strictlysupreme Chapter 20 Sincerity is the Ultimate Weapon
Chapter 20 Sincerity is the Ultimate Weapon
"Quiet Night! HELP!"
At the moment Jingye received Bai Li's message, she was lounging in a rocking chair, enjoying a rare vacation.
The staff of luxury cruise ships have several fixed days off each year, allowing them to temporarily leave the sea and return to the vibrant life on land.
This was Jingye's first day off this year, but after receiving Bai Li's message, he did not hesitate at all and immediately ended his vacation to go to Shanghai.
Over the years, he had become accustomed to being alone, and this was the first time someone had taken the initiative to contact him and seek his help.
The car slowly drove into a mountain forest.
It was the height of summer, and the mountains and forests were lush and green, like a green ocean.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled patterns that shimmered like golden fragments. The temperature remained pleasantly warm, and a gentle breeze brought a refreshing coolness.
The driver looked surprised: "This place used to be closed off."
The area is right next to a famous natural scenic spot, so he often comes here to pick up and drop off guests. However, he is unfamiliar with the roads here and only vaguely remembers that they used to be closed off.
The car climbed upwards, the roar of the engine echoing through the mountains.
As the altitude increases, the buildings on the mountain gradually come into view.
The buildings are connected together, hidden in the greenery, stretching as far as the eye can see.
The driver asked curiously, "Young man, what's in there?"
Jingye didn't answer. He didn't know either. He had only heard Baili briefly mention on the phone that she had a venue that needed someone to manage it.
The driver glanced back and saw Jingye's appearance. In broad daylight, he suddenly shivered.
His cold, aloof face and deep blue eyes seemed to possess a mysterious power that made people afraid to look him in the eye.
Finally, the car stopped in front of a huge, terrifying stone archway, covered with grotesque beasts.
These ferocious beasts are sculpted so lifelike that they seem ready to pounce at any moment.
The driver felt a chill run down his spine. After Jingye got out of the car, he stepped on the gas and drove away without looking back.
Don't listen or look, it's okay, it's okay.
Jingye got out of the car and immediately saw Baili waiting there.
When Jingye saw Bai Li again, she was stunned for a moment.
It hasn't been long since they last parted, but why does it feel like so much time has passed?
The girl in front of me seemed to have undergone some inexplicable change.
If Bai Li was just a pretty, ordinary girl when we last met, this time she exudes a noble air about her.
Bai Li was stunned the moment she saw Jing Ye.
This was the first time she had seen Jingye without her butler's uniform.
In my memory, Jingye always wore a standard butler's uniform, her upright appearance looking serious and formulaic.
But who would have thought that Jingye's personal attire was actually a traditional Chinese Tang suit, a dark black long robe with cloud patterns, with a simple and smooth cut, clearly a modified style that looked more modern and convenient.
As she got closer, Bai Li noticed the exquisite embroidery on the fabric, which shimmered in the sunlight, exuding understated luxury.
She had never seen anyone walk like that before.
In this modern society, traditional clothing is rarely sought after anymore.
But on Jingye, it didn't look out of place at all. The Tang suit made him look even taller and more upright, and his dignified and composed temperament was overwhelming, as if he were a noble young master from an ancient painting.
Bai Li didn't even dare to recognize him at first glance, but when the familiar, gentle gaze fell on her again, Bai Li dared to confirm that the person in front of her was Jing Ye.
Bai Li happily went up to greet him: "Jing Ye!"
She originally thought that Jingye, as the executive deacon, should understand management matters, so she sent the message with the intention of consulting him.
Unexpectedly, upon hearing the news, Jingye rushed over without saying a word.
Bai Li felt a warmth in her heart and sincerely thanked him, "Thank you for coming."
Jingye smiled gently and said, "Miss Bai, there's no need to be so polite. Is this the venue you mentioned?"
Bai Li nodded and took the lead, showing the way: "Yes, this is it. It's a bit big, so we'll need a vehicle."
Bai Li started a small car, which looked like a sightseeing vehicle used in scenic areas. It was also a copy of the [Architectural Blueprint]. The car was not fast, making it suitable for driving around the base.
Bai Li drove the car at a steady speed, introducing the location to Jing Ye as if she knew the way well.
Jingye maintained a gentle expression, but her heart was in turmoil.
I originally thought that the venue Bai Li was referring to was just one of the buildings, but it turns out it was all of them.
All facilities are readily available here, including accommodation, food, and drinks.
And those expensive training grounds, with facilities and equipment all of the highest standard.
The lawn and greenery looked freshly maintained, lush and clean.
There was only an eerie silence.
There wasn't a single person there.
Aside from the chirping of cicadas, the only other sound was the rustling of leaves in the wind.
