Chapter 64: Uninvited Guest

Moving into the new home, everyone was filled with joy. The new villa was much more spacious in comparison and one could clearly hear the sound of waves crashing. Yet, once the doors and windows were closed, all those sounds were shut out. Standing high above, gazing into the distance, the sea shimmered with brilliance, instantly opening one’s heart.

Settling into the new house wasn't much trouble. In fact, there weren’t many belongings brought over from the Wang family villa. Instead, Aunt Qiu and the three servants were busy arranging the daily necessities and meals. Chen Long and Hou Qiang, under Lan Ji’s personal guidance, carried out a series of installations, ensuring that the villa’s surroundings could alert them to any approaching strangers at the earliest moment.

Despite Chen Long and Hou Qiang’s defeat by He Tian and subsequent taming by Lan Ji, it didn’t mean Chen Long and his group were weak. Especially with their military backgrounds, under Lan Ji’s leadership—a woman seasoned by years of front-line combat—their abilities truly made people look at them with new respect.

“These five still have untapped potential. With some training, they could become excellent elite warriors.” Lan Ji accompanied He Tian, standing on the third-floor terrace, gazing at the distant sea.

“I’ll leave that to you. You don’t need to teach them everything, just share some of your experience. I can tell they’re ambitious. In the end, becoming stronger doesn’t depend on anyone else—it’s up to them.” He Tian smiled gently.

“Still, it’s a shame you won’t teach them a few tricks yourself,” Lan Ji said regretfully.

“Haha… It’s not time yet! These five still need more observation,” He Tian laughed heartily.

He Tian was generous, but only to his own people. As for Chen Long and his group, truth be told, He Tian still kept his guard up, employing various unseen methods. He couldn’t fully trust them yet—not because he thought they had ill intentions, but because he didn’t believe they were wholeheartedly on his side. Until that changed, He Tian wouldn’t take further action. Allowing Lan Ji to train them was already a significant step.

“I’ll handle it,” Lan Ji agreed.

“That’s good,” He Tian replied, confident in Lan Ji’s abilities.

“I’ve never asked you—Wild Wolf let you go so easily, didn’t he?” He Tian continued.

“It’s all thanks to your formidable reputation. He knows you saved my life and understands our pact. He realized he couldn’t stop me, so he let me go, making it easier for the little ones,” Lan Ji said with a smile.

“Wild Wolf’s calculations are clever—he’s banking on my sense of loyalty,” He Tian shook his head and smiled helplessly.

Lan Ji just smiled, saying nothing, though her own intentions were mixed in. After all, she had been under Wild Wolf's command. Even now, following He Tian, she didn’t want to abandon the Wild Wolf Mercenary Corps to its fate.

“Honestly, Lan Ji… I summoned you here for this task, with no end date in sight. Do you like it?” He Tian looked at her seriously.

“I can’t say I like it, but… it feels special. Occasionally, my heart stirs, and it’s a bit unfamiliar. But I’m very satisfied. To be by your side… for a lifetime, I’d gladly do it,” Lan Ji whispered softly.

He Tian laughed awkwardly.

Lan Ji’s feelings gave He Tian a headache, just as they had in Africa, and now as well.

Originally, the two had gone their separate ways, and perhaps would never cross paths again. But He Tian had summoned her back, and now she had new thoughts—quite understandably so. After all, He Tian’s charm was truly overwhelming.

“Ah, this charm is troublesome!” He Tian sighed inwardly… If his thoughts were known to countless men, surely every one of them would raise two middle fingers at him…

“Get ready, bring your weapons, and come with me to the banquet,” He Tian instructed before leaving.

This was different from his days as He Long. Now, He Tian had to be cautious. Just dealing with Wang Xinrou was already difficult, so it was best to maintain his current relationship with Lan Ji. For Lan Ji’s deep affection, He Tian could only silently apologize.

He Tian donned a suit, and with this transformation, a mature charm radiated from him. Wang Xinrou’s belief in He Tian’s versatile nature was fully embodied. Wang Xinrou herself was no less impressive—dressed in a stunning evening gown, dignified rather than flamboyant, exuding a commanding presence. Combined with her youthful face, she was simply dazzling.

