Chapter 140: Hiring
At the Desert Metal Mercenary Company entrance, two guards stared intently at the woman in the cloak, who had wrapped herself entirely. Their gazes did not waver in the slightest.
Considering all the trouble they had caused in the past six months, it would be normal for someone to come and attempt to wipe out their mercenary group at any time. They couldn't afford not to be cautious.
Suddenly, the mercenary group's gates were pushed open, and Xiao Ding's booming voice echoed.
"Who's looking for me?"
The woman in the cloak looked at Xiao Ding, who had just walked out from the gate. She glanced at Xiao Yan and Qing Lin, who were with her, and then returned her gaze to Xiao Ding. Her resolute voice emerged from beneath the cloak.
"Are you the one in charge of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company?"
"Ah, I'm Xiao Ding, the Second Commander of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company. And you are?"
Xiao Ding raised an eyebrow, and the woman in the cloak continued.
"I'm here to hire some people. I need someone to take me to the snake-people's territory."
"You want to hire?" Xiao Ding raised an eyebrow slightly, then waved her hand lightly. "I'm sorry, you've come to the wrong place. We haven't accepted any hiring for the past six months."
Since Xiao Li began dealing with the snake-people, the name of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company had practically become defunct. Logically, they should have already changed their name.
"No, I haven't come to the wrong place." However, the woman in the cloak was persistent and took a step forward. "I'm looking for the Desert Metal Mercenary Company, and it must be you."
Upon hearing the woman's determined words, Xiao Ding frowned slightly and asked again after a brief pause.
"Why are you going to the snake-people's territory?"
At this critical moment, when someone suddenly came to the Desert Metal Mercenary Company and wanted to hire them to take her to the snake-people's territory, Xiao Ding had to be cautious.
What if this woman was involved in the trouble from before? If they took her to the snake-people's territory, the Desert Metal Mercenary Company could truly be blamed this time.
"I just need to confirm something. As for the reward, I will tell you something that you absolutely want to know."
Something they absolutely want to know?
Hearing the woman's certainty, Xiao Ding raised an eyebrow and asked in a low voice.
"What is it?"
"Well, I can't say it right now." The woman in the cloak spoke softly and then added, "But I can assure you that this information is exactly what you need right now."
"If you can't tell me, then please leave."
Upon hearing the cloak-wearing woman's response, Xiao Ding waved her hand without hesitation.
"I can't accept a hiring request from an unidentified person. Besides, you're not willing to reveal the information you're offering for the trade. Why should I trust you?"
Xiao Ding's words left the cloak-wearing woman silent for a moment.
She was right. Her identity was unknown, and she hadn't even mentioned the nature of the information she was offering, so why would Xiao Ding believe her?
But... she really needed help.
The cloak-wearing woman was torn, but eventually, she made up her mind and said slowly.
"I can reveal a bit about the information I mentioned. I can tell you everything about the buyers behind the slave traders."
Upon hearing the woman's words, Xiao Ding and Xiao Yan were both taken aback. They had just been discussing how to obtain this information.
In Xiao Ding's eyes, a conflicted expression was evident. She didn't want to believe an unknown woman, especially at this critical juncture. However, the information this woman could provide might be the key to solving the current situation, making it difficult for Xiao Ding to outright refuse.
Just as Xiao Ding was contemplating whether to accept, Xiao Yan, standing by her side, spoke with determination.
"Second sister, I'll go!"
"Huh?" Xiao Ding was startled by Xiao Yan's words and turned to look at him. "Xiao Yan, you..."
"I was already planning to visit the snake-people's territory to check on eldest sister's safety. This woman also needs to go there, and we can obtain information about the buyers at the same time. Given that, I have to go."
"But..." Xiao Ding's eyes were filled with inner conflict. She shook her head in the end. "No, if anyone is going, it should be me! You stay here and behave!"
The snake-people's territory was currently a dangerous and uncertain place. Xiao Li had gone ahead, and Xiao Ding didn't want to risk Xiao Yan getting into more danger. If anything happened to him, her regrets would be unbearable.
"Second sister, you are the current leader of the Desert Metal Mercenary Company. You cannot leave easily." Xiao Yan placed his hand over his heart and stared at Xiao Ding earnestly. "Please trust me! Your little brother is no longer the child who used to be protected by all of you. I understand how many people care about me in this world, so I value my life more than anyone else does."
"I promise you! I will return safely!"
Xiao Ding stared blankly at Xiao Yan, his solemn expression, and the words he had spoken. In her ears, she heard the once tender words of a young Xiao Yan.
"Yan'er, want to grow up quickly! And protect sisters, just like how you all protect Yan'er now!"
These words echoed in Xiao Ding's ears, and her eyes became slightly moist. Tears welled up in her eyes as she gently stroked Xiao Yan's head.
"Xiao Yan, you have indeed... grown up." Xiao Ding wiped away a tear and said, "Go, and I'll be waiting here for you."
"Alright!"
Xiao Yan nodded firmly. Then, Xiao Ding turned to Qing Lin.
"Qing Lin, can you go with him?"
"Of course! Qing Lin is willing to accompany Young Master Xiao Yan!" Without hesitation, Qing Lin nodded in response. This surprised Xiao Yan.
"Wait a minute! Second sister? Qing Lin, she..."
"Oh, don't underestimate Qing Lin, you little guy." Xiao Ding interrupted Xiao Yan and stroked Qing Lin's head. "She adopted a pet earlier, and its strength might not be weaker than yours."
"A pet?"
Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow in confusion. Qing Lin tightened her small fist, raised her head, and earnestly assured Xiao Yan.
"Young Master Xiao Yan, please rest assured! Qing Lin will protect you well!"
Xiao Yan chuckled as he looked at Qing Lin's sincere expression. Though he didn't know what Xiao Ding meant by "pet," since Xiao Ding said it with such confidence, and Qing Lin was so self-assured, it should be fine.
Meanwhile, the woman in the cloak watched the three of them in silence, her gaze beneath the cloak showing a hint of incredulity. She had initially thought of hiring Xiao Ding, a Sixth Stage Dou Master, at the very least. But now, it seemed she would be traveling with a Second Stage Dou Master and a young girl who might not even be a Dou Practitioner.
The woman couldn't help feeling a sense of unease. Was this really going to be okay?
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