The Deiss Estate.
With a grave expression, An Rong stopped He Yidu, who was about to leave. “I know you have your ways to save Ms. Lin, but you have to take the Deiss family into consideration. Now that your identity is exposed, each of your actions will have a butterfly effect.”
He Yidu frowned.
“The Deiss family is a long-standing honorable family in Country D. Have you thought about what your grandmother is going to do if you take action against the President’s House?” It was the first time An Rong spoke so firmly; she was usually gentle and soft.
He Yidu didn’t say anything, but his expression darkened.
An Rong released his arm as she said slowly and heavily, “You can take Ms. Lin back to the capital and give her a new identity. The President’s House won’t be able to do anything to you, but what about your grandmother’s family? A falling-out won’t do anything good to the Deiss family and the President’s House since they’re mutually supportive.”
He Yidu clenched his fists.
“Your mother’s right.” He Zhiwen’s expression wasn’t looking too good either. “While Meyett can give in for his own interest, what are you going to do if Miraine insists on blowing up the matter into a political issue between the two countries? Sasha is Miraine’s only daughter. Do you think she’ll let Ms. Lin off when her daughter is seriously injured?”
These words hit the nail on the head. The couple hadn’t expected things to end up in this state.
He Yidu pursed his lips. “Dad, Mom, do you think Lin Shuang pushed Sasha down the stairs?”
“It’s pointless to discuss this now. Everyone saw her doing it the second time. Her temper is similar to Young Madam Lu…” An Rong felt a headache coming on as she recalled the earlier incident. It was frightening enough when Gu Mang made a huge family like the Sang family disappear from the capital.
All of a sudden, He Zhiwen’s eyes widened as he looked at his son. “Can Jijing Island step in?”
An Rong immediately said, “Yes, that’s right. Given the friendship between Ms. Lin and Young Madam Lu, this matter will surely be resolved if Jijing Island is willing to step in.”
…
On the car to the capital’s airport.
Gu Mang’s fingers flew across her phone’s screen as she instructed her fellow lab members about the follow-up experiment and applied for leave from Professor Tang and the others.
Lu Yī drove the car while Lu Qi contacted their men who were based in Country D.
Qin Fang didn’t dare ask Gu Mang what was going on when he saw her settling her own matters, so he decided to call He Yidu instead. As soon as he picked up his phone, though, he received an invitation to a video call from He Yidu. He picked up the call and anxiously asked, “What’s going on? Since Rich Lady is Country D’s eldest princess, then that makes Country D her home. How is she still getting into trouble at her own home?”
He Yidu was in his own bedroom when he briefed them about what happened.
Qin Fang’s jaw dropped in shock, and it took him several seconds before he managed to bring himself to say something. “What the f*ck? Is Sasha really Country D’s famous technical director? How could she come up with such a dumb idea to accuse Rich Lady of pushing her down the stairs?”
Rich Lady is even more impressive! She didn’t even give a word of explanation and decided to make the wrongful accusation real by pushing Sasha down the stairs in front of everyone! How crazy is that?! As expected of Gu Mang’s best friend! Most importantly, based on Red Flame’s detailed information about Sasha, she’s definitely considered as formidable in Country D. Qin Fang carefully snuck a glance at Gu Mang. I shouldn’t have believed Rich Lady when she said that her combat skills were average! How can that be when she’s hanging out with Gu Mang? She’s probably only considered average when compared to some sickos from Jijing Island…
“Sasha’s status in Country D’s political arena is very high. Her injury is really serious this time, and her hand might very well end up as disabled.” He Yidu’s voice was cold and serious in a way that it had never been there before. “The Secretary of State led a joint crusade with everyone in the cabinet and put Lin Shuang in Devil Prison.”
“Devil?! Are you talking about that monstrous jail in Country D? The gall of them!” Qin Fang was beyond shocked, his voice rising a decibel. One will know just how terrifying that prison is from hearing its name alone. The Devil Prison is where felons are locked up. One will experience a living hell inside once they enter the place. Those people actually locked up their princess in that hellhole? While those fools might not know that Lin Shuang and Gu Mang are friends, Meyett knows. When did he get the guts to do this?
He Yidu’s usual unperturbed eyes were filled with gloom. “It’s not convenient for me to get involved with this matter as it concerns Country D’s domestic affairs. On top of that, my identity is rather unique and my parents are here in Country D as well.”