Following Wang Xinmeng’s repeated reminders, Lan Ji drove, bringing He Tian and Wang Xinrou straight to the seaside villa district, where Young Master Hai was hosting the banquet. It was the very villa He Tian had explored last time. This time, unlike his previous covert approach, he arrived openly.

Now, every spot around the villa was filled with luxury cars. Men and women in elegant attire mingled in the courtyard, with business elites, young heirs, and numerous bosses raising their glasses and chatting—an exuberant scene.

Lan Ji remained in the car. Wang Xinrou affectionately linked arms with He Tian as they approached the front door.

“It’s quite the spectacle! Regardless of Young Master Hai’s character, he’s really influential here in Tianhai—that’s undeniable,” Wang Xinrou whispered beside He Tian.

“To be precise, Young Master Hai is the extension of power behind him. It’s the same everywhere in the world—not surprising,” He Tian replied with a smile.

“Be careful. I have no good feelings about Young Master Hai,” Wang Xinrou frowned lightly.

“Don’t worry,” He Tian patted her hand gently.

“Sir, Miss… please show your invitation,” a servant at the door stopped them.

He Tian smiled and handed over the invitation specially sent by Young Master Hai. With the servant’s courteous guidance, He Tian and Wang Xinrou entered the banquet smoothly—only to be taken aback: there seemed to be no familiar faces.

“Let’s have a drink,” He Tian led Wang Xinrou to pick up two glasses from the densely arranged tables and chose seats.

Although Young Master Hai was absent, He Tian wasn’t anxious. Since he was here, he was sure to meet him eventually. He Tian sat and carefully observed the guests, hoping to analyze Young Master Hai’s circle from those present.

“I don’t like these occasions,” Wang Xinrou whispered.

“Xinmeng never brought you to such events before?” He Tian asked quietly.

“No, and my sister rarely attends such banquets herself,” Wang Xinrou shook her head.

“No wonder,” He Tian smiled. “But since you’re starting an investment company, you won’t be able to avoid these social events in the future.”

“Tch, you don’t understand! Anyone hoping for investment will be eager to seek me out. I can just send someone else to handle the socializing—why bother coming myself?” Wang Xinrou said proudly.

“You’ve thought it through already?” He Tian looked at her in surprise.

“That’s just one aspect,” Wang Xinrou laughed.

“The company’s procedures are speeding up, and we’re not far from opening. Besides investing in students, do you have any other specific targets?” Bored, He Tian wanted to probe Wang Xinrou’s ideas.

“The initial focus is on everything related to environmental protection,” Wang Xinrou replied.

“Environmental protection? Why that?” He Tian was surprised.

“Environmental pollution is worsening. Recent reports showed that among the world’s ten most polluted cities, seven are in China! That shows how bad our living environment has become. I believe the country will take decisive action—this damages our national image too much!” Wang Xinrou smiled. “You know how it is here—when the authorities care, everything gets easier.”

“So this is a great opportunity, and a promising industry,” she added.

“Good thinking—not only will you grow, but help the environment too,” He Tian said softly. “But there’s no doubt that this field is complicated, with many issues. Be prepared mentally.”

“One step at a time. These are just my ideas. The specifics still need analysis. Anyway, the investment sector in universities is still untouched. Our entry will surely bear fruit! I believe there are hidden talents waiting in college campuses,” Wang Xinrou was filled with hope for the future—hope grounded in reason and capability.

Thus, He Tian trusted Wang Xinrou. As long as she didn’t try to do too much too quickly, her investment company was full of promise.

“You must help me!” Wang Xinmeng looked at He Tian, pleading.

“Me? That’s impossible, I don’t know anything—I can’t help you. You’ll have to rely on yourself!” He Tian laughed. “But I can give you some advice.”

“What advice?” Wang Xinrou asked eagerly.

“No need to keep it from Xinmeng. When the company’s set up, can you handle the talent needs? Xinmeng can help you, and you don’t need to hide anything to prove yourself,” He Tian said.

“No!” Wang Xinrou shook her head firmly.

“Then I have nothing more to offer,” He Tian spread his hands, speechless at her stubbornness.

“Oh—so it’s you, Second Miss Wang!” Just as Wang Xinrou was about to retort and persuade He Tian, an uninvited guest appeared…