In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 191 Li Lin's Second Meeting
Can Li Dongxue and Lin Zhiyan get together?

From the perspective of their relationship alone, there is no conflict between the two. One is in a sham marriage, and the other is a friend; ultimately, they are friends.

But Lu Zhao wasn't so foolish as to be oblivious to other people's goodwill.

On the contrary, having been pursued by the opposite sex since childhood, he is quite sensitive in this regard and can judge whether a person likes him.

But she had agreed to be Lin Zhiyan's shield, so refusing would be inappropriate, and there was no need to hide it anymore.

Lu Zhao wasn't one to procrastinate. He went to the balcony and asked first, "Won't Chief Liu be angry that you're not having New Year's Eve dinner at home?"

"Master Liu should understand, right?"

Lin Zhiyan's tone was uncertain.

This trick was taught to her by Aunt Ding; she hadn't considered Liu Hanwen at first.

If it were just a collateral branch of the Lin family, she could completely ignore it, but the New Year's Eve dinner...
Lu Zhao understood the implication and asked, "What time do you have your New Year's Eve dinner?"

Lin Zhiyan said, "Maybe around five o'clock. Master Liu goes to bed early; if he doesn't have anything to do, he usually goes to bed around nine o'clock."

Lu Zhao said, "Then I'll ask my family to arrange the New Year's Eve dinner a little later. I'll go to your place to have my New Year's Eve dinner first and then come back."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone.

Miss Lin regretted not having two phones, one to call Aunt Ding and the other to talk to Lu Zhao.

She said, "What if you still want to go?"

Lu Zhao frankly said, "If you want to come along, that's fine, but you can't talk about the wedding. My mother has a heart condition, and I'm afraid it will upset her. There's another thing I think I should tell you in advance: a childhood friend of mine will be there."

There is no need to conceal or deliberately avoid it.

A clear conscience fears no accusation; Lu Zhao has never liked to be timid or hesitant. He owes no one anything emotionally, so why should he feel guilty?

If the two of them really start arguing, then they should try to resolve the issue, regardless of whether the solution is good or bad.

More than these matters, he was concerned about taking office next month and the hunting of the giant beasts.

From what he saw and heard during his time at the cadre training course, Lu Zhao could sense that the Federation was about to face a fierce struggle.

He wanted to take this opportunity to confirm the situation with Liu Hanwen and Liu Hao.

Regarding the hunting of the giant beast, his master still hasn't provided any clear information. As for the Five Elements Pill and the issue of achieving second-tier perfection, Lu Zhao still lacks a clear understanding.

Unlike in the first stage, the master gave me a very clear path.

The methods of cultivating the spirit, visualizing the five senses, cultivating the Dao heart, and enlightenment.

The second stage only mentions the Five Elements Pill. Is it necessary to consume the Five Elements Pill to achieve perfection, or is consuming the Five Elements Pill the final step?
None of this was mentioned.

Lu Zhao was not a suspicious person, nor did he not think things through.

Lin Zhiyan feigned calmness and said, "Sure, I can. I get quite bored every year after Master Liu goes to sleep, so it's a good opportunity for me to see Xiao Tong."

"Okay, I'll come find you tomorrow afternoon."

"You can go straight in when you arrive at the residence. I've already spoken with the guards."

"clear."

After hanging up the phone, Lu Zhao returned to the living room and told his sister-in-law about the New Year's Eve dinner.

Li Dongxue, Lin Zhiyan, and Lao Tang are coming, so she should prepare some extra things.

Although superhumans no longer rely on ordinary food to maintain their bodily functions, their taste buds and sense of fullness have not failed.

Studies have shown that a normal diet contributes to the physical and mental health of extraordinary individuals.

People who rely entirely on life supplements and don't eat are more prone to depression.

Lu Xiaotong tugged at Lu Zhao's sleeve and asked, "Uncle Zhao, have you and Sister Li made up?"

What does "make up" mean?

"Haven't you two been out of touch for six years? I thought you'd broken off all contact."

"Children shouldn't meddle in adults' affairs."
-

The next day, New Year's Eve, at four o'clock in the afternoon.

A black sedan with official license plates drove up, and the old butler escorted Lu Zhao into the Liu residence.

Lu Zhao looked out the car window. There were no luxury cars parked inside or outside the Liu residence, nor were there any dignitaries from all over Cangwu City visiting. The only festive atmosphere was the red lanterns and couplets hanging at the door.

