madnovel Chapter 119 The College Entrance Examination is Finally Here
Chapter 119 The College Entrance Examination is Finally Here
After a hypnotic interrogation.
Lin Weiwei stood upright on the hillside like a scarecrow.
Zhang Lingyun and Xia Youran lay down hand in hand on the soft grass.
The warm spring sunshine shone on them, making them look as if they were plated with gold.
Xia Youran turned to the side and rested her head on Zhang Lingyun's chest.
Hearing his steady heartbeat, the jealousy in my heart had long since vanished.
Xia Youran said:
"It doesn't seem like there's anything wrong; maybe it was just an accident."
Zhang Lingyun, however, disagrees:
"I still find Huang Yufeng somewhat suspicious. No, I need to investigate him..."
Zhang Lingyun took out his phone and dialed Ding Shuangshuang's number.
The phone was answered after two rings, and Ding Shuangshuang's lazy voice came through:
"Hey, what's up?"
Zhang Lingyun said:
"Can you help me find out about someone named Huang Yufeng?"
"Be more specific."
Zhang Lingyun then gave a brief explanation of the situation.
Ding Shuangshuang scoffed after hearing this:
"I thought it was something important! Turns out it's about investigating my love rival!"
Zhang Lingyun frowned:
"This is the important matter. Have you forgotten who the boss is?"
"Hmph! You always bully me. You panic like your tail's on fire when Xia Youran gets into trouble. But when I'm in trouble, what happened to you?"
Just as Zhang Lingyun was about to say a few words of comfort to Ding Shuangshuang, he saw Xia Youran's scrutinizing gaze.
He quickly changed to a serious tone and said:
"Alright! Alright! Go and get it done. Xia Youran is the most important person to me, don't you know that?"
Xia Youran smiled with satisfaction upon hearing this.
Zhang Lingyun put his arm around her slender waist and secretly sent her a text message when she wasn't paying attention.
Ding Shuangshuang had just finished a phone call and was still angry when she suddenly received a text message:
"Sorry! I didn't mean to yell at you just now. Actually, you are very important to me too."
I'll buy you a gift next time. Don't reply to this text message.
Ding Shuangshuang rolled her eyes, unsure how to respond.
In the end, she only uttered one curse:
"That scumbag! That disgusting scumbag! He's making me so angry!"
The sunlight of the second day—
The sunlight streamed in diagonally from the windows of the activity building.
Bright spots of light were cast on the floor of the corridor.
Several ginkgo trees outside the window swayed gently in the morning breeze, making a rustling sound that soothed the ears.
The door to the physical training room was ajar.
The sound of metal clashing could be heard from inside.
The sound was crisp and rapid, like autumn raindrops hitting the tin roof.
Zhang Lingyun and Ding Shuangshuang each held an unsharpened longsword.
Ding Shuangshuang was wearing a tight-fitting gray coat.
The zipper was only pulled up to chest height, revealing the tight sports bra underneath.
She wore black yoga pants that made her legs look long and straight.
Her long hair was tied into a high ponytail, which swung back and forth with her movements, like the mane of a wild horse.
Zhang Lingyun was wearing a plain white T-shirt.
The sleeves were rolled up to the shoulders, revealing well-defined arms.
His movements were half a beat slower than Ding Shuangshuang's.
But its strength lies in its steadiness; it defends every single attack flawlessly.
Ding Shuangshuang said as she swung her sword:
"There's been some progress on what you asked me to inquire about."
Zhang Lingyun paused for a moment, almost getting sent flying by her.
Zhang Lingyun asked:
"Is it about Huang Yufeng? Who exactly is he?"
Ding Shuangshuang did not answer directly, but instead quickened her pace of attack.
The sword blade traced silvery-white arcs in mid-air.
This forced Zhang Lingyun to retreat repeatedly.
Ding Shuangshuang's lips curled up slightly, and she said with a hint of smugness:
You definitely can't imagine.
Zhang Lingyun said:
Stop keeping me in suspense.
Ding Shuangshuang suddenly changed her move, her longsword bypassing Zhang Lingyun's defense.
The tip of the sword lightly touched his throat.
Ding Shuangshuang sheathed her sword, slightly raised her chin, and said:
You lost.
Zhang Lingyun shrugged helplessly.
Without the aid of magic, he really wouldn't be a match for Ding Shuangshuang.
Looks like I need to trade for a sword technique!
Zhang Lingyun conceded defeat, saying:
"Speak."
