"I’ll take that as a good omen," Ye Dongyun nodded, her expression turning solemn, "However, I need to remind everyone, because we have Xinghuo with us, if any of you start dating, you must let us know in time. We need to discern whether their intentions are genuine or if they’re approaching Xinghuo under false pretenses."
Hearing this, Ji Xinghuo couldn’t help but glance at her. In fact, he had considered this as well, but it wasn’t appropriate for him to speak up.
As the eldest sister, it was fitting for Ye Dongyun to give the warning.
"We’re not fools; it’s not that easy to deceive us."
Zhong Ming and Liangqiu Feiyan quickly agreed, while Wang Zizhen declared, "I’m not even thinking about dating. Women will only distract me from my training and delay my becoming a Mutant. They are stumbling blocks on my path to Evolution."
"Hahahaha..." Everyone burst into laughter.
Amidst the laughter, the family finished watching the match. As expected, Zhao Manying led her team to victory.
"I’m going to pick up Manying."
Ji Xinghuo bid farewell to his family and drove the magnetic levitating car to the Tianqin Stadium, where he picked up Zhao Manying and went for a late-night snack together.
By the way, he told her about the Ether Research Room.
"The Ether Energy Gathering Room!"
Zhao Manying was greatly surprised, "I’ve heard about it before but had no channel to apply. The Emperor Star Club tried to find connections on my behalf but to no avail. It’s said that most of those who get the qualifications are Mutants from official and military circles."
"You definitely qualify for the Ether Research Room," Ji Xinghuo realized, "The Shi Family is deliberately setting stumbling blocks for you."
With Zhao Manying’s talent and fame, she would get approval as long as she applied.
And she wasn’t short of money either.
Ji Xinghuo had always wondered why Zhao Manying, who met all the requirements, had never used the Ether Energy Gathering Room.
It turned out that the Shi Family was secretly causing trouble.
"Hmph..." Zhao Manying’s eyes turned cold, "Shi Renzhong kept saying he was looking for connections, but nothing came of it. It must be Shi Hongyi’s doing behind the scenes."
Ji Xinghuo analyzed, "Your father was killed by him, and now that you’ve joined the Emperor Star Club and they know your strength and talent, they will certainly fear you."
"You’re not a threat to the Shi Family yet, and you’re making money for them, so Shi Hongyi won’t easily harm you, but he also won’t allow you to improve your strength too quickly, hence he avoids letting you into the Ether Research Institute."
Zhao Manying put down her chopsticks, "I’ll settle this account with Shi Hongyi."
"Did Shi Renzhong have any reaction today?" Ji Xinghuo asked.
He had shared the Qianyuan Association matter with Zhao Manying the day before, which involved Shi Daoyuan, but it wasn’t officially announced yet.
"None, everything is as usual," Zhao Manying shook her head slightly.
Ji Xinghuo said, "He must be very happy."
Shi Hongyi had five children but only Shi Daoyuan and Shi Renzhong were actually promising and in competition. Now that Shi Daoyuan was caught, he was bound to be sentenced to death, leaving Shi Renzhong as the sole heir.
Of course, one couldn’t rule out the possibility of Shi Hongyi having more children.
For a Heavenly King, Shi Hongyi, who was just past 90, was still very young. Talking about an heir was still premature.
However, Shi Renzhong’s status in the family was sure to rise sharply, along with his resources and power.
"Let’s not talk about him anymore."
Zhao Manying wasn’t interested in discussing her enemy’s family affairs.
The two finished their late-night meal together and returned to Zhao Manying’s home in the Weiyang Building. No sooner had they entered than she cast sultry glances, her cheeks flushing red.
As a Super Mutant, she had long since recovered.
Ji Xinghuo was also indefatigable.
He savored the different charm between Zhao Manying and Sister Ren, a flavor that only someone who had experienced it would understand.
Late into the night, the two finally embraced each other in sleep.
Ji Xinghuo, neatly dressed, left with Zhao Manying and took his second brother Zhong Ming to the Ether Research Institute.