Everyone's all smiles on the surface but secretly cunning, but the junior sister only wants to

Gu Ming had no idea that he was acting as a huge third wheel. Without saying a word, he stood up, grabbed Jiang Shiliu who was standing there dumbfounded, and led her to the sofa and sat down with her.

Jiang Moqi was both amused and annoyed by this scene. He muttered to himself, "This guy is so clueless! I was trying my best to charm and seduce her, and he just dragged my sweetheart away! Can't he have any common sense?" However, Jiang Moqi only complained a little; he wasn't truly angry. After all, he knew his longtime friend too well—Gu Ming was a complete novice when it came to love, and the kind of super straight man who had been single since birth. If he had the emotional and intellectual intelligence to understand this delicate situation, he'd probably already be surrounded by children and enjoying a happy family life.

At this moment, Jiang Moqi still wore a warm smile, his gaze gentle as water as he looked at Jiang Shiliu, and said softly, "Congratulations, Young Master Jiang! You have now successfully obtained the certificate of a top-grade alchemist. I wonder if you are satisfied with the conditions I proposed earlier? If you feel there is anything inappropriate, we can make adjustments and modifications at any time!"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shiliu was instantly jolted awake as if doused with a bucket of cold water, quickly recovering from the shock of Jiang Moqi's stunning appearance. It's worth noting that only money and wealth could so quickly bring her back to her senses. So, her eyes widened in surprise as she asked, "Huh? This can actually be changed?"

"Of course you can! However, you'll need to complete a few more tasks, but don't worry, the reward will be doubled!" Jiang Moqi said with a smile, his eyes sparkling.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shiliu nodded without hesitation and replied, "I have absolutely no problem with that. Let's sign the contract right now! And remember, you can't back out!"

Jiang Moqi had initially thought that successfully persuading Jiang Shiliu to take on a nominal alchemist position at Qiankun Pavilion would require considerable persuasion and effort. Who would have thought that simply offering a slightly enticing condition as a lure would result in her so readily taking the bait? It seemed that his own shrewdness and foresight had truly paid off!

Looking back, Jiang Moqi risked using his powerful divine abilities to travel back in time a thousand years, accumulating immense wealth through his extraordinary wisdom and methods. Otherwise, even with a reasonably handsome face, attracting Jiang Shiliu's attention would have been an impossible task.

Despite suffering a severe backlash from divine power due to this daring act, which worsened his physical condition, so what? As long as he could see her happy smile, what did it matter if he coughed up a few more mouthfuls of blood? After all, he had always been a reckless, almost insane person. Even if it meant paying a huge price or even sacrificing himself, he would never give up easily and would do everything in his power to keep her by his side.

Seeing this scene, Gu Ming felt a surge of intense curiosity. Unable to suppress his doubts, he stepped forward and asked Young Master Jiang, "Young Master Jiang, seeing how readily you agreed to this matter, the conditions offered must be extraordinary. What kind of generous offer could make you make such a swift decision?"

After a moment's thought, Jiang Shiliu decided that since they would all be colleagues in the future, there was no need to hide anything from each other. So she simply told Gu Ming about the crucial matter of monthly pay: "There are as many as 10 top-grade spirit stones every month. What do you think of such a reward?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Ming was struck dumb, as if by a thunderbolt. His eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief, and he involuntarily exclaimed, "Wh...what!!! One hundred thousand! And top-grade spirit stones!!!" His voice was so loud it seemed to pierce the clouds.

At this moment, Gu Ming's face revealed deep resentment and dissatisfaction. He turned and glared fiercely at Jiang Moqi, thinking bitterly: he had gone through a great deal of effort and passed numerous tests to successfully join Jiang Moqi's Qiankun Pavilion and serve him wholeheartedly. Yet, even as the most famous and outstanding alchemist in the Qiankun Pavilion, his monthly salary was only 80,000 top-grade spirit stones. In contrast, this newcomer could now receive a whopping 100,000 top-grade spirit stones with a single request. How could this not fill him with rage?

Growing increasingly enraged, Gu Ming was about to confront Jiang Moqi with a furious outburst. However, Jiang Moqi, ever astute, saw through Gu Ming's intentions instantly. Just as Gu Ming was about to speak, Jiang Moqi flashed forward with lightning speed, appearing before Gu Ming and covering his mouth with his hand. Simultaneously, Jiang Moqi used his magic to temporarily seal Gu Ming's mouth, rendering him unable to utter a sound.

However, this turn of events only fueled Gu Ming's anger. His anger wasn't actually due to Jiang Shiliu receiving such a large reward of spirit stones; his real rage stemmed from Jiang Moqi's complete disregard for their years-long friendship, refusing to even slightly increase his salary. Gu Ming was well aware of Jiang Shiliu's astonishing abilities. For instance, she had effortlessly and successfully refined the legendary Divine-grade Bone-Regenerating and Blood-Melting Pill. Therefore, it was only natural that Jiang Shiliu received such generous treatment.

Just then, Jiang Moqi suddenly used a magical telepathic technique to transmit his words directly into Gu Ming's mind: "Alright, stop holding a grudge. I've decided to significantly increase your pay this month to 10 top-grade spirit stones! Moreover, as long as Xiao Shiliu continues to refine divine-grade Bone-Regenerating and Blood-Melting Pills, I guarantee I'll give you one every year. How about that, are you satisfied now? Any grievances left?"

After hearing these words, Gu Ming's anger vanished completely. His heart was filled with joy, as if a magnificent flower had bloomed within him. It must be said, Jiang Moqi truly was a loyal and devoted friend. Immediately afterward, Jiang Moqi swiftly used magic to remove the restrictions he had placed on Gu Ming, lest Gu Ming later complain about being mistreating a long-time employee!