Chapter 766: New Bait

Even so, Yao Tang was unfazed. She looked Elder Nie in the eye and said, “I think what Teacher said makes perfect sense.”

“What?! This man is your teacher?”

Elder Nie’s surprised gaze darted up and down President Tan as he carefully sized the latter up.

In the past, he never even bothered to meet President Tan’s eye. To say that his impression of the man had changed drastically would be an understatement.

The apprenticeship banquet had only been a few hours ago.

When he saw the smug look those old geezers had been sporting, Elder Nie immediately a.s.sumed that they were proud of Yao Tang for overcoming the challenges and becoming their apprentice.

But now she was saying that her teacher was just some low-ranked member of the a.s.sociation?

If that was truly the case, then why in the world would those Cabinet Elders even agree to share their pupil with President Tan?

Once again, Elder Nie found himself in a quandary.

This was yet another thing he couldn’t figure out.

He quickly brushed the thoughts off his mind and stifled the hate and indignation he felt in his heart. He plastered a benevolent smile on his face and looked at President Tan.

“If that is so, then will you join the Green Cloud Pavilion, President Tan? If you come with us, we can arrange for you to be transferred out of that small, nondescript city and into the capital. In time, you can even become the President of the entire Music a.s.sociation.”

His ludicrous offers were obviously nothing more than bait to lure President Tan.

If he were a greedy and ambitious man, he would have instantly pounced on this chance.

But everyone knew that the main catch was Yao Tang.

Given her regard for President Tan, Elder Nie that he would have to win over the man first.

President Tan was outraged.

“Do you think I’m the kind of person who would give in to your empty promises? Even if they were real, I don’t care for money or power. If I want to become the President, then I shall do so through my own strength. Taking shortcuts is only for those who have no honor.”

His words were pointed, and they crackled in the air between him and Elder Nie.

He had never thought that such an important position would be handed out like it was just a piece of trinket.

What would happen if the Green Cloud Pavilion really took over the Music a.s.sociation? The organization would turn into a circus that pandered to those who were in higher positions!

There was no way President Tan would join this abominable group of people. The mere thought of being a.s.sociated with them made him feel disgusted to the core.

Elder Nie didn’t seem angered by President Tan’s response. His smile remained in place, and he painted the perfect picture of a kind, old man.

If no one had seen his face just a few moments ago, no one would have believed that he was a treacherous snake.

Tan Jian rolled his eyes and heaved a frustrated sigh.

He knew for a fact that his father would never join the Green Cloud Pavilion. He was willing to bet his life on it.

President Tan had drilled three values into him since he was young, and just as he expected Tan Jian to abide by them, Tan Jian knew that his father lived by them, too.

However, President Tan’s resolve seemed to crack after hearing what Elder Nie said next.

“President Tan, I’m sure that you are also struggling with your limitations, am I right? If you weren’t lacking in skills, you would have entered the Cabinet easily. Instead, you were turned away.

“Won’t you agree with me when I say that it isn’t enough to rely on one’s talents in order to succeed in the Music a.s.sociation?”

Elder Nie shifted his voice to a more persuasive tone.

“If you join our Green Cloud Pavilion, not only will we make you the President of the Music a.s.sociation, but we will also help you hone your spiritual command. We will make sure that you become worthy of the position.

“I sincerely hope that you consider my offer, President Tan.”

His speech left a lasting impression on everyone, as if he had woven a fairy tale scenario where all their dreams came true.

For someone who couldn’t enter the Cabinet, the promise of spiritual cultivation was an enticing offer, indeed.

President Tan froze where he stood, his eyes glazed over as thoughts raced inside his head.

The selection of Cabinet members was based on a person’s talents, and once a judgment was made, it could never be revoked.

It was because of this high standard that very few people were admitted into the Cabinet.

Many had sought to join the inner circle throughout the years, but very rarely did the elders take the initiative to recruit somebody.

President Tan could even count it with one hand, with his eyes closed. It had only ever happened once.

But what did Elder Nie mean when he said he could improve President Tan’s spiritual apt.i.tude?

He had never heard of such a thing!