The Useless Heiress Is Actually A Bigshot

Chapter 113: Chapter 113: Compensation

“This is what you get,” Zhong Nianyao looked at Ma Qin, who was still gasping for breath on the ground, the coldness in her eyes was unmistakably clear. “In the future, mind your tongue, or better yet, don’t speak at all.”

Lifting her head, Ma Qin looked at Zhong Nianyao with unabated hatred in her eyes. “You clearly have such abilities, so why won’t you help us? What’s your relationship with these people anyway? What makes you so dedicated to them?”

Though her words were not explicit, everyone here was an adult and could naturally read between the lines. Wasn’t she implying that Zhong Nianyao had an improper relationship with this group of people?

Zhou Yifu and his companions’ faces changed drastically, and they clenched their weapons involuntarily, looking as though they were ready to attack at any moment.

In contrast, Lu Yichen’s eyes flickered with a different kind of light. His gaze, filled with a chill so intense it seemed to freeze everything, was like looking at a dead person as he stared at Ma Qin.

Uncle Li and Zhao Si were as anxious as ants on a hot pan. If they could, they would really like to immediately disassociate themselves from Ma Qin. Was Ma Qin foolish? They had seen for themselves what Zhong Nianyao was capable of.

How could such a powerful person be a mere plaything to others? Even if you’re going to spout nonsense, at least use your brain!

Now, Ma Qin had truly offended someone gravely, and as her associates, they would definitely be implicated as well. This proved, once again, that letting women join tomb raiding was a mistake. Women are truly too emotional; just a little incident could cause their entire mood to collapse.

Zhong Nianyao, the person concerned, showed no change in expression. In fact, she even looked somewhat amused. After a moment’s thought, she spoke more seriously, “If you ask about the nature of my relationship with them, I suppose you could call it an employer-employee relationship! After all, the remuneration was too tempting to refuse!”

With that statement, everyone was momentarily stunned.

Uncle Li was calm, as he was aware of what had transpired.

Zhou Yifu and others, however, were surprised. It was only when they set out that they learned of Zhong Nianyao’s presence among them. They were complete strangers to Zhong Nianyao.

Yet, they had witnessed the master’s interactions with Zhong Nianyao, which were far from those of strangers. In fact, they seemed to be on very good terms. Unexpectedly, this was the nature of their relationship.

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Zhao Si and the others brightened up upon hearing Zhong Nianyao’s words.

Zhong Nianyao was formidable, especially against such evil entities. They were bound to encounter many more such situations, and with Zhong Nianyao’s protection, they would undoubtedly have a smoother journey.

Since the others could employ Zhong Nianyao, so could they, right? Moreover, if possible, they wanted to maintain contact with Zhong Nianyao for future cooperation.

After exchanging looks, they all silently reached a consensus. Of course, they also decided that Ma Qin needed to be expelled from their team.

With that thought in mind, Zhao Si stepped forward as the spokesperson, his face earnest. “Lady Zhong, since you have an employer-employee relationship with them, could we also enter into a similar agreement with you? We can offer you a generous payment.”

“Brother Zhao!”

Ma Qin’s eyes widened in shock, unable to hide her astonishment. She couldn’t believe that her companions would so quickly consider cooperating with Zhong Nianyao, especially after she had just been humiliated by her. Wasn’t this an outright disregard for her?

“Shut your mouth,” Zhao Si said, looking at Ma Qin with a veiled ruthlessness in his eyes. “You’d better understand your place, or don’t blame us for not taking care of you afterward.”

Seemingly cowed by the ferocity in Zhao Si’s eyes, Ma Qin dared not speak another word.

“Lady Zhong,” Zhao Si looked at Zhong Nianyao again, his tone sincere, “we are very serious.”

“Serious?” Zhong Nianyao looked at Zhao Si with a smile. “What ‘serious’ offers do you think you can make?”

“He gave me a turtle shell as payment,” Zhong Nianyao pointed at Lu Yichen. “Why do you think you can come up with a payment that would entice me?”

“Whatever their payment was, we are willing to offer the same,” Zhao Si stated with full confidence. “Just name it, and we can afford it.”

The others had no objections. Having witnessed Zhong Nianyao’s capabilities, they knew the reward wouldn’t be ordinary. Yet, they were still confident, for through the years, they had excavated numerous tombs and amassed considerable wealth. They were sure they could afford the payment.

Zhong Nianyao smiled slightly and spoke, “His payment was a turtle shell—”

Hearing this, Zhao Si and the others paused briefly but then felt more reassured. Whatever the nature of the turtle shell, they were certain they could match its value.

However, Zhong Nianyao’s next words shattered all their illusions.

“That is a turtle shell left by the Ghost Valley Master’s sect from the Warring States Period, over two thousand years of history. It must be considered a priceless treasure! If it were priced, in the market, it would surely exceed one billion,” she stated, her expression laced with a hint of mockery. “Are you sure you can afford such a payment?”

Zhao Si and the others were dumbfounded, clearly not anticipating such a response.

If they truly had a treasure worth a billion, they would have long since liquidated it and shared the proceeds. With that much money, they wouldn’t need to raid tombs and could be comfortably enjoying life.

“Alright, let’s move on!”

Lu Yichen’s expression remained unchanged as he stepped forward and spoke indifferently. “Let’s keep going; the main tomb shouldn’t be far from us now.”

At Lu Yichen’s command, Uncle Li and the others quickly picked up their belongings and started moving forward.

Zhong Nianyao shrugged and, disregarding Zhao Si and his group, took a few steps forward to walk side by side with Lu Yichen.

Uncle Li didn’t detect anything amiss.

However, Zhou Yifu and the others sensed something odd about the interaction between Lu Yichen and Zhong Nianyao, but they couldn’t quite put their finger on what it was.

Left behind, Zhao Si and his team had barely managed to treat their wounds. Not caring about rest, Mahasan hurriedly followed the others.

Although Zhong Nianyao had made it clear that she wouldn’t protect them if something happened, they felt safer sticking with the group.