The first update.

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However, Xu Ling was by no means an ordinary character. He quickly recovered from that tense state and his face once again wore a brilliant smile as he amiably said to Qin Fang.

"Young Master Qin is joking. Mr. Nakamura and I are just ordinary friends. He has his own affairs, and whether he shows up or not is not something I need to worry about..."

The relationship between Nakamura Shun and him was actually just one of mutual benefit, and Xu Ling did not truly consider him a confidant or good friend. His unique identity had already determined that he was cautious regarding these matters.

As for Nakamura Shun being sent to assassinate Qin Fang, there was no evidence. No one could do anything to him, and considering Nakamura Shun's character, the likelihood of betraying him was really quite small.

"So that's how it is..."

Qin Fang's expression remained unchanged, as if he didn't care at all about that. On the contrary, he seemed to relax a lot, muttering very softly, "It's best if Young Master Xu has nothing to do with Nakamura Shun. This Japanese man is a spy, having a special mission in Dragon Country... If you were truly close with him, I think the National Security would be knocking on your door quite soon..."

Clearly, Qin Fang was deliberately giving Xu Ling a bit of inside information. Although he spoke with a calm tone, the implications of his words were far from calm.

Even though Xu Ling had adjusted his mind-set, ready to ignore all of Qin Fang's offensives, that particular sentence caused his face to change drastically and almost instantly, he was thrown into disarray.

Whether intentional or not, Qin Fang's comment struck Xu Ling's heart like a heavy hammer, causing an involuntary twitch.

When it involved issues of spies and national security, these were highly sensitive areas. Even for a privileged young master like Xu Ling, getting involved in such matters could be tremendously troublesome. One false step could lead to scandal, and it might just become ammunition for an attack.

The head of National Security was Uncle Tang, and Qin Fang was now considered half a member of the Tang Family, so it wasn't odd for him to know such information—especially since Nakamura Shun was very likely captured by Qin Fang.

If Nakamura Shun was indeed a spy, and since his entry into Dragon Country, he seemed to have been particularly close to Xu Ling, it was difficult not to be suspicious. Whether Xu Ling was a member of the Xu Family or not, such matters would not be tolerated... His own position was not common, and the department he worked for was quite special... This made it easy for people to grab onto any small handle... Even if that handle might be entirely fabricated!

"Is that so? I really hadn't thought of that..."

But Xu Ling was no ordinary man. Although his mind was in turmoil, he wasn't going to be easily defeated by a few words from Qin Fang, and he still firmly maintained on the surface.

This was indeed the truth!

In his interactions with Nakamura Shun, there had indeed been no discussion or contact with any state secrets. Even if there were an investigation, Xu Ling might face some trouble, but ultimately, he would be clear of any charges.

What Xu Ling worried about was Qin Fang's interference, which could complicate the process. If it were prolonged, it might affect his career...

In a career path, connections, ability, and age were all distinct advantages. It might not be possible to rise up several ranks within a year, but to be promoted along the red lines was still no problem.

However, if his advancement were hindered by some undeserved incident, by the time he cleared his name, he might already be set back several years... That could prove to be fatal.

Xu Ling was outstanding among the third generation of the Xu Family, but he was only one of them, and there were other equally outstanding members. If he were hindered during this process, who knows what kind of tragedy might ensue?

With these concerns in mind, Xu Ling's attitude towards Qin Fang was no longer as indifferent as before. Now he also understood why, after being dealt with by Qin Fang, Chen Shijie became so timid and didn't even dare to attend Elder Tang's birthday banquet, preferring to feign illness in the hospital...

"This man is not simple!"

Only now did Xu Ling truly recognize Qin Fang as a formidable opponent. Even though Qin Fang didn't come from a prominent background, ever since his forceful entry into Capital City, he had been a headache for many.

The conversation between Qin Fang and Xu Ling was nothing more than a quiet exchange between the two men. The banquet hall was filled with many people, and the simple clinking of glasses alone was enough to create a loud noise, so generally, people whispered to each other.

While they were speaking, many people were actually watching the two of them. A bunch of men from the Tang Family's third generation were all paying attention to Qin Fang, while a number of Xu Ling's younger followers and friends were also not few in number, all staring at Xu Ling.

Both groups were afraid their side might suffer a loss. Even if the two had an argument and started fighting, they were ready to intervene at a moment's notice...

Of course, that scenario was unlikely. Tonight was the old master's birthday, and everyone had come to celebrate. Even if there were grave conflicts, it was not the place to cause trouble. That would be like slapping the Tang Family's face in public, and even a feud to the death with the Tang Family could be a possibility.

