Chapter 150 – Acquainted, But Not Close

At this moment, even Su Ming couldn’t conceal the surprise in his tone.

“I never expected it to be Councilor Xu. My apologies for the disrespect.”

While responding this way, Su Ming’s thoughts raced rapidly in his heart.

Why would Xu Yongfeng suddenly contact him?

Could it be because of the Xu Family matters?

Had he been exposed? Had Xu Yongfeng detected his involvement in these events? Or had Xu Qianqian told her father everything?

As the latter thought emerged, Su Ming dismissed it himself.

He and Xu Qianqian were bound by a contract—she shouldn’t be able to disclose his affairs to others.

If that were the case, then Xu Yongfeng’s sudden contact became rather intriguing.

While Su Ming was pondering this, Xu Yongfeng spoke.

“No need for such formality.” Xu Yongfeng said indifferently: “You and Qianqian are friends. I’m not approaching you in my capacity as a high-ranking council member of Longyao City. You can be more casual.”

Xu Yongfeng’s detached tone bore some resemblance to Xu Qianqian’s.

No wonder they were father and daughter.

It was only natural they shared certain similarities.

“Then I’ll call you Uncle Xu.” Su Ming didn’t dwell on trivial matters and went straight to the point: “Uncle Xu, is there something you needed from me?”

This question was met with another moment of silence from Xu Yongfeng.

Fortunately, this silence didn’t last too long.

“I’ve heard about everything regarding Qianqian.” Xu Yongfeng stated: “So I’m here to thank you.”

“Thank me?” Su Ming deliberately played dumb: “What have I done that deserves thanks?”

“It’s fine if you don’t wish to speak of it.” Xu Yongfeng maintained his indifferent tone: “Regardless, I owe you a favor for this. I hope you’ll accept my invitation later to join Miss Yun. I’ll properly host you both to express my gratitude.”

Upon hearing this, Su Ming immediately understood everything.

Xu Yongfeng must have already learned about the lethal trap Gao Xu and Xu Yanyan had set for Xu Qianqian.

Including how Xu Qianqian had been rescued by an unknown powerful individual and managed to escape.

Su Ming had originally thought that his identity as that mysterious expert had been exposed, hence Xu Yongfeng’s contact to personally express gratitude.

However, it now appeared that Xu Yongfeng had misunderstood.

(He must think that mysterious expert was sent by Yun Langyue, right?)

Given Xu Yongfeng’s resources, it wouldn’t be difficult for him to learn that Xu Yanyan had approached Su Ming with hostile intentions, only to be frightened off by a single phone call from Yun Langyue.

Coupled with the fact that after the ambush, Xu Qianqian hadn’t gone anywhere else but stayed hidden within Su Ming’s team, Xu Yongfeng likely assumed that his daughter’s rescue by the mysterious expert was due to Su Ming requesting Yun Langyue’s intervention.

Considering how closely Su Ming and Xu Qianqian had been interacting recently, and their underlying connection, it was inevitable that Xu Yongfeng would think this way.

Probably not just Xu Yongfeng—even Xu Yanyan’s side would gradually come to the same conclusion, believing that Su Ming had asked Yun Langyue to intervene and save Xu Qianqian.

What they didn’t know was that the so-called mysterious expert was actually Su Ming himself.Even though they possessed considerable influence, it was nearly impossible for them to guess that Su Ming was the mysterious expert who had repelled Gao Xu without any basis.

After all, Su Ming was merely a second-year student and a Sorcerer by profession. Without any evidence, who would suspect him of being a powerful Hunter capable of driving back Gao Xu?

Realizing this, Su Ming felt relieved.

“I don’t mind personally, but whether Miss Yun will agree is something I can’t guarantee,” Su Ming deftly steered the conversation in the direction Xu Yongfeng had misunderstood.

“I’ll have an invitation sent to formally request Miss Yun’s presence. I believe she won’t refuse,” Xu Yongfeng showed little suspicion as expected, adding, “Regardless, we owe you thanks this time.”

“Just a small matter, not worth mentioning,” Su Ming responded with deliberate formality before asking, “Has Uncle Xu returned to Longyao City?”

“I returned yesterday,” Xu Yongfeng replied indifferently. “I was occupied with some matters and only got to express my gratitude today. I hope you’ll understand.”

