Chapter 107 Is He an Old Acquaintance?

Chapter 107: An Old Acquaintance?

Someone wants to see him?

Fang Ran stared at the screen, a strange feeling stirring within him. He double-checked the message and sender—it was indeed from Fang Liyu.

But he knew no one in District 5. Who would suddenly specifically ask to see him?

If it were a high-ranking official from the Center or another faction, shouldn't they be asking to see Fu Zhangzhou instead?

He couldn't fathom it.

He typed a reply in the message box:

"Sister Fang, who wants to see me?"

Fu Zhangzhou had been waiting for Fang Ran’s reaction, but instead, he saw him suddenly lower his head, fixated on the terminal screen as if his attention had completely shifted.

Trying to evade him?

But how could a sentinel let such a golden opportunity slip by?

He slowly drew closer to the guide’s nape, even softening his breathing.

Fang Ran’s neck and shoulder lines were exquisite, and the back of his neck, besides his hair, was the most fragrant spot.

Even amidst the blooming summer flower beds, the rich floral scent couldn't mask the sweetness emanating from him.

Wisp after wisp of fragrance wafted into his nostrils.

Hidden deep in the sentinel’s eyes, those emotions that shunned the light intensified.

That little liar had divulged so many secrets to him that night, yet he himself remembered absolutely nothing.

It left him feeling like a hunter with a hidden treasure, yet nowhere to flaunt it.

Fu Zhangzhou suddenly felt mischievous. He lowered his head, his warm breath brushing past Fang Ran’s ear, a fleeting touch.

"Fang Ran, what are you looking at?"

Fang Ran flinched, startled by the low timbre of his voice.

He abruptly lifted his head, realizing their breaths were intertwined, their faces intimately close. He immediately reached out and pushed the sentinel’s face away slightly.

"Be serious."

His words were firm, but his face was flushed.

Fang Ran blinked instinctively, his eyelashes fluttering, then he feigned composure and glared at Fu Zhangzhou.

"Sister Fang just got back. She said someone wants to see me."

"Someone wants to see you?" Fu Zhangzhou raised an eyebrow, looking displeased by the interruption. "Did Fang Liyu say who?"

"I'm asking her right now. Why are you interfering?"

"Fang Ran, since when do you know people in District 5?"

"I don't know either."

As they bickered, another message popped up on Fang Ran’s terminal.

Its contents made both of them frown.

"My apologies for not being clear earlier. The person who wishes to see you is the executive of Huayan Pharmaceutical."

......

On the other side of the garden, the purification was still underway.

Zhong Wan closed his eyes, concentrating intently on guiding the energy within Lu Wenchuan’s Spiritual Sea.

Familiar footsteps approached from behind. He half-opened his eyes and saw figures drawing near.

Fang Ran and Fu Zhangzhou were heading their way.

"You're done with the purification already?" he couldn't help but ask.

The rooftop sun was scorching, and sweat beaded on his forehead. Lu Wenchuan, ever solicitous, kept wiping it away for him.

"Not exactly. Sister Fang is back, and she needs me for something," Fang Ran explained. "Zhong Wan, we're heading down for now. See you tonight."

"Alright, see you later." Zhong Wan nodded at him, then closed his eyes again.

Not wanting to disturb them further, Fang Ran turned and walked toward the elevator. Fu Zhangzhou, however, suddenly paused, quickly pulled out his terminal to send a message, and then subtly signaled Lu Wenchuan. Only after doing all this did he swiftly catch up with Fang Ran.

Lu Wenchuan paused upon seeing this, then glanced at Zhong Wan.

Noticing that Zhong Wan had his eyes closed and hadn't seen their interaction, he surreptitiously pulled out his terminal to check.

Fu Zhangzhou had sent him a link. He clicked on it.

"District 5 Night Market: Environment + Food Reviews! Can't find a place for a date? This blogger takes you through District 5’s night market!"

???

......

Fang Ran and Fu Zhangzhou entered the elevator.

When Fang Ran had seen Fang Liyu’s message earlier, he noticed the sentinel’s expression change markedly, though he quickly masked his emotions and returned to normal.

The elevator was spacious, but only the two of them were inside.

Fu Zhangzhou was uncharacteristically quiet, merely leaning against Fang Ran’s arm and the elevator wall, gazing up at the ceiling vent, lost in thought.

Strange.

Could he be an old acquaintance of the executive from Huayan Pharmaceutical?

"Fu Zhangzhou, do... do you know the executive of Huayan Pharmaceutical?"

"Hmm?"

The sentinel seemed jolted from his thoughts by his voice. He shifted his gaze back to Fang Ran.

"Why do you ask?"

Fang Ran paused, his eyes darting away.

"It’s just rare to see you... like this."

"Me like this?" Fu Zhangzhou seemed intrigued and naturally leaned in closer.

He draped his arm over Fang Ran's shoulder, leaning down slightly. Given the significant difference in their builds, Fang Ran was practically nestled within his frame.

The sentinel looked down at him, a smile playing on his lips again.

"Fang Ran, it seems you... pay quite close attention to me."

This guy!

He really can twist anything into that kind of conversation.

Wait...

Did he deliberately ignore the earlier question?

Fang Ran gave him a look. "Fu Zhangzhou, I told you to be serious. Stand straight."

Fu Zhangzhou laughed at his serious expression and obediently straightened up.

"And also, do you know that executive from Huayan Pharma?"

Fu Zhangzhou's eyes flickered, and he suddenly let out an uncharacteristically cold chuckle: "More than just know."

"He and I—"

Before he could finish, the elevator doors jolted slightly, stopping at the 50th floor.

"Ding," the doors opened.

A tall figure appeared outside as Lu Wenshan stepped in.

Lu Wenshan seemed surprised to see the two of them.

He glanced at the elevator's floor buttons. "Are you two heading to the 38th floor too?"

"Yes," Fang Ran replied, looking at him. "Sister Fang... Fang Liyu asked me to come. She said someone wanted to see me."

Lu Wenshan nodded. "I received the notice too." But he quickly caught what stood out in Fang Ran's words.

"You? Just you alone?"

His gaze shifted, turning to Fu Zhangzhou behind Fang Ran.

"Sentinel Fu Zhangzhou, what about you?"

Fu Zhangzhou glanced at him. "Notifying Fang Ran is the same as notifying me. What's the difference?"

......

The 38th floor was the office area of District 5, housing both lounges and meeting rooms.

As the elevator doors opened, Fang Ran spotted Fang Liyu.

She was speaking with a staff member from District 5 and turned her head instantly at the sound of the elevator opening.

"The three of you are here."

Three?

Fang Ran paused, surprised.

It seemed she had already figured Fu Zhangzhou would follow.

Fang Liyu smiled at them, wrapped up her conversation with the staff member, and hurried over.

"Follow me first. Our guest is already here."

Upon hearing this, Lu Wenshan immediately nodded and started forward.

But Fu Zhangzhou pulled Fang Ran back, signaling him not to move just yet.

The sentinel looked steadily at Fang Liyu, his eyes showing clear disapproval.

"Guide Fang Liyu, could you explain first? Why does he want to see Fang Ran?"

Although Fu Zhangzhou's attitude was not exactly friendly, Fang Liyu didn't seem angered. Instead, her tone carried a reassuring quality.

"Sentinel Fu Zhangzhou, I can fill you in later."

"Director Jin has signed off on this meeting."