Chapter 264: Isn't the Most Dangerous Person Here… Me?

At the very moment Xia Wan was engaged in a perilous "confrontation" with ancient prohibitions deep within Kunlun Mountain, another "contest"—radically different in atmosphere yet equally brimming with hidden daggers—was quietly unfolding within the New Era.

To further promote internal technical exchange and collaboration, the Science Council organized a cross-disciplinary academic symposium, covering multiple cutting-edge fields including energy, materials, biology, and information. Due to the substantial recent point rewards and Qin Feng's speech at the award ceremony on "transcendence and skepticism," which inspired numerous researchers, the symposium attracted a large number of mid- and young-level core staff, creating a lively atmosphere.

Qin Feng did not attend this routine meeting, but Su Wenqian attended as the representative of the administrative coordination side.

During the mid-session break, attendees gathered in small groups in the Rest Area, discussing the reports they had just heard or expanding their networks. Su Wenqian was also quietly conversing with several senior Academicians.

At that moment, a slightly jarring voice interjected, deliberately crafted to sound cheerful:

"Assistant Su, the Academicians, what are you discussing so intently?"

Everyone turned to see a man in an elegant suit, his hair meticulously combed, aged about thirty-five or thirty-six, walking over. His name was Zhao Ming, newly appointed Deputy Director of the Information Engineering Department, renowned for his Quick Thinking and exceptional oratory skills. Recently, due to outstanding performance in several data encryption projects, he had drawn considerable attention and was currently at the peak of his momentum.

"Ah, Director Zhao." One of the senior Academicians nodded slightly. "We were discussing the Biology Department's report on the potential applications of the Obsidian Type-C crystal in neural interfaces."

"Oh? That report was indeed quite interesting." Zhao Ming seamlessly joined the conversation, his gaze sweeping over Su Wenqian, his smile deepening further. "Assistant Su, you're swamped with duties—rare to see you attend a technical symposium like this. Are you interested in our Information Department's upcoming topics?"

His words sounded courteous, yet carried a subtle probe—and an almost imperceptible display of pride. He was scheduled to deliver a report next on a new quantum encryption algorithm.

Su Wenqian's expression remained calm; she responded only with polite formality: "Cross-disciplinary exchange is important. I'm here to learn."

Zhao Ming seemed unfazed by Su Wenqian's coldness and shifted the topic toward something grander, raising his voice slightly as if to ensure everyone nearby could hear:

"Speaking of which, our New Era's development across all fields has been truly revolutionary, thanks entirely to Mr. Qin's wise leadership and everyone's collective efforts. Especially our Information sector, which bears the critical responsibility of safeguarding the entire New Era's data security and communication flow—we dare not slack for a moment."

He spoke eloquently, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of his department and the projects under his charge, subtly positioning himself as a technological pillar and future cornerstone. Several young researchers, drawn in by his confidence and the vision he painted, cast admiring glances his way.

Zhao Ming relished being the center of attention. His peripheral vision flickered toward Su Wenqian, hoping to catch even a hint of approval or recognition on the face of the leader's closest confidant.

Yet Su Wenqian remained as serene and unruffled as ever, as if listening to a report unrelated to her.

Zhao Ming felt a flicker of disappointment but did not relent. He changed tack, as if casually raising another topic:

"By the way, there have been some false rumors lately about our New Era and Mr. Qin—absurd to the point of hilarity. Claims of technological monopolization, ulterior motives… I see them as nothing but jealousy and slander from petty individuals. He spoke with righteous indignation, then added a touch of perfectly calibrated concern: "Still, it reminds us that great trees attract wind. Mr. Qin's ambitions are lofty, his conduct inevitably… well, unconventional, making him prone to misunderstanding. As subordinates, we must be especially cautious with our words and actions, diligently fulfill our duties, and never tarnish Mr. Qin's or the New Era's reputation—nor be dragged into unnecessary risks by certain… people or matters of unclear origin."

