Chapter 996: Chapter 994: Good News (11) Chapter 996: Chapter 994: Good News (11) Ji Liushuang seemed slightly absent-minded, a behavior that to the group around her did not seem out of place.
Whether it was self-inflicted or not, being attacked and injured without rest, struggling on until now, it’s normal to be running low on energy.
In fact, her current state was somewhat of a relief to people; her previously sharp edge had been a bit too dazzling.
“Shall I push you outside for a stroll?”
Fu Qian waved his hand and called out to her as he saw her condition.
“Mm…okay.”
Ji Liushuang instantly snapped back to reality.
She really is being treated with great care…
Seeing Ji Liushuang agree without any politeness, and Professor Andiel truly beginning to push the wheelchair outside with one hand, the crowd remained silent until the two had left.
…
“So why is this place called Silver Mist Manor?”
It was clear that Ji Liushuang was quite familiar with the area; under her guidance, they soon reached the exterior of the building.
Regardless of the human element, the scenery was still unquestionably beautiful. Fu Qian admired it while casually inquiring.
“I only heard it from my mother… At the beginning, when the manor was established, mercury-colored fog would often shroud the mountains to the east. Those who entered rashly would even experience various illusions.”
Ji Liushuang pointed in a direction as she explained.
“That sounds magical; it does make one want to see it for oneself.”
Fu Qian looked in the direction she indicated.
“It’s already become a legend… and that place is far from here; I can’t accompany you with my current condition… Let’s go this way.”
Ji Liushuang smiled silently, signaling Fu Qian to take a detour.
This route does seem a bit roundabout…
Fu Qian surveyed his surroundings, formulating a response in his mind.
“Are you afraid your mother will see us?”
“Mm… If we continue forward, we’ll enter the view from her room.”
Ji Liushuang nodded, her hand on her shoulder.
“You were a bit heavy-handed.”
“The main reason is that I have confidence in your strengths; I believe you wouldn’t be hit that easily by both strikes. And how can you be so sure that we aren’t being overheard right now?”
The change in Ji Liushuang’s tone indicated she believed their current situation was secure and that their conversation wouldn’t be overheard.
“That’s why I specifically asked for this wheelchair.”
She looked down, caressing the armrest of the wheelchair.
“When I was younger, I was frail and spent quite some time in this. I am very familiar with every part of it.”
“I’m sure that nothing has been installed on it, and as for any other methods…”
She sighed.
“At this distance, if we can still be heard, then our conversation in your room would have been the same, and there would be nothing left to hide.”
“Quite clear-headed, aren’t you!”
Fu Qian did not hesitate to praise her, then curiously probed.
“Speaking of which, those people just now were all your people. Why didn’t you simply call them out and openly expose my identity? Under a collective assault, it would have been difficult for me to survive, right?”
“Could it be that you have so much faith in me that you think all of them combined can’t take me down?”
“Of course not.”
Ji Liushuang smiled faintly.
“I do have faith in their ability to deal with you, especially since Ji Tong was there. But I wasn’t confident they could ensure my survival from your retaliation.”
Is her standing with her family so bad that she believes they would even let her die?
Fu Qian was caught off guard for a moment, recalling a previous question.
“Is there some special reason for your and your mother’s status within the family?”
“Yes.”
Ji Liushuang continued with her smile undiminished.
“Do you remember I mentioned the Ji Family’s ancestral teachings are very strict?”
“I remember.”
“As for the rights of inheritance–or, the so-called position of family head–the Ji Family has some very simple and clear rules. For instance, primogeniture without regard to gender.”
…
“Nor does it regard ‘Transcendent Talent’, like my maternal grandfather, for example…”
“And my mother is his only daughter…”
“… I understand.”
Fu Qian sighed internally. How disrespectful of him–he was in the presence of the future head of the family.
Although he didn’t know why the Ancestors of Ji had established such politically correct regulations to the extreme, there was no doubt that she was the prime heir.
“Because of my mother’s previous departure from home, the current head is technically acting in her stead, and considering that I am now of age, they would likely be pleased with certain developments.”
“Understood.”
Fu Qian nodded, his mind recalling the Assassin Brother he had encountered in a certain crucible.
No wonder a player of such low caliber had the nerve to take on such a task.
If there’s an unspoken agreement, having an assassin who’s too competent could make things less than ideal.
“It’s been a pleasant chat, but overall, things are unfolding as expected. What’s your next plan?”
As Fu Qian contemplated the warmth of such a large family, Ji Liushuang quickly adjusted her expression, her face earnest as she spoke.
Regardless of the real intention, the advice provided by the other party was clearly effective. Because of her own “attack,” the investigation had to be launched.
Of course, this also meant that the goal of the one who had found a way into the Ji Family had been achieved, so she was quite curious about his next move.
“The next step… You mentioned earlier about wanting to see my mask, that old gentleman named Ji Tong?”
Fu Qian stroked the chin of his mask, appearing deep in thought.
“Yes.”
“Judging by your reaction, he doesn’t come here often?”
“Mm.”
“Could he have come because of your mother’s attack? It seems like they indeed have something they’re keeping from you.”
Is he really analyzing the situation for his own sake… or is he too engrossed in this?
Seeing Fu Qian earnestly strategizing, Ji Liushuang found the situation rather peculiar.
“I was thinking the same, so I must get to the bottom of this.”
But now wasn’t the time to express her feelings. She nodded seriously, conveying her continued pessimistic view.
“However, it’s one thing to launch a nominal investigation, but I suspect they will handle it quite perfunctorily. The biggest meaning it might hold for me is perhaps that it will reduce the obstacles to my actions.”
“You’re not blindly optimistic, but I think there’s another gain. You’ve successfully shown that you won’t accept a half-hearted response, and you’ve even gained the support of an organization.”
Fu Qian pointed at himself.
“So do you think their strategy towards you might change?”
A strategy against me…
“When mere intimidation doesn’t work, many will start to reason. Seeing how they’ve all along avoided escalating things, it’s quite likely they’ll come to you for a serious talk.”
Fu Qian spoke with confidence.
“So you might as well be a little patient and wait for the flowers to bloom.”
Is he really planning to stay at the manor? What exactly is his true purpose?
Even though she recognized the sense in what Fu Qian said, Ji Liushuang couldn’t help but sigh internally.
He is so difficult to deal with!
The situation seemed just like being aboard a thief’s ship, but no matter what, she could not give up.