Chapter 810: They All Understand
Though some people do not believe in deities, they still hold their own beliefs, distinct from those who worship gods.
Vice-captain Zhou didn't worship deities, yet he, too, possessed his own convictions. What those convictions were, he didn't elaborate, deeming it unnecessary and ill-timed.
Bai Xue was furious at Vice-captain Zhou's words. Her reminder, born of good intentions, was met with Vice-captain Zhou's complete lack of desire to leave the Spirit Police organization, making her feel as though her words were entirely playing the lute to a cow.
Seeing that Bai Xue seemed poised to say more, Yang Haoran interrupted her.
“Everyone has their own thoughts; there's no need for you to impose yours on others. ”
Bai Xue was still fuming, but with Yang Haoran having spoken, she coldly shut her mouth, refraining from further words. Yang Haoran then turned his gaze to Vice-captain Zhou.
“Vice-captain Zhou, you went out of your way to come here and warn us. I, Yang Haoran, am deeply grateful. And your previous warnings, too—we've held all that kindness in our hearts and will never forget it. ”
As Yang Haoran spoke, he wore a faint smile, his expression devoid of any displeasure or anger.
“This is simply what I ought to do. Sister Bai Xue has saved my life on multiple occasions, and I will never forget that kindness. To know she's in danger and pretend ignorance—that's something I cannot bring myself to do. ”
Even though Vice-captain Zhou couldn't fathom Yang Haoran's thoughts, he still spoke his heartfelt truth. Whether Yang Haoran believed him or not, it was the reality.
Yang Haoran nodded with a smile, then continued.
“Vice-captain Zhou and I haven't known each other for just a day or two. Of course, I trust you, and I’ve never once doubted your character. ”
Yang Haoran’s words, rather than instilling a sense of joy from being trusted, instead filled Vice-captain Zhou with guilt and self-reproach.
Vice-captain Zhou remained silent, unsure of what to say at that moment. Yang Haoran observed his reactions, his faint smile unwavering, and continued to speak.
“Go back and tell your Administrative Chief that while I don't approve of his methods, I understand them deeply, so he shouldn't take it to heart. This place has become a hotbed of trouble. Those two three-star Demon Hunters could arrive at any moment. For your safety, and to avoid exposing your Administrative Courtyard to their scrutiny, I suggest you leave here immediately. We will figure out how to handle the rest. ”
Perhaps it was his uncertainty on how to face Bai Xue, or perhaps he found merit in Yang Haoran’s words, but Vice-captain Zhou hesitated, then nodded slightly.
“My strength is limited; I can't help you, and in fact, I'd only hold you back. However, I'm not entirely useless. Our Spirit Police intelligence network is quite capable. As soon as there’s any news related to this matter, I will find a way to inform you immediately. ”
Vice-captain Zhou's words were not mere pleasantries but sincere expressions from his heart, a fact Yang Haoran could discern.
“Then I shall thank Vice-captain Zhou in advance right here. But please, be careful, lest you invite disaster upon yourself. ”
At this point, Yang Haoran retrieved several Communication Talismans from his personal storage space and handed them to Vice-captain Zhou.
“The other halves of these Communication Talismans are with me. If there’s any new information, you can contact me via the Communication Talismans; there’s no need to risk your life running back and forth. ”
Vice-captain Zhou accepted the Communication Talismans, and after once more cautioning them to be careful, he left Yang Haoran's study. However, Yang Haoran did not personally escort him out, instead having Xiujuan see him off from the villa.
Only after Vice-captain Zhou had departed did Bai Xue finally unleash her complaints.
“That old bastard, the Administrative Chief, is truly despicable! Once this matter is settled, if I'm still alive, I’ll show that old geezer what for! ”
Yang Haoran didn't stop Bai Xue from venting her inner rage with words. He had only stopped her earlier because Vice-captain Zhou was present; after all, Vice-captain Zhou was innocent, and the more aggressive Bai Xue's words, the greater the psychological impact on him.