The area around Liu's residence is inhabited by very wealthy and powerful people. Many of the properties and gardens there are owned by the government and are specifically allocated to officials of Cangwu City for residence.

On his way here, Lu Zhao could see some grand mansions with luxury cars parked all over the streets, indicating that the place was full of guests.

The federal government explicitly prohibits officials from using public funds for personal consumption and extravagant spending, but these provisions are often poorly enforced and overseen.

It's common for people to use public funds for meals and drinks. They must visit each other during holidays and festivals, and the gift boxes must be filled with twenty kilograms of gold coins.

It doesn't matter who comes; whoever doesn't come is doomed.

It is extremely rare for Liu Hanwen, a highly respected figure in the Daoist tradition, to have such a tranquil residence.

The vehicle was parked in the open hall, surrounded by courtyards filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, small bridges and flowing water, and lush bamboo groves.

Inside the open hall, Lin Zhiyan and Ding Shoujin sat on the sofa whispering to each other. They talked about something that made Miss Lin's ears turn red.

Outside, Lin Yuantu and Liu Hao were smoking and chatting.

For example, the social visits here feel more personal, as the people are not simply in a superior-subordinate relationship; they have been friends for over a decade and are all Lin Zhiyan's elders.

"Oh ho, our son-in-law has arrived."

Ding Shoujin noticed Lu Zhao walk in and chuckled, "Tsk tsk tsk, dressed so formally, are you here to hold a belated wedding ceremony?"

Lin Zhiyan said angrily, "Aunt Ding!"

"I didn't say anything to you. You get all worked up over just one sentence. Is it that unusual for you? Are you going to stay overnight at Ah Zhao's house after dinner tonight?"

"If you do this again, I'll be angry."

"Okay, I won't say anything more, I won't say anything more."

Lu Zhao greeted Ding Shoujin, then consciously entered the garden through the side gate and joined the smoking group.

Liu Hao asked, "How do you feel about the cadre training academy?"

Lu Zhao replied, "It broadened my horizons. I thought the international community had completely disappeared, but I didn't expect that the Federation has maintained contact with the outside world all along."

Liu Hao said, "Foreign states have always existed, but they are no longer maintained in the form of countries. Of course, some regions still call themselves countries, but each city has its own laws and systems, and most of them have become hereditary systems."

Lu Zhao asked in confusion, "Life development talent is difficult to inherit, so how can it be passed down through generations?"

Liu Hao said, "Life development mainly depends on resources. The third and fourth stages are not difficult as long as you have enough resources. Otherwise, without resources, it is impossible to advance to the third stage."

"If a prodigy emerges, we will not hesitate to send him to help suppress them, as long as the local family can afford the price. This is also the main job of the newly promoted Marquis of Wu: to send people out to suppress foreign tribes."

The hereditary system of city-states is beneficial to the federation; the more ignorant and backward they are, and the more closed their society is, the easier they are to control.

The Federation has never been a benevolent entity.

Tu Bin asked, "Is the Martial Virtue Hall planning to take action against the Life Supplement System recently?"

"Probably." Liu Hao nodded and said, "We are going to relocate our industry inland, and Chief Wang probably wants to take this opportunity to suppress the Life Supplement Committee. Many times, sitting in one position won't cause any problems, but if you move your backside, the shit will leak out."

Tu Bin laughed and said, "Then we have to give them a good beating; these guys are making too much money."

Liu Hao shook his head and said, "It's probably not that easy. Many people are involved, and you'll suffer if it's really changed."

The life supplement system is far-reaching, involving almost all extraordinary individuals. Take himself, for example; he too has received high-quality supplements from the distillery.

The decade-long tacit approval had long since become a convention.

If Wang Shou-zheng hadn't been constantly emphasizing this in various meetings and spreading rumors recently, no one would have thought there was anything wrong with it.

Those in high positions enjoy more and better resources; once you climb up, you can enjoy this privilege.

Tu Bin frowned slightly and said, "That seems to be true. Who hasn't received some gifts these days? But those big companies are really going too far."

Liu Hao said, "So it depends on what Chief Wang plans to do. Hopefully, it won't be too big of a deal."

The two did not shy away from Lu Zhao during their conversation, and the latter did not interrupt, but simply listened quietly.

The Liu faction also didn't quite agree with the major changes to the life-sustaining system, because everyone had their own interests involved.

