In all likelihood, this was the Martial Alliance branch manager that Silverbell had told Frank to look for.As to whether Frank had the Martial Alliance's recommendation, the manager would be well aware."Hmm?!"And to no surprise, when the manager heard Frank's name, the nonchalant manager suddenly widened his eyes in disbelief at Frank.The martial artists around them saw the manager's reaction and were silent, with some gulping loudly as well."Does he… really have the recommendation?" one of them even murmured in a corner, murmuring what everyone was wondering.On the other hand, various expressions alternated over the manager's face before he assumed a look of respect. "You're really Mr. Frank Lawrence…?""Eh?!"Seeing the manager making such a face to Frank, everyone including Phoenix were left staring in shock.They had all been leering at him like he was a clown, only for him to receive such respect from the manager… One might even say that the manager was exceedingly
"Eh?" Frank's creased brow eased right then.After all, the Martial Alliance branch manager was suggesting that Frank recommend Phoenix directly instead of giving her his.That would certainly resolve everyone's problem, while Frank would earn a billion dollars that Phoenix had promised. So, why not?"In that case…"Frank turned toward Phoenix and smiled. "After some discussion with the manager, Miss Ardron, it seems that my recommendation can't be given to you.""Oh… okay," Phoenix replied, still too stunned to be surprised by what Frank said."However…"Frank's tone changed sharply as he smiled, "I can directly recommend you, as representative of Zamri's Martial Alliance branch.""Huh?!""What?""Shit!"Hearing that Frank was directly giving the Martial Alliance's recommendation, everyone who had been zoning out earlier—and even Phoenix—were now at a loss."B-But why?" she asked, as Frank was going the extra mile to get her a recommendation.To her knowledge, things w
And after becoming the Hoxton commissioner, Phoenix's fiance would in turn repay the favor by offering Cloudnine Sect conveniences and goodies.To be honest, Phoenix and her fiance's relationship was built entirely on Cloudnine Sect's interest, with no personal sentiment involved.And yet, today, Phoenix felt her heart fluttering for the first time—and not just because of Frank's position or for the fact that he had fought to give Phoenix a Martial Alliance's recommendation for her sake…He was just so mysterious and enthralling that she felt an urgent need to find out what he was really like and what he wanted. Moreover, Frank was most likely interested in her, what with how nice he was to her.As Phoenix's heart pounded, she was afraid to look him in the eye."Does she have a few screws loose?"On the other hand, Frank was smiling but also wondering if Phoenix was just being strange.She was pensive one moment and peeking at him the next, so he really had no idea what she wa
"Wait, aren't we bros?"Scarface appeared hysterical, clutching his cheeks as he howled, "If you can make a recommendation, you could've just recommended me! Why give it to Phoenix Ardron?! Wouldn't I run into her anyway once I'm qualified?" "One recommendation is tough enough."Frank shook his head. "And I got Phoenix's recommendation in the first place—giving her one is nothing out of line. On the other hand, the Martial Alliance wouldn't agree if I were to give you the recommendation instead.""I see…" Scarface nodded at the explanation but remained a little frustrated."Brat!"Madfist strode up and snapped just then, "Quit obsessing with cutting corners! Even if you were to get the recommendation and go to Morhen for the finals, you'd think you're better off not taking part when someone humiliates you!""True…" Scarface scratched his head, cheering up just then.Madfist then turned toward Frank. "So when does Zamri's qualifiers begin?""In a couple of days?" Frank said, u
However, Frank was not interested in Phoenix at all.After all, Helen Lane and Vicky Turnbull were both top beauties in Draconia.Even if Phoenix had the looks and the figure, she still dulled in comparison to those two, and there was a considerable gap between them.Frank was certainly not crazy enough to stoop to second best, not to mention that there were plenty of other beauties.In fact, Kat Yego had once complained that Frank only ever made the acquaintance of the beautiful, and the ones closest to him were beautiful too.As such, would he even miss Phoenix?Frank felt misunderstood and amused at once, but in just ten seconds, his smile stiffened when someone rang his doorbell.As Frank opened the door, he realized that it was none other than Phoenix herself, dressed in a purple gown with a plunging neckline and a slit that revealed her black thigh highs.Her wavy long hair, smile, and exquisite makeup left his heart skipping a beat."Shit!"Frank was smiling, but his h
"Bleurgh…"Frank almost coughed out his drink.Seeing Phoenix's clearly passionate stare, he gritted his teeth as he decided to make things clear. "I heard you have a fiance, Ms. Ardron.""Oh, him…"Phoenix scowled at the mention of her fiance and whispered under her breath after a brief silence, "Josh and I don't have feelings for each other. It's a strictly tit-for-tat relationship.""Wait, what?" Frank was left speechless. Their relationship was theirs, so how was that his business… unless Phoenix wanted him to be the third wheel in their tit-for-tat relationship?Still, seeing that Frank would ask something like that, Phoenix's smile faded slightly. She suddenly asked, "Mr. Lawrence, you like me, don't you?"Frank was left speechless.The question was so direct that Frank did not even have time to come up with a response when Phoenix sighed softly. "If you didn't like me, why would you give me the Martial Alliance's recommendation? What, did you really do it for the money
Frank was left even more frustrated.Fortunately, Helen and Vicky were just teasing Frank—they otherwise trusted his character.Even if Phoenix was intruding, they were not nervous at all, let alone worried that Frank would do something out of line.If anything, they treated it as a joke.-Nonetheless, the registration period was over, and it was soon time for the qualifiers.At that point, Frank had to admit that Phoenix was successful—that was, in getting his attention. After all, he was a little nervous because he had not heard from her since. He could only pray that the woman did not do anything ridiculous to get him a whole bunch of enemies out of nowhere.As such, it gave him ease of mind that Phoenix was nowhere to be seen when he arrived at the Martial Alliance branch. That way, he could take part without worrying about much else.Aside from Scarface Tucker, who was going to participate from the start, there was also Mona Fairfax, Winter Lawrence's personal bodyguard
Before the Zamri Martial Alliance branch manager could tell Frank about the other rounds, a staff member came running over, whispering something into the manager's ear.The manager was soon frowning, as he had an express order from the chief of the Martial Alliance to personally attend to Frank, an honor not reserved for many.However, his staff informed them that there were martial artists causing trouble, which left the manager in a dilemma since he could not just abandon a VIP like Frank.Still, seeing that the manager was having trouble deciding, Frank shrugged and with a smile, told him to go attend to the trouble—he and his friends could look around themselves.The manager was actually surprised that Frank was so agreeable, but he also breathed a sigh of relief."I'm really sorry about this, Mr. Lawrence. I'll be right back once I sort out the mess."After conveying his earnest gratitude, the manager headed upstairs with the staff member.For his part, Frank was not concer