But Jingye didn't voice her questions; a butler's primary professional quality is to avoid being curious.
-----------------
Bai Li parked the car next to the observation deck.
This is her favorite spot. It has a wide view, is the highest point, and the fence overlooks rolling hills and forests. Looking down, you can see the entire base.
Bai Li pulled Jing Ye to sit down on the observation deck and cut straight to the point: "How many people are needed to maintain a place like this?"
Jingye's voice was calm and steady: "We need a team of at least 100 people."
He spoke calmly, pointing to the tall buildings: "There are many complex building structures here, which will require more maintenance workers and even professional building engineers to conduct irregular inspections. My suggestion is to assign a dedicated team of 5 people to be in charge."
"At the same time, manpower is needed to maintain the base's water and electricity system, ventilation system and elevator system on a daily basis, so 10 electricians and plumbers are necessary."
“I see there is a lot of professional training equipment here, including a climbing wall and a swimming pool, so at least 10 professional equipment maintenance personnel are needed to maintain the equipment regularly to ensure its performance and safety.”
Bai Li listened attentively, nodding occasionally.
Jingye pointed to Baili and said, “Maintaining outdoor training grounds like the playground is more complicated than maintaining indoor ones. It requires 10 maintenance personnel to regularly level the ground, clear weeds and trash, and check whether the flatness and hardness of the ground meet the requirements.”
Jingye's gaze was focused as she continued to explain: "There's also the landscaping and environmental sanitation. Such a large area requires at least 50 landscaping workers and a cleaning team."
"At the same time, a security team is also needed to be responsible for the security of the venue, including access control, patrols, and monitoring."
His eyes were sharp, as if he could see through everything. After just one walk around, he had already figured out the general logistics team of the base. He truly lived up to his reputation as Jingye.
Jingye looked at Baili and continued, "These are just the basics. We'll need to see what you plan to do with them later and allocate more personnel."
Bai Li: "I want to turn this place into a training base. I'm going to invest in a TV series, so I'll send actors here. They'll all have to train here before filming."
The night is still and silent.
I thought this place was going to be turned into a commercial facility like a weight loss training camp, but it turns out it's for private use.
Who exactly is Miss Bai? This is far too extravagant...
Building such a base, not to mention how much manpower and resources it would take, what kind of background would be needed to just take over the entire mountain?
A lot of investment was made, but in the end, it was just to select actors and not to profit from it.
But I always felt that this was something Miss Bai would do.
He travels alone on a top-of-the-line luxury cruise ship, yet remains detached from the world of fame and fortune. Despite being at the very top of the pyramid, he displays no arrogance or aloofness.
Jingye had seen too many rich people of all kinds and thought she could see through people's hearts, but she couldn't understand Bai Li. There was a mysterious veil around her, which she could not see clearly or understand.
"Miss Bai is truly generous," Jingye exclaimed sincerely.
"Haha, I just want to do things I enjoy." Bai Li blinked, then changed the subject, "I remember you said that what you like most is recognition. Don't you think a cruise ship is too limiting?"
Jingye's eyes flashed, as if she had guessed the deeper meaning in her words: "Miss Bai means..."
Bai Li extended her hand, her gaze sincere: "Jingye, I would like to invite you to join me. I have many more ideas to come, and these unfinished ideas cannot be accomplished by me alone. I really need you."
I
very much
need
you
Bai Li's last words struck Jing Ye with a heavy blow.
For Yu Jingye, being needed by others is the highest form of recognition.
In the still night, I felt my heart was filled.
His gaze unconsciously fell on Bai Li's outstretched hand; in his mind, he had already extended his hand.
Jingye's fingers curled slightly.
But he didn't.
Jingye closed her eyes and turned her head away.
"Ms. Bai, I have a very bad reputation in the industry, which may cause you trouble."
Bai Li guessed that it wasn't that simple.
Wu Hai had vaguely mentioned Jing Ye's background, suggesting that Jing Ye had once served an ancient family.
But something happened in the middle of it.
Now, the quiet night can only find refuge on a cruise ship, drifting away from the mainland, as if deliberately severing ties with the world.
This was clearly painful for Jingye, who longed for external recognition.
It's truly tragic that talent is buried.
Bai Li asked softly, "Is it because of the family you were in before?"
Jingye opened her eyes and said with a wry smile, "So you knew all along, Miss."
“I not only used my beauty to serve my master, but I also secretly colluded with outsiders and sold family secrets, all for personal gain.”
“Deliberately delaying treatment when the former employer is sick.”
"Ruthless and unscrupulous, they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, and they will use conspiracies and tricks to frame loyal and good people."
"Having heard all this, do you still dare to invite me?"
