The list is very likely unchanged, but he voluntarily reduced it to five people.
As for the travel expenses of the remaining fifteen people, it’s clear where they went.
But Lin Yi didn’t directly say anything because this was their organization, and the initiative wasn’t on his side.
The specifics depend on the situation.
"Five it is, then. We’ll re-arrange the numbers."
It was evident that Zhang Youfu’s enthusiasm was visibly low.
Though his experiences were not as spectacular as Lin Yi’s, with his age, he could see through such tricks at a glance.
"Get ready quickly, we will depart soon, don’t waste too much time," Zhao Jia Bin said.
"Isn’t the flight tomorrow?" Li Yongnian asked.
"There’s been a change in the flight schedule. You will leave soon, take a train to Seaside City, and then transfer to another flight to Corea."
"Take a train?"
This made everyone from Shangqing Palace unhappy.
Taking the train from here would take at least ten hours, spending a whole night on the train.
Even though many of them hadn’t been abroad, they didn’t want to go this way.
Lin Yi was helpless, it was the first time he saw someone so stingy to such an extent.
"It was agreed that we would fly before, why is it now changed to a train?" Zhang Youfu asked.
"Due to limited funds, we have to make do for now," Zhao Jia Bin said:
"Hurry up and get ready, gather in an hour, or you’ll miss the train."
Zhang Youfu didn’t move, instead, he smiled and said:
"My old bones probably can’t handle such a bumpy ride, so I won’t go. I will leave the spot for my disciples so they can see the world."
"I recently took on a lecture, so I probably don’t have time," Li Yongnian said indifferently.
"I just remembered that I have other things too, can’t go either."
The other disciples gradually dispersed, losing all interest in the exchange meeting.
Zhou Jing’s face turned unsightly, and she hurriedly persuaded:
"Daoist Zhang, we can discuss this if you are unhappy with the itinerary."
"There’s nothing dissatisfied, the arrangements are quite good."
One shouldn’t hit someone offering a smile, and Zhang Youfu’s attitude toward Zhou Jing was reasonably good, smiling as he said:
"The problem lies with us, so we apologize. We have many disciples at Shangqing Palace, I’ll gather the list later and hand it to you."
"This..."
Zhou Jing didn’t know what to say.
Such a big event, it wouldn’t be right if Zhang Youfu didn’t go.
"What do you mean by this, dropping the ball at the crucial moment," Zhao Jia Bin said sternly:
"Do you think just because Shangqing Palace has gained some fame, you can put on airs here?"
"Indeed, Shangqing Palace still has many shortcomings, especially compared to the neighboring Zhengyi Temple, there is a world of difference. For this exchange event to be successfully held, I think considering Zhengyi Temple might be an option."
"You!"
Zhao Jia Bin was red-faced with anger, unable to respond to Zhang Youfu’s retort.
Lin Yi stood by, smiling and watching the drama unfold.
Zhang Youfu was the type who wouldn’t let go until he saw a rabbit.
Not seeing a penny, he wouldn’t bother with such a thankless task.
"Let me tell you, this is a decision arranged by the higher-ups. If you don’t go, prepare to close down."
"We can go, but there is one condition," Lin Yi said.
"What condition?"
"As long as you don’t go, we’ll agree to participate in this event."
Zhao Jia Bin’s expression changed.
"I’m the person responsible for this event, do you think it’s appropriate if I don’t go?"
"Why wouldn’t it be appropriate? From the start, we were asked to arrange this ourselves. If they really thought we couldn’t handle it, they wouldn’t have arranged it this way," Lin Yi said:
"As for why you suddenly showed up, you know better than us."
Pausing, Lin Yi continued:
"As for why the number reduced from twenty to five, and why plane tickets were changed to train tickets, you know these tricks better. Everyone here’s smart, don’t take yourself too seriously."
Lin Yi’s words left Zhou Jing speechless.