GAMMT - Chapter 40
Chapter 40: Covering the Mouth
Due to the nature of her work, Zhou Linlang had met more than her fair share of people. She was a keen judge of character and highly perceptive, and she was well aware that she seemed to be paying an excessive amount of attention to this Xie Keli.
She always felt there was something strange about him.
But excessive suspicion was also a kind of illness.
Right now, Zhou Linlang was wavering between self-reflection and paranoia.
Frankly, this person wasn't anyone of great importance; there was no need to spend so much time and energy on him.
So, she decided to investigate one last time.
"Background, experience, abilities, emotional intelligence, social connections, conduct…"
"Some things don't just appear out of thin air."
As Zhou Linlang was pondering, a subordinate came to report on the Xie Clan's affairs. The family had filed a report because two of their relatives had died.
"Did Xie An have them file it?"
"Yes, he sent someone. But deaths in dungeons are never treated as criminal cases. His stated reason for the report was the illegal destruction of agricultural facilities, affecting disaster-time food reserves."
Xie An's methods were surprisingly similar to those of his own unfortunate illegitimate son; both had seized a policy loophole, trying to get the case officially filed.
"So what if it's filed? That department won't help with the investigation. Otherwise, the criminal investigation division would never have a moment's rest; they'd be swamped."
It was impossible to set such a precedent, so why would Xie An bother?
Zhou Linlang said, "He's doing it to gain the privilege of information reconnaissance. Otherwise, they have no way to use official satellite surveillance to track that girl's movements."
During the period when the sky was sealed, even the world's most advanced technology couldn't see inside. But after the seal was lifted, the people inside were either still there or had left the area. Since the person was gone, they must have left as soon as the sky opened. At that point, if a satellite were to perform a detailed lock-on, it would be possible, even capable of creating a holographic recording of the person's appearance.
However, the authorities wouldn't go out of their way to do something like that.
After all, it was just a minor dungeon, and the Xie Clan didn't have that much clout. They could only find an alternative path, pull some strings, and ask someone from the transportation department for the person's information…
The subordinate asked, "So, should we grant this request? The reason seems sufficient."
Legally, there was no issue. It all depended on the decision of the executive officer directly in charge, Zhou Linlang.
He felt that his superior seemed quite interested in this dungeon and the people inside it. She had ordered them to investigate a few things, but all within legal bounds. Now that a perfect excuse to thoroughly investigate these people's information had fallen into their laps, she should be more than willing.
"Reject it."
"?"
Noticing her subordinate's surprise, Zhou Linlang casually put away the documents and said coolly, "I can't control what others do, but public authority is not for private use. If he wants to make an issue of this, let him use his own family's resources."
She didn't dwell on the matter and had her subordinate proceed with authorizing a different matter as planned.
"The shop, the disaster-time food sales permit—get all of it sorted out for this farm. Use the express channel. You've already applied, right?"
"Yes, it was all handled when I arrived. I just followed up on it, and it's been approved. The transport vehicles have also arrived, sourced from private shops and individuals, so there's nothing to find fault with. We just need to notify the citizens to come and buy at the designated time. You can rest assured, ma'am. But as per protocol, you need to review the farm owner's credit history."
The subordinate was experienced and had handled most of the tasks, but he had some concerns. "What I'm worried about now is that Xie Keli. He was coerced by you into agreeing. What if he's similarly pressured or bribed by Xie An to turn around and accuse you of coercion? You know, you were just transferred here… some people are still looking for an opportunity to kick you out of public service for good."
"That Xie Keli, he really doesn't look like a good person. This whole affair offers him no benefit whatsoever. Being forced to agree like this, he's bound to hold a grudge."
He didn't know that Zhou Linlang had promised to help Fu Chuan once in the future.
Zhou Linlang was using her computer to check Xie Keli's black market financial credit on X5. Hearing her subordinate's words, she glanced up, pushed her glasses up her nose, and said, "Even the worst of people, when faced with two equally risky situations, will choose the one who seems slightly better. Between me and Xie An, he'll choose me."
"Since arriving here, Xie An has never once had the accompanying doctor look at his injuries. He can't even be bothered to put on a show. If that kid is truly a treacherous scoundrel, he'll only weigh the pros and cons. Similarly, do you really think he'll suffer a great loss after doing this?"
Wouldn't he?
