CHAPTER 32: CHAPTER 32: PEOPLE LEAVE AND THE TEA GOES COLD

Veins bulged on Bai Xianya’s smooth forehead. "Couldn’t you have just sent a simple message, ’Hello, are you there?’ That would have done it, right?"

Or, if you, you old geezer, have no manners, even a ’You there?’ would suffice.

Even if you’re old and decrepit, shuffling about, in your twilight years, barely clinging to life, your thoughts and fingers gone stiff—a single ’?’ would work too!

The third chair was brought over, but Bai Xianya was too tired to smash it. Standing for so long was making her back ache.

She sat down and took a deep breath. "What’s your decision?"

Chen Gu had intended to reveal his original plan, but a new idea suddenly struck him. "I have one requirement."

"Speak."

"I cannot appear in person. I can guide remotely, but I need someone trustworthy at the research institute to oversee this research for me."

"That’s possible. Who do you have in mind?"

"Zhao Zhenhuai. Although I defeated him, the very fact that he lost to me speaks to his caliber."

Despite her contempt, an idea suddenly struck Bai Xianya. She replied, her expression unchanged, "I can agree to that for now. However, there will be some procedures. For instance, Zhao Zhenhuai must pass a security background check from the Central Operations Room. If everything checks out, he will be the deputy director of the research institute and act as your representative there."

"Good. I’ll wait for your news."

After this message was sent, the avatar for "Idol Actor" went dark again—this time, the Game Maiden Avici was spared further merciless in-and-out torment.

Without delay, Bai Xianya went to see her uncle. "I remember you once made an assessment that ’Idol Actor’ didn’t choose Zhao Zhenhuai as an opponent at random. It now seems very likely that Zhao Zhenhuai is connected to ’Idol Actor.’ I suggest we use Zhao Zhenhuai to uncover ’Idol Actor’s’ true identity."

And then you just wait for this little fairy’s tempestuous retribution!

Bai Yunpeng had been very well-behaved these past few days, not daring to joke with his niece again. Can you imagine? A man in his late forties, almost fifty, going home only to be beaten with a stick by the old man? The pain was real; my backside hurt, and my face ached too. I’m a marshal, for crying out loud! Don’t I have any pride?

"If he is related to Zhao Zhenhuai, why would he choose this method to bring Zhao Zhenhuai to our attention? This is disadvantageous for Zhao Zhenhuai," Bai Yunpeng raised his doubts.

Bai Xianya thought for a moment and offered a rather unconventional yet logical explanation, "’Idol Actor’ is a tactical mastermind who thinks long-term. Perhaps he felt that Zhao Zhenhuai, having found success at a young age, lacked sufficient setbacks and tempering. By defeating Zhao Zhenhuai himself, causing him to fall from grace and forcing him to lie low and reflect, he could then enable him to soar to greater heights. And now, by giving Zhao Zhenhuai a hand in establishing this research institute, he’s offering Zhao Zhenhuai a chance to rise from the ashes."

Bai Yunpeng nodded slowly. "But there’s another possibility: ’Idol Actor’ holds a grudge against Zhao Zhenhuai. He first crushes him, then, worried Zhao Zhenhuai might make a comeback and seek revenge, decides to keep him under his control instead."

Bai Xianya’s eyes lit up. "Uncle, you are indeed deeply calculating... no, I mean, wise and insightful! But regardless of which possibility is true, there’s definitely a connection between ’Idol Actor’ and Zhao Zhenhuai."

After a moment’s thought, Bai Yunpeng said, "You handle it. Use the opportunity of Zhao Zhenhuai’s security review to investigate his connections and uncover the true identity of ’Idol Actor’!"

"Yes, sir!"

「...」

Chen Jixian was very wealthy; the conglomerate Chen Beiliu had left him was worth tens of billions of Starshield. Although Chen Jixian was not involved in the company’s day-to-day management, he had hired excellent professional managers, and a board of directors kept an eye on things for him. Moreover, his military standing deterred those with ulterior motives from targeting his assets.

If Chen Jixian were willing to leverage his influence, spending a few hundred million Starshield could easily secure him a prominent local position. But Chen Jixian was unwilling to do so.

He had purchased a villa in a high-end community in Wuzhaoyin City. After the last Mutant attack incident, Chen Jixian’s security level had been raised; he was usually protected by two squads operating a total of four armored maglev vehicles.

But today, after work, one squad had been dispatched for other duties.

Chen Jixian didn’t bother to negotiate. It was a classic case of ’when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.’ The situation was gradually becoming clear: some were already preparing to kick him while he was down. He was mentally prepared for this.

But his aide was indignant. "A bunch of ingrates!"

Chen Jixian’s eyelids drooped slightly as he gently shook his head.

When Chen Zili got home from school, he noticed that the number of guards at the villa had been reduced by a third. Perceptive for his age, he immediately sought out the head of security. "Where is everyone else?"

"They took some time off."

"Time off?" Chen Zili flared up instantly. "They’re soldiers! How is our family’s safety to be guaranteed? They ask for time off, and you just approve it?"

The head guard replied coldly, "I am a soldier, and you are not. Therefore, Chen Zili, you have no right to question me."

Xiao Jiangxia pulled her son away with a cold smirk.

Chen Zili seethed, "A bunch of opportunistic sycophants!"

Not long after, Chen Jixian returned home. Seeing the guard detail visibly reduced yet again, his aide, face grim, went to argue with the captain. Chen Jixian, however, merely said calmly, "Let’s eat."

After dinner, Chen Jixian made a few phone calls. Within the hour, a group of retired veterans, carrying legal weapons, moved into the guest rooms of the Chen family villa.

In any era, while there are always opportunistic individuals who ride the tides of fortune, there is never a shortage of righteous people bound by unwavering loyalty.

After making these arrangements, Chen Jixian hesitated for a moment, about to make another call, but ultimately just sent a text message.

Chen Gu was exercising when, DING. He received a text message. To his surprise, it was from Chen Jixian: "At the school. Protect Zi Li."

Chen Gu managed a slight smile, then his expression gradually grew somber. It seems my ’grown-up’ son is in a rather dire situation.

「...」

Zhao Junzhi had been discharged from the hospital but had spent the last couple of days recuperating at home—in truth, he just didn’t want to go to school.

Zhao Zhenhuai still lived in the small courtyard arranged by the military. He had been in a good mood recently; some maneuvering had achieved his desired outcome.

The moment Zhao Zhenhuai returned home, Zhao Junzhi rushed up to him. "Dad, how much longer do I have to put up with that kid? Your son was severely beaten! Are we just going to let it go?"

Zhao Zhenhuai said calmly, "What’s the rush? A gentleman’s revenge can wait ten years!"

Zhao Junzhi’s eyes lit up. "Dad, you have a plan?"

Zhao Zhenhuai hadn’t wanted to reveal it prematurely, but pestered by his son, he relented and hinted, "Wait until I have control of Wuzhaoyin City’s entire police system. Framing him with any crime will be easy then. Chen Jixian won’t have another major military achievement to bail him out this time."

Zhao Junzhi was overjoyed. "Dad, you’re the best!"