Yet Qin Fang's expression remained calm throughout, while Xu Ling, who should have had the absolute advantage, kept changing colors...

"Boss, that guy surnamed Qin has used some kind of trick. Young Master Ling seems unable to withstand it..."

Those sitting at the same table with Xu Ling were essentially his entourage, of course, all of them privileged young masters from Capital City, albeit on a slightly lower tier. Still, in their families, there were many generals with stars on their shoulders, and a number of them had grown up in the same compound as Xu Ling...

Xu Ling's expression kept changing, which did not escape the notice of those around him. Such behavior was rare for him to show, but when it did appear, it meant only one thing—Xu Ling was at a disadvantage.

Qin Fang was an outsider, while all these others were local serpents of Capital City. As the saying goes, even the mighty dragon doesn't oppress the local serpent. Normally, those outsiders who came to make their way in Capital City would keep a low profile, a very low profile. Yet Qin Fang not only snatched away the woman desired by these local serpents, but he was also able to suppress Xu Ling to the point where Xu Ling couldn't raise his head. It was difficult not to draw attention from them under these circumstances.

"No way, we've got to lend a hand... We can't let this kid get any more arrogant!"

Miao San was a straightforward man, and that was just his personality and approach to things. He wasn't really that stupid. He had a solid relationship with Xu Ling and felt that he could no longer just stand by and watch.

"Whoa~~~"

Just then, from the crowd celebrating Elder Tang's birthday, an extremely surprised murmur suddenly erupted, drawing many people's attention to that spot.

Even Qin Fang, Xu Ling, and Tang Cheng were no exception...

"Such a delicate Maitreya..."

"This carving is really... exquisite!"

"Priceless! This truly is priceless..."

It turned out that the focus of many people had been captured by a green Maitreya Buddha jade statue inside a brocade box held by a dapper young man in front of Elder Tang.

This Maitreya statue was crystal clear, gleaming with light that emitted dazzling brilliance under the illumination, looking lifelike with absolutely top-notch craftsmanship. It was immediately apparent that this was the work of a master...

Not to mention the material of the statue, it was carved from a single piece of ice type jadeite. With such a large size and exquisite craftsmanship, the value of this Maitreya statue was definitely over ten million...

"Elder Tang, I wish you a smile as enduring as this Maitreya's, for an increased and extended life..."

The young man respectfully held the jade Maitreya in his hands, then suddenly knelt down, banging his head against the ground several times in front of Elder Tang, surprising many onlookers.

Qin Fang was naturally no exception. It seemed that aside from Chen Shijie, all the Tang Family Members had arrived. They hadn't offered such a grand gesture, yet this young man suddenly pulled this move, which was indeed abrupt.

"Song Jie... I didn't expect him to actually come back!"

It was Tang Cheng, sitting next to Qin Fang, who suddenly made the comment, seemingly quite pleased...

"Yes, this kid is giving such a heavy gift after being gone for so many years. It seems he has truly made something of himself..." Tang Dynasty's boss, Tang Zhi, also nodded and praised, clearly approving of this person.

The other brothers echoed the sentiment, obviously possessing good relationships with the young man, or rather, very familiar ones. At least, his return seemed to elicit genuine joy from them.

"Brother Cheng, who is he...?"

Qin Fang, who was puzzled, couldn't help but ask.

"Song Jie, one of our childhood friends, is the son of Uncle Song, who was once grandpa's bodyguard. Uncle Song died protecting grandfather, and Song Jie grew up with us. He went abroad to study a few years ago, he is quite independent, and hasn't kept in touch with us much these past years. I didn't expect him to come back this time..."

Tang Cheng said with a smile, briefly explaining Song Jie's identity.

"Indeed, it's been years since we last saw Song Jie, and now he's caused such a stir with his sudden appearance..."

Tang Zhi and the others laughed in agreement.

Most of the Tang Family Members held positions in the bureaucracy or military and didn't place much emphasis on wealth. But Song Jie's presenting such a valuable ice type jadeite Maitreya statue at Elder Tang's birthday was a bit too conspicuous...

"Young Master Ling, Young Master Cheng, as far as I know, back when Song Jie was with the Tang Family, he was very attentive to the Tang family's younger sister. I wonder, now that he's back in the country and knows that the little sister of the Tang Family already has someone in her heart, whether he might be a little upset..."

Some people always struggle to see the success of others, especially someone like Qin Fang. While the Tang Family Brothers were happy about the return of their childhood friend, there were immediately those who couldn't resist making such an unpleasant remark.

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