Reaching a consensus on the general direction of industrial relocation does not mean that all aspects are in agreement.

I don't know what Liu Hanwen was thinking.

Half an hour later, the dinner began.

It was a bit more lavish than the last time, but the difference was still minimal.

As Liu Hanwen sat at the head of the table and ate, he said, "The Confederate District will probably continue to be in turmoil after the New Year. How are your preparations going, Xiao Tu?"

Tu Bin said, "The replenishment of special counter-terrorism forces is basically complete, but due to the number of people and organizational structure, if a riot involving more than 300,000 people occurs, it will be difficult to effectively suppress it unless indiscriminate shooting is permitted."

Liu Hanwen shook his head and said, "Try to avoid causing large-scale casualties in riots by ordinary people. Killing people will not solve the problem; it will only exacerbate the conflict."

Killing is always the last resort, just like in war.

If we were to really crack down hard on these ordinary people who were protesting and rioting, we would fall into the enemy's trap. The deaths of ten thousand citizens would be insignificant, but the direction of public opinion would be very unfavorable to us. At this moment, Liu Hao suggested, "The entire security system in the Confederate District is controlled by the Chen family. I think we should establish a non-official auxiliary police force under the Special Countermeasures Force."

"Hiring people to sow discord and carry out repression is one thing; special counter-terrorism units should mainly deal with violent crimes."

Liu Hanwen thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement: "Okay."

Lin Zhiyan complained from the side, "Master Liu, can we not talk about official business during a perfectly good New Year's Eve dinner?"

"Officials have no private space, and I haven't missed a meal either."

Liu Hanwen stuffed two mouthfuls of roast duck into his mouth.

"..."

Lin Zhiyan was speechless.

The banquet ended quickly, and everyone dispersed by 5:40.

Liu Hanwen went back to his room to sleep early, while Liu Hao and the others also had their families to keep them company.

Before leaving, Ding Shoujin seemed to slip something to Lin Zhiyan, which made Miss Lin's head spin like it was boiling water.

This time, the butler did not accompany them; Lu Zhao was in charge of driving, and Lin Zhiyan sat in the passenger seat.

She took a bottle of medicine out of her bag and said, "You can take one of these pills when you feel unwell."

Lu Zhao looked straight ahead and asked, "What medicine?"

"Uh..." Lin Zhiyan scratched his cheek awkwardly and said:

“Didn’t you absorb the Horned Dragon Bow? That thing has strong side effects. This medicine was specially made by a fourth-tier medical sequence extraordinary person for me. It can suppress your physiological urges.”

"However, you should try to eat as little as possible, as this can affect your life development."

Lu Zhao glanced at it, accepted the small medicine bottle, and said, "Thank you."

Although he was already used to the feeling of dragon energy burning his heart, there was no need to refuse other people's good intentions, and it saved him the trouble of explaining.

"By the way, there is one more question."

Lin Zhiyan said, "That doctor looked at your resume and said that your life development is a bit too fast, which may lead to physical collapse. You should be careful."

Lu Zhao felt a slight chill run down his spine.

Although I now have connections and fast development speed isn't a big problem, it's always good to cover it up a little.

The wood is beautiful in the forest, and the wind will destroy it.

"I will keep an eye on it; life development has slowed down a lot recently."

Half an hour later, the vehicle stopped inside the residential area.

Lu Zhao did not get out of the car immediately, but said frankly, "There is something I want to tell you. My childhood friend is a woman."

After he finished speaking, he observed Lin Zhiyan's expression.

She showed no anger or surprise, remaining unexpectedly calm.

“I know, we sat at the same table on the anniversary of the Great Patriotic War, it was quite a coincidence.”

"..."

Lu Zhao was very calm, and Lin Zhiyan was also very calm.

When Lu Zhao specifically mentioned his childhood friend, Miss Lin became somewhat wary. She conducted a thorough investigation and sought advice from Aunt Ding.

The final conclusion is that whoever rushes things will be doomed.

On the contrary, Lu Zhao taking the initiative to be honest with her was a significant plus.

Judging from their three-point agreement, Lu Zhao had no obligation to notify them.

"As long as you understand."

The two got out of the car and walked to their front door, where faint sounds could be heard coming from inside.

It was 6 p.m., not too late, and everyone was having their New Year's Eve dinner.

With a click, the door opened.

