Chapter 81: Stop Going On About Money—How Tacky!

Wang Xinrou was indeed diligent!

While He Tian had just risen and completed a modest ten-kilometer run, Wang Xinrou was already awake. Following the instructions He Tian had given her the previous day, she practiced again and again, earnestly contemplating the subtleties within...

He Tian did not disturb her. His guidance was nothing more than a gentle encouragement, a method of steering her forward. The true essence lay within Wang Xinrou herself.

This was not a martial art of ornamental postures or rigid routines, but a technique of exerting force. If the practitioner failed to fully grasp its essence, they might never truly unleash its power.

He Tian possessed eight such techniques. He firmly believed that as long as Wang Xinmeng mastered these eight skills and underwent a certain degree of training under his arrangement, her ascent to mastery would not be impossible.

Indeed, under certain circumstances, she might even be able to contend with experts possessing inner energy.

Bathed in the rising sun leaping from the sea, He Tian breathed with an almost greedy intensity. Being near the ocean offered better results than the city, though still inferior to the depths of the mountains. But to He Tian, even this improvement was delightful.

He absorbed strands of purple energy from the east, which were rapidly assimilated and transformed by his threefold internal energy circulation system. Unfortunately, this period was short-lived. Soon, the blazing sunlight shattered the strands of purple energy, dispersing them without a trace.

He Tian continued his stance, cycling his energy nine times before ending his breathing exercise. Sensing a slight increase in his internal strength, he felt no dissatisfaction.

Cultivating energy was a long process. True power came from slow, incremental growth. Years of practice had taught He Tian not to seek quick results. Maintaining a steady state of mind was the foundation. The so-called motivation was merely to seize every moment, to cultivate relentlessly, accumulating over time.

“I’ve contacted the best special operations units in the major military districts. Preliminary estimates suggest that about a hundred are retiring soon,” said Old Hu, strolling along the beach with He Tian after breakfast, speaking into the sea breeze.

“A hundred?” He Tian laughed. “That’s quite normal. There should be arrangements for these soldiers. How many can we get?”

“I told them at least fifty... but who knows how many they’ll actually give us,” Old Hu replied with a smile.

“Old Hu, let me say again—don’t let them slip in anyone with ulterior motives. I don’t like such schemes. If I find one, I’ll deal with one. You know I have the authority, and they won’t be able to complain,” He Tian said sternly, his eyes fixed on Old Hu.

“Why would you think that?” Old Hu regarded He Tian and answered, “There’s no need for such worries.”

“That’s best,” He Tian nodded.

Old Hu shook his head helplessly. He didn’t fully grasp He Tian’s thoughts, but he knew it was somehow related to the ‘freedom’ advocated by Dragon Soul. Clearly, He Tian didn’t want his freedom compromised by such matters.

It made sense. With He Tian’s current status, especially his present circumstances, he was impossible to control within the system. If He Tian hadn’t confided in him, Old Hu would never have known where He Tian came from.

He resolved to remember this, and to give proper warnings.

Otherwise, if something went wrong, even pleading would be of little use.

“When are you leaving?” He Tian asked.

“In the next few days,” Old Hu sighed.

“Reluctant to go?” He Tian smiled at him.

“It’s been three years. No matter what, I’ve grown attached. I really am a bit reluctant,” Old Hu admitted candidly.

“That’s normal... but leaving might be for the best. First, your departure will sever most connections between the Wang sisters and the higher-ups. Even if others don’t believe it, at least it sends a signal—maybe more opportunities will arise. Second, since you’ve considered internal matters, going back will let you access more. Most importantly, your mindset has changed,” He Tian said with a smile. “That’s the key.”

“I never dared to think about it before,” Old Hu sighed softly.

“You understand the complex relationships between all the institutions above, their connections, competition, even hostility. I say again—the greatest enemy is not external, but internal,” He Tian said seriously. “My identity, all my information—I trust you’ll keep it secret, Old Hu. And I know, no matter what others think about Dragon Fang, you’ll devote yourself fully. But I must stress, this requires strategy, not excessive zeal. Everything must proceed steadily and quietly. It’s a long process, as we both know.”

“I understand. I know what to do. But you must be more vigilant and careful. If the threat is truly internal...” Old Hu’s tone betrayed his worry. “That’s truly frightening.”

