Young Master Is Being Jealous Again!
Chapter 854: Dominating Half of the Mysterious Studies World?

Chapter 854: Chapter 854: Dominating Half of the Mysterious Studies World?

Uncle Ji shook his head, his gaze towards Qin Ruan filled with profound meaning as he sighed, "Yunjiao wants you to take over the Huo Family, which we old folks find quite inappropriate. Of course, if you are capable, even if we try to obstruct you in every possible way, the Huo Family will eventually fall into your hands."

The Yan Family of Northern England is your maternal family. You are now stepping into the Mysterious Studies World at such a young age. The renowned Heavenly Masters of Capital City have praised you highly. Now that the Tianxing Team has come knocking, we old antiques are not unreasonable."

Qin Ruan discerned the deeper implication in his words, her eyes narrowing slightly, "What do you mean, Uncle Ji?"

Uncle Ji, completely composed, replied, "The four great families in Capital City all have their own patron Heavenly Masters. Over the past century, each family has recruited many people of talent and peculiar abilities, and their growth has indeed been like the midday sun.

Before the Nangong Family fell, weren’t they relying on the strange powers behind them, hoping to overthrow the Huo Family and take its place? If the Huo Family wants to remain preeminent among the noble families of Capital City, they will have to take this step sooner or later.

The power held by Ling Xuzi on Spiritual Mountain is not enough to be feared. If Lady Ruan could solidify the family’s status for the Huo Family, this is something all the family members would be glad to see."

The Tianxing Team has never taken the initiative to work with the major families of Capital City. Now that they have personally approached you, it must be a mark of special regard, which must have been absent before as there was none they deemed worthy among the great families."

Qin Ruan looked at Uncle Ji with a half-smile, her gaze tranquil like still water, "Are you suggesting that I establish a position in the Mysterious Studies World and intervene in the Tianxing Team to subsequently bring them under control and aid the Huo Family?"

"Not at all, not at all," Uncle Ji chuckled and shook his head, "You only need to dominate half of the Mysterious Studies World. Remember, ’the tree that sticks out gets cut down,’ and moderation is key."

Half of the Mysterious Studies World?

Qin Ruan didn’t know whether to view Uncle Ji’s high regard as a deep trust in her capabilities or as his intention to prevent her from taking over the Secret Guard Department.

She caressed the armrest of the ebony chair she was sitting on, her fingertips brushing over the smooth surface, pondering, "Given the Huo Family’s status today, it seems they do not need additional support."

Old age had caught up with Uncle Ji, and sitting upright for a while had left him somewhat fatigued.

He relaxed his body, leaning back against the ebony chair, a faint smile on his weathered face, eyes clouded with worry.

"You are mistaken. Over the years, numerous hidden talents have emerged. Despite the illusion of a peaceful era, evil spirits surface frequently. While the major families appear compliant and harmonious, there are not a few who are itching to make a move.

The Huo Family is ultimately declining in the Mysterious Studies World. Who knows which ambitious person is brewing plans in the shadows aiming to replace them?"

Qin Ruan’s hand on the table spun the delicate teacup around, she remained silent.

Uncle Ji’s eyelids drooped, his demeanor unreadable.

After a while, Qin Ruan spoke up nonchalantly, "I need to discuss this matter with Third Master."

She pointed at the document on the table, "Please return it the way it came, Uncle Ji."

"Certainly."

Uncle Ji picked up the teacup from the table, drank it in one gulp, his expression relaxed and comfortable.

He commented, "This tea is excellent, sweet upon entry and leaves a lingering fragrance."

"If you like it, Uncle Ji, Third Master also drinks this often." Qin Ruan said to Huo Zhi standing behind her, "Fetch a new can of this tea for Uncle Ji to take with him."

"Then I shall accept it graciously."

Uncle Ji, leaning on his dragon-headed cane, stood up, picked up the document bag from the table, and turned to leave.

Qin Ruan stared at the empty teacup on the table, her expression revealing restrained anxiety.

The first time she had met Uncle Ji with Third Master, he had utterly disdained her status, fearing her involvement in the Secret Guard Department. He had openly mocked her for not possessing the dignity and grandeur of Capital City’s aristocratic daughters.

Was his sudden change of attitude due to concerns about the Huo Family’s future?

By finishing the tea she had poured, was he accepting her involvement in the family affairs, or did he see her future role in steadying the Huo Family’s position in Capital City?

Qin Ruan couldn’t fathom the reason and saw that Uncle Nine was about to step out of the guest room, so she rose to see him off.

The bodyguards stationed outside the hall saw their master come out and immediately came forward, flanking Uncle Nine from both sides.

Qin Ruan stood at the doorway of the small building, watching as the car carrying Uncle Nine drove away, her gentle face suddenly became expressionless.

Huo Zhi approached from behind, "Madam, the condolence gifts for Xia Yunchen have been prepared. When would you like to leave?"

Qin Ruan rubbed her brow, "What time is it?"

"A quarter past three in the afternoon."

"Let’s go now——"

Qin Ruan turned around, went back inside the house to change her clothes and left.

Outside Huo Mansion.

Cai Yongliang sat in the car allocated by his department, had waited nearly an hour, and finally saw the car carrying Uncle Nine drive out.

He pushed open the car door and quickly walked forward.

The car carrying Uncle Nine slowed to a stop, the rear window glass lowered, revealing a face filled with both time-worn wisdom and warmth.

Cai Yongliang leaned in to make eye contact, "Old gentleman."

Uncle Nine passed the file through the car window to him, "Director Cai, I’m afraid I’ve disappointed you."

Cai Yongliang’s expression remained calm, not surprised by Qin Ruan’s refusal, as he took the file and asked, "What did Lady Nangong say?"

"She didn’t say anything, she didn’t even know that Director Cai had visited personally," Uncle Nine leaned back in the back seat, radiating with approachability, and said slowly, "Miss Ruan can be persuaded but not forced. As far as I know, Young Master Nangong rarely interferes with her matters.

"If Tianxing Team truly values Miss Ruan, certain things must be approached gradually. In ancient times, there was a saying about visiting the humble house three times to seek a wise person. Director Cai, visiting three times to relieve concerns, I believe you will achieve your wishes soon."

Cai Yongliang bowed, "Thank you for the invaluable advice, old gentleman."

Uncle Nine showed a pleased expression, "Young people must have perseverance."

...

Xia Yunchen was staying in the only five-star luxury private hospital in Capital City, whose lavish arrangements and hotel-like services made it the choice of many high society figures.

Rumor had it that a leader from the Cabinet’s son’s wife, during her family’s rise in power, had given birth there, spending generously, which drew countless others to follow.

Qin Ruan took the elevator to the floor where Xia Yunchen’s room was located. She had notified Xu Enhao beforehand, so her way was unobstructed.

Pushing open the door to Xia Yunchen’s room, Qin Ruan entered the top-notch private suite and was astonished by its luxurious decoration.

She stood at the doorway and glanced at the room’s layout map on the wall. The suite included not only a bedroom, bathroom, and living room but also advanced smart services, comparable to any five-star hotel in Capital City.

"Who are you?"

A middle-aged man in a suit and dress shoes came out of the bedroom and saw Qin Ruan standing at the doorway, asking coldly.

Qin Ruan turned her head and saw a middle-aged man standing not far away with ordinary facial features, a tough outline, and a straight nose.

Perhaps due to the years spent in high positions, he exuded an aloof and stern aura.

The man looked at Qin Ruan with majestic and indifferent eyes.