140: Hein's concern? His arrogance?

Since getting in touch with Kong Jiamu, Tu Nan hadn't thought about the attack for several days.

After all, in her mind, Hain had already promised not to tell Kong Jiamu everything she had concealed.

He wouldn't stay here indefinitely.

Since Tu Nan needed to stick close to Kong Jiamu later, even if it caused a slight inconvenience, it was bearable.

If no other incidents occurred, the impact of that attack would slowly fade away.

That was why she genuinely thought the suggestion to have Green Fox surrender was just a casual remark from Lan Si.

Who knew... she actually went ahead and pushed it forward?

Lan Si was dragged into this because of her, and Tu Nan absolutely couldn't let anything happen to her.

But judging by Hain's stance, it seemed he planned to immediately throw both of them into prison after getting a clear explanation from Tu Nan.

He even looked impatient, unable to wait for the victim, Kong Jiamu, to return.

What should she do?

Should she make up a random excuse to fool him?

That would be underestimating Hain too much.

Someone who could handle so many government affairs wasn't incompetent... In fact, Tu Nan had to attribute Hain being easily placated by her to a 'filter.'

You know, the kind between people deeply in love... Stop!

Biting her lip, Tu Nan didn't know what to do for a moment.

Lan Si looked at Tu Nan, then at Hain... and silently gazed up at the sky.

She deeply realized that she truly lacked Tu Nan's Talent for causing trouble, which was a disgrace to her Beast Form.

It was best to deal with the mess she made herself. Sighing, Lan Si pitifully raised one hand.

"Actually, all of this... was something I did when my brain went fuzzy."

Hain shifted his gaze to Lan Si.

Tu Nan's lips parted slightly, about to speak.

Lan Si rattled off a long string of words like a machine gun.

"Tu Nan, don't blame me~ I was actually doing it for your own good... Wasn't it on the ship where I saw you were sad about having to separate from Kong Jiamu? I just wanted to help you out! It just so happened that I knew this guy, so I used our past connection to blackmail him into doing me a small favor. No one would get hurt anyway, right? This way you could stay by Kong Jiamu's side, couldn't you! Trust me! I really didn't have any malicious intentions!"

Tu Nan... she realized that the incident was indeed exactly as described.

Lan Si merely framed the whole thing as a small trick to help her best friend capture the attention of a Male Beast.

It made sense!

She gave Lan Si an appreciative look.

Hain scoffed coldly behind her, his entire Aura becoming even sharper.

"Specious rhetoric." He commented simply, clearly not believing the explanation.

"If I hadn't interrupted your plans today, what else were you intending to scheme?"

He glanced at the person in the corner.

Secretary Wang had stood behind Hain at some point and handed him a document. After a quick scan, Hain passed it to Tu Nan.

"What, Yi Xingye... huh? Code name Green Fox... your price list certainly isn't cheap. Since when could operations in the Dark Realm be paid for by friendship? Hmm?"

"As far as I know, your rule of taking money for services is unbreakable. How is it that you, a top ten veteran, would violate it?"

Tu Nan was startled by the efficiency and scope of Hain's information network.

This was his speed when he truly wanted to know something... Tu Nan realized even more clearly how much tolerance he held for her.

"...Actually, I did pay." Lan Si still tried to struggle.

But Hain completely ignored her.

Since the person had been caught, his greatest concern was Tu Nan—could she withstand such betrayal?

"Forget it... Hain, I wasn't hurt, and Lan Si meant well." Tu Nan murmured, covering her forehead.

Sure enough, Hain knew Tu Nan would choose to forgive, but he couldn't allow it.

"Pearl." He seriously advised her, "I suggest you consider this carefully. I don't think it's simple."

Tu Nan thought for a moment and motioned for Hain to go aside with her privately. She tried to persuade Hain to release them by circumventing the incident itself.

"Hain, I know Lan Si. She doesn't mean me any harm, you have to trust me.

I know you're doing this for my good, but Lan Si is genuinely a friend I acknowledge. We share similar interests, and she even told me her background wasn't entirely clean.

I don't want you to investigate further.

Moreover..."

Tu Nan glanced at Lan Si, who was peering over and looking worried, and smiled slightly.

"My company has just been founded, and she is a technical shareholder. Her name is on the registration forms for several products we are about to launch. Even from a business perspective, I don't want conflict with her. That would be a fatal blow to the company."

"Do you understand?"

Tu Nan told Hain directly: "She is now not only a friend I trust but also an important partner. Regardless of her identity, I wish for this matter to end here."

Hain felt Tu Nan was too naive about these matters. He sincerely shared his perspective with her, trying to guide her toward the correct path.

"This isn't a big problem. Technical staff and investment, I can help you sort out. As for the company, I can help you re-register it this afternoon."

In his view, these were minor matters.

"But choosing friends or partners is extremely important. Fine, even if we assume she truly did this for your own good, making these arrangements without consulting you." Hain stared at her.

"You shouldn't keep a friend like that."

"This isn't true friendship. Making decisions for you under the guise of 'doing what's best for you' is arrogance."

"Tu Nan... you don't need friends like this. Trust me."

He called Tu Nan by her original name once more; Hain was very worried about her.

Tu Nan completely understood Hain's concern, and she agreed with his words, but she regretted that she currently had to twist and exploit his intentions.

Tu Nan looked at Hain's chest and gave a wry smile.

"You are absolutely right, Hain.

Now I have told you that I choose this friend, I have my reasons, and I trust her. Are you now planning to force my decision under the guise of 'doing what's best for me'?"

Tu Nan raised her head, suppressing a trace of discomfort, and asked him word by word: "Are you being arrogant? Are you my true friend?"

Hain's expression darkened, and he fell silent.

After a long moment, he finally whispered to Tu Nan, "I am. But you trust her more than you trust me."

Tu Nan had nothing to say.

Hain glanced at Lan Si, who had relaxed and sat down on the sofa, realizing that she, too, held a blind trust in Tu Nan.

Maybe he was wrong, Hain thought.

Arrogance.

Hain chewed on the word that had never been applied to him before.

Had his concern for Tu Nan reached the point where he couldn't stop himself from interfering with her life choices?

He left the group downstairs and went upstairs in a state of disarray.

The soldiers exchanged glances, unsure what to do next.

"Alright, release him. I'll talk to Colonel Kong myself when he gets back..." Tu Nan instructed wearily.

Lan Si happily jumped into Tu Nan's arms.

Secretary Wang had an even worse headache.

This is going to be terrible... Where did Lord Hain's principles go?