Floor 70 - Zhao Residence
In a well-furbished dining room, three people sat eating dinner. Lily Zhao smiled as she pierced her salad with a fork. "Dad, I will be moving out to the dorms soon. All A.S. students are required to live in dorms during our first year."
Zhao Bohai nodded in approval. "Excellent, this will be a good chance for you to network. Make sure to choose your acquaintances wisely."
The beautiful middle-aged woman next to him cried daintily. "My darling baby girl is growing up so fast." She wiped away her tears. "I'm sooo proud of you."
Lily smiled. "Thank you mother."
Wang Ruolan pouted. "But Lily darling, why did you choose to go to A.S. Academy. It's ranked fourth. If you chose Havilland Academy, you surely would have better prospects no? My brother said the headmaster would be delighted if you attended. And your cousins go there too. They can help you if you ever need anything. I hear many top students are there as well."
"Mother, you might be surprised." Lily put down her fork. "Although Havilland is number one in name, everyone in the upper circle knows that A.S. Academy is the true king."
"Lily is right my dear," Zhao Bohai smirked knowingly. "A.S. is certainly a better choice than Havilland if we want to make connections to the higher circles."
"Really?" Wang Ruolan frowned skeptically.
Lily pointed a finger. "For one reason, Leo Wu." Her eyes sharpened.
"For whatever reason, he does not participate in the competitions that determine school ranking. However, it is an undeniable fact that if he did, A.S. Academy would soar to first place and beyond."
"Him alone?" Wang Ruolan frowned. "Surely not?"
"My dear, you need to pay more attention to the Aces list instead of shopping catalogues." Zhao Bohai chuckled.
"Leo Wu managed to top the Ace list when he was merely 17. Not only was he talented in combat, he made significant contributes to the academic fields as well. He conquered more than 50 A—class dungeons and remains the only person to clear an S—class dungeon. Now, as the youngest general on the battlefront, he is the key to the stalemate that keeps the peace." Lily was familiar with the prestige of Leo Wu. He was someone that she admired as well.
"A general?! If Lily can snatch him, then it would be great for our Zhao family." Wang Ruolan beamed.
"Mother," Lily admonished, "I might not even be able to befriend him, much so that." She tapped her fingers thoughtfully. "Besides, I don't think it would be wise to make that move."
Zhao Bohai nodded in agreement. "Lily is right. I hear that the Su family is adamant on establishing a marriage with Leo. The union of the two families should be expected. We do not have the capability to go against them currently. Therefore, our target not him." He looked expectantly at Lily.
Lily elegantly took a sip of her soup. "I have entered the friend circle of Lance Wu already. Although we haven't met each other, it is only a matter of time."
"He is a good match for you," Zhao Bohai noted with a smile, "His abilities may not be as astounding as his brother's, but he is one of the few dual elemental ability users out there. He certainly will have a bright future, and he is has a public presence that is greater than his brother. With his close relationship to his brother, there's no doubt that we can establish a connection to the Wu family through him."
"Oh, I know him. He is extremely popular in Skynet right now!" Wang Ruolan exclaimed. "Several of my friends are also looking at him as a future son-in-law. Lily, you must seize the chance quickly. You will definitely love him!"
Lily smiled demurely. "Yes I certainly will mother." Her hands tightened around her spoon. "I will bring honor to our family."
Zhao Bohai smiled widely. "I have taught you well."
"We have," added Wang Ruolan, "I gave birth to such a wonderful girl." Suddenly, her face darkened.
"I just remembered, the daughters of that witch made some big moves recently." She twisted her napkin. "Normally, I wouldn't care about those peasants, but you should have seen the faces of the ladies at our last gathering. Bohai, they looked so condescending!"
Zhao Bohai looked uncomfortable. "My dear, just ignore them. They don't know anything. As long as we love each other, we should ignore the outsiders." He might not care about the two girls, but they might be useful in the future.
Wang Ruolan clenched her fist. "I tried to be open minded, but really you were to much! I can understand the first daughter, but the second brat is an abomination. How could you . . . "She choked.
"I was drunk, I swear!" Zhao Bohai quickly handed her a glass of water. " I wouldn't have touched the woman if I didn't think it was you." He sighed. "If it bothers you so much, I can take care of her."
"Father," Lily interjected sharply, "I still an under criticism as an illegitimate child. If you touch her, what will my peers think?"
"Illegitimate!" Wang Ruolan's voice quivered in anger as she sent daggers at her husband. She got up and stormed upstairs, the soup trembling in her wake.
Zhao Bohai scowled. "Don't worry, I'll take care of them."
Lily frowned. "Dad, I'm serious. I want to handle this myself." These pair of half- sisters, she would prove herself to be above them. Although she hated them to the core, she wanted a fair competition. Only then would she come out superior.
"Lily, don't underestimate me. I know what to do." Zhao Bohai nodded. This daughter of his was still to naive. He would need to sharpen her claws a little more.
Lily nodded as she returned to her dinner. She steadied her hand as she took another sip of soup.
'I will show everyone why I am the true daughter of the Zhao family.'