Zhou Linlang smiled, then turned back to the records on her computer. She scanned them quickly, confirming there were no major issues. After all, the finances of an unregistered person like him were mostly limited to checks, which seemed simple enough.
Then, she paused. But she turned and dismissed her subordinate.
Once the man was gone, she clicked on the record, looking at the information for a particular check.
"The check I gave him before hasn't been cashed yet. Is it because he's still unregistered and can't transfer it to a legal account? But copper checks can have a maximum value of over a hundred million. He could have easily cashed his ten-million-denomination check for a smaller one and hidden it away. Keeping it as a check all this time, isn't he afraid I'd do something? He seemed so wary of me."
This was a contradiction.
As Zhou Linlang grew suspicious, she was naturally unaware that the check had actually been used by Fu Chuan to pay the black market on X5. The latter didn't dare to use it, as they would be investigated if they did, so they could only swallow the loss.
But Fu Chuan had never imagined Zhou Linlang would look into this.
After all, she wasn't a god; she couldn't be perfect in every detail.
This wasn't a major problem, but it was enough to make the suspicion Zhou Linlang had just suppressed resurface. With a flick of her finger, she used her review authority to jump directly to Fu Chuan's communicator.
A quick search.
What a coincidence. Just a moment ago… this person had searched for some information online.
1. Who is Zhou Linlang from the Beluke Province Economic Department, and why is she so twisted?
2. Zhou Linlang isn't young anymore. Is she seeing anyone? Does she have a particular fondness for young gigolos?
3. Is Zhou Linlang's family rich? Is she an only daughter?
4. Does Zhou Linlang know how to do housework? If she got pregnant, would she quit her job to stay home and raise the child?
5. What is Zhou Linlang's character like? Does she use her public office for private revenge? Has there been a young, strong, and handsome man around her recently? Is that person's surname Qin?
Honestly, it was rare for someone's search history to so clearly and thoroughly reveal their utterly detestable true colors.
But Zhou Linlang was amused. She thought to herself that this little scumbag was quite sharp, to have guessed she was deliberately targeting him.
She was suddenly reminded of Qin Minfeng.
Speaking of which, that person was definitely not dead, yet he had vanished without a trace.
Compared to the shamelessness of the scumbag Xie, which was plain to see, it was that young man who truly disgusted her. She also felt a faint sense of dread; if a youth with such a nature were to rise to power, countless girls would likely suffer.
Hypocritical, sanctimonious, cruel, a refined egoist, skilled at using women to climb the ladder…
Zhou Linlang, who had been too busy to think about him recently, now remembered and felt a sense of unease. She stood up and made a call.
To investigate someone.
X5 was difficult to investigate, being a lawless zone, but she knew that with Qin Minfeng's ambition, he would definitely come to the main star to take the academy exams.
Fu Chuan was currently facing Xie An, but he was in the middle of mourning, expressing infinite sorrow for the branch family's Xie Yong and his son, and angrily questioning the Teng Family…
The Teng Family, of course, felt wronged. They felt like they had been framed.
As the two families argued back and forth, a minor figure like her had no presence at all. The wound on her hand was still unbandaged, and she stood by the side for a while without anyone paying her any mind.
And why would they? What level was she?
Everyone standing in this hall was at least a 20th-level Arcanist.
Fu Chuan put on an awkward expression, respectfully and fawningly calling out "Father" a couple of times. When no one responded, she quietly slipped into a small adjacent room to give instructions to the kitchen and others…
The farm workers watched with a sigh: so this person really does fawn on superiors and bully subordinates. Utterly despicable.
After a while, the Teng Family was still on the back foot. They couldn't help it; they were in the wrong.
Why didn't that woman attack them?
She attacked everyone but the Teng Family members!
"This is clearly a conspiracy! If she were really one of my Teng Family, why would she make it so obvious?!"
"Isn't that precisely to give you such an excuse to refute it?"
Damn it, this circular logic was endless.
The Teng Family members were furious and nearly came to blows with the Xie Clan. Unfortunately, even the other Arcanists were whispering among themselves, pointing fingers at the Teng Family. Even if these Arcanists were independent, they had their own circles. Who knew what high-level connections they had? As nobles, unless they were true local tyrants, they were actually quite adept at weighing their options.
The Teng Family was unwilling to provoke public anger and could only suppress their temper and explain.
All this chaotic shouting and cursing was really… whetting one's appetite.
Fu Chuan had been busy for days and was starving.
