Chapter 653: Liu Family

"Did you tell your father?"

Liu Mengyun quickly denied: "No, the Treasure Pavilion has its own intelligence network—it's not much worse than the military's."

"What do you want with me?"

"He said he wants to take you to dinner, but it's probably just to build rapport."

"Build rapport?"

Liu Mengyun sighed: "These businessmen all like this routine—they might be trying to recruit you, but I suspect they're just testing your intentions."

"Do you think I should go?"

"Now's a critical moment—better not go yet. The Southwest Military is helping you; if you go now, it might upset the higher-ups!" Liu Mengyun whispered, "I'll decline for you."

"Then tell your father I'm busy lately!"

"Alright!"

Two days later, Liu Mengyun suddenly pushed open the door and told him that Liu Long was right outside the Thirteenth Emergency Squad gate, wanting to see him.

Su Yang exclaimed: "How did your dad get here?"

"I don't know. When I refused him last time, he didn't say a word."

Liu Mengyun was equally helpless: "Should you meet him?"

To be honest, as the Southwest regional head of the Treasure Pavilion and a King-level powerhouse, Liu Long personally coming to seek an audience with Su Yang made refusal difficult.

To refuse would seem overly arrogant.

It would plainly be a slap in the face.

Word would spread, and Liu Long would lose face.

Liu Long still held some influence within the Southwest Military.

If Su Yang remembered correctly, Deputy Squad Leader Ma had a decent relationship with him.

He was a powerful figure across the entire Southwest region.

Especially after two Treasure Pavilion King-level experts were dispatched to the Southwest.

"Then let's meet."

"Mm." Liu Mengyun paused, then said, "If my father offers you anything, take it quickly—don't be polite. If he asks for any promises, weigh it carefully—don't feel awkward about refusing!"

"Uh…"

Hearing Liu Mengyun's words, Su Yang froze.

Liu Long's patched cotton-padded jacket was definitely leaking wind.

As soon as Liu Long stepped into the office, Su Yang rose from his chair.

"Senior Liu, long time no see!"

Liu Long chuckled: "Junior Su, you've truly become famous across the land!"

Su Yang felt embarrassed at Liu Long's words.

"Sit down." Seeing Liu Long settle, Su Yang sat across from him on the sofa. "Senior Liu already knows?"

"How could I not?" Liu Long smiled. "I suspect the entire Huaxia Federation will know soon enough."

"I didn't think that far at the time."

Liu Mengyun brought Liu Long a cup of tea, then stepped out, closing the door behind her.

"I've come specifically to thank you!"

"How so?"

"Thank you for protecting my daughter!"

This excuse, Su Yang could only call brilliant.

No one could find fault with it.

Had Liu Mengyun not mentioned it, he might have been fooled.

"She's my deputy officer—she's supposed to follow my orders!"

Liu Long asked: "Does tacit approval count?"

"Why wouldn't it?"

"I understand!" Liu Long nodded, visibly relieved. "I used to worry about Mengyun, but now I'm at ease—even my wife now speaks nothing but praise of you."

"It's nothing much."

As head of the Treasure Pavilion, Liu Long had met countless people.

Some leaders, when trouble arose, liked to throw subordinates under the bus.

They even called it: "Sacrifice the pawn to save the king!"

Don't even tacitly approve!

Even with clear written orders, they'd shamelessly deny everything!

Someone like Su Yang was practically peerless in righteousness!

"A few days ago, when Mengyun came home, I realized she's now a Star Radiance-level expert!" Liu Long sighed. "I asked how her strength had risen so fast—she said you guided her and gave her several priceless Spirit-Fruit. Your care for Mengyun, I, Liu Long, will never forget."

Seeing Liu Long's sincere gaze, Su Yang was moved.

"Liu Mengyun is my deputy officer—if her strength is too low, she'll drag me down!"

"Hahaha!" Liu Long laughed heartily. "That excuse—if Mengyun heard it, she'd be heartbroken. She's always been fiercely competitive; if you say she's holding you back, she'll push herself to the limit to prove you wrong."