"Old Master, I think there's definitely been some misunderstanding about Mr. Su Yuan. I'll have him released immediately," Xiao Lie said with a smile, his tone conciliatory as he addressed Su Zhentian over the phone.
"Finally! If you'd said that earlier, we wouldn't have had to waste so much time," Su Zhentian grumbled, his tone softening now that Xiao Lie had agreed.
"Of course, Old Master. But let me remind you—those ten second-generation mechs better not be outdated models. I want the latest versions," Xiao Lie added, sounding slightly apprehensive.
"Hmph! Do I look like someone who'd skimp on a deal? You'll get the newest models, no question," Su Zhentian replied gruffly.
"Of course, I trust you, Old Master Su. I'm just concerned your subordinates might not handle things properly."
"Enough chatter! Just get my idiot son out of there already."
"Understood. I'll take care of it. I'll pay a visit to Starlight City soon to catch up," Xiao Lie replied before hanging up.
The smile on Xiao Lie's face faded quickly, replaced by a contemplative expression. He picked up his phone and sent a message to Ye Wei, summoning him to the office.
Ye Wei rushed into Xiao Lie's office.
"Sir?"
"Is everything ready?" Xiao Lie asked coolly.
"Yes, everything is in place!" Ye Wei replied confidently.
"Good. Release Su Yuan," Xiao Lie said nonchalantly.
"What? Release him?" Ye Wei's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at Xiao Lie as though he'd misheard.
"Did I not make myself clear? Or do my words carry no weight anymore?" Xiao Lie's tone turned icy.
"N-no, sir! I just... if we release Su Yuan, what about the Federation? How do we handle that?" Ye Wei stammered, clearly panicking.
"What about it? The Chirami larvae didn't show up in the waste facility out of nowhere. Investigate who was responsible for patrolling and securing the area around the H3 sector of the Lower District," Xiao Lie said, his voice steady but commanding.
"You mean... investigate our own people?" Ye Wei looked even more flustered.
"Whoever made the mistake will be held accountable. Equal treatment for all—public duty above personal interests. Is that clear?" Xiao Lie said, punctuating his statement by tapping his desk.
"Yes, sir. I'll take care of it right away," Ye Wei replied, swallowing nervously before hurrying out of the office.
Su Ming was gritting his teeth as he struggled to complete push-ups. His face was flushed bright red.
"Eleven, twelve..."
By the time he reached fifteen, his arms gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor, gasping for breath.
This body's fitness was dismal.
Still, Su Ming felt a small sense of accomplishment. The fact that he could do fifteen push-ups in a single go was a significant improvement—he couldn't even manage three at the start. He was confident that, given time, he could grow stronger.
As he lay catching his breath, the sound of commotion drifted up from downstairs. It sounded like Zhao Ning had returned home. Su Ming got up and left his room.
In the brightly lit living room, Su Yuan and Zhao Ning entered, their expressions weary.
"You never listen when I tell you to take your work seriously. Look at the mess you've caused now," Zhao Ning scolded, frustration evident in her voice.
"Wife, it's not like I wanted this to happen. It's just bad luck," Su Yuan replied, his face scrunched in a pained grimace.
Descending the spiral staircase, Su Ming greeted his parents. "Father, Mother, you're back."
"Son, are you okay?" Su Yuan's face lit up at the sight of Su Ming, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.
"I'm fine. What about you, Father? Are you alright?" Su Ming asked.
"Haha! That's my boy, showing concern for his old man. Don't worry about me. Who do you think I am? Of course I'm fine! They wouldn't dare touch me. Look how easily I got out," Su Yuan said, puffing up with exaggerated bravado.
Zhao Ning sighed quietly, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. She'd spent the entire day running around, visiting the inspection department and waiting for updates. Even with the Old Master pulling strings, no progress had been made until the last moment. Su Yuan had been terrified the entire time—his current bravado was entirely for show.
Still, Zhao Ning didn't call him out. She wanted Su Yuan to maintain some dignity in front of Su Ming.
Su Ming smiled, reassured by his father's confidence. "You're amazing, Father."
"Of course!" Su Yuan replied, basking in the praise.
Just then, Su Yuan's phone rang. He instinctively took it out, but when he saw the caller ID, his cheerful expression froze. Swallowing hard, he said to Su Ming, "Son, I need to take this call."
Stepping aside, Su Yuan answered the phone, his tone suddenly deferential. "Hello?"
"You brainless idiot! Were you dropped on your head as a child? What the hell are you doing? How did I end up with such a moron for a son?"
"Y-yes, uh-huh, yes, I understand..." Su Yuan stammered, his legs trembling slightly as he tried to maintain composure.
Though Su Yuan wasn't on speakerphone, the Old Master's enraged voice was loud enough to echo through the house. Zhao Ning and Su Ming could hear every word as if it were being shouted directly at them.
Su Ming's expression turned awkward as he listened to the tirade.
Zhao Ning chuckled lightly and reassured Su Ming, "Don't worry, my dear. It's just a scolding. Your father can handle it."
"Alright, Mother. There's something I wanted to discuss with you," Su Ming said, seizing the opportunity now that the household crisis seemed resolved.
"What is it, my precious son?" Zhao Ning asked warmly.
"With the city exams approaching and the school closed due to the Chirami attack, I've decided to go to Teacher Tang Yan's home every day for extra tutoring," Su Ming explained.
Hearing this, Zhao Ning felt both relief and concern. She was proud of Su Ming's initiative but worried about his safety. "That's fine, but will it be safe? Should I hire a bodyguard to accompany you?"
"No need. When I was out earlier, I saw patrols all over the streets. It seems secure enough," Su Ming replie
d, shaking his head.
"Alright, if you're sure," Zhao Ning said, choosing not to press further.