He Tian laughed. “Old Hu, what’s so frightening? Dragon Fang’s incident happened abroad. No one dares touch me here. No one...”

He Tian’s face radiated confidence.

“I believe you. If I find any clues, I’ll notify you secretly when I return,” Old Hu said gravely. “I grew up with Dragon Fang. My life—roughly counted—I’ve escaped death eighteen times. But I’m still alive... so I more than anyone want to find the mastermind.”

“Old Hu!” He Tian gently patted Old Hu’s shoulder, calming his excitement.

“Others know this too, so your investigation will be incredibly troublesome. I don’t need to list all the precautions—you understand them. Don’t push yourself too hard,” He Tian said quietly. “Dragon Fang belongs to Dragon Soul, and no Dragon Soul member leaves without explanation.”

Old Hu nodded.

He knew well how Dragon Soul earned its exceptional status, and understood its spirit. Yet, some things—even to He Tian—he would not voice.

Should any clue appear, Old Hu would cast aside everything. He would do so, without hesitation...

No one truly understood the depths of his bond with Dragon Fang.

“He Tian, off to class!” Wang Xinrou’s voice called.

He Tian and Old Hu ended their conversation.

Lan Ji drove, taking He Tian and Wang Xinrou to Tianhai University.

Old Hu drove Wang Xinmeng to the company.

“After class this morning, we need to find Yingying and Li Kai to handle the business license. And you must give me the promised funds,” Wang Xinrou had already planned her day.

“How long before the renovations are done?” He Tian asked.

“Five days. Ten at most and we can move in!” Wang Xinrou replied with a laugh. “Don’t change the subject. Where’s the money?”

“Oh come on, must you be so vulgar? Money, money, all the time! Doesn’t that lower your status?” He Tian said seriously.

“I don’t feel anything! Money, money—I love money! Hand it over!” Wang Xinrou was completely unmoved.

“Fine, fine! Twenty billion... plus what you had before, you’ve got substantial capital. Use it well,” He Tian handed her a card.

“Haha, just wait and see!” Wang Xinrou took the card with a bright smile, full of confidence.

Investment...

Venture capital.

There was always risk.

He Tian didn’t doubt Wang Xinrou’s talent and ability, but her experience and vision still needed testing.

However, he would not suppress her enthusiasm.

Thus, he let her go ahead.

If twenty billion could help Wang Xinrou truly mature, He Tian thought it well worth it.

Besides, he still had over fifty billion. Enough to let her rise again if needed.

Lan Ji stayed in the car—or wandered around. There was no need to restrict her.

So long as He Tian accompanied Wang Xinrou, Lan Ji enjoyed considerable freedom.

As He Tian and Wang Xinrou went to class, Lan Ji promptly left Tianhai University, following the red dot on her phone...

In the classroom, He Tian saw Ouyang Bingbing. But Li Yingying and Lin Ying were nowhere to be found.

University entrepreneurship often disrupted regular classes; Li Yingying and Lin Ying exemplified this to the fullest.

“Bingbing!” Wang Xinrou sat next to Ouyang Bingbing.

He Tian took the seat beside Wang Xinrou.

Whether intentional or not, Wang Xinrou ensured He Tian did not sit next to Ouyang Bingbing.

“Xinrou!”

Ouyang Bingbing glanced at He Tian, then joyfully whispered to Wang Xinrou.

He Tian pretended to read his textbook, but his gaze kept drifting to Ouyang Bingbing...

She was smiling, apparently very happy.

Yet He Tian could sense a touch of bitterness in her expression.

Though she tried her best to conceal it, her ability in this area was far inferior to her prowess in the stock market.

“Xinrou, do you remember the student I sponsored?” Ouyang Bingbing asked softly.

“Of course, how could I forget? What about her?” Wang Xinrou replied.

“She wrote me a letter!” Ouyang Bingbing smiled.

“Doesn’t she write you often? Is this time special?” Wang Xinrou asked.

“It is! You know, she’s from a mountain village. She said she wants to treat me to wild vegetables from the hills—sterile wild vegetables!” Ouyang Bingbing said quietly.

“Sterile wild vegetables?” Wang Xinrou’s eyes brightened. “Natural?”

“Natural! I never noticed before...” Ouyang Bingbing nodded.

“That’s wonderful! Where is she from?” Wang Xinrou responded quickly.

“Qinghai...” Ouyang Bingbing said, her voice trailing off.