"What Qin Gui?"

Feng Xiaoxiao walked over with some fruits, curiously looking at Lin Fan.

He smiled faintly, "A knife being used by someone else."

"Go on, tell us more."

Feng Xiaoxiao sat between them, interested, watching the chess game while listening to Lin Fan's explanation.

"Since I came to Red Flag County, I've been particularly cautious about Zhao Chuanchun. I investigated him thoroughly. But gradually, I found out he wasn't as bad as the rumors suggested. In fact, there was evidence in every corner that he was a good person. So, I started to place him in the good camp, using his character to evaluate the merits of others. This led to my actions against Huo Ben and Che Laojiu."

Lin Fan placed a piece on the board and said with a smile, "But now, after being reminded by my teacher, I reconsidered. Isn't there a possibility that everything was his deliberate setup in secret? His goal was to have me eliminate some pawns he couldn't use but couldn't discard either. That way, he would benefit from the situation without any effort."

"If that's true, then this person is quite terrifying."

Upon hearing Lin Fan's account, Feng Xiaoxiao couldn't help but widen her eyes.

Gu Mantang laughed and said, "To be born in such a class and survive for decades is not something ordinary wisdom can handle. Those who survive are real experts. Without these skills, how can one fight against such people?"

"Master, doesn't this mean Lin Fan is being used? You can't just stand by."

Feng Xiaoxiao naturally already knew the true identity of Gu Mantang from Lin Fan's words. As a special advisor to the National Security Bureau, his stature was unmatched by ordinary families. Even first-class families would have to treat him with great respect.

"How do you expect me to intervene?"

Gu Mantang smiled at Feng Xiaoxiao, "If I used the National Security Bureau's drastic measures, Red Flag County would be tranquil but also ruined. Some things need to be unraveled slowly to see who's loyal and who's treacherous. Don't underestimate his mind. Even without my guidance, he'd probably soon discover the problem himself. Otherwise, he wouldn't have suddenly come to the Provincial City."

"Master, stop flattering me. I just found myself without adversaries in Red Flag County, so I came up to look for clues. Now it seems the enemy is so formidable that I didn't notice them standing right in my way."

Lin Fan put down a chess piece, sighed with a bitter smile, "Indeed, cunning old men and clever old ghosts, these old guys are really hard to deal with."

"Can I assume you're indirectly scolding me?"

Gu Mantang watched as Lin Fan tossed the chess pieces back into the box, and couldn't help but smile.

"It's not a scold, it's admiration. I accidentally got outsmarted by Master, proving he's still one step ahead."

Lin Fan shrugged. This chess game was already beyond saving.

"Come on, don't think I didn't notice that at the 73rd move, you intentionally played a wrong piece, letting me capture seven of your stones. Otherwise, who knows who'd win? You sly brat."

Gu Mantang's smile carried a sense of pride.

"A match between Master and Brother is like equals competing, talents meeting. Without Master's guidance, how could Brother be here today?"

Feng Xiaoxiao's sweet words successfully flattered Gu Mantang.

"Lin Fan, you must treat your junior sister well in the future. I can overlook anything else, but if you dare to make her sad, I'll skin you alive."

"Master, don't worry. Brother would never bully me. If anything, I'm the one bullying him."

Feng Xiaoxiao held onto Lin Fan's arm, the sense of lovers finally coming together pleasing Gu Mantang greatly.

As Master brought the dishes to the table, all four of them sat down to enjoy a happy reunion meal, with the joyful Gu Mantang sharing a couple of drinks with Lin Fan.

"Lin Fan, this Provincial City is like a mixed-up serpent's nest. Many things aren't as simple as they seem. Your thinking isn't wrong; by stirring the waters of the Provincial City, Red Flag County will reveal its flaws. But you also need to be cautious, as it's not a black-and-white duel, but a web of countless interests. There are no permanent allies or enemies in the face of absolute interests."

Gu Mantang patted Lin Fan's shoulder. When a person comprehends the word 'interest' and forgets about good and bad, they are truly mature.

"I understand, Master. I'll be more careful."

Lin Fan nodded. The complexity of the Provincial City was indeed beyond his imagination.

Now that he'd found a clue, he just had to hold onto it tightly.

"I've also heard that recently, you've had a run-in with Wang Yaoyang."

Gu Mantang sipped his tea, "This kid has great ambition and a deep family background. He's successfully transitioned from black to gray and has built many political connections over the years. It seems he's planning to make some moves."

"Are you telling me not to go after him?"

Ever since Lin Fan discovered Wang Yaoyang's involvement in organizing Russian Roulette behind the scenes, he wanted to take him down.

"Not at all."

Gu Mantang put down his teacup and looked directly at Lin Fan, "What I mean is, before you're confident, you must show absolute weakness. But once you have the opportunity, you must strike with overwhelming force, pushing him into the abyss and ensuring he never recovers!"

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