Chapter 104: Softening Once

Encouraged by this, the Governor’s Office also submitted several plans for further development around this so-called “Million Gold Residence” villa district. After consideration, Shen Zhezi ultimately rejected them. Though windfalls came easily, there had to be restraint; if they became too greedy and lost all sense of propriety, it would tarnish the Governor’s reputation in the long term.

The entryway was vast and open. Apart from a structure in the center resembling a bathing pool, there was nothing else. The bottom of the pool was lined with brilliant crimson crystals.

“Hahahaha! As expected, Lord Zhang, you are truly remarkable. My illusion spells are utterly useless before your eyes. I am deeply impressed.” From the darkness emerged a group of people wearing black cloaks.

“My dear friends, our experiment on the human body has succeeded.” Bobby’s face was alight with excitement.

Liu Yifeng was both amused and exasperated. What sort of logic was this? To prevent him from sparring with others, they insisted he practice anyway.

Liu Yifeng paid no attention to the laughter around him. He stood up straight, shoulders back, and stepped down from the platform, one step at a time.

Lin Yi’s words, light as the wind, drifted into the ears of the three mischief-makers, leaving them deeply shaken.

After a long silence, Zhang Zhenkun finally spoke: “Brother Chen, after all you’ve said, we understand. This is all too complicated—let’s leave it for another time...” Chen Xiang nearly bit his tongue in frustration; he’d dug so many traps in the conversation, not one of them had fallen in.

Now that an initial understanding had been reached between the inner circle and Fang Zhen, the subsequent developments were gradually becoming clear. Those jockeying for power were already eager and pushing forward, while those destined for misfortune were desperately seeking a way to avert disaster.

Each member of the Su family held a scroll in their hands. Whenever they passed a cultivator, they would lower their heads for a quick glance at the painting.

“You are the master of this place. If outsiders wish to enter, surely you have a way. But what that way is, I do not know—the Three Revered Ones never told me!” The leader’s words made Lu Tianyu ponder for a long while before understanding dawned.

She instinctively glanced at Zhao Heng. Seeing no trace of disappointment or melancholy on his face, Lucy felt even more at ease. Zhao Heng truly had nothing with Wenwen—otherwise, upon hearing of Wenwen’s dealings with other men, he would have shown at least some distress, especially as she herself was fond of him.

That gaping maw, with its bizarrely long tongue, was covered in faces—faces upon the very tongue.

“Your Majesty, let me attend to you. Your complexion is truly worrying…” Luodai anxiously furrowed her delicate brows.

As the iron gate swung open, Yu Xing was greeted by the sight of a young foreign woman with chest-length golden waves and the perfect face for the camera.

The choice of materials and methods for the painting were all exceptionally refined, and only the head of the sect or someone of elder status was permitted to create it.

Abdullah understood Yu Xing wanted to protect him for a while. He was quietly moved, but did not object, simply nodding firmly.

This was Wei Ba’s final warning: if his adversary insisted on opposing him, Wei Ba would reveal the blueprint and utterly destroy his reputation and ability to fight back.

To me, it was just an ordinary sentence, but to my surprise, Brother Zhengchuan froze in his tracks, gazing at me with a look I couldn’t decipher.

“I will look after your families.” Zhuge Liang waved his hand, ordering the two to be dragged out and executed.

A’dong sprang to his feet, about to speak when suddenly the office door swung open, drawing everyone’s attention.

With a sweep of his black-cloaked arm, the greatsword in his hand unleashed a blast of energy, sending dust billowing and obscuring everything in sight.

Hearing this, I was utterly speechless. Why did A’dong’s words get pinned on me? Was I just meant to take the blame?

I glanced at Manager Yang, my disappointment evident. It was obvious now—neither he nor the hotel’s security would help us.

“The last time I came to your school to find you, I haven’t been back since. I have no idea how you’ve been doing there.” The old man spoke as he casually opened another beer.

Lu Yang clearly hadn’t expected the other party to actually strike him; he was caught completely off guard as Zeng Yi’s fist smashed into his nose, sending twin streams of blood gushing from his nostrils.

If her mistress found out, her face immediately turned pale. She knew better than anyone the severity of her mistress’s methods, and her sharp mind quickly snapped her to full alertness.

As I made my move, Ahui intercepted a man attacking Qiangzi, landing a punch and following up with a swift blow to the man’s head with his stick.

Fengfeng already felt guilty, and upon hearing Liuyun’s words, her cheeks flushed all the more. She prayed desperately that she wasn’t blushing—worried someone might notice, she instinctively turned her head away.

Once Butler Upton led Uki out of the captain’s quarters, the white-bearded captain quietly pulled out his briar pipe, lit it, filling the room with the scent of tobacco. Clamping the pipe between his teeth, he turned away, gently tapped the keyboard, and stared in a daze at the surveillance screen.

Seeing him like this, Qin Mu was somewhat comforted—at least he was still willing to listen, which meant he hadn’t lost all reason.

The broadcast repeated again and again. Su Xin and Ning Xin had to go in. Su Bai’s eyes were wet as she watched their backs, her feelings in turmoil. Mu He reached out and pulled her into his embrace.

Kong Shen seemed to have been completely provoked by Xianglian; fury blazed behind him like a roaring fire, as if his rage might set the whole shop ablaze.

She truly disliked being overshadowed by anyone. Even if Taosang was his elder brother, she refused to accept it.

Fan Fan said nothing, his eyes fixed forward, glancing at the man who, having just returned from shopping, leaned against the wall quietly watching him.

She heard the bathroom door open, pretended to calmly flip through a magazine, but her gaze kept straying toward the door.