The Master’s Mask Unveiled Again
Chapter 939 - 938: One Usurper, One Power-Grabber

Chapter 939: Chapter 938: One Usurper, One Power-Grabber

Yun Zhijuan liked it more the longer he looked at it. Hugging the fishing rod, he stroked it for a long while, already itching to go fishing.

"Junior Brother, you really have some skill. Senior Brother wasn’t wrong about you!"

Xiao Qimo started the car at a leisurely pace, letting Yun Zhijuan’s words go in one ear and out the other.

He was just listening out of courtesy—there was no point in taking them to heart.

Ever since the Second Squad Commander joined the organization, he had clearly felt Senior Brother’s partiality shifting, and at times, even his deliberate suppression in favor of the Second Squad.

"Enough with the useless flattery," Xiao Qimo said rationally, casting a sidelong glance at Yun Zhijuan. "Now that you’re back, my stint as acting leader can come to an end."

The cultured man smiled faintly before asking, "So, when are you stepping down?"

Yun Zhijuan: "..."

Acting leader’s stint is done, and the official leader is stepping in. Right?

Young people these days—so brazen about usurping power?

Can’t they spare a thought for an almost 60-year-old, lonely and childless man whose only asset is the leader’s seat?

He carefully put away the fishing rod before explaining seriously, "I’ll let you know once I’ve arranged the time and place."

That was the arrangement they had agreed upon earlier.

Xiao Qimo gave a noncommittal "hmm," his expression unreadable.

Yun Zhijuan let out a relieved sigh. At least he seemed to agree this time.

Forced melons may not be sweet, but if you don’t force them, you’ll never know what might happen next.

"You’ve done a decent job as acting leader while I was away. For now, just continue. Treat it as a chance to get used to the leader’s life in advance."

In other words, he was hinting that the leader’s position was meant for Xiao Qimo.

The man behind the wheel let out a cultured, disdainful laugh.

"You might think I’ve done well, but not everyone shares that opinion."

"Who doesn’t?"

Xiao Qimo focused on the road, gracefully turning the steering wheel, without answering Yun Zhijuan’s question.

Yun Zhijuan pursed his lips: Could he be implying the Second Squad again?

Feeling worried, he hugged himself and prayed that when those two met, they wouldn’t end up fighting—let alone splattering him with blood...

——

After picking up his Senior Brother, Xiao Qimo initially planned to treat him to a meal. But Yun Zhijuan said he had things to do. As soon as they reached the hotel, he sent Xiao Qimo on his way.

Watching the obstinate old man decisively shut him out, Xiao Qimo felt like his sole purpose for the day was to brave the wind and rain just to fetch him from the airport.

Utterly disheartened, Xiao Qimo had no choice but to head gloomily back home.

Meanwhile, Lu Mian received a text message.

[Mian Xiaobao, Master’s back! Send me your location, and I’ll come find you.]

Lu Mian stole a glance at her phone amidst her busy schedule, letting out a faint sneer.

After dodging her for months and causing delays in getting the marriage certificate, it was about time they settled this account.

Lu Mian tapped the phone screen and sent her location.

Half an hour later, Lu Mian stepped out with a thin coat draped over her shoulders, a large black umbrella in hand. She also carried the pricey fishing rod alongside her.

Mo Si and Mo Fan wanted to accompany her but were turned down.

Watching Lu Mian walk straight out into the heavy rain, the two subordinates started murmuring.

"Miss Lu looks so fired up—who’s she off to meet? Could she be in danger?" Mo Si anxiously leaned on the villa door, gazing at her figure with evident worry.

Mo Fan patted his shoulder. "Look on the bright side. Maybe it’s others who’ll be in danger."

——

The location Lu Mian sent to Yun Zhijuan was a coffee shop near Yijing Residence.

By the time she strolled over, Yun Zhijuan had already ordered drinks and was patiently waiting.

She approached the booth, greeted him coolly, and tossed the fishing rod straight into his lap. "My boyfriend bought it for you."

Yun Zhijuan, upon hearing this, looked as if he’d just received a hot potato. He wasn’t exactly thrilled. He cast a brief glance at it and placed it aside indifferently, showing little interest.

After all, now that he had the limited-edition fishing rod gifted by his Junior Brother, anything else wasn’t much of a big deal.

Lu Mian noticed and casually reminded him, "It’s the thought that counts. He’s been wanting to meet you."

"Maybe later. I just got back, and there’s a lot to deal with." Yun Zhijuan made it clear he wasn’t interested in meeting anyone. Assessing Lu Mian’s current complexion as she sat down, he was visibly pleased.

"Looks like you’ve been doing well lately."

"Yeah, my boyfriend takes good care of me."

Yun Zhijuan: ... Can you go three sentences without mentioning your boyfriend?!

Who was this person capable of taming the once carefree Mian Xiaobao?

What were his intentions?

Was he after her money or her beauty?

"Mian Xiaobao, you’re only twenty—there’s no rush to get married. And even if you do, you need to find someone trustworthy. As your master, I happen to have the perfect candidate..."

Yun Zhijuan, like a salesman, launched into a long-winded pitch.

Leaning back slightly, Lu Mian crossed one leg over the other.

She decisively changed the subject, cutting him off. "Now that you’re back, what’s your plan? Have you picked out a retirement home yet?"

"...Re-retirement home?!"

Yun Zhijuan nearly choked! First, there was Xiao Qimo trying to oust him, and now his disciple was talking about his retirement!

Surely, he must be the most pitiful leader in history.

"Mian Xiaobao, what I truly hope for is that you live a peaceful life. Go to college, fall in love, and enjoy the simple life of a normal girl. As for the IEG leader position..."

Let his Junior Brother handle such a blade-dancing life.

Lu Mian stirred her coffee, her eyes downcast as she watched the swirling brown liquid. She smiled faintly.

"You think I’m not capable?"

"No, you’re capable—and you’d do an excellent job." Yun Zhijuan quickly backtracked, humbling himself. "You’re truly amazing, truly outstanding!"

But he understood Lu Mian too well. Her sense of responsibility was too heavy; her independence, too strong. She tended to shoulder every burden, which meant her life would only grow increasingly difficult.

Lu Mian gave Yun Zhijuan a long look, as if comprehending something. Tossing the coffee spoon onto the saucer, she rose lightly.

"I get it."

Her master didn’t love her anymore; there was another favored ’dog’ in his heart now.

That ’dog’ was most likely the First Squad Commander, the so-called God of Death, who was vying with her for the leader’s position.

Just as Lu Mian was about to leave, her phone vibrated.

She glanced at it—it was Xiao Qimo calling.

The corners of her lips unconsciously lifted into a smile as she answered the call and started walking out.

Left behind, Yun Zhijuan reached out futilely to stop her. "Mian Xiaobao, don’t go! I haven’t finished talking yet..."

"Mian Xiaobao???"

"Unfilial disciple! I didn’t even bother with your uncle and rushed straight here to see you, and this is how you treat your master?!"

But Lu Mian, leaving in haste, didn’t hear any of it.

Standing at the coffee shop’s entrance, she held the black umbrella single-handedly. Hearing the gentle, elegant tone of the man on the line, her smile deepened.

"What are you busy with? Mo Si told me you went out. Where are you?"

"Just at a nearby coffee shop, meeting someone."

"Who?"

"My master. I gave him the fishing rod while I was at it."

From the other end of the line came what sounded like a soft chuckle. "Quite the coincidence."