"What?"
Upon hearing Shen Lang's words, Director Liu and Zhang Jing looked shocked and spoke in unison, "You want us to eat this poison?"
"Don't put it so crudely. It's merely to enhance our trust," Shen Lang said with a smile, looking at Director Liu and Zhang Jing. "If you swallow this pill, I'll believe what you just said. Otherwise, I won't trust you."
"Rest assured, I keep my word. As long as you behave yourselves and don't harm Ning Hongzhuang within a year, I guarantee a complete cure."
"No—" Director Liu glared, "If we eat this poison, we'll be under your control. If you make us do other things, won't we regret it terribly?"
"We promise not to harm or scheme against Ning Hongzhuang in the future, but we absolutely will not take this poison."
"Right—" Zhang Jing chimed in, her attitude equally resolute.
"If you refuse, it means your words were just talk. In that case, I'll have to resort to some rather unconventional methods," Shen Lang said, a playful smile curving his lips.
"Are you threatening or intimidating us?" Director Liu scoffed.
"Is that not allowed?" Shen Lang chuckled. "A TV station director, a female host. I know you have connections. But I can deal with Kong Wudao and Qi Tuojiang, can't I handle you two?"
"What?" Director Liu's face contorted, turning ashen. The mere mention of Kong Wudao and Qi Tuojiang, renowned figures among the Dragon Capital's five great families and highly influential young masters, struck fear into him.
He recalled hearing about Qi Tuojiang's engagement at the Diwang Hotel, only for a young man named Shen Lang to storm in, disrupt the ceremony, and injure people indiscriminately, including Kong Wudao and Qi Tuojiang.
"Shen Lang?" Director Liu's expression darkened further as he remembered Ning Hongzhuang's address to Shen Lang earlier. He stared intently at Shen Lang and asked, "You are Shen Lang?"
"Oh? Have you heard my story?" Shen Lang smiled. "Since you know my story, then this is simple. Eat the pill quickly."
"Of course, if you don't want to, you can choose not to. But first, weigh yourself against Kong Wudao and Qi Tuojiang. If you think you're less capable than them, then feel free to refuse."
"I..." Director Liu's face turned deathly pale. He was merely a small TV station director. How could he possibly compare to the likes of Kong Wudao and Qi Tuojiang?
"It seems you doubt my ability to handle you?" Seeing Director Liu's hesitation, Shen Lang's lips curled into a mischievous grin. He then pulled out his phone, dialed a number, and put it on speaker.
The call was quickly answered, and a gruff voice boomed, "Shen Lang, why are you calling your uncle out of the blue?"
"What?" Upon hearing the voice, Director Liu's body went limp, overcome with fear. As a TV station director, he had once interviewed a man who exuded a terrifying aura and spoke in a rough voice that lingered in his memory. That man was Song Shidao, the director of the Nanling Military Security Department.
Shen Lang is Song Shidao's nephew? No, that couldn't be possible. Director Liu could hardly believe his ears. Song Shidao's sister had lost her son nineteen years ago. When did another son emerge who called Song Shidao uncle?
"Uncle, it's like this, I need your help with something." Amidst Director Liu's shock, Shen Lang said with a smile, "A friend of mine is starting a job at Nanling TV Station. Her superior mentioned knowing you, Uncle, and asked me to send regards."
"The director of Nanling TV Station?" Song Shidao replied with a chuckle. "I don't recall knowing anyone by that description. Should I check if I know him?"
This statement sent Director Liu's heart leaping into his throat. He looked at Shen Lang with pleading eyes filled with terror. He understood what Song Shidao's words implied. If Song Shidao were to investigate him, he would undoubtedly uncover many things he wished to keep hidden. Director Liu's past was far from clean. A thorough investigation by Song Shidao would ruin his life. Therefore, Shen Lang's next words were crucial. His fate, whether heaven or hell, now hung precariously on Shen Lang's decision.
"Haha, Uncle, there's no need. It's probably just a polite remark. Why waste time?" Amidst Director Liu's extreme tension and fear, Shen Lang continued with a smile, "Are you working at the Military Security Department? Shall we have tea sometime?"
"Haha, maybe next time. I'm dealing with Qin Bianque's matters and can't get away right now," Song Shidao replied. "I'll be very busy these next few days and may not have time to accompany your mother. I don't want her to be too lonely. Could you go keep her company?"
"Of course," Shen Lang agreed. "Don't worry, I'll spend plenty of time with her."
"Good boy, you're straightforward and spirited, just like my nephew, Song Shidao," Song Shidao praised before hanging up. Director Liu breathed a sigh of relief, but his white shirt was already drenched in sweat.
"Mr. Shen, Th...thank you." Director Liu looked at Shen Lang, brimming with gratitude, and said. After speaking, Director Liu picked up the Duan Chang Dan (Heartbreak Pill) before him and swallowed it without hesitation.
"Director... this..." Seeing Director Liu swallow the pill, Zhang Jing looked surprised. However, since Director Liu had taken it, Zhang Jing naturally wouldn't hesitate and quickly followed suit. After all, Zhang Jing's goal was wealth and status, and that depended entirely on Director Liu.
"Excellent. You've shown good judgment," Shen Lang said, looking at the two who had consumed the pills. "Don't worry. Every month, I'll give the antidote to Ning Hongzhuang in advance, and she will pass it to you. As long as you cease harboring any malicious intentions, I will completely cure you after one year."
"Thank you, Mr. Shen, thank you, Miss Ning," Director Liu and Zhang Jing said repeatedly, expressing their gratitude to Shen Lang and Ning Hongzhuang.
"This guy really has a way with people. Director Liu is known for being stubborn, yet he was subdued by him in just a few moves," Ning Hongzhuang mused, shocked yet delighted as she watched Shen Lang. She knew that the man Master Mingyue spoke of was indeed Shen Lang.
"Shen Lang, look at me," Ning Hongzhuang called out to Shen Lang after her initial shock.
"What for?" Shen Lang replied, reflexively looking at Ning Hongzhuang. The next second, Ning Hongzhuang parted her red lips, stepped forward, and kissed Shen Lang.