Ding Shuangshuang didn't rush to speak.
She suddenly leaned forward, almost touching Zhang Lingyun's nose, and said:
"What's the winner's prize?"
Zhang Lingyun knew what she meant, and took half a step back, saying:
"Stop fooling around. There are a lot of people in the hallway."
Indeed, there are many other clubs and societies in the activity building.
Through the slightly ajar door, one could hear the clatter of footsteps in the corridor.
Occasionally, you can hear girls laughing and talking; you never know when someone might come in.
But Ding Shuangshuang frowned and said somewhat unhappily:
"I've done such an important thing for you, why are you still so cold to me?"
Zhang Lingyun sighed.
He knew he had to appease her, otherwise this woman would cause trouble again.
He took a small box out of his pocket.
Inside was a gold bracelet with a small sapphire pendant.
Bathed in the sunlight streaming through the window, it gleamed with a soft glow.
Ding Shuangshuang glanced at it, her lips twitching slightly, and she said sarcastically:
"Why do you look just like Wu Shaofan?"
Zhang Lingyun smiled, handed over the bracelet, and said:
"Because you rejected his ring last time, this is to make it up to you."
Ding Shuangshuang didn't reach out to take it; instead, she raised her jade-like wrist and said:
"Put it on me."
Zhang Lingyun lifted her hand and slowly put the glove on her wrist.
The gold chain looked beautiful on her fair wrist.
The blue gemstone set off her skin like a drop of frozen seawater.
Ding Shuangshuang admired it with satisfaction for a moment, then suddenly said:
"It's quite pretty. But I still prefer a ring, preferably the kind that's presented while kneeling down."
Zhang Lingyun pretended not to hear and said:
"Let's get down to business. Who exactly is Huang Yufeng?"
Ding Shuangshuang looked on with satisfaction and replied:
"He is Huang Ku's illegitimate son."
"What?!"
This really surprised Zhang Lingyun.
But it makes sense when you think about it.
Huang Ku is like an old turtle; he's extremely cautious in everything he does.
She is indeed the kind of person who would hide her son from the public even if she had one.
Zhang Lingyun then asked:
"Where did you find out?"
If this news is true!
That was extremely important to Zhang Lingyun.
Moreover, it is also very important for Xia Youran's safety.
Ding Shuangshuang was still admiring the bracelet when she said in a calm tone:
"I have my own channels."
Zhang Lingyun glanced at her and said:
"You're still keeping this a secret from me?"
Ding Shuangshuang thought for a moment, then smiled and began to speak:
"Of course I don't need to keep it a secret from you, after all, everything I have is yours."
As she said this, she took the opportunity to become affectionate again.
"When I was working for Huang Ku before, I developed some intelligence networks."
Later, in order to sell the "Angel Drug," they expanded their network to many schools.
Although I no longer engage in that kind of business, I can still contact my former downlines.
Zhang Lingyun then asked:
"Is this news reliable?"
Ding Shuangshuang nodded:
"Absolutely reliable! It was Huang Yufeng who revealed it when he was drunk at a party."
I also found some bank transfer records in the Eclipse Society's intelligence database to corroborate the reliability of this information.
Zhang Lingyun said thoughtfully:
"Your subordinates...aren't they all a bunch of 'career girls'?"
Ding Shuangshuang couldn't help but laugh and said:
"Yes, there are many. Would you like me to introduce a few?"
Zhang Lingyun said:
"OK."
Ding Shuangshuang gently punched him and said:
"You scumbag, you still complain about not having enough girlfriends?"
Zhang Lingyun shrugged and said:
"Just kidding."
He paused for a moment, then his tone became serious as he said:
"Honestly, the Clover Hermitage needs an intelligence network."
Ding Shuangshuang was stunned for a moment, then said:
"The Four-Leaf Clover Hermitage...isn't that just a smokescreen you use for your deals?"
Zhang Lingyun nodded and said:
"That's how it is now. But it will grow big someday."
If the Hermitage truly gains influence, an intelligence network will be indispensable.
This was the first time he had talked to someone about his future development goals.
There are some secrets that Lan Ruoxi and Bai Lu cannot be told.
Xia Youran could certainly say so, but that girl is naive by nature and most likely wouldn't care about it.
Ding Shuangshuang was the only one who could listen to him attentively and help him.
Ding Shuangshuang looked at him, remained silent for a few seconds, and then said:
"You're quite ambitious!"