Su Ming was somewhat curious about what Xu Yongfeng meant by “occupied with some matters.”

Those matters must be related to the attack on Xu Qianqian, right?

At the very least, Su Ming didn’t believe this high-ranking council member of Longyao City would swallow this insult quietly.

He had heard that Xu Yongfeng’s political style was quite domineering and forceful—not exactly hawkish, but definitely hardline.

Even if Xu Yanyan left no evidence behind, making legal recourse impossible, Xu Yongfeng would likely respond in kind.

Did they think only they could scheme in the shadows while others couldn’t retaliate?

That simply wasn’t how things worked.

One could imagine that Xu Yanyan would face a crisis or two in the coming days.

(Is this what family affection looks like among major Families? I’m about to be moved to filial piety!)

Unaware of Su Ming’s thoughts, Xu Yongfeng concluded the conversation: “After you return to the Academy, I’ll extend a formal invitation to you.” In a meaningful tone, he added, “Please take good care of Qianqian.”

“Of course, of course,” Su Ming agreed, nodding without catching the implication in Xu Yongfeng’s words.

Xu Yongfeng then ended the call.

Just as Su Ming was about to put away his phone, another call immediately came through, as if seizing the first opportunity.

This time, it was from an acquaintance—the very person at the center of his recent conversation with Xu Yongfeng.

“What’s the matter, Young Miss Xu?” Su Ming answered cheerfully.

“Did he just contact you?” From the other end, Xu Qianqian bypassed all pleasantries, ignoring Su Ming’s playful tone and getting straight to the point.

Noticing the urgency in her voice, Su Ming was momentarily taken aback.

“You mean your father, right?” Su Ming blinked. “He did just call me.”

This girl is quite well-informed, Su Ming thought to himself.

Before Su Ming could voice his confusion, Xu Qianqian spoke first after a brief, unreadable silence.

“I didn’t tell him anything about you.”

That was what Xu Qianqian said.

And Su Ming immediately understood.

So this Young Miss was worried he might misunderstand, thinking she had broken their agreement and revealed his secrets?After all, the contract Su Ming and Xu Qianqian had signed wasn’t particularly strict—its rank was neither high nor low. If Xu Qianqian was willing to pay some price, breaking the contract wasn’t impossible.

Having figured this out, Su Ming felt somewhat amused.

“Don’t worry, I’m not doubting you,” Su Ming reassured her for now. “He thought I had asked someone else to do it, so, you know.”

Xu Qianqian indeed understood.

Wasn’t it just shifting blame?

What was there not to understand?

Xu Qianqian immediately calmed down.

“By the way, I haven’t congratulated you yet,” Su Ming changed the subject. “Congratulations on becoming the chief of the Hunter Department, Senior Xu.”

“Likewise,” Xu Qianqian replied indifferently. “Haven’t you also become an elite student?”

Su Ming raised an eyebrow. “You already know about that?”

“Of course,” Xu Qianqian said meaningfully. “Though, in my opinion, a mere elite student hardly matches your strength.”

Currently, the person with the clearest understanding of Su Ming’s strength was undoubtedly Xu Qianqian.

Apart from her, who had personally witnessed Su Ming repelling Gao Xu and displaying his true power, everyone else had misconceptions about his abilities.

This included Yun Langyue and Shi Lin.

While they had witnessed Su Ming obtaining the Nightmare Species Bloodline and becoming a Dual Professional, they had never seen him in action and had no idea of his current strength.

Of course, even Xu Qianqian didn’t fully grasp Su Ming’s true power.

Su Ming had already awakened his Vision Mark, something Xu Qianqian still didn’t know.

With layer upon layer of concealment, it was likely that no one in the world truly understood how strong Su Ming really was.

Even Su Ming himself didn’t know.

After all, he had never fought with his full strength.

Perhaps this was what it meant to lie low?

“Has the trouble on your end been resolved?” Su Ming asked. “I heard the Li Family isn’t willing to let it go.”

“More or less,” Xu Qianqian said lightly. “Li Wei was, after all, a genius of the Li Family’s current generation. Even as a branch family member, the Li Family showed him considerable importance. It’s only natural they won’t rest easily after his sudden demise.”

“So, it’s basically confirmed that Li Wei met with misfortune?” Su Ming asked casually. “No chance of survival?”

