The elder’s expression suggested he wasn’t surprised by Ye Cangtian’s refusal to join the Dragon Group.
“Have you given it proper thought? Joining the Dragon Group offers many benefits, not only smoothing your path throughout Huaxia but also sparing you much trouble!” he said with a smile. “I heard you and Miss Tang are investigating the disappearance of her parents. Joining the Dragon Group might provide you with some leads!”
Ye Cangtian couldn't help but curl his lips upon hearing this. “Don’t try to trick me. Even if I joined the Dragon Group, I doubt I’d have the authority to investigate the disappearance of Tang Xinwan’s parents, would I?” He recalled asking Zhang Liang for help before, and the response was that even with his status, he couldn’t find anything.
The elder chuckled. “Group B doesn’t have that authority, but what if you joined Group A? They are the true guardians of Huaxia; all of China’s secrets reside there.”
Group A? This was the second time Ye Cangtian had heard of Group A. Zhang Liang had once mentioned that this group was so mysterious that the identity of every member was a secret, as were their whereabouts and the missions they undertook.
He looked up at the elder and asked after a moment of thought, “Can I join Group A? And if I join Group A, will I be able to find clues about my father-in-law and mother-in-law?”
“The disappearance of the Tang Qingshi couple is related to Group A. I know some things about them, but I can only tell you after you join Group A!” The elder then added with a smile, “Of course, you don’t qualify to join Group A yet! Unless you perform exceptionally well in Group B, then I can recommend you for the Group A assessment!”
Ye Cangtian couldn't help but roll his eyes. What was the point of all this talk? To find clues about Tang Xinwan’s parents, he first needed to join Group A. To join Group A, he had to join Group B first. Only after performing well in Group B and receiving the elder’s recommendation would he be eligible for the Group A assessment. And who knew if he would pass it?
Damn it… “No!” Ye Cangtian scoffed. Although he was curious about his father-in-law’s and mother-in-law’s identities and why their disappearance was linked to Group A, curiosity and interest were two different things. He simply had no interest in joining the so-called Huaxia Dragon Group.
The elder wasn’t in a hurry. He nodded with a smile. “Take your time to consider it. You’ll understand the benefits of joining the Dragon Group later.”
The fact that the elder had managed to uncover his identity so thoroughly left Ye Cangtian somewhat dejected, but he wasn't worried about the elder targeting him. After all, since returning to Huaxia, he hadn't done anything morally reprehensible. Even the handling of Guo Hai’s matter, while not exactly glorious, involved a scoundrel who was inherently bad. Moreover, in Ye Cangtian’s own words, he had contributed to the country. During the bank robbery incident, if not for him, countless lives would have been lost when the robbers detonated the bomb before escaping! Therefore, he believed the elder wouldn’t move against him.
Furthermore, he had a hunch that the elder’s push for him to join the Dragon Group was for a specific purpose, and this matter was far more complicated than it appeared. Although Ye Cangtian felt somewhat manipulated, he still held a sense of reverence for the elder. This old man had sacrificed his own three sons for Huaxia. He was a venerable elder worthy of respect!
It was getting late. The sun was nearing its descent. Beneath a large locust tree, Xu Weiwei sat on a rock, lost in thought. Suddenly, a voice called out from behind her:
“Oh my, where did such a fairy come from? How can you look so beautiful even when you’re frowning!”
“I’m not frowning!” Xu Weiwei huffed, then asked with a stern face, “Why are you at my house?”
Ye Cangtian, with a cigarette dangling from his lips, squatted beside her, beaming. “I heard your family lived here, so I thought I’d get to know your family better. Who knows, we might be family in the future!”
Xu Weiwei’s face flushed as she listened. She couldn’t help but playfully punch him. “You’re going to get me killed! Stop talking nonsense. If your Tang Tiger finds out, how will you explain yourself!”
“Tang Tiger?”
“Your wife, the one at your home. She keeps such a tight rein on you; what else would she be but a tiger?” Xu Weiwei snorted.
You’ve got to be kidding me! He actually gave Tang Xinwan such a nickname. Ye Cangtian thought thoughtlessly, wondering if Tang Xinwan would throw a fit if she knew.
He calculated that it had been quite a few days since they last met. Xu Weiwei’s previously suppressed emotions seemed to have improved considerably after seeing Ye Cangtian, and her smile became more frequent. Despite being teased by him until her face turned red or her chest heaved with indignation from anger.
Whenever Ye Cangtian was with Xu Weiwei, he would inadvertently tease her, especially when he saw her chest heave dramatically in anger, which he found quite pleasing to his eyes. In terms of prominent features, Xu Weiwei was undeniably the most well-endowed, the most “voluptuous” among the women he had met.
Ye Cangtian sighed. “Your grandfather really wishes to see you smile. It’s a shame that ever since those events three years ago, you haven’t smiled in front of him!”
The smile on Xu Weiwei’s face froze. After a two-second silence, she said coldly, “I will only smile at his grave after he is dead!”
“Why bother!” Ye Cangtian said helplessly, trying to persuade her. “I know you hate him, because of him, your parents sacrificed their lives! But have you ever thought about it?”
“You lost your parents, but hasn’t he also lost his son and daughter-in-law? He’s even about to lose his granddaughter.”
“Your grandfather is an elder worthy of respect. He has lost so many loved ones, yet he has to hide his pain deep within his heart. Have you ever considered this?”
Xu Weiwei fell silent, her body trembling slightly, her eyes reddening. She fought back tears. Ye Cangtian’s words resonated with her. She had considered these things and had tried to forgive him, but every time she saw him, she couldn’t help but maintain a cold demeanor.
“Try to mend your relationship with him. After all, blood is thicker than water. He is your grandfather, and his suffering is no less than yours!” Ye Cangtian continued to counsel her, while simultaneously admiring himself.
I’m a life philosophy master, so eloquent, I’m almost moving myself!
Just as Xu Weiwei was about to say something, her eyes flashed, and a slight smile played on her lips. “Your Tang Tiger is here!”
Ye Cangtian turned his head and saw Tang Xinwan just emerging from the family compound, walking towards them.
“You can explain it yourself. I’m leaving!” Xu Weiwei said, then walked towards the family compound. As she passed Tang Xinwan, the two women exchanged glances and nodded at each other, a silent greeting.
Explain what? I haven’t done anything wrong, why should I explain? Ye Cangtian thought confidently. Seeing Tang Xinwan approaching, he quickly put on a smile. “Why did you take so long to come out? I’ve been waiting for ages. Oh, right, I just saw Officer Xu at the entrance and chatted with her for a bit. Turns out her family lives around here too. What a coincidence, isn’t it…”