CHAPTER 659: CHAPTER 48: DOMINANCE AND ANTI-DOMINANCE (PART 4)

As for Zhou Ziang, he appeared somewhat different today, I’m not sure if it’s because he wore a white lab coat, or perhaps it’s the black-framed glasses that now sat on his nose bridge.

Upon meeting Wang Zhonghe in person, Xiao Xian felt even less certain about the relationship between Zhang Yiyi and Wang Shuai. Fortunately, Yiyi had made significant progress compared to before. If it were the timid Yiyi from earlier, just a few extra seconds in the presence of Wang Zhonghe would have likely scared her half to death.

"Sorry for the wait," Wang Zhonghe’s tone wasn’t much friendlier when speaking to Wang Shuai, and when he looked at Xiao Xian, he merely lifted his eyelids, casually glancing at her face with the corner of his eye, not even offering the basic courtesy of a handshake. Xiao Xian could feel his indifference towards her. Wang Shuai internally let out a wry smile, hoping Xiao Xian could keep her composure.

"Are you Zhu Xiaoxian? Your surname is quite uncommon. About that mat, did you really weave it yourself? Who taught you?" Wang Zhonghe had already left the matter of the mat to Wang Shuai to handle fully. He was confident in his son’s capability, although it was a significant project, there was still a need to investigate Xiao Xian’s background. The surname Zhu is not very common in Beijing, and Wang Zhonghe did think of an acquaintance, but knowing they weren’t a Cultivator, he didn’t pursue Xiao Xian’s origin any further.

"The mat was taught by Xiao Xian’s elder," Wang Shuai spoke before Xiao Xian could, answering directly, "As for the control of Spiritual Power, she discovered it by accident when she joined Huake Institute." Wang Shuai had already thought of a response for Xiao Xian.

"Oh, so that means you should be quite adept at controlling Spiritual Power," Wang Zhonghe said, stretching out his hand as if to shake hands with Xiao Xian. Xiao Xian hesitated, her gaze inadvertently fell on Zhou Ziang, who was standing behind Wang Zhonghe.

"Conceal your Spiritual Energy," a Spiritual Wave flashed through her mind, and Xiao Xian wondered if she was being reminded by Zhou Ziang. Xiao Xian realized that the different aspect of Zhou Ziang at the 411 laboratory was that his radiant golden Spiritual Energy appeared faint and powerless, like a flashlight running out of batteries. Coupling this with Wang Shuai’s earlier warning, Wang Zhonghe seemed to be testing her.

Taking the cue, Xiao Xian put on a harmless smile and extended her hand, her voice feigning nervousness, "Hello... Colonel Wang. Don’t listen to Senior Brother Wang’s flattery. I was just luckier; I happen to be good in that aspect. I’m not very good at other things."

A probing Spiritual Power entered Xiao Xian’s fingertips and then rushed towards her entire body. The Spiritual Power within her retreated effortlessly, creating the illusion of a complete lack of Spiritual Energy in her.

Allowing another person’s Spiritual Power to enter one’s body freely is very dangerous. If they have even the slightest intention to harm, Xiao Xian could be easily overwhelmed by Spiritual Energy and suffer internal damage. Encouraged by Zhou Ziang’s reassuring look, and confident that Wang Zhonghe would not harm her, Xiao Xian maintained a moderate smile throughout the handshake.

Wang Zhonghe gripped Xiao Xian’s hand. This primary student appeared to be entirely defenseless, not using even the slightest bit of Spiritual Power to protect herself. Still, in front of a Gold Peak Cultivator like him, should she dare to exhibit even a trace of Spiritual Power, it would be nothing short of seeking her own death.

"Colonel Wang, I need to report an additional matter regarding the bamboo armor improvement project’s experimental process. Considering Xiao Xian is still a student and must return to Huake Institute after the New Year, it’s not appropriate to have her work directly in the hospital. Our consensus is to provide her with the specific experimental materials she needs regularly. The military will cover all related expenses. To protect the interest of both parties, we can draw up a contract, upon agreement from both sides, to be implemented as stipulated," Wang Shuai repeated the arrangement made with Xiao Xian and seized the opportunity to request to borrow Zhou Ziang for some time.

"Fine, I think it’s a trifle matter for Researcher Zhou. Regarding Xiao Xian’s aunt and uncle-in-law, they are now in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the hospital. Once the discussion is settled, you may take her to visit them," Wang Zhonghe signaled for Xiao Xian to leave intentionally. In fact, it was Wang Zhonghe who had arranged for Zhuo Feng and Feng Xing to be "invited" over.

"Ziang, can you please take Xiao Xian to the hospital department? I have some things to discuss with Colonel Wang," Wang Shuai winked at Zhou Ziang when Wang Zhonghe wasn’t paying attention. Xiao Xian’s first reaction was to look at Zhou Ziang. It seems their relationship is much closer than the simple friendship Zhou Ziang initially claimed.

After Zhou Ziang and Xiao Xian left the research lab, Wang Shuai immediately reported to Wang Zhonghe, "Today, Uncle three almost caused trouble again. I’ve stressed it to him over and over that he must not experiment with mustard gas in the Qingzheng Building office, but he’s still careless. If something happens one day and word gets out, I fear it could lead to serious trouble."

"I heard he’s been in contact with Xu Changfu and those people recently; he won’t answer when asked. You know your uncle’s temperament – ever since he lost his cultivation, he’s been obsessed with making a comeback. As his elder brother, I can only help shield him for the moment. It seems we won’t be able to get any information from him. Xu Lan Ya is still in Beijing; you go and make contact with her, see if you can find out any information from her." Wang Zhonghe showed a trace of displeasure upon hearing this. The events of those years absolutely must not recur.

"Dad, I... you know I’m not interested in Xu Lan Ya, and you still want me to make contact with her?" Wang Shuai dissatisfiedly remarked. He was upright in character, disliking pretense more than anything, and he had already heard about the situation between Xu Lan Ya and Ye Heng. He couldn’t believe that his all-knowing father would be unaware.

"I don’t care whether you can accept her or not, I only know that marrying a cultivator who is superior in cultivation is a thousand times better than marrying an ordinary person. You’ve also seen your mother’s situation; even if I love her, she can live to be at most eighty years old. I don’t want you to repeat the same mistakes. Don’t think I don’t know about the fondness you have for a primary student named Zhang Yiyi at the school. Lan Ya is still young. Once she goes to Cangqiong Palace with you, you two will be each other’s only. By then, you’ll realize that what I’m doing today is for your own good." Wang Zhonghe’s words made Wang Shuai’s heart sink, a good Xu Lan Ya had already turned the tables.

**

Thank you to "sxy1256" and "Rain Night 147" for their pink tickets. Today I will return one of the pink updates owed from last month, and shamelessly continue to ask for this month’s pink tickets—please don’t be shy with recommendation tickets and the like.

I was touched by the support from the unknown supporters over the weekend because of the network; thank you.

Special thanks to "Ning Zhihai"’s suggestion post. I will hang it in my writings later as a reminder to myself.

Covering my face, love is a supporting role in my current life, so I am particularly weak in this area, as has been noticed.

Here at Qidian, I’ve been blindly writing for nearly ten months, neglecting many details.

It’s rare that someone follows my three books and brings valuable outsider insights.

Having received feedback, I’ve decided to tidy up after this book is finished, to read more books and learn from others’ strengths to make up for my weaknesses.

I hope I can show everyone an improved Fu Zi next year.(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)