As she shoveled rice into her mouth, she thought about Zhou Linlang. She sensed the woman's suspicion of her but couldn't pinpoint any flaws in her own act for the time being. In the end, she could only attribute it to the other party's professional skill and oversensitivity, but also possibly to the more irreversible male lead halo.
Perhaps that Qin fellow wasn't dead and had returned to Zhou Linlang's side, using some method to win her trust and then target her.
The male lead's ability to charm women defied all logic, so Fu Chuan couldn't help but feel uneasy. She figured Zhou Linlang would definitely review her credit history, and if she was this suspicious, she would surely check her online information just like Xie Guangyu had. That's why she had deliberately searched for all sorts of nonsense online.
If she was going to be unhappy, she might as well cause some trouble for the trashy male lead. It would be best if she could use Zhou Linlang's official power to find him sooner.
However, by the time Fu Chuan finished her meal, the commotion outside was still going on. She was getting impatient; her time was precious. Besides, would that dog Xie An really care about the deaths of Xie Yong and his son?
So why was he dragging this out? Could it be…
This wasn't good. The old dog wanted to check the satellite surveillance.
Fu Chuan's scalp tingled. She checked the time and figured the scheduled transport vehicles would be arriving soon. So, she put down her bowl, her expression and demeanor already changed. She walked out and, in front of everyone, said loudly to Xie An, "Dad, don't be sad anymore. Life and death are determined by fate, wealth and honor by heaven. Uncle and my cousin's spirits in heaven wouldn't want to see you so upset. I've already thought it through. Since they died here, let's hold the funeral service at my place. I'm not afraid of the bad luck, after all, we're flesh and blood…"
Before anyone could react, her gaze swept over the crowd as she rattled on, "The place is spacious, we have plenty of hands, we can set up hundreds of tables, and build a stage. And with so many people here, we've all been through life and death together, so there must be a bond, right? We should definitely all stay for the funeral feast… I don't have much of anything else here, but I have plenty of food. We can cook up several pots for the banquet…"
She even made it rhyme.
Xie An couldn't care less about the money from condolence gifts; he was just utterly fed up with this money-grubbing little bastard. A vein throbbed in his temple, and just as he was about to reprimand him, a large number of airships arrived outside.
They were all private airships, carrying citizens from all over Jingyang City. They swarmed in, shouting that they wanted to buy vegetables and grain as soon as they entered.
Xie An's brow furrowed instantly. Just as he was about to stop them, he saw that the farm's tenants had already loaded the goods onto the airships as instructed. The members of the Teng Family present also looked somewhat surprised.
This? The Xie Clan moved so quickly, they're already selling?
But what came next… fair prices?!
Xie An wanted to kill Fu Chuan, but before he could make a move, Zhou Linlang made a casual entrance. The people from the Xie Clan and Teng Family could no longer express their opinions, as trade was free. Zhou Linlang smiled and praised Fu Chuan.
"On behalf of the Agriculture Department, I would like to thank Young Master Xie for his strong support, and for your benevolence… Xie Clan Head, you have raised a fine son."
Xie An: "…"
In a corner, the heavily injured and dying Xie Guangyu stared at his embarrassed-looking Second Brother.
Fu Chuan was indeed embarrassed, because she hadn't expected someone like Zhou Linlang to be so willing to compromise for the sake of the local populace, especially when she clearly looked down on her scumbag identity.
In front of everyone, Zhou Linlang even took out a badge and, to Fu Chuan's surprise, personally pinned it to her sleeve.
Looking down from the height of this male body, Fu Chuan could just make out her full forehead and pert nose. She also heard her say in a low, calm voice, "This is an Honor Badge, in thanks for your contribution to the people of this city."
"You are a good person, Xie Keli."
It seemed like a superficial gesture, a deliberate tactic to elevate Xie Keli and the Xie Clan. At least, that's what the Xie Clan thought. Xie An knew he had been dragged into this and couldn't even discipline Xie Keli now, or else he would be exposing the ugly side of the nobility in front of all these citizens.
Xie An could only force a smile, appearing as gentle as a spring breeze, humble and friendly.
Fu Chuan, the one being praised, felt a strange feeling in her heart. She had never told anyone: she did have a way to get out of this, but she chose not to.
She looked up and met Zhou Linlang's gaze.
The latter seemed to be smiling, but it was as if she had confirmed something, her eyes resolute.
For instance, that she thought he/she was a good person?