Qin Fang naturally understood his point. They were currently in the open and were influential figures in the capital. The political situation between the two countries would get trickier if they got involved with this matter. Besides, Lin Shuang’s matter had to be openly resolved with no dirty tricks involved.
He Yidu clenched his jaw. “Where’s Sis Mang?”
Qin Fang turned his phone screen to Gu Mang. “Sis-in-law.”
Gu Mang stopped typing for a moment and looked up.
He Yidu’s voice grew heavy as he said, “This matter needs the help of Jijing Island. We might need the Elders’ Association or… Gu Si to step in…”
It wasn’t convenient for Gu Mang to step in now either, for it was an unwritten rule that all countries wouldn’t interfere with each other’s internal affairs. It was exactly because of this rule that Yun Ling contacted Gu Mang for help. The current Head Elder was Elder Bai, and his position was no different from a prime minister.
“Mm.” Gu Mang’s pitch-black eyes were covered in frost. “Gu Si and Elder Bai have already set off.”
They already set off? He Yidu heaved a small sigh of relief when he guessed that someone from Shadow League had already tipped Gu Mang off. “Got it. I’ll contact Gu Si then. No matter what, we have to get Lin Shuang out of Devil Prison first. Otherwise, I can’t be at ease.”
At the thought of Devil Prison, Gu Mang’s eyes turned hostile. She then nodded and ended the video call. Her phone vibrated right at that moment. She had two messages from Yun Ling.
[For some reason, I feel that something… seems amiss about this.
[Never mind, we can’t care so much now. Be careful. It’s not so safe outside the capital.]
Gu Mang’s eyes moved as she replied, okay.
Silently and carefully, Lu Chengzhou studied Gu Mang’s expression as he spun his phone in his hand while being deep in thought. He then suddenly stopped spinning it, retracted his gaze, and then unlocked his phone to send an order out.
That was what Gu Mang saw when she turned her head after she finished settling her matter. The message was immediately deleted after it was marked as read.
Gu Mang gave it a thought before holding his hand with her own cool hand.
Lu Chengzhou looked up and met her black and bright eyes. He let out a low chuckle and squeezed her fingertips. “I won’t stop you. I just got my men to make some preparations.”
“What preparations?” Qin Fang, who was sitting in the back seat, was baffled to hear that. Country D just wants to force Jijing Island to step in and benefit from the negotiation. Who knows? They probably colluded with each other to put on an act of falling down the stairs and hosting a joint crusade. Both Gu Mang and Gu Si have already stepped in, yet Meyett still dares to offend Jijing Island?
…
The Head of the Council’s private plane, which had the word ‘Jijing’ written in black and gold, landed at Country D’s airport.
Gu Si and Elder Bai arrived first and alighted the plane.
Gu Si, who had grown taller again over the last few months, was in a suit, giving off a more mature image than he had in the past. Much of his arrogance had been tamed, although he looked even more difficult to deal with now.
Walking alongside him was a five-year-old little girl in a custom-made black dress and black Dr. Martens boots that showed off her beautiful calves. She had bangs and a few thin braids on both sides of her head. Her big glassy eyes were distinct, and her skin was fair. Like a doll, her features were exquisite, cold, and adorable.
Since this was her first time outside of Jijing Island, the girl took in her surroundings with wide-eyed curiosity.
Elder Bai respectfully followed next to Gu Si. “They forced you to get involved so that they can talk terms with us and gain some benefits out of it.”
He shared the exact same sentiments with Qin Fang.
Gu Si furrowed his eyebrows. Although he didn’t think that things were as simple as Elder Bai said, he didn’t comment on it. His face, which was hidden in the shadow of his cap, was dark. He said in his childish voice, “Let’s get Sister Lin out of Devil Prison first.” It’s best if we can settle this matter before my sister comes. I don’t want those people bothering her. Those old farts are always beating around the bush and rambling nonsense in a strange and hypocritical manner.
Elder Bai nodded.
Gu Si then looked at the little girl next to him. There was none of the coldness he had in his voice when he asked her, “Tangtang, this is the first time you’ve stepped out of Jijing Island, right?”
Tang Yi looked over and nodded as she softly said, “Yes.”
Gu Si held her hand and slowly walked forward in consideration of the little girl. “Stick close to me then. It’s very dangerous outside. If you get lost, your big brother will surely kill me.”
