Huo Zhi lowered his eyelids as he gently rubbed the teacup. He had long known that with Gu Mang’s temper, there was no way she would easily agree to take part in the competition. It was also clear that she had anticipated that Leng Xuan would not stop at adding her name to the team roster.

  He then picked up his phone and sent a message to Gu Mang. [It won’t be easy for me to pick up after you when you return to Jijing Island after offending the Leng family so thoroughly.]

  The balance between the four families had long been broken ever since Leng Xuan joined the Elders’ Association seven years ago. Given the Leng family’s current influence, even the Elders’ Association had to show some respect to them. With her high position in the medical association, Leng Xuan was not someone they could easily touch.

  Huo Zhi’s phone vibrated ten seconds later. He received a reply from Gu Mang, and it read, [Do I even need you to pick up after me?]

  [This is Jijing Island we’re speaking about. Lu Chengzhou won’t be able to protect himself, let alone protect you.]

  Jijing Island’s border security was extremely tight. No one was allowed to bring in any form of weapons with them and all visitors had to sign various regulatory documents when applying for a visa. Lu Chengzhou was, of course, no exception to the rules. On Jijing Island, Lu Chengzhou’s influence was not even comparable to that of the average humble family, so how could he possibly settle the mess Gu Mang had created?

  On the other end, Gu Mang scoffed as she slowly typed the words, [Try me.]

  [Don’t be rash. The Head Elder will surely protect Leng Xuan for the sake of Jijing Island’s reputation.]

  This matter did not only affect the competition itself. It would also cause a series of problems. The fairness and credibility of Jijing Island’s international competitions would be called into question.

  After sending out that last message, Huo Zhi received no more replies from Gu Mang. He put his phone aside and looked up, only to see the Head Elder watching him closely as he asked, “What did she say?”


  Huo Zhi smiled. “Here’s the thing. We’ll still be in the same boat if we let Gu Mang and Gu Si return. But this matter……”


  As the Head Elder narrowed his eyes slightly, Huo Zhi drummed fingers on the sofa’s armrest. “Get Leng Xuan to apologize to Gu Mang. If Gu Mang is in a good mood, she might just let this matter slide.”


  His bald subordinate, who was standing next to him, however, thought that there was no way in hell that would ever happen.

  The Head Elder was silent for a couple of seconds before putting down the teacup in his hand. “No. That’d be as good as admitting that we can change the competition’s results at our will.”


  “I repeat, get Leng Xuan to admit her mistake and apologize for going against Gu Mang.” Huo Zhi leaned back slightly in his seat without the slightest intention of backing down.

  The Head Elder’s voice turned serious. “Don’t forget, only the Leng family can produce the drug that we’re taking. If Gu Mang joins the Jijing Special Institute, Leng Xuan is bound to meet her one day. And when she finds out Gu Mang’s identity, do you think the Leng family will continue supplying the drug to her?”


  People would only value an item if it was irreplaceable. That applied to people as well. Gu Mang used to be the Elders’ Association only choice among the Gu family’s descendants, but things had changed with Gu Si’s appearance.

  The Head Elder had warned Gu Mang before that Gu Si would only be a threat to her and that it would be best to let him become Leng Xuan’s lab rat. However, Gu Mang insisted on saving Gu Si.

  The image of Gu Mang fearlessly charging into 102 Research Base with a gun suddenly came to mind. She was wearing a mask and a black training uniform that was stained with blood. She was only ten when she nearly destroyed the entire base by herself. The memory made the Head Elder frown.

  That said, he was not entirely sure of Gu Mang’s temper.

  Huo Zhi said insipidly, “The only reason the Leng family can enjoy their current status is all because they’re holding a trump card in their hands.”


  That made the Head Elder look at him with a frown.

  “If the Leng family dares to use this to threaten us, then I see no reason for them to continue existing.” Huo Zhi stood up and adjusted his suit. “This matter is non-negotiable. Tell Leng Xuan to wise up.”


  “Don’t forget, we still have Gu Si,” reminded the Head Elder. “If she insists on escalating this matter, the Leng family will surely not let her off.”


  Slipping a hand into his pocket, Huo Zhi let out a frigid laugh. “You people really don’t cherish your lives, huh?”


  The Head Elder scoffed. “Since she’s already here on Jijing Island, she should know what the best choice is. Besides, I’m certain that you don’t want to see her getting involved with Lu Chengzhou.”


  The smile on Huo Zhi’s face faded.

  “You were chosen by the Gu family.” The Head Elder shot Huo Zhi a warning look, only to be interrupted by his phone ringing.

  It was a phone call from the Leng family.