novelraw Chapter 392 - 382: Reshuffle and Reorganization?
Chapter 392 - 382: Reshuffle and Reorganization?
While the gloom seemed to lift over No.1 Villa, chaos was brewing in the shadows of bustling Jiangzhou.
Because of Qin Fan’s words, the Guardian Institute had dispatched a flood of additional personnel into Jiangzhou. For the Guardian Institute, if what Qin Fan said was true, it would be a blow to their reputation they simply could not afford.
Although the development and release of Spirit Water No. 1 were officially unrelated to the state, the nation secretly considered it incredibly important. The higher-ups hoped that, if possible, not a single drop would flow beyond the country’s borders.
Against this backdrop, the Guardian Institute certainly dared not be negligent. Moreover, Qin Fan’s challenge to test their mettle was enough to make the middle-aged man following Hua Xiaotian lose his composure.
「Beijing, The Guardian Institute’s Headquarters」
The often-elusive Hua Xiaotian materialized in the meeting room like a phantom.
"Master Hua!" The middle-aged man bowed respectfully the moment Hua Xiaotian appeared.
"What happened? Tell me everything, and don’t hide a single detail," Hua Xiaotian said indifferently, his face an emotionless mask.
"Master Hua, we previously received intel that Japanese ninjas had infiltrated Jiangzhou, targeting Spirit Water No. 1. But just now, when I contacted Ye Jizu, I ended up speaking with Qin Fan. He said he had already dealt with the ninjas. Furthermore, he claimed it wasn’t just Japanese ninjas in Jiangzhou; there are other waves of Abnormals! He also declared his intent to test the Guardian Institute’s mettle, saying he wants to see what we’re capable of by sunrise tomorrow!" Facing Hua Xiaotian, the middle-aged man didn’t dare hold anything back, but his face grew red as he spoke.
"So your intelligence only picked up the Japanese ninjas?" Hua Xiaotian’s voice deepened, seemingly devoid of any emotion.
"Yes! I’ve already dispatched additional personnel to Jiangzhou, but I don’t know if Qin Fan is telling the truth. Logically, with the Guardian Institute’s network of informants, our people should have noticed if those foreign scoundrels had dared to invade!" the middle-aged man said, his tone defensive.
However, Hua Xiaotian did not immediately respond. He simply stared at the man in silence.
Only when the middle-aged man could no longer withstand the gaze did Hua Xiaotian finally speak.
"Do you think Qin Fan is the type to play games with you?"
"Master Hua, this—"
Recalling his defensive answer from a moment ago, the middle-aged man felt an invisible fire burn across his face. Indeed. Would Qin Fan play games with him? Would a young Grandmaster who could slay an expert at the Great Success stage of the Transformation Realm have the leisure to toy with him?
"Complacency! Your complacency makes me fear for our nation’s security! To think those foreign vermin could infiltrate Jiangzhou right under the nose of the Guardian Institute... Heh! Qin Fan was right. It’s time the mettle of the Guardian Institute was thoroughly tested! If any of those invaders are still within Huaxia’s borders by sunrise tomorrow, the Guardian Institute will be immediately reshuffled and reorganized!"
Leaving those cold words hanging in the air, Hua Xiaotian turned and walked out.
Listening to Hua Xiaotian’s rare, icy tone, a chill ran down the middle-aged man’s spine.
Reshuffle and reorganize? Wasn’t this a complete negation of his capabilities?
At that thought, a shiver wracked his body, and he immediately rushed out.
He had to go to Jiangzhou himself!
By sunrise, not a single one could remain. Not one!
------
「That night.」
Inside No.1 Villa, Qin Fan and his parents, along with Ye Jizu, were enjoying the evening view while sipping kung fu tea.
Suddenly, a rapid vibration came from Qin Fan’s pocket.
His cell phone was ringing.
He pulled it out and saw the call was from Lai Zhuge, feeling a flicker of surprise. He then smiled and answered, "Lai Shenxiang, what is it?"
"Master Qin! Are you in Jiangzhou right now?" Lai Zhuge’s voice was heavy with concern.
"What’s going on?"
"A large number of Martial Artists have suddenly poured into Jiangzhou, likely from the Guardian Institute. Did something happen?" Lai Zhuge asked.
"A few waves of scum coveting Spirit Water No. 1 snuck in. It seems the Guardian Institute has started to take action. Why, did you call me just to ask about this?" Qin Fan said with a light chuckle.
"What? Something like that happened? Master Qin, do you need my help?" On the other end of the line, Lai Zhuge furrowed his old brow and asked nervously.
Heh. Who would’ve thought this old man, Lai Zhuge, still had so much passion?
Qin Fan smiled at the thought. "Alright, don’t get involved. Now, spit it out. You wouldn’t have called me just to ask such a pointless question, would you? Just say what’s on your mind."
Lai Zhuge gave a sheepish laugh. His old face reddened as he said, "Master Qin, do you remember those two Zen Sticks? They’ve been at my place all this time. Should I bring them over to you?"
At the mention of this, Qin Fan recalled the two Evil Spirit Zen Staves he had seized from the Thai Evil Monk during the incident at the Li Family’s villa in Macau.
He then replied, "Alright, bring them over. I’m at No.1 Villa."
"Okay, I’ll be there right away!"
As Lai Zhuge agreed, Qin Fan grunted in acknowledgment and ended the call.
"Xiaofan, Lai Shenxiang? Who is this expert?" Wei Shuying asked with a puzzled frown, seeing Qin Fan put his phone back on the table.
"Madam Qin, it’s Old Master Lai Zhuge, the titan of the southern school of Geomancy!" Ye Jizu explained obsequiously from the side.
"What?!"
At this, Qin Chu and Wei Shuying both cried out in shock.
Lai Shenxiang? Lai Zhuge? The revered expert whom countless high-ranking officials treat as an honored guest is an acquaintance of Xiaofan? What in the world is going on? How is every person in Xiaofan’s social circle more influential than the last? And why have we never heard of this before?
"Xiaofan, how do you know Lai Shenxiang? Why have you never mentioned him?" Qin Chu asked repeatedly after swallowing hard.
"We met by chance not too long ago. It’s nothing worth mentioning," Qin Fan replied with a smile.
"And he, Lai Shenxiang, is coming over now?" Qin Chu asked.
"Yep," Qin Fan nodded.
"Oh, right, darling, let’s drop it. Our favorite show is about to start! Let’s hurry downstairs," Wei Shuying said to Qin Chu, glancing meaningfully at her watch.
Although she didn’t know what Old Master Lai wanted to discuss with Qin Fan, her high emotional intelligence told her it was time to give them space.
Hearing this, Qin Chu also smiled knowingly. He looked at Qin Fan and said, "Xiaofan, you two chat. Your mom and I will head down."
"Dad, Mom, is that really necessary?" Qin Fan asked with a wry smile, easily seeing through his parents’ intentions.
"Our show, our show! We’re really going to watch our show! Haha! Alright, you two talk!" With that, Wei Shuying took Qin Chu’s arm, and they walked away smiling.
"Master Qin, should I excuse myself as well?" Ye Jizu asked with a sheepish smile as the couple left.
"Stay," Qin Fan said calmly, giving his head a slow shake.