She paused for a moment, then said:
"However, I must remind you that operating an intelligence network requires substantial financial support."
Previously, I relied on the sale of "Angel Drugs" and distributing profits layer by layer to support my downline.
Zhang Lingyun nodded and said:
"I see."
Asking someone for help to find out information once or twice is manageable.
However, to maintain a long-term network, a stable source of income is essential.
He thought about his business dealings on the deep web.
You can earn a million dollars by trading a single "meditation method".
It sounds like a lot, but in reality, the number of customers is limited.
At most, you can earn 100 million a year.
For an individual, this is indeed an astronomical figure.
But this amount of money is far from enough to run an organization.
Organizations like the Golden Rose Society produce potions, while the Eclipse Society deals in black market activities such as assassination and intelligence gathering, generating hundreds of billions in profits annually.
Only in this way can it be maintained.
If the Four-Leaf Clover Hermitage really wants to succeed, it needs to find a way to increase its income.
Seeing his silence, Ding Shuangshuang said softly:
"Take your time. You're only a freshman, there's no rush."
Zhang Lingyun raised his head, glanced at her, and said:
"You're quite good at comforting people."
Ding Shuangshuang put the sword back on the sword rack.
He picked up the towel draped beside him, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and said:
"I can help you with the intelligence network. However—"
Zhang Lingyun looked at her warily and said:
"But what?"
Ding Shuangshuang turned around, wiped his sweat again, and said:
"You must remember my kindness in the future and not abandon me when I am no longer useful."
Zhang Lingyun pressed her hand down and said:
"Of course not, I'll take care of you in your old age."
"Get lost. I'm only three years older than you, not thirty."
-----------------
In June, Green Island City was as hot and humid as a steamer.
The leaves of the plane trees along the street drooped down in the sun.
The cicadas chirped incessantly from morning till night, like someone playing an off-key erhu in your ear.
The air was filled with the smell of asphalt melting in the sun.
Mixed with the salty dampness brought by the sea breeze, it clung stickily to the skin.
Zhang Lingyun pushed open the door to Lan Ruoxi's office.
A blast of cold air hit me.
The air conditioning was on full blast, creating a stark contrast with the stifling heat outside.
Lan Ruoxi leaned back in her office chair.
One leg is crossed over the other.
Under the cool white fluorescent light, the black stockings gleamed with a soft, muted sheen.
She was wearing a pair of red stilettos.
The tiny toes of the shoes playfully wiggle against the heels, bobbing up and down.
Upon hearing Zhang Lingyun open the door, it fell to the ground with a thud.
Zhang Lingyun quickly went over and picked up her high heels for her.
Lan Ruoxi glanced at her apprentice.
His gaze lingered on him for two seconds before he asked:
"Have you made another breakthrough recently?"
Zhang Lingyun helped her put on her shoes and said:
"No. Master, didn't you tell me to solidify my foundation? I've been focusing on building a strong foundation lately and haven't dared to push myself any further."
Lan Ruoxi frowned and said:
"Who are you trying to fool?"
She put her legs down.
The high heels landed with a "thud" on the ground.
Then he pulled out the glowing [test card].
Zhang Lingyun subconsciously shrank back a little and said:
"Master, this thing should be used sparingly—"
Lan Ruoxi said:
"Stop talking nonsense and come here."
Zhang Lingyun had no choice but to lean in and let the card get close to his forehead.
The numbers started jumping rapidly.
Ten thousand, thirty thousand, fifty thousand, eighty thousand, one hundred thousand, one hundred thousand—
Ultimately, it stopped at 150,000.
Lan Ruoxi's pupils dilated slightly for a moment.
She did not speak.
He stared at the numbers for a few seconds, then pursed his lips slightly.
Then, she leaned back in her chair.
He crossed his legs again, and his toes started wobbling again.
Although the expression on her face was no different from usual.
But inside, I felt a surge of joy.
150,000!
This is way too much for a freshman!
As expected of my apprentice!
Zhang Lingyun asked cautiously:
"Master, this number... is it alright?"
Lan Ruoxi, with a stern face, simply nodded slightly:
"It's just so-so! If I try harder, I'm still far from being as bad as I was back then."
"Oh! Master is indeed amazing! I'll never catch up to him in my lifetime."
Lan Ruoxi's pretty face turned a little red.
Perhaps because she doesn't boast much, she's feeling a little uncomfortable.
She picked up her phone from the table.
