The First Order

Listening to the discussions around him, Ren Xiaosu had not expected today’s gala to be so important. This was the beginning of a relationship between the Yang Consortium, the Zong Consortium, and Stronghold 178.

Meanwhile, Luo Lan, who was next to him, cursed in a low voice, “Fuck, this Yang Consortium’s old fogey is ganging up with the Zong Consortium and Stronghold 178 to put pressure on our Qing Consortium.”

The seemingly clueless Luo Lan immediately understood what the Yang Consortium was trying to achieve. Currently, the Li Consortium had no chance of winning the war and the outcome would be decided soon. But before the end of the war, the Yang Consortium was already starting to plot against the Qing Consortium.

As the saying went, those who did not think and plan ahead would find trouble right on their doorstep. Yang Yu’an had already planned far ahead in the buildup to this war. At the moment, he was seeking an immediate alliance with the Zong Consortium and Stronghold 178 to exert pressure on the Qing Consortium once the Li Consortium fell.

The Yang Consortium could join forces with the Zong Consortium and Stronghold 178 in the north, while the Qing Consortium would be left to battle alone by themselves in the corner.

Actually, the eastern region of the Qing Consortium’s territory was quite near the Central Plains. However, the natural barrier of the mountains not only protected the Qing Consortium from external threats, it also stopped them from forming alliances with other forces.

If the Yang Consortium succeeded in forming their alliances, the Qing Consortium would probably become the lone chess piece on the chessboard. If everyone in the Northwest were to target them, the Qing Consortium would end up becoming the next Li Consortium!

While they were fighting the Li Consortium, Qing Zhen sent Luo Lan to form an alliance with the Yang Consortium. But in the end, the Yang Consortium turned around and used the same strategy against Qing Zhen.

But Luo Lan was more concerned about himself. “These old fogeys even invited me to such a gala? It looks like they’re fucking not planning on letting me go back.”

Ren Xiaosu looked at him. “Then what will you do?”

“I’ll be fine. Qing Zhen will think of a way.” Luo Lan drained the glass of wine and said, “Anyway, I’m a hostage right now. This group of hillbillies won’t be able to deal with Qing Zhen, but we will have to be wary of Stronghold 178. I’ve already told him to finish off Zhang Jinglin secretly, but he wouldn’t listen to me! See what happened now!”

Ren Xiaosu thought for a moment and said, “Is it possible that Qing Zhen has made more considerations than you?”

Luo Lan was taken aback. “That’s possible too. After all, my little brother is much smarter than I am.”

It was at this time that Ren Xiaosu realized Luo Lan had a subconscious habit of praising his little brother no matter where he went.

Then Ren Xiaosu wondered if Xu Xianchu had gone to Stronghold 178 or not after handing the letter of recommendation to him. He also wondered how Xu Xianchu was doing since no one made any mention of Xu Xianchu so far.

Although he always made Xu Xianchu his scapegoat, it was only because his hand was forced by the circumstances. He really liked Xu Xianchu because the guy was very sincere to his friends.

Back when Xu Xianchu fled to the stronghold and met him there, he even asked Ren Xiaosu if he wanted something to eat when he only had half a cornbread left.

So Ren Xiaosu sincerely hoped that Xu Xianchu could succeed and do well at Stronghold 178.

Luo Lan suddenly looked at Ren Xiaosu. “Aren’t you on good terms with Zhang Jinglin? Go and tell him that our Qing Consortium will join forces with Stronghold 178 to eliminate the Yang Consortium and the Zong Consortium.”

Ren Xiaosu raised an eyebrow. “We’re not that close, so don’t even think about it.”

“Haha, I’m just saying,” Luo Lan said with a laugh.

The public figures around them were giving toasts to those they knew. Some of them even introduced their friends to other friends of theirs. This was probably how the smaller social circles were formed. The people here were mostly only making friends with those who would benefit their own interests and then come together as they aligned their interests for even greater benefits.

At this moment, some people noticed Ren Xiaosu’s group and chuckled, “Look at those three wearing casual clothes. While I was on my way here, I saw them coming in on foot. I wonder how they got past the gate.”

“Haha, I saw them too. Those who can come in definitely have an invitation, but I’m not sure who invited them.”

These people were speaking in whispers. Although Ren Xiaosu’s group could not hear what they were saying, Ren Xiaosu was pretty sharp. He could tell they were discussing them by their gazes. As for what they were discussing, he could think of it even with his toes.

Gradually, more and more people around them shifted their attention to Ren Xiaosu’s group. They were whispering among themselves like they had found a good conversation topic. But they kept their voices low so it wouldn’t get awkward if Ren Xiaosu’s group heard them. This was what their “demeanor” and “culture” were really like.

Beautiful lights around the manor shone down upon the lawn as Yan Liuyuan found himself amid the grand and glamorous affair. If it were up to him, he would rather gaze down on the gala from above than be part of it where he had to hear this gossip. The people around him wore hypocritical masks as they mockingly criticized them behind smiling faces.

He had previously dreamed of getting into the stronghold with Ren Xiaosu, but that dream felt so ridiculous now when he recalled it. Actually, the stronghold wasn’t that great either. Rather, it was not a world that he liked.

Luo Lan looked around them and then saw Yan Liuyuan’s sad eyes. He suddenly shouted, “Who the hell are you all looking at! Who says we must wear suits to attend the gala? Can’t I dress as casually as I like?”

A middle-aged man frowned and said, “Please be more civilized. This is an event held for the upper class. We don’t condone your atrocious behavior here.”

Luo Lan got so angry he laughed. He went up to the man and slapped him. Then he snarled, “How can you speak to me in that manner? I noticed you just now. You were the one who laughed the hardest!”

Everyone nearby looked dumbfounded by Luo Lan’s slap. They had not expected someone would actually hit others at such a glamorous event!

That middle-aged man held his face in pain and said dumbfoundedly, “Do you know who I am?”

Luo Lan laughed. “You wanna talk about who we are now, do you? Why? A man like you who’s too afraid fight back after getting slapped? Where are your balls! You’re acting like a sissy!”

The middle-aged man retorted, “I’m the director of Stronghold 88’s Public Order Division!”

Luo Lan’s eyes narrowed. “Do you know who I am then?” Luo Lan looked around like a dangerous tiger.

Everyone knew Qing Zhen was the silent tiger of the Qing Consortium. But they did not know about how Luo Lan had restrained himself so Qing Zhen could stand out even more brilliantly.

He said that his life was worthless, so everything good deserved to be given to Qing Zhen instead of him.

But a tiger was still a tiger. Something inherent would eventually reveal itself to the world.

Luo Lan said with a sneer, “Listen up, my name is Luo Lan. Let’s see who dares challenge me.”

The crowd erupted into a furor. Who in Stronghold 88 did not know that Luo Lan was here? Although the Yang Consortium had placed him under house arrest in the stronghold, Qing Zhen was now the head of the Qing Consortium. If Luo Lan remained alive, it would be fine. But if he died, who would bear the wrath of Qing Zhen?

Then the crowd fell silent. It sounded like a 1,000 flies had suddenly stopped buzzing.

The crowd looked at the end of the lawn where a young girl stood, sporting a similar attire to the boy.