She knew her biggest flaw had been exposed. The real Xie Keli was a complete piece of trash, let alone a good person.
But this time, she couldn't hide or pretend, because she truly couldn't bear to see the people of Jingyang City—especially the poor who relied on subsidies and had low incomes to begin with—pay a terrible price for this disaster dungeon.
No matter how advanced or high-end the era or world, there would never be a shortage of people starving to death.
Especially in a world as cruel as this one.
This was why she had agreed to Zhou Linlang's request with so little struggle.
To do what little she could.
Would Zhou Linlang notice the flaw in her persona because of this, and thus become even more suspicious of her?
But how could such a brilliant and shrewd person not apply even a tenth of the brainlessness she showed towards the male lead, Qin Minfeng, to her own situation?
The male lead's bug-like halo was truly formidable.
Perhaps Fu Chuan's stare was too intense, as Zhou Linlang paused, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Why is this kid looking at me like a sow willingly walking into a butcher's trap?
In his eyes, am I really that easily fooled by someone like Qin Minfeng?
But soon… Fu Chuan took the badge and asked, "Inspector Zhou, I'm still young. I don't want to be a good person right now, I just want to study. Could you write me a letter of recommendation?"
It was a spur-of-the-moment idea. It provided a reasonable motive while also demanding a benefit. After all, this was the help the other party had promised, wasn't it?
The expressions of the Xie Clan members changed instantly. Xie An's face darkened, while the heavily injured Xie Guangyu was well aware of his situation. He still held a sliver of hope that his Arcane talent could be restored, if only he had some treasures. It all depended on whether the family was willing to save him.
But now this bastard wanted to go to school?
If he went to school, what would happen to him?!
Xie Guangyu nervously gripped the edge of his stretcher…
Zhou Linlang looked at the utilitarian Fu Chuan. The "good person" had transformed into an egoist. She wasn't angry, just smiled. "If you need it, I can write one. Good luck to you, Second Young Master Xie."
She felt it probably wouldn't be necessary. Once Xie An knew that Xie Keli had her as a fallback, he wouldn't be so ruthless.
However, her letter of recommendation was probably less useful than an official household registration from Xie An. This person didn't even have an ID card; he was an unregistered individual. Only Xie An could legitimately register him, and having that ID was the prerequisite for everything else.
But no matter what, Zhou Linlang was a person of her word.
Absolutely pragmatic and contract-minded.
After boarding the airship, Fu Chuan looked down at the Honor Badge in her hand.
[Honor Badge: +1000 Mental Power, grants special treatment from Jingyang City's local administrative bodies, allows for priority processing of affairs.]
A good item, especially the latter part. It could save her a lot of trouble.
"Is that an Honor Badge?" Xie An, sitting in the front, suddenly asked.
"Ah, yes."
"Let me see its attributes," Xie An said calmly.
Fu Chuan immediately bound it on the spot.
The other Xie Clan members: "…"
A cold glint flashed in Xie An's eyes, but he reined in his emotions and ignored her.
He couldn't kill him, because Zhou Linlang would very likely investigate. If it was discovered that he had killed his own son, he would be finished.
And if he kicked him out of the Xie Clan, the boy could immediately take that letter of recommendation and go to school… and might even help Zhou Linlang deal with their family in the future.
Xie An had a deeper assessment of this son now: despicable, shameless, greedy, and selfish, but with a certain shrewdness, unwilling to suffer any loss. A character like that would surely become known, and that other side wouldn't want him. It would be a disgrace to even mention it.
In that case…
Xie An looked towards Xie Guangyu.
Xie Guangyu grew tense, gritting his teeth as he tried to save himself. "Father, I want to participate in the trials, to fight for a chance at survival."
After all, this was the son he had doted on and had high hopes for many years. Xie An remained silent. Fu Chuan had no need to speak, but her persona required her to kick him while he was down. So she leaned over and covered Xie Guangyu's mouth with both hands. "Seventh Brother, I won't allow you to debase yourself and walk down this dead end. You've only lost your Arcane talent, you're not crippled or paralyzed. What can't you do? Besides, our family is large and prosperous. What treasures can't we produce? Father will surely exhaust all means to save you!"
The way he covered his mouth looked very much like he was trying to suffocate him.
The other Xie Clan members had strange expressions. Use so many resources to save an illegitimate son who wasn't even from the main line? Even if Xie An was willing, the others wouldn't be, especially not the eldest legitimate son's faction.
