Freedom.

Sheng Xiao promptly answered before explaining, Huang Yao is a family business and the entire family works there. I had been inexperienced and far from my mature self then, which was why I had often been at odds with the family. Even though I disliked others ruling over my life, my family may be convinced it was my duty and responsibility to manage Huang Yao well. I dont believe that, which is why I left the Sheng family six months ago.

I hadnt been in touch with the Sheng family since, because I was the one who left on my own. Even so, I stand once more in the same place where I had been by my own two feet.

Sheng Xiaos answer to the question emphasized that he was not returning to the Sheng family.

Do you mean you wont return to Huang Yao?

Why should I, now that Ive built Zhongteng?

Then what about the Sheng family? Sorry, that seems a little out-of-topic. The journalist quickly apologized.

Ive never met them over the last six months aside from the business gathering the other day. Im sure well still be familiar strangers in the future.

The journalist nodded at that. Was Sheng Xiao drawing a line in the sand here?

Well, now that Ive asked one out-of-topic question, then allow me to ask anotherthe people whom Ive met before would always tell me that the Crown Prince of Huang Yao is not to be crossed and was an embodiment of danger. That said, I feel comfortable sitting here with you and no danger at all what could have changed you so much?

Sheng Xiao thought about it, and eventually turned to look at the cameraman.

Of course, he was not actually looking at the cameraman, but at Mu Qiqi.

Im almost thirty soon, and I do think family and reasonability made me what I am now.

Yes, but I have been watching you, the journalist joked then. Everyone, although Chief Sheng seemed to be looking at our cameraman when he answered my question, but no one could probably guess whos standing behind him.

Anyway, Ive heard that Zhongteng isnt just involved in military necessities, but that they are working on weapons development too. Could this be whats in store for the companys future?

We are actually studying the possibility of starting new departments to invest more capital and human resource, along with many other industries. Its my hope that everyone could continue supporting us.

I see. It is obvious here that Zhongteng is overflowing with ambition. That said, allow me to go against tradition and ask a question no one would dare to ask: as we all know, your relationship with Miss Mu Qiqi garners much attention. She was once labeled the young bride of the Sheng family, but I wonder if there are any plans ahead for you two as a couple, or some important decision?

What can I say? She is the one who insisted on coming with me to this interview.

Though Sheng Xiaos words sounded contemptible, everyone present could tell that he was clearly putting on a public display of affection.

And was he not the one who asked his little one to come?

She even told me that she would buy a hundred copies of your magazine when the exclusive is published. It seems that your editorial would be earning a killing.

Really? Well, thank you very much, Miss Mu. The journalist broke into laughter.

She did not ask more about their relationship, because that has always been out in the open, even though intricate details were still withheld to maintain an air of mystery.

And in the interview, Sheng Xiao had answered everything about the Shen family and the Sheng family, as well as gossip everyone else was keen on knowing.

Still, the main purpose of the interview was to expose the Sheng familys ugliness in trying to get a piece of his cake, and he told everyone that he had long since left the Sheng family, and had no contact with them for half a year. Moreover, he would not want any further interaction of them, and only hope that the Sheng family would play their part as familiar strangers.

There was no telling how big of a slap that would be to the Sheng family when the exclusive is published.

After the interview, the journalist shook hands with Mu Qiqi too. I really envy you, Miss Mu, Chief Sheng loves you so much Still, dont you think youre missing out that he did not mention about the tattoo of his name on your ear?

Mu Qiqi turned to glance at Sheng Xiao, and then pointed at her own collarbone. He actually put it here.

I see The journalist gasped in awe.

You would find your destined prince eventually.

Well, I dont have a prince but I do have a son. So that more or less makes up for it. The journalist smiled, and left Zhongeng with the others from her editorial.

That was when Sheng Xiao took Mu Qiqi by the waist and told her, Did you know? The way you looked at me was just like the time when youre nursing an unrequited for me, as if you cant wait to devour me.

I did? Mu Qiqi asked, clutching her own face.

Everyone saw it. And youre trying to deny it?

Well, theres no helping it. Thats your fault for being so handsome. Mu Qiqi retorted. Well, I should go home and pack with the interview done, since Im leaving later.

Sheng Xiao embraced her firmly at that. Ill say it again: be safe. Theres nothing more important than your safety.

Got it.

Even if he was reluctant to let her go, his little one eventually needed to grow and that was something he could not control. Sometimes, he might even miss the past meek Mu Qiqi, because she would always listen to him.

However, she did not have the soul she had now.

***

With Sheng Xiaos orders, Xu Che had investigated what Lin Muan had asked. Sheng Xiao himself passed the information to Lin Muan, so that he would not bother his little one.

And once Lin Muan read the information, he understood immediately that Old Lin had hired her to put on a performance.

That was why she immediately bothered him once she had arrived at the academy, and claiming liking him was to play mind games.

At that thought, Lin Muan put away the information, and prepare himself to receive the little pepper after classes was over.

Lu Qianqian was punctual. She brought along the snacks Lin Muan liked, and she waited at the gates after registering herself.

Lin Muans eyes were jubilant when he saw her figure.

Little pepper!

Lu Qianqian stood up and glared at Lin Muan. Dont say such vulgar things in public.

As they laughed, Lin Muan led her to the canteen. Try the food here.

Hey, Im more or less the young lady of the Lu family. You would have me eat such plain food?

I dont have the money to treat to you lavish dinners now.

Lu Qianqians heart tightened suddenly just then, but she did not hold the police academy in contempt.