Tang Yi blinked her huge eyes at him, her face devoid of the fear that one would find in children of her age. She looked up at him for a few seconds before humming an acknowledgment and sticking closely next to him. In a serious manner, she said, “My brother can’t win against you. Plus, I can protect myself.”
She was very good at shooting and had even learned martial arts from her family’s martial arts master for a very long time. Not to mention that the people of Jijing Island were unique in the first place due to them having undergone genetic screening.
“That might be the case… but I wouldn’t dare to retaliate,” said Gu Si with a sigh. My sis wants to groom Tang Yu, and Tangtang is even good friends with the pair of siblings, Bai Feichi and Bai Yan. How could I put up a fight?! Besides, Tangtang is always giving me presents. I have to protect her well, or I’ll no longer have any more presents to receive.
Elder Bai, who had watched Tang Yi grow up, smiled. “Don’t be afraid, Tangtang. This trip isn’t dangerous; otherwise, Gu Si wouldn’t have dared to take you with us.”
Tang Yi smiled widely and revealed two neat rows of teeth.
Not far away from them was a row of black luxury cars with Country D’s special license plates. Apart from the people He Yidu and Jijing Island had sent, people from the President’s House were there as well.
He Yidu walked over and greeted in a deep voice, “Gu Si.”
Gu Si’s expression wasn’t looking too good either. “Brother Du.”
Shadi, the President’s secretary who was responsible for receiving Gu Si, bowed respectfully at him. “Director Gu, Elder Bai.”
She had only met Huo Zhi in the past. The latter had such a striking face and sharp and cold eyes that even she dared not to look him in the eyes. However, he suddenly gave up his position to Gu Mang, who then got her eight-year-old little brother to manage Jijing Island. Shadi’s gaze landed on Gu Si due to her immense curiosity about him.
Gu Si removed his cap and looked up with cold, dark, and frightening eyes.
Caught off guard by Gu Si’s gaze, Shadi felt a strong suppression hitting her. It was like a sharp sword was piercing into her eyeballs.
Despite him being a little kid, his presence gave people the creeps and made the air in the surroundings become thin and tense.
Her heart started thumping violently as she unconsciously squeezed her fingers. Just a look at his eyes got her looking down in a fluster to avoid his dangerous gleam.
It was at that moment, she realized why he could sit firmly in his position despite his young age. I’ve heard that geniuses can be found everywhere on Jijing Island. Given that only the strongest can become kings, Gu Si’s capabilities must be even more terrifying.
Gu Si slipped a hand into his pocket and hooked his cap with his finger. He tugged the corners of his lips as he said, “I heard that you guys locked up Sister Lin in Devil Prison?”
Shadi involuntarily sucked in a breath of air to calm herself down. She tried to control the tone of her voice as she calmly said, “The Eldest Princess hurt the Second Princess in front of so many people. The President had no choice but to cave under the pressure everyone in the cabinet was exerting.”
Gu Si let out a mocking laugh. He didn’t bother to waste his breath on her again as he proceeded to move forward. “Alright, just lead the way.”
Shadi lowered her head. “Understood.”
Gu Si, He Yidu, and the rest walked to their own cars and got in.
The motorcade then drove off to the President’s House in a grand fashion.
…
Shadi called Miraine right after she got into her own car. “Madam.”
But before Miraine could say anything, she heard Sasha’s voice, saying, “Mom, pass me the phone.”
On the other end of the line, Sasha was lying on the hospital bed with her head in a bandage and a hand in a cast. Despite her pale complexion, her eyes were gleaming in an eerie manner.
Miraine dug out her earphones and stuffed them into Sasha’s ears.
Shadi quietly waited and soon heard Sasha asking, “Have you received Gu Mang and Gu Si?”
Shadi respectfully replied, “Gu Mang hasn’t arrived. We’ve only received Gu Si and Bai Yong. There’s a little girl with them as well, although we’re not sure which family she’s from.”
“When will Gu Mang arrive?” Sasha wasn’t concerned about the others. The reason I did so many things was to lure them here.
“We were only informed that she’ll be coming, but not the specific time. Our forces are unable to infiltrate into the capital, and even…” Shadi paused as if she was afraid to mention a certain person before adding, “Even they don’t have any information.”
“It’s enough that she’s coming.” Sasha curled her lips.
