"The concert is to calm the panicked crowd," Song Dugu said with a chuckle.

"Oh~ oh~" Yuhan He nodded excitedly.

Song Dugu added to her, "We'll promote it heavily too. The turnout will be massive! The scene will absolutely satisfy you."

"Really? Amazing!" Yuhan He danced with excitement like a little girl.

Rosen spoke worriedly, "Won't such bold moves draw those people's attention?"

"Mr. Rosen, you overthink. Do you know the venue?" Darknight stepped forward.

"Oh? Where?"

"At our City Lord's grand plaza. Even they wouldn't dare act up at the City Lord's Mansion! If they try, its protective formation will eliminate them instantly," Darknight explained confidently.

"Uh, you've all been hyped up—but shouldn't we discuss the actual plan?" Lin Ming cut in, tired of Darknight's rambling.

...

Silence crashed over the restaurant. Not a pin drop could be heard after Lin Ming's words. He frowned. He'd expected the City Lord's group to stay quiet, but why was Yuhan He frozen stiff?

"Ahem." Song Dugu coughed, shattering the quiet.

"We've considered that. The City Lord's Mansion covers all concert costs. The rest? Leave it to professionals," he said awkwardly, glancing at Yuhan He and Rosen—clearly passing the buck.

At "all costs covered," Lin Ming's eyes sparkled. The white fur on his head shot up—then drooped as his gaze dimmed. (*Damn! Not my field! Such a golden chance to... profit. Argh!*)

"Grandpa! What now?" Yuhan He tugged Rosen's sleeve timidly.

Suddenly, Rosen radiated confidence. He whipped out sunglasses, slipped them on, and faced Song Dugu. "Leave it to me, City Lord! But I need full control onsite. Acceptable?"

Song Dugu studied the transformed man, then nodded. "Agreed. But we'll supervise. Can you accept that?"

"I can!"

Song Dugu extended his hand. "Pleasant cooperation."

"Pleasant cooperation!" Rosen shook it firmly, then released.

"Grandpa?!" Yuhan He stared in shock.

Rosen smiled gently. "Miss, I've prepared for this day long. Trust me."

"Thank you, Grandpa!" She hugged him tightly.

Holding her, Rosen felt it was all worth it—until an unwelcome voice cut in.

"When's setup start? Junior, you planned to go out tomorrow. Conflict much?" Lin Ming drawled, eyes glinting mischievously. (*Can't sit still. Old man, stop showing off.*)

"Ah—tomorrow!" Song Dugu chimed in perfectly.

Rosen's face stiffened. Yuhan He's eyes widened. "Right! Grandpa, we're going out tomorrow! But you're busy... who'll come with me?"

Rosen gritted his teeth. He couldn't abandon the stage prep—his mistress's dream concert versus her shopping trip. He glared at Lin Ming, enjoying the chaos. (*Shut up! This wouldn't have happened if you stayed quiet.*)

Lin Ming smirked back. (*My fault? At your age, still flexing. I just said what you missed. Thank me.*)

Rosen read his eyes. Torn between duty and worry for Yuhan He alone, he glanced at Lin Ming and made a painful choice.

Lin Ming shivered under that look. (*Bad vibes...*)

Smiling through inner agony, Rosen told Yuhan He, "Miss, I can't go. But your Senior can. Remember his task? He protects you when I'm away."

Song Dugu perked up at "task."

"Oh! Senior, Grandpa's busy—you're coming with me!" Yuhan He clapped, beaming at Lin Ming.

Pressure crushed Lin Ming. He'd wanted to watch the drama, not get dragged in. His eyes darted. "Uh, tomorrow, I don't..."

"Ahem! Kid, traffickers lurk outside now! Step up!" Rosen said gravely—*Dangerous out there. Protect the young mistress.*

Lin Ming seethed inwardly. (*You know it's dangerous—still letting her go?!*)

"No... no problem." He'd meant to refuse, but caught Rosen mouthing: *Task failure consequences?* He swallowed his protest. (*Joke's on you. That reward's mine—no failure, no replacement.*)

"Senior, it's settled!" Yuhan He chirped.

"Mm, settled," Lin Ming smiled, heart weeping. (*Other tasks waiting...*)

"Alright, it's late. A servant will show you to your rooms," Song Dugu announced, checking the clock—9:00 PM.

"Okay!"

"Hurry up. I'm exhausted."

"Thank you, Lord Song."

Song Dugu summoned a maid to guide them.

Watching the trio leave, he turned to Darknight and Bai Yan. "You two—follow me to the study."