A few of the Xie Clan members' eyes flickered as they quietly sent out messages.
Powerless to struggle, Xie Guangyu could only make muffled sounds. "Mmph! Mmph!"
He wanted to kill this dog bastard!
They arrived at the Xie estate. This time, Fu Chuan finally entered through the main gate and was even given a guest room.
Although the butler wasn't enthusiastic, he was polite, leading her to the courtyard area where the Xie Clan's children lived. But before taking her there, Xie An suddenly said, "Wake up early tomorrow. Someone will come to process your ID card. From now on, you are a member of the Xie Clan. You should consider the family in all things, act for the family's interests, and represent the family's dignity. If you continue to misbehave as you did in the past, don't blame me for punishing you according to family law."
Fu Chuan looked at Xie An and saw on his face the authority and coldness of a patriarch.
She lowered her head and respectfully agreed.
Inwardly, however, she was thinking: One of your illegitimate sons tried to harm me, forcing me down the path of using a Devouring Scroll. Later, your familiesmen repeatedly tried to kill me. So it's not too much for me to use your family to fleece some benefits, like the opportunity to take the exams, like that slot… and then run away once my needs are met, right?
As for dignity and interests…
"Father, rest assured. I will definitely make myself the dignity of the Xie Clan."
The way she said it… Xie An and the others had complicated expressions.
With his reputation?
Even dogs would shun him.
Not far away, in a pavilion in the manor, a tall and handsome young man twirled a branch between his fingers before turning and walking away.
Nobles were nobles. Even the small courtyard assigned to an unfavored illegitimate son was serene and elegant, with tasteful decorations.
But that was all. She had seen from the sky that the true masters of the Xie Clan all lived in the East Courtyard. That was true aristocratic splendor. This place was, at best, a three-star resort.
Looking at the seven small courtyards lined up in a row, Fu Chuan casually asked, "Who lives in the others?"
"Your brothers."
"…"
Seven gourd brothers? Was Xie An's reproductive ability that strong?
"No sisters?"
Fu Chuan asked casually, but she gleaned something from the servant's stunned expression.
Oh, this was where all the illegitimate sons lived. The legitimate eldest son didn't live here.
So, was there any need to bring back illegitimate daughters?
No.
From the very beginning, they held no value for Xie An to exploit.
Fu Chuan smiled and pushed open the door to her room.
The affairs of the Xie Clan had nothing to do with her. Once she was enrolled in an academy, she would find a chance to run away.
The next day, her ID card was processed. She was even enrolled in a high school's student registry by virtue of her noble status. This meant that with her proof of identity, she could go to the relevant schools to take the exams.
She had finally succeeded.
On the morning her ID was ready, Fu Chuan saw that it wasn't time for her pet to be born yet, so she planned to go out and run some errands. However, she saw the butler leading servants, bustling about everywhere.
"What's all this for?"
"There's a joyous occasion in the family. The Seventh Young Master is getting married!"
Although Fu Chuan had long anticipated this person's fate, she hadn't expected Xie An to be not only cold-hearted but also cruel, not giving him a moment's respite. The matter was settled directly, and the date had even been moved up.
"Then can he still go to school?"
The butler lowered his head, his expression unreadable, and simply said in a refined tone, "The Fu Clan are Blue Blood Nobles. The Seventh Young Master is marrying into the family of the Fu Clan's eldest daughter. It is truly a step up for him. He will probably need to cooperate with her and take care of the family. As for studying… family is more important."
Then the butler heard the newly joined young master let out a sad laugh.
"Ah, Seventh Brother is quite fortunate to have landed such a good marriage… I have to go to the Arcane Palace to claim my rewards. It's such a hassle. As an Arcanist… sometimes I really envy him."
"Get me a driver. I'm going to the Arcane Palace."
His pride and arrogance only made others look down on him; no one even had the interest to probe further. However, a driver was already assigned to her.
The children of the Xie Clan were all provided with a personal driver and airship. Early that morning, Fu Chuan took an airship to Jingyang's Arcane Palace. But before she even reached its plaza, she found that the streets outside were packed with people.
It looked like nine out of ten were middle and high school students, all stuck at the stage of advancing their education.
Better schools, a better future.
Fu Chuan had the driver stop on a side street. She slung a single-strap bag over her shoulder, stuck her hands in her pockets, and walked into the crowded street.
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