His words ostensibly defended Qin Feng and the New Era, yet the phrase "people or matters of unclear origin," and "unnecessary risks," carried pointed implication—clearly hinting at the Xia Madam's family, recently at the center of rumors, and possibly even Xia Wan, whose secret mission and mysterious identity were under speculation.

The senior Academicians frowned slightly but said nothing. Several sensitive researchers caught the subtext; the atmosphere grew tense.

Su Wenqian's hand holding her water cup paused slightly. She lifted her eyes and, for the first time, looked directly at Zhao Ming—her gaze cold and clear.

Zhao Ming, pleased that he had finally drawn Su Wenqian's attention, prepared to further deploy his oratory skills to reinforce his image as "loyal, capable, and prioritizing the greater good."

At that moment, a calm, unemotional voice—yet carrying invisible weight—resounded from nearby, clearly reaching every ear:

"Risk?"

Everyone turned. Qin Feng had somehow appeared at the entrance to the Rest Area! He wore the same simple attire, expression indifferent, as if merely passing through.

Everyone was startled, immediately bowing in greeting: "Sir!"

Zhao Ming's heart leapt violently; his face instantly flooded with deferential smiles as he hurried forward: "Sir! What brings you here?"

Qin Feng ignored his greeting. His gaze swept calmly over the crowd, finally settling on Zhao Ming.

"You just said," Qin Feng repeated Zhao Ming's words, tone unreadable, "you must avoid unnecessary risk?"

Zhao Ming nodded hastily, voice dripping with flattery: "Yes, Sir! I'm concerned that certain unnecessary factors might harm your reputation and the New Era's safety…"

Qin Feng cut him off, stepping forward two paces until he stood directly before Zhao Ming.

He was slightly taller. His deep eyes regarded the man calmly, as if seeing through every carefully polished word and every hidden calculation buried in his heart.

The entire Rest Area fell utterly silent. Everyone held their breath.

In the suffocating stillness, Qin Feng spoke slowly, his voice low, yet exploding like thunder in every mind:

"What, exactly, do you consider a risk?"

Zhao Ming froze, mouth opening, unable to answer.

Qin Feng did not wait for a reply. His gaze seemed to pierce through walls, reaching far beyond, his tone absolute, utterly indifferent:

"Are they idle rumors? A girl with an uncertain identity? Or… certain presumptuous speculations and calculations?"

With each question, Zhao Ming's face paled another shade; sweat beaded on his forehead.

Finally, Qin Feng withdrew his gaze, returning his eyes to Zhao Ming's ashen face. A faint, icy curve seemed to touch his lips.

He leaned forward slightly, speaking in a voice audible only to those nearby—his tone carrying a hint of mockery:

"Director Zhao."

"Have you ever considered…"

"In this New Era, the most dangerous person…"

Qin Feng paused. His gaze pierced Zhao Ming's heart like the sharpest ice pick.

"... isn't me?"

The moment the words ended, Zhao Ming was struck as if by lightning. He shuddered violently, staggered back half a step, his face drained of all color—only boundless terror remained.

He finally realized: in the eyes of this man, his scheming, his attempts to impress, were laughably trivial and insignificant!

His petty ambitions, his desperate maneuvers to appear important—before absolute power and insight—were utterly exposed!

The entire hall fell into deathly silence.

Everyone was awed by Qin Feng's unmasked, chilling authority.

Su Wenqian watched Qin Feng's back—unimposing, yet seemingly capable of suppressing all things—and her heart churned.

The Master… he clearly knows everything.

He simply doesn't care.

But when someone dares to play tricks before him, even subtly challenging his authority, he responds in the most direct way possible—making them understand:

Who, exactly, is the true master here?

Who, exactly, is the one who must never be provoked…

The most dangerous person.

Qin Feng did not glance again at Zhao Ming, now ashen and lifeless. As if he had merely swatted away a buzzing fly. He gave Su Wenqian a slight nod, then turned and left the Rest Area.

Behind him, an icy silence froze in place—and Zhao Ming, utterly broken, collapsed to the ground, all spirit gone.

The most dangerous person in the entire hall?

Never anyone else.