“I don’t know,” Xu Qianqian replied, entirely unconcerned. “At the time, I could barely take care of myself, let alone worry about them.”

Xu Qianqian felt no guilt or self-blame about this.

She wasn’t the one who had acted, and even if there was suspicion of her involvement, the true culprits were Xu Yanyan’s people.

If there were any evidence, and if exposing the matter wouldn’t just be covered up by the Xu Family, Xu Qianqian would have gladly handed Xu Yanyan over to the Li Family.

The problem was, the Li Family wouldn’t care about internal strife within the Xu Family. If they knew the Xu Family was responsible, they would inevitably target the entire Xu Family for retribution.

If that happened, the Xu Family Head would hold both Xu Qianqian and Xu Yanyan accountable.

Given this, Xu Qianqian had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill for now and let the Li Family vent their grievances.Fortunately, Xu Yongfeng had already returned, so this matter would likely be handled discreetly by him—reducing major issues to minor ones, and minor issues to nothing, until it was completely treated as if it had never happened.

Understanding this, Su Ming silently mourned for Li Wei for two seconds in his heart.

Poor Young Master Li, gone just like that, so inexplicably.

Even Xu Qianqian said, “You don’t need to worry about the Li Family’s affairs. I’ll handle them myself.”

“Alright then.” Su Ming shrugged and said, “What about Little Hai’er?”

“Everything is going smoothly on her end as well.” Xu Qianqian replied calmly, “All aspects of the official review have been passed successfully. Soon, that child should be sent to me.”

“Was she discovered?” Su Ming expressed some concern, “Since it’s through official channels, isn’t it possible that the high-ranking official in Longyao City who has their eyes on Little Hai’er might notice this?”

“Unlikely.” Xu Qianqian shook her head, “Unless I make some mistake, who would think that among the Phantom Demons being prepared for transport as commodities, there would be a cub inheriting the Bloodline of a Hazardous Species?”

“That’s true.” Su Ming nodded.

Although there were still some lingering concerns, given the circumstances, there was nothing more Su Ming could do.

From here on out, it all depended on Xu Qianqian’s actions.

Just then, Xu Qianqian suddenly asked a question.

“Do you know Yun Langyue?”

Hearing this, Su Ming knew that his so-called backing had been exposed.

He wasn’t surprised.

If Xu Yongfeng had found out, it was only natural that Xu Qianqian could as well.

So, Su Ming replied, “I know her, but not well.”

Su Ming said this with utmost sincerity.

He truly wasn’t very familiar with Yun Langyue, especially with her peculiar way of thinking, which made Su Ming want to keep his distance.

Unfortunately, Xu Qianqian clearly didn’t believe Su Ming’s nonsense.

“I’ve heard before that Yun Langyue seems particularly attentive to a certain man, often mentioning him from time to time, and even publicly claiming that she already has someone she loves.”

Xu Qianqian’s words made Su Ming freeze, and he inwardly cursed Yun Langyue.

What on earth has that woman been doing all day?

What kind of nonsense has she been spreading?

“Many people are curious about that mysterious man.” Xu Qianqian, unaware of Su Ming’s feelings, continued on her own, “Especially Yun Langyue’s suitors. I heard they’ve been investigating in secret, and among them are quite a few wealthy youths who have hired Underground Professionals.”

Su Ming nearly spat blood.

So, unbeknownst to him, he had already become the imaginary rival of many people and was being investigated?

If even someone as aloof as Xu Qianqian had heard such rumors, it must mean the matter had become quite widespread, right?

And yet, he, the person involved, was only finding out about it now?

Damn!

“You…” Xu Qianqian was about to say more.

“It’s not me!”

Su Ming resolutely interrupted her.

With a serious expression, he said, “That person isn’t me. You must have misunderstood.”

Hearing this, Xu Qianqian fell silent for a moment before speaking, “So it really is you after all.”

Her tone was so certain, clearly having uncovered the truth.

“You’ve misunderstood.”

Su Ming still wanted to struggle.

“I’m tired. Let’s talk about this another time.”Xu Qianqian threw out such a sentence, then immediately hung up the phone.

“I…”

Listening to the busy tone coming from his phone, Su Ming stood there frozen for a very long time.

Completely unaware that behind him, a small head had slyly poked out, staring intently at his back, the light gone from its eyes.

(End of Chapter)