Now that Vice-captain Zhou had left, Yang Haoran naturally wouldn't prevent Bai Xue from expressing her emotions.
Bai Xue complained for several full minutes, and seeing that neither Yang Haoran nor Old Master Wu had spoken, she finally let out a dissatisfied snort, ending her tirade.
“Since this Administrative Chief decided to act against you, yet took no actual steps and instead sent Vice-captain Zhou to warn us, it's clear he wishes to offend neither side. ”
Yang Haoran gazed at Bai Xue, whose expression was still far from pleased, and spoke with a faint smile.
Bai Xue remained silent, unsure if it was because she didn't want to speak or simply didn't know what to say. Having just finished her complaints, she now maintained her quietude.
“He truly doesn’t want to offend either side. However, if those two Demon Hunters don't make a move against us soon, he'll find it difficult to remain a fence-sitter. ”
Old Master Wu pondered for a moment, then spoke. Yang Haoran nodded in agreement with Old Master Wu’s assessment.
“If the two Demon Hunters don't act against us in the near future, then this esteemed Administrative Chief will have to make another choice. From the current situation, it’s clear his choice will still be to assist the two Demon Hunters, because he doesn't have much faith in me; he believes my strength won't be a match for two three-star Demon Hunters. ”
Yang Haoran analyzed with a smile. Although the Administrative Chief's actions could currently be interpreted as siding with the two Demon Hunters, he was merely playing for time. He had aligned himself with the Demon Hunters, but hadn't committed to any actual actions.
If the two Demon Hunters soon learned of his relationship with Bai Xue and proactively attacked him, then they would naturally be in no mood to bother about why the Administrative Courtyard hadn't acted against Bai Xue, and the Administrative Courtyard would simply need to sit back and enjoy the show.
Conversely, if the two Demon Hunters didn't attack him soon, they would undoubtedly discover the Administrative Courtyard's feigned compliance and surely cause trouble for them. At that point, the Administrative Courtyard would be forced to make another decision: either defect and side with him, turning their attention towards the two Demon Hunters, or assist the two Demon Hunters by acting against him and Bai Xue, thus proving the Administrative Courtyard's stance and position with concrete actions.
Yang Haoran believed the possibility of the Administrative Courtyard defecting to his side was small, almost zero. After all, the Administrative Chief didn't think highly of him, so it was naturally impossible for him to take such a huge risk by siding with him.
If the Administrative Chief truly intended to stand with him, his actions wouldn't be as they were now.
“Boss is absolutely right,” Old Master Wu said, his analysis deepening. “If it truly comes to that, the Administrative Chief will definitely choose to side with the two Demon Hunters again, which won't be good for him. This time, he sent Vice-captain Zhou to warn us, but rather than just telling us to be careful, it's more like urging us to prepare quickly and launch a preemptive strike against the two Demon Hunters to seize the initiative. Once we're actively fighting the two Demon Hunters, they won't have the leisure to bother with the Administrative Courtyard. ”
Hearing Old Master Wu's analysis, Yang Haoran nodded slightly.
“He's likely harboring such thoughts in his mind. As long as we engage with the two Demon Hunters, regardless of who ultimately wins or loses, the impact on their Administrative Courtyard will be minimized. ”
Old Master Wu thought for a moment, then continued to voice his own speculation.
“However, I believe it's perfectly normal for those two Demon Hunters to trouble Miss Bai Xue. But they shouldn't dare to act against you, Boss. Even knowing your close relationship with Miss Bai Xue, they probably wouldn't dare to act recklessly. After all, you are a true Underworld Official, the Emissary of Death for Lecheng's Underworld Office. Attacking you would be a provocation against the entire Underworld Office. Although their Demon Hunter Association has considerable influence, it's still far inferior compared to our Underworld Office. With our Underworld Office currently enraged, if those two were to stick their heads into the gun barrel at this time, they would certainly bring disaster upon themselves. ”
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