Chapter 109 Not a Matter of Willingness

Chapter 109: It’s Not a Matter of Willingness

The conference room fell silent.

Jin Ming took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, while Fu Yanhua removed his tea-stained coat.

They both resumed the composure Fang Ran had observed when he first entered.

Fang Ran couldn’t help but glance at Fang Liyu, who subtly shook her head, signaling him to observe quietly.

"Guide Fang Ran," Fu Yanhua suddenly called out.

Fang Ran looked over, noticing the smile had returned to Fu Yanhua’s face, as if the previous scene had never occurred.

"I hear Fu Zhangzhou is quite dependent on you. His temperament can be a bit... unique. I hope you can show him more understanding."

He let out a long sigh.

"There have always been some misunderstandings between us. For years, he’s refused to see me or acknowledge me as his father. But... blood is thicker than water. If one day these misunderstandings can be resolved, I hope you’ll both visit District 5 often. Hua Yan’s doors are always open to you."

Fu Yanhua’s voice was rich and deep, his smile tinged with both emotion and regret, perfectly embodying the image of a benevolent father.

But Fang Ran didn’t believe a single word.

Given Hua Yan’s deep ties with the Institute, could this man have been behind the Raiders’ attempt to capture him?

As the Federation’s strongest Sentinel, Fu Zhangzhou was Lu Yanhua’s ideal research subject. Yet, this son was rebellious and uncontrollable, until Fang Ran’s appearance provided a breakthrough. Capturing him would not only allow for experiments but also serve as leverage against Fu Zhangzhou—killing two birds with one stone.

Moreover, if the Raiders truly had a clandestine deal with Hua Yan, could everything that had transpired in District 5 these past few days be connected to this man?

If that were true...

Capturing Wen Qi, assassinating Zheng Mingyu.

No wonder even Fu Zhangzhou claimed this man was crazier than he was. A wolf in sheep’s clothing—such individuals were the hardest to guard against.

The more Fang Ran pondered, the colder his heart grew. Though he outwardly maintained composure, a flicker of emotion still betrayed him.

Fu Yanhua had been observing him the entire time.

His eyes flickered, and he shook his head with a hint of helplessness, sighing again.

"Jin Ming, what exactly have you told Guide Fang Ran? Why is even he afraid of me now?"

"You’ll have to ask yourself that," Jin Ming picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup of tea. "Guide Fang Ran probably didn’t know who Hua Yan’s executive was until today. It’s your own fault for looking like a shady character. If he’s not afraid of you, then who should he be afraid of?"

"Am I wrong?" He took an elegant sip of tea.

Fu Yanhua chuckled twice, narrowing his eyes as he looked at the person opposite him. "Jin Ming, we’re practically family. How can you speak like that?"

Without even lifting an eyelid, Jin Ming retorted naturally, "Who’s family with you?"

Seeing the tension escalate between them again, Fang Ran had no choice but to interject:

"Mr. Fu, Sentinel Fu Zhangzhou and I... will naturally get along well."

Regardless of whether this Hua Yan executive was a good person, given the deep rift between Fu Zhangzhou and his father, it was likely Fu Yanhua had a history of questionable actions.

From his current tone, it seemed he wanted Fang Ran to persuade Fu Zhangzhou to mend their father-son relationship. But if Fu Yanhua had truly subjected Fu Zhangzhou to Sentinel experiments, that would be unforgivable.

He was on the Sentinel’s side, so he had no intention of being cordial with this man.

After a moment’s thought, Fang Ran added, "I won’t interfere in the matters between you and him. As for how our relationship develops, you needn’t concern yourself."

Hearing his words, Jin Ming’s gaze shifted, and he gave Fang Ran an approving look.

Fu Yanhua remained unperturbed, his smile barely wavering.

"Guide Fang Ran, it seems you also have many misunderstandings about me. I’m simply a father concerned about his own child."

"I’ve heard that you and Fu Zhangzhou haven’t signed an exclusive contract yet. What’s the reason for that?"

Fang Ran observed his expression—impeccable, perfectly portraying a father worried about his son.

But this man was clearly feigning ignorance. Given Hua Yan’s deep ties with the Sentinel and Guide Center, how could he be unaware of their policy adjustments? Perhaps he had even played a role in pushing for this policy.

Before he could formulate a response, Fang Liyu beside him spoke up: "Two months ago, the central office of District 12 issued a new regulation. Cross-level matching between Guides and Sentinels cannot exceed one level. Fang Ran’s current level... is still a little short of Sentinel Fu Zhangzhou’s."

In fact, it was more than just "a little."

Originally, the Guide Committee had fought for their right to match without level restrictions. Fang Ran didn’t understand why the Sentinel and Guide Center had disregarded the Guide Committee’s appeals and suddenly issued this regulation.

Could it be... they were targeting the two of them?

After hearing Fang Liyu’s words, Fu Yanhua slowly nodded.

"I can understand your center’s approach. After all, if cross-level purification isn’t thorough, it could leave behind a hidden risk of rampage."

"However..." He shifted his gaze back to Fang Ran, his expression growing more earnest.

"Guide Fang Ran, I believe that since you can purify Fu Zhangzhou, your potential surely isn’t limited to C-level."

"Like Sentinels, Guides need catalysts for advancement and breakthroughs. My company has been researching this area for years and has achieved significant results. If you’re willing, I can offer some assistance."

Fang Ran was momentarily stunned.

This man had found a rather convenient excuse.

If he were truly desperate to advance, he might have fallen right into this man’s trap.

"Assistance?" Jin Ming stared at the man across from him, arms crossed, adopting a defensive posture. "Rather than assistance, wouldn’t it be more accurate to say ill intent? Who knows what you plan to do to Fang Ran?"

Fu Yanhua’s tone sharpened at this point: "Jin Ming, I merely wish to offer some help to my son’s Guide. Is that not allowed? Ultimately, it’s your center that’s acting unreasonably by inexplicably imposing such a regulation."

"Why are you meddling?" Jin Ming glared at him. "When has Fu Zhangzhou ever followed the rules?"

"If you ask me, why bother with a contract at all?"

"Is that so?" Fu Yanhua retorted. "Can they just bypass it?"

"Why not? Rules are meant to be broken," Jin Ming shot back. "If both parties are willing, what’s stopping them? Just—"

Jin Ming stopped abruptly, turning to look at Fang Ran.

Fang Ran could guess what he was about to say.

Just mark each other.

He had heard Zhong Wan say this too.

Indeed, Fu Zhangzhou’s status in the Federation was inherently special. If he insisted on doing so, the Center would be powerless to stop him.

But what about himself?

Fang Ran had never considered this question.

In his previous world, the marking between Alphas and Omegas signified belonging solely to each other. In this post-apocalyptic world, the bond between Sentinels and Guides directly tied their lives and deaths.

It wasn’t a matter of willingness—he had genuinely never thought about it.

Was he willing to spend the rest of his life with Fu Zhangzhou?