Upon hearing Sheng Lan Kui's words, Paris was momentarily stunned before falling into recollection.

"Your gift arrived together with the Sheng Lan family's convoy," Paris said, rubbing his hands together as he cautiously inquired, "There were many sculpture-like objects inside. The Sheng Lan family's steward didn't particularly emphasize any one piece. May I ask which one it was?"

Clearly, he had thought for a long time but still couldn't recall which sculpture was sent by Sheng Lan Kui.

Sheng Lan Kui waved a large hand in dissatisfaction, "You actually can't tell? The one I sent was a bust statue I carved with my own hands!"

President Paris looked in the direction Sheng Lan Kui was pointing, his expression changing slightly. He quickly ran over, casually tore off the label below that read "Great Wasteland Tribe Sacrificial Evil God Statue," stuffed it into his mouth and swallowed it, then personally carried that statue over.

"Ah, so this one is Your Excellency Sleepless Sky Huoxing, carved by you! It was so exquisitely crafted we thought it was the work of some sculptor," Paris hurriedly called to the servants, "Quickly, move this sculpture to a more central display case and label it as personally handcrafted by Your Excellency Sheng Lan Kui."

As Paris spoke seriously, Sheng Lan Kui nodded.

"That's more like it... With such a fine gift from me, Huoxing would definitely want to see it right away."

Paris immediately smiled and said, "Yes, I think so too... Your Excellency Sleepless Sky Huoxing will surely be very fond of it."

At Sheng Lan Kui's request, the sculpture's display case was placed right next to the largest display case closest to the aquarium, forming a stark contrast.

Standing between the two, Sheng Lan Kui couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"Although this aquarium is quite precious, compared to the sculpture into which I poured my heart and soul, Furbollo... your 'sentiment' has already lost to mine!"

"After all, mine is a carving of Huoxing herself—Huoxing will surely be greatly moved upon seeing it."

Sheng Lan Kui said, intoxicated.

Hearing this, Paris behind him shifted his gaze to the statue, then opened his mouth as if to say something, but the words got stuck in his throat.

In the end, Paris could only shift his gaze to the adjacent aquarium to change the subject, "Ah, why are there so many bubbles?"

The Divine Power Group Vice President, his face flushed red from holding back, also hurriedly diverted his attention, "Could the oxygenator be on?"

"Impossible, this aquarium isn't equipped with an oxygenator."

Paris said casually.

After all, aside from that pink octopus, everything in this aquarium belonged to him.

The Divine Power Group Vice President also nodded, "Then it's probably just air getting in. The journey was bumpy, the top isn't completely sealed, and the tank is so large... Speaking of which, compared to this aquarium, this octopus is simply too small, isn't it?"

"Perhaps this octopus can grow very large," Paris said thoughtfully, "After all, I've seen documentaries before. In worlds with oceans, these things called 'octopuses' can apparently be several stories tall, feeding on humans in the sea... There was a man named Jack Sparrow, probably a legendary mercenary-like figure on the sea, who was eaten by a super-large octopus."

"So that's how it is."

The two of them spoke back and forth, their conversation completely lacking the deceit and trickery of their first meeting, instead being very innocent and casual.

After all, both of them were trying hard to divert their attention, to avoid losing their composure in front of Sheng Lan Kui because of his sculpture.

Sheng Lan Kui spoke up again at this moment.

"Speaking of which, where is Furbollo?"

"As a mere commoner, shouldn't he be entering now?"

In response, Paris repeated the explanation he had previously given to Sleepless Sky Huole.

"Mr. Furbollo said he is preparing a surprise, so he will arrive a bit later."

Sheng Lan Kui raised an eyebrow.

"A surprise? Crooked methods!"

"What surprise could compare to arriving early to show sincerity?"

"It seems Furbollo has already completely lost to me..."

"After all, he only recently started pursuing Sleepless Sky Huoxing, while I have been pursuing her for a long time. This is the first victory!"

"Secondly, my gift is handcrafted, full of sincerity and affection. This is the second victory!"

"Finally, today I, a noble, arrived early, while he, a commoner, plans to arrive fashionably late... This is the third victory!"

Finally, Sheng Lan Kui proudly declared, "Looking at it this way, I am undoubtedly the one Huoxing will choose."

Although they didn't know who Sheng Lan Kui was actually talking to, hearing him say this, Paris and the people around still applauded.

"Well said!"

However, after finishing, Sheng Lan Kui suddenly leaned close to Paris.

"President Paris, tell me quietly... where exactly did Furbollo go, and roughly what time will he arrive?"

President Paris was quite helpless, "I truly don't know this!"

He himself very much wanted to know where Furbollo had gone and what he was doing.

Sheng Lan Kui scrutinized Paris carefully, then snorted coldly, "Quite loyal and devoted."

At that moment, another commotion came from the entrance.

"Your Excellency... why have you also arrived early?"

Accompanied by the Sleepless Sky steward's respectful and surprised greeting from outside the door again, it wasn't hard for those inside to guess...

"Another Peerage Noble has arrived early?"

"Who is it this time?!"

And then, they saw a thin, elderly man with completely white hair and beard, wearing a navy blue robe, leaning on a cane as he slowly walked into the exhibition hall with measured steps.

By his side, only a butler wearing a white mask followed, without too many attendants in his entourage.

Yet... no one felt this old man before them was of low status.

Everyone bowed in respect once more. Even Sheng Lan Kui, also a Peerage Noble and even a direct descendant heir, had to slightly bend his waist and step forward to offer a greeting.

"Respected Your Excellency Alt Mercury, this junior Sheng Lan Kui pays his respects to you."

This elderly man, whose steps were slightly unsteady and posture somewhat stooped, paused his cane and spoke in a serious and calm tone, "Sheng Lan Kui? The third son of Sheng Lan Jin, correct?"

"It's been many years since we last met. When I saw you last, you were still too young to remember... How are your parents' health these days? A-Jin worked himself hard in his youth, practicing alchemy as if his life depended on it. As he aged, I'm afraid some aftereffects would inevitably show..." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"In reply to your venerable inquiry, my father's health has been acceptable these past few years. Although he has some minor ailments, they are not serious," Sheng Lan Kui paused, "My mother... is still the same. Her condition hasn't worsened, yet she still can only remain bedridden."

Alt suddenly understood, then shook his head, "It was my slip of the tongue... When one gets old, one becomes muddle-headed, saying all sorts of things. I have offended you."

"Not at all, you meant well."

Sheng Lan Kui said softly, then suddenly felt his palm being grasped by Alt Mercury, a warm current flowing forth.

"This is...?"

"Life essence. When I was young, I served as head of the Mercury family. I've forgotten all the impressive skills, but a few little tricks remain, which happen to be able to help," Alt Mercury said lightly, "You have studied alchemy. Take this back and transfer it to your mother."

Sheng Lan Kui pressed his lips together, then bowed once more.

At this moment, he suddenly felt that he, who had accepted an assassination commission... was truly despicable.