I took a few photos of that card.
"Snap! Sizzle—"
Suddenly, a bunch of noise appeared on the screen.
The next second, it went completely black.
Lan Ruoxi was stunned for a moment.
She pressed the power button but found that the phone did not respond.
Zhang Lingyun coughed lightly and said:
"Master, I told you we shouldn't use this radiation card too often! Look, it even burned out my phone."
Lan Ruoxi frowned slightly and threw her phone into the trash can.
"That piece of junk—"
Zhang Lingyun's shoulders twitched, and he almost burst out laughing, but he managed to hold it in.
Lan Ruoxi glanced at him but did not pursue the matter further.
She changed the subject, saying:
"You handled the Bailu matter well."
Zhang Lingyun said:
"Of course. My senior sister is in trouble, so of course I should help her."
Lan Ruoxi nodded and said:
"Although your senior sister seems cheerful, she's actually quite pitiful, so you'll have to take good care of her in the future."
Zhang Lingyun nodded in agreement.
"Okay! No problem! I'll take care of her."
After a few seconds of silence, Lan Ruoxi asked again:
"Tell me—who killed Old Bai and his family of three?"
Zhang Lingyun's heart skipped a beat.
But his expression remained unchanged as he said:
"It was probably a revenge killing. A hunter like Old White, who's been in the danger zone for so many years, must have offended a lot of people."
Lan Ruoxi stared at him for a few seconds.
Her gaze was like a scalpel.
They pierced Zhang Lingyun's skin inch by inch, trying to see what was hidden inside.
Zhang Lingyun met that gaze without flinching and said:
"Master, you won't suspect it was me, will you?"
Lan Ruoxi withdrew her gaze and said:
"I have no evidence."
Zhang Lingyun said:
"That means there's doubt."
Lan Ruoxi said:
"I've already said I have no evidence, and you still want to cause trouble for Master?"
Zhang Lingyun laughed and asked:
"If I really did it, what do you think, Master?"
Lan Ruoxi smiled and said:
"That family deserves to die!"
Zhang Lingyun nodded gently, expressing her gratitude for her master's understanding.
But Lan Ruoxi then added:
"However, since your senior sister's entire family is gone, you should take care of her for the rest of your life."
Zhang Lingyun was slightly taken aback, not expecting such a response.
There was a moment of silence.
The chirping of cicadas outside the window came through the glass.
Lan Ruoxi spoke again:
"The situation in Green Island City is calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging beneath."
[Angel Drug] is officially banned, but it is still being traded and circulated in secret.
In other words, the [God Kingdom Organization] still has some remaining forces in Green Island City.
They're probably plotting something.
Following up on the conversation, Zhang Lingyun asked:
"Could it be that Huang Ku is in charge?"
Lan Ruoxi shook her head and said:
"I've been keeping an eye on him. He hasn't made any big moves lately."
Zhang Lingyun hesitated for a moment and said:
"Master, we can't be so passive. Do we really have to wait for Huang Ku to make the first move? Can't we just kill him first?"
Ever since I learned that Huang Yufeng was Huang Ku's illegitimate son.
Zhang Lingyun regarded the father and son as mortal enemies.
If he could use Lan Ruoxi to eliminate them, that would be the best outcome for him.
Lan Ruoxi glanced at him and said:
"You think I don't want to?"
She paused and then said:
"Huang Ku is backed not only by the [Divine Kingdom Organization], but also by the [Eclipse Society]. Moreover, his own strength is not weak either."
"If I fight him, I'll kill a thousand enemies, but I'll also lose eight hundred of my own."
Lan Ruoxi scratched a stray hair from her forehead and continued:
"If I were seriously injured, Green Island City would be in a very troublesome situation."
Zhang Lingyun did not respond.
He looked down at his hands.
He suddenly thought—
Master's analysis is very accurate.
So, could we weaken Huang Ku's strength before the final battle?
-----------------
Time flowed by uneventfully.
June arrived quickly.
Around five in the morning, the sky began to glow with golden light, turning the sea into a patchwork of shattered gold.
The leaves of the sycamore tree rustled in the morning breeze.
Occasionally, a few sparrows would land on the branches and chirp a few times.
Now that it's this month, the most important thing is, of course, the college entrance examination.
The hotels outside the exam center were already fully booked.
Zhang Lingyun booked a suite.
The sea is right outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The room was luxurious, the bed was huge, and there was even a private pool...