209: The little fox gave an awkward smile; Sun Li helped betray his friend for personal gain.

"My... friend."

Lu Yuan said, a little awkwardly.

Yao Xiao's eyes flashed with disappointment at his words, but it was quickly replaced by warmth.

"Yes, we are friends."

She said softly, thinking to herself, 'It would be great if we could be closer.'

"Keep practicing, practice makes perfect."

Lu Yuan changed the subject and continued to guide Yao Xiao.

In the subsequent practice sessions, the distance between them grew shorter.

Lu Yuan would occasionally correct Yao Xiao's gestures, and their physical contact became more frequent.

Every touch made Yao Xiao's heart race and her cheeks flush.

"Is this right?"

Yao Xiao looked up and asked, finding Lu Yuan's face very close to hers.

Close enough to count his eyelashes, close enough to feel his breath.

"Y-yes... it's right."

Lu Yuan's voice was a little hoarse, and his gaze involuntarily fell on Yao Xiao's lips.

Those soft, pink lips were as enticing as cherry blossoms, making one want to taste them.

Their gazes met in the air, and the atmosphere instantly became ambiguous.

Time seemed to stand still, with only the sound of their rapid breathing filling the room.

Just as they were getting closer, the Nine-Tailed Fox suddenly let out a soft cry.

The sound broke the ambiguous atmosphere in the room, and the two instantly separated.

"I... I'll go get you some water."

Yao Xiao's face was as red as a ripe apple, and she hurriedly got up, wanting to escape.

But because she got up too quickly, she stumbled and was about to fall.

Lu Yuan was quick-eyed and quick-handed, pulling her into his arms.

They were close again, Yao Xiao's hand resting on Lu Yuan's chest, where she could clearly feel his strong heartbeat.

"Nickname."

Lu Yuan looked down at the girl in his arms and swallowed.

Yao Xiao looked up, meeting Lu Yuan's deep eyes.

Those eyes were as mysterious as the deep sea, making one want to drown in them.

"Lu Yuan..."

She softly called his name, her voice filled with an unprecedented tenderness.

Just at this ambiguous moment, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

"Young Master Lu Yuan, the old master is looking for you."

The servant's voice came from outside the door, breaking the ambiguous atmosphere in the room.

The two instantly separated, Yao Xiao's face almost dripping with blood from redness.

"Got it, I'll be right there."

Lu Yuan replied, feeling a sense of regret.

Anyway, he had free time these days, so there would be plenty of opportunities.

"You rest well first. If you have any questions, feel free to find me."

Lu Yuan said gently to Yao Xiao.

"Okay, you go be busy."

Yao Xiao nodded obediently.

Lu Yuan gave her a deep look, then turned and left the room.

After the door closed, Yao Xiao slumped onto the bed, covering her flushed cheeks.

Everything that had just happened was as beautiful as a dream, filling her heart with endless sweetness.

The Nine-Tailed Fox walked to her side, gently nuzzling her arm, its eyes full of affection.

"Little fox, do you think he likes me too?"

Yao Xiao gently stroked the Nine-Tailed Fox's fur and asked softly.

The Nine-Tailed Fox blinked, as if saying, "Of course."

"You're so obvious, do you think I'm blind?"

...The most luxurious five-star hotel in Jiang City.

In the presidential suite, a man in a black cloak sat on the sofa.

His face was hidden behind a mask, and his whole being exuded an evil aura.

This was Xiao Yan, the head of the Mobei branch of [Spark].

Opposite him, Sun Libang sat respectfully at the edge of the seat.

One was from the city, the other from the Region, their statuses were clear.

Sun Libang's expression was slightly tense, and he occasionally glanced in Xiao Yan's direction.

"Speak."

"Detailed information about that Lu Yuan."

Sun Libang quickly took out a thick stack of documents from his briefcase.

"Sir, this is all the intelligence I could gather."

He respectfully handed over the documents.

Xiao Yan took the file and casually opened it.

The first page contained Lu Yuan's basic information and a photo.

The young man in the photo had a delicate face and clear eyes, looking harmless.

"He's the one who killed Bedrock?"

Xiao Yan's tone carried a hint of playfulness as he speculated:

"Doesn't look like it."

Fine beads of sweat broke out on Sun Libang's forehead.

"Sir, please don't be deceived by his appearance."

"This guy's strength is unfathomable!"

Xiao Yan continued to read the documents.

Lu Yuan's growth trajectory was clearly displayed before him.

From an ordinary student just entering school, to the provincial champion of the Prodigy Competition.

From an unknown low-level Card Master, to a genius sought after by various forces.

"Interesting."

Xiao Yan's lips curved slightly upwards.

"Such a huge change in just a few months."

"This kid must have some secret."

Sun Libang nodded vigorously.

"Yes! I personally saw his gold card!"

"And the quantity and quality are both top-notch!"

"[Remnant]!"

A hint of interest flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. He put down the documents and looked at Sun Libang.

"Anything else?"

Sun Libang hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke.

"Sir, according to what I knew about him at the time, this person can be befriended, but not... antagonized!"

"Otherwise, with his vengeful nature, he probably won't let it go!"

Xiao Yan gave Sun Libang a deep look, then slowly sat back on the sofa.

"Interesting... too interesting."

He picked up the documents again.

His gaze fell on Lu Yuan's College Entrance Examination information.

"Canglan Province, Jiang City, Qingteng High School..."

"The College Entrance Examination is in just over a month."

Xiao Yan's lips curled into a strange arc.

"Indeed, it's a good opportunity to make contact."

Sun Libang asked cautiously.

"Sir, are you planning to make a move during the College Entrance Examination?"

Xiao Yan shook his head.

"No, I never said I would make a move! Bedrock's death has already attracted the attention of headquarters.

"Their meaning is very clear: to recruit with gentleness, not to conquer with force."

"Such a genius, if he can be used by us..."

He didn't finish, but the meaning was already clear.

Sun Libang breathed a sigh of relief.

At least for now, there would be no danger to his life.

"What do you need me to do, Sir?"

Xiao Yan thought for a moment.

"Contact the people in the provincial capital to continue monitoring, but don't alert them."

"At the same time, find a way to get close to the people around him."

"I want to know his every move."

Sun Libang nodded quickly.

"Understood!"

"Oh, right."

Xiao Yan suddenly spoke.

"Regarding that seventh-tier powerhouse in Mobei, do you have any clues?"

Sun Libang shook his head; he didn't have such means.

"No, according to my speculation, this matter should have nothing to do with Lu Yuan."

"Never mind, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Xiao Yan stood up.

"You continue to do what you need to do."

"Remember, don't expose your identity."

Sun Libang nodded respectfully.

"Yes!"

Xiao Yan walked towards the door.

As he reached the door, he suddenly stopped.

"Oh, right, you just mentioned that Lu Yuan performed very well in the Prodigy Competition?"

Sun Libang nodded.

"Yes, he's the provincial champion. If nothing unexpected happens, he'll be participating in the national competition next week!"

"And the strength he displayed in the competition far exceeded his peers."

"Even some veteran geniuses were no match for him."

Xiao Yan nodded thoughtfully.

"It seems this College Entrance Examination will be very interesting."

"The admissions teachers from various universities are probably all watching him."

"We can't fall behind either."

With that, he pushed open the door and left.

Only Sun Libang remained in the room.

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

The atmosphere just now was too oppressive.

His long-unseen leader suddenly showed up.

It was truly frightening!

He re-organized the documents, ensuring no important information was missed.

"Lu Yuan... I hope you don't blame me."

Sun Libang smiled bitterly and shook his head.

"I'm just trying to survive."

...