While speaking, Jingye kept looking at Baili, hoping to see surprise and hesitation in her eyes.
He said it on purpose so that Miss Bai would give up her ridiculous idea.
The job on the cruise ship is within the acceptable range for that family, so let's just leave it at that and not cause trouble for anyone else.
Bai Li frowned slightly, but there was no trace of disdain or suspicion in her eyes: "So, are these rumors about you also from your former family? And, is your rejection of me also because of that family?"
A complex emotion flashed in Jingye's eyes as she inwardly sighed at Bai Li's meticulousness, just like her old employer.
In fact, from the very beginning when Jingye met Baili, she noticed Baili's specialness; she always seemed to be able to see through her thoughts and ideas.
Just like his former employer.
His former employer was also a woman, an extremely sentimental person who liked to enjoy the scenery alone. She often said that people can betray you, but scenery will not. People are always a part of the world, and as long as you are alive, you can empathize with the scenery. The former employer died with her eyes open, watching the sunrise over the sky.
So, when Jingye accidentally saw Baili looking at the scenery alone and silently shedding tears on the cruise ship, it was as if she had suddenly seen her old employer.
Bai Li is also someone who can empathize with the scenery; she is a naturally sensitive person.
Now it seems that this is indeed the case; at least they are equally perceptive. In Bai Li's eyes, I am as transparent as if I had nowhere to hide.
"Alright, Miss Bai, it seems nothing can be hidden from you."
Jingye slowly said:
"Things are not as they seem. After my old employer fell ill, there was a fierce internal struggle within the family, and I was caught up in it without my own control. I did not intend to fight for profit; I just wanted to find a way out of that chaotic environment."
Bai Li nodded gently: "I understand. People often make unavoidable choices when they are in a difficult situation. So what happened next? Why did you go on the cruise ship?"
"After my old employer passed away, I went to great lengths to leave, agreeing not to work for another family. They didn't want their servants to take secrets elsewhere, and I didn't want to get involved in any more disputes. The cruise ship became my refuge."
He smiled self-deprecatingly in the quiet night.
"That's how things are, Miss Bai. Do you still want to invite me? Inviting me means danger."
As a simple child who grew up in China, how could Bai Li possibly imagine any dark conspiracies and schemes?
Danger?
What danger could there be?
This is where they demolish!
Besides, Bai Li is all alone, not from any clan, so what worries could she possibly have? She just wants to have some fun, so who does it bother?
In addition, she has the SSR attribute [Flawless Identity], so even if some mysterious force investigates her, it will not be easy for them to find out any of her secrets. Xiao Hao and Wanxiang Lun are her last trump cards.
Xiao Hao also thought to himself, "Host, I will protect you."
Bai Li slightly raised her chin, sunlight falling on her face and outlining her delicate features, her eyes bright and firm. Her voice was clear and powerful, echoing in the air: "What I see is your ability and value; those so-called dangers are insignificant in my eyes."
Jingye stared blankly at Baili.
He never imagined that someone would stand so resolutely in front of him.
A gentle breeze blew by, ruffling Bai Li's hair. Bai Li smiled and said, "You might not believe it, but I'm so poor that all I have left is money. I have nothing else, so you don't need to worry about it having any negative impact on me."
She still firmly extended her hand, her hand slightly forward: "You can fully display your talents here. It's such a waste to keep you locked up at sea. Come to me, Jingye."
Perhaps it is because two lonely souls are naturally drawn to each other. From childhood to adulthood, Bai Li has rarely sought help in life. Solving all her troubles on her own is the norm in her life.
This was the first time she had asked someone for help, and in saving herself, it seemed she was also saving someone else.
Jingye understood what Baili meant.
Jingye understood her unspoken meaning. Bai Li needed people, and he had the ability; Bai Li was alone, and he had no one to rely on.
Respect and acceptance—how long has it been since Jingye felt this way?
A complex emotion welled up within him.
After experiencing those turbulent days, he remained adrift like a floating duckweed, unable to find a sense of belonging.
At this moment, Bai Li's determination and sincerity made him feel a long-lost sense of belonging.
He looked at Bai Li's outstretched hand, a hand that was slender yet firm. In the face of sincerity, no skill or method matters.
A warm feeling welled up in Jingye's heart, and he slowly reached out his hand and tightly grasped Bai Li's hand.
Jingye's voice was deep and powerful: "Thank you for your trust, I will not fail you."
Sunlight shone on their tightly clasped hands, a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, as if witnessing this promise.
[Quiet Night's Affection +30]
[Quiet Night's Affection Level: 50]
Xiao Hao: "Beep beep beep! Mission objective's favorability score is now 50 points! Character card unlocked!"