Ms. Diviner: The Prodigal Daughter's Return

Chapter 173: 173 such high-end flattery

”Don’t let Qu the Godman’s crooked mind fool you, even Mu Hanyan had to admire his eye for detail.”

Though Mu Hanyan wasn’t an expert in medicinal herbs, he could tell that Qu the Godman’s connoisseurship in appraising treasures was profound. His identification was flawless, stirring respect whether one liked it or not.

Qu Shanling nitpicked all the way, growing more and more excited. After passing the last row of wooden shelves, he suddenly noticed Mu Hanyan had been silent for quite some time, leaving him to ramble on alone.

Turning his head, he saw Mu Hanyan jotting things down in a small notebook, with Che Xiang doing the same, very earnestly. Meanwhile, his two disciples had looks of suffering on their faces.

”Boy, you’re deliberately riling me up to get some free appraisals, aren’t you?” Qu Shanling, was nobody’s fool—he was a crafty super God-man. He quickly realized what was going on and pointed at Mu Hanyan, scolding him furiously.

”I had no such intentions, Senior Qu has misunderstood me,” said Mu Hanyan with a grin.

”Then what are you scribbling down in that notebook?” Qu Shanling could see this young man was no saint himself. His cunning matched Qu’s own, and he was in no mood to take Mu Hanyan’s word for it. So he demanded, quite indignant.

”Senior has immense knowledge and unparalleled wisdom. I have come to look upon you with vast admiration, like the never-ending flow of the Longyan River. To receive teaching from you is a privilege beyond measure. Missing even one word would be a lifelong regret. Thus, I took out paper and pen to record every word meticulously. I asked my attendants to take notes as well so that later, we could cross-verify and ensure accuracy. These teachings will then be elegantly framed and hung upon the wall for daily reverence. This wisdom will be passed down for generations to come...” Mu Hanyan’s flattery was endless, like the flowing waters of the Longyan River.

Behind him, Mu Nan, Huayue, and Zirong’s eyes widened, and Che Xiang’s pen dropped to the ground with a clatter.

Such talent! How had they not noticed their young master had this skill? His flattery was so over-the-top, even they were feeling embarrassed and nauseated.

They’d seen many a sycophant, but to encounter someone who could shower praise so lavishly that even those of steadfast heart couldn’t bear it, was truly unparalleled, neither in the past nor in future.

”Have you nothing to say?” Huayue nudged Zirong and whispered.

”My admiration for the young master is... is simply... right, where’s the pen? I need to write down the young master’s words. They’re worth more than ten years of study. Next to the young master’s brilliance, my own light is as dim as a grain of rice; I have decided, henceforth, to never flatter the young master again, to avoid making a fool of myself.” Zirong said with a dramatic air.

Really never going to flatter again? Why does that sound like flattery in itself?

Mu Nan and others shook their heads; they were impressed, both with Mu Hanyan and with Zirong.

”Uh...” Qu Shanling, too, was rendered speechless by Mu Hanyan’s relentless bootlicking, unable to recover his wits for a long while.

It must be said, everyone likes a bit of ego-stroking now and then. Being crowned with lofty praise, especially this intriguing and highbrow flattery utterly unlike any they’d heard before—this flattery was of a far higher grade! Qu the Godman felt himself floating on air, his initial intent to chasten the boy lost in the flood of adulation.

”Master, this rascal is just stringing honeyed words; in fact, he is using you!” one of the younger disciples, seeing Qu the Godman disoriented, hurriedly pointed out.