared at the shaken Lin Qiu for a moment, but quickly recovered and turned her head away as if she hadn't seen him.

“If you betray us after we start cooperating, we will issue an expulsion order, put a reward on your head, and... we will also need you to pledge something important as a promise.”

"So you mean the deposit...?"

Lin Qiu pondered for a moment, then looked at Ze Zhi on the other side.

When Zezhi saw this guy looking at her, her eyelids twitched immediately.

Don't underestimate me, they're here for you, I don't care about the deposit or anything!

Looking at this fish-stealing cat who only wanted to get something for nothing, Lin Qiu curled his lip and turned his gaze back to Chu Ning—

"I wonder if there's anything here that might interest you?"

"gun!"

Almost the instant Lin Qiu finished speaking, Chu Ning spoke up without hesitation.

"I heard from Liu Yu that you have a Crystal Knight Lance, and I want it as collateral!"

When she mentioned it, Lin Qiu remembered that he had won this thing in a bet with Cú Chulainn.

"If it's that gun, then there's no problem."

"Then it's settled!"

Seeing that Lin Qiu didn't continue to haggle, Ze Zhi, who was standing to the side, was taken aback.

This isn't the nature of a shrewd businessman. When did he become so easy to talk to?

Before she could even ask secretly, Lin Qiu's private chat window had already popped up in front of her—

"I got that gun from Dog for free. I don't use it much. I have a better one in my bag. Don't give it away."

I knew this guy wasn't that kind!

Zezhi glanced at him sideways, but wisely kept quiet. After so much time had passed, she was more worried about Alice's situation.

There's been no news for so long, could they really have been taken hostage?

Under Chu Ning's expectant gaze, Lin Qiu took out the Crystal Knight Lance from his backpack.

Its entire body shimmered with a deep blue luster, making Chu Ning's eyes sparkle.

This gun is far more powerful than the one I use!

"As expected of a weapon forged by adventurers, its strength surpasses that of the most famous blacksmith in the capital."

Stroking the gun barrel, Chu Ning couldn't help but sigh.

Although I had sent people to learn before, every time the materials were in hand, it was done in a flash!

There was absolutely no process involved!

"The forging methods used by adventurers are different from those of ordinary people. If needed, I can introduce you to someone who is good at forging weapons and equipment. Although the fee is a bit expensive, the quality is absolutely top-notch."

"Thank you very much! This tea is for you, as a token of our friendship."

After carefully putting away the crystal spear with some reluctance, Chu Ning picked up her red tea and spoke, her smile becoming much warmer.

"Pleasant to work with."

Lin Qiu retorted in kind, saying that if he could exchange Gouzi's transitional gun for this pile of intelligence, he would be rolling in money this month!

Ze Zhi also hurriedly put the scroll away, and her movement immediately attracted Chu Ning's attention.

"I was so busy discussing important matters that I haven't had a chance to ask if this lady is... your wife?"

"what?"

The two of them froze instantly, looking at each other with disbelief.

"Don't joke around, how could that be!"

"We're just partners bound by pure mutual interests; there's no relationship that crosses any lines!"

Hearing their almost simultaneous answers, Chu Ning couldn't help but smile. With your tacit understanding, who would believe you're not related?

However, she didn't continue the teasing. She glanced at the city lord's mansion to the north and sighed softly—

"It's getting late, and I should go take over the City Lord's Mansion. You two can continue to enjoy some tea and snacks here; just put it on my tab."

"If you need anything in the future, you can come directly to the City Lord's Mansion to find me."

"must."

Lin Qiu nodded and watched Chu Ning leave.

Only after the other person had completely disappeared from sight did he impatiently ask—

"Has this intelligence been checked using skills?"

"Don't worry, it's all true! We've struck it rich! The exploration area here is even larger than the front lines. Before we make a strategy guide and send it to the strategy team, we can make a killing!"

Ze Zhi excitedly exclaimed. He originally thought it was just a transaction involving money, but he never expected to get so much information and become rich overnight!

"Is that so? Okay then."

Lin Qiu smiled and extended his hand to Ze Zhi, which startled Ze Zhi.

"what happened?"

"The scroll is mine."

"..."

Is it necessary to be so vigilant?