Chapter 92: Needles Hidden in Softness

"No, absolutely not. The tavern's waiters must be selected from the offspring of the major demon clans. How could these impure-blooded little demons from outside possibly be up to the task?"
The old toad demon spoke with a harsh voice and stern expression.
"I know. We impure-blooded little demons are never worthy of your attention. Please forgive my inappropriate words just now."
White Lotus lowered her head sadly, her gaze full of grievance. She absentmindedly twisted a lock of her hair, embodying the very essence of pitiful charm.
Li Changlu couldn't help but admire—what a sly woman she was...
The ones tied up outside—Little Green and Black Boy—she was definitely behind that...
Bringing him over here? That too was her doing...
Every step of this plan had been orchestrated by her...
Yet...
You simply couldn't believe she was responsible...
From the bottom of your heart, you instinctively felt...
That the pure, delicate woman before you, like a lotus maiden from a poem...
Could never be connected to such underhanded schemes...
"Manager, you know that's not what I meant. With your abilities, you deserve to be the manager of the Monster Tavern, and I doubt anyone here has any complaints about that."
"It's just, the position of tavern waiter is important. We need to be cautious."
At this point, the old toad realized he'd gone too far. He had touched on the manager's sore spot, for White Lotus was not a pure-blooded demon herself.
Everyone knew this.
"Manager, on this matter, I agree with the old toad. The candidates for waiter must be chosen from among the major demon clans. That's the rule. Without rules, there is no order."
The old mantis demon was unwavering on this point, even though he and the old toad were usually at odds...
But there are no eternal friends or enemies in this world, only eternal interests.
When interests align, even enemies can share a bed.
"I'm just a woman, naturally not as wise as you gentlemen. But as for rules, I've heard plenty of gossip that your demon clans aren't exactly sticklers for them. For example..."
White Lotus continued to twist her hair, but her gaze grew sharper as she fixed it on the old mantis.
"For example what?"
The old toad seemed more anxious about gossip involving his rival, the mantis clan.
"I think the manager's suggestion is excellent. Look at this young man—handsome features, unique bones, just as the manager said. He radiates ambition. For such a promising youth, I propose we give him a chance."
The old mantis abruptly shifted stance, nervously aligning himself with White Lotus, eyes full of supplication.
Li Changlu cursed inwardly—unique bones, my foot...

Did your earlier stance just get fed to the dogs?
So a bit of gossip swayed you?
Why not stand up to her directly...
"Oh dear, I do have a gossiping tongue, don't I? It's just idle chatter, really—petty stories from here and there. If Clan Leader Toad is interested, I could tell you some tales about your own clan's..."
"Gossip."
White Lotus blinked, deliberately enunciating the word.
"Haha, manager, I've never cared much for gossip. Let's get back to business. Since the old mantis has agreed, I'm not going to be stubborn either. Ambitious demon youth deserve a chance."
"But if something goes wrong, I'm too old to take responsibility."
The old toad quickly shifted position as well, but being shrewd, he left himself a way out.
"You two elders are truly wise and generous, always helping ambitious young demons."
"A decision made together means shared responsibility."
"What do you all think?"
White Lotus clapped her hands happily, then turned to the other demon clan representatives in the guest room.
"Manager, we've met this young man before. Honestly, from the first time I saw him, I felt he was different. I trust your judgment. He's an ambitious little demon, and so eager—we should give him this chance."
The scholar answered respectfully, then bowed to Li Changlu with great courtesy.
Li Changlu knew this scholar demon well. Last time, he had wanted to freeload off the manager, but ended up forced into an E-level mission instead...
He actually had no fondness for this overly polite scholar—
There was always an air of...
Pretension...
"I follow the manager's lead. But manager, about Chick's death, you—you—you need to give us an explanation."
The middle-aged demon, whose face was covered with writing, coughed violently.
White Lotus nodded, her expression complicated.
"I have no objections."
The wild boar demon, previously so aggressive, had lost his momentum.
Young Lord Dragon Seven remained silent, his gaze fixed on Li Changlu, eyes cold and intense.
Once the two major clan leaders were won over, the others seemed to realize that opposing White Lotus's proposal was pointless—and besides, who knew what gossip about their own clan might be floating around?
Li Changlu suddenly felt that White Lotus was now a blade—a blade wielded by the old toad and old mantis to strike through others...
But this blade had become a double-edged sword...

Whoever grasps it, gets cut...
Impressive, truly impressive...
But—
Why drag me into this mess?
Do you like me?
Secretly infatuated with me?
There's no such thing as a free lunch, and Li Changlu believed that deeply.
Especially with this scheming, cunning woman—White Lotus...
She surely had some hidden trick up her sleeve.
But...
It smelled so sweet...
He, a little demon, had only been in this world for just over a month...
Now he had gained the qualification to be recruited as a tavern waiter...
It was as if a homeless man, scavenging on the streets one moment...
Suddenly encountered a grand master...
And was told, "I shall bestow upon you the Divine Palm of the Buddha..."
From that moment, he would be an official, skilled member of society...
If he saw someone he disliked, he could take them down—because he was official, because he had skills.
Though being set up by White Lotus was unpleasant...
The outcome was undeniably sweet...
Li Changlu quietly watched White Lotus's performance, his heart a little excited...
"So, since no one has any objections, I am grateful for your favor. Allow me to boldly settle the matter." White Lotus spoke softly, her voice gentle and warming.
Gentle yet barbed, none of the demons in the guest room dared speak further.
"Everyone go back and prepare. Choose one demon to participate in the tavern trial. The demon who succeeds will fill Chick's vacant position."
White Lotus handled affairs with grace and elegance, but left everyone feeling...
A sense of danger.