The not-so-large living room was packed with people: Lu Xiaotong, her sister-in-law, Lu's mother, Li Dongxue, and Tang Fen.

The atmosphere became undeniably awkward when Lu Zhao and Lin Zhiyan entered.

Even her usually loud-voiced sister-in-law became quiet. Luo Xiuhua blinked, her face full of confusion.

Lu Zhao had informed her beforehand, but she was very curious about the relationship between her son and Lin Zhiyan. And what about Li Dongxue? Why did she suddenly come to spend the New Year with them after so many years of no contact?
Lu Xiaotong went up to greet Lin Zhiyan, took her arm, and said, "Sister Lin, you've finally arrived. Let me introduce you."

She volunteered to take on the most challenging task: helping to introduce everyone's identity.

Lin Zhiyan was also polite, calling Lu's mother "Auntie," his sister-in-law "Big Sister," and Tang Fen "Uncle."

Even when it came to Li Dongxue, she could say naturally, "Comrade Li, I never expected that we would be so destined to meet here."

Lu Xiaotong asked in confusion, "You two know each other?"

Lin Zhiyan replied, "We are friends. We met at an event. I never imagined that you and Lu Zhao had known each other since childhood."

Lu Xiaotong looked at Li Dongxue, who nodded slightly with a blank expression.

They were indeed friends in January.

The atmosphere was no longer so tense.

The relationship doesn't seem that complicated.

"Miss Lin, I heard you helped Ah Zhao a lot, thank you so much."

The eldest sister-in-law got up to greet him and warmly offered him tea.

Lin Zhiyan shook his head and said, "Lu Zhao has also helped me a lot. It's only right to help each other. I've also heard Lu Zhao mention you. He said you're thrifty and hardworking, and that without you, our family might not have been able to make ends meet."

This was inferred from the background check report.

In the early years, the Lu family was indeed entirely supported by Tian Yuanfeng alone.

Tian Yuanfeng was overjoyed and laughed, "That's right, you don't know how hard I worked back then, taking care of my mother-in-law while also looking after Lu Zhao and Xiao Tong."

Then Lin Zhiyan looked at Lu's mother, took out another bottle of unknown medicine from her bag, and said, "Auntie, I heard from Lu Zhao that you have heart disease, so I specially brought you a bottle of special medicine."

"Although it can't cure the disease completely, it can suppress the chances of the disease and complications. After taking this medicine, you will be able to move around normally. I will send you a bottle every month from now on."

This medicine was specially customized for high-level superhumans; it is not a technological product and therefore cannot be mass-produced.

"How embarrassing."

"Please accept it; there's no need to be polite with me."

"This……"

Luo Xiuhua looked at her son, worried that accepting the gift would cause him trouble.

Lu Zhao nodded and said, "Mom, please accept it. It's alright."

Luo Xiuhua accepted the medicine jar and, encouraged by Lin Zhiyan, took one pill. A dozen seconds later, she vaguely felt much better.

Lu Xiaotong called out, "Sister Lin, where's mine?"

Lin Zhiyan took out a pink mobile phone from her bag. Unlike feature phones, it was a touchscreen phone.

In this era, touchscreen phones were not yet widespread. But it was easy for Lin Zhiyan to get his hands on one; he only needed to ask.

"This is for Xiaotong; it's a touchscreen phone that hasn't been released to the public yet."

Lu Xiaotong had only asked casually, but her eyes lit up when she saw the phone, and she exclaimed, "Thank you, Sister Lin!"

Lin Zhiyan switched targets again, looking at Tang Fen, and said, "Mr. Tang, I heard that you have been adopting homeless children. I feel that this cause should not be undertaken by an individual. I have specifically applied for education funding for your orphanage."

"Oh? No need, I have enough money here..."

Tang Fen quickly shook his head; he was a staunch supporter of the Dongxue faction.

"Three million in funding, plus five teaching positions."

"...Thank you, Ms. Lin, for your support of the orphanage."

Nothing could be more devastating than this.

Li Dongxue was completely bewildered; she had almost no means of countermeasures.

This despicable and shameless second-generation rich kid used power and money to crush everyone, even Uncle Tang.

Lin Zhiyan came up to her and said, "Comrade Li, you only ranked eighth when you graduated from Chishui Military Academy. Do you know what that means?"

Li Dongxue asked, "What?"

Lin Zhiyan raised one finger, her smile calm and elegant.

"We still need to practice."

(End of this chapter)