Gu Lingling

Li Wanfeng calmly recounted the past. When he finished, Kent raised his glass to toast him, and they clinked glasses a few times.

"Alright, there's nothing more to say about the rest. Life is just like this—full of twists, joys, sorrows, and separations," Li Wanfeng sighed, bringing closure to all of Kent's lingering questions.

After the meal, they parted ways. Kent rested for the day, while Li Wanfeng set out to reconnect with some old friends. Since he had graduated from Earthstar University, he hadn't been back to Earthstar City in a while and had lost touch with many people. Since he was here, it seemed fitting to pay some visits. Additionally, he hoped he could talk about Kent's matters, expanding his influence and potentially introducing Kent to some powerful figures in Earthstar City.

The next day.

"Uncle Li, who should we visit first?"

Both men were dressed in formal attire. Li Wanfeng had instructed his bodyguards to buy expensive gifts the day before. They were sitting in a rather unassuming car.

While Li Wanfeng had more than enough money, he didn't plan to stay long, so he rented a car that suited his personality.

"Let's first visit my mentor," Li Wanfeng said calmly, his eyes betraying a glimmer of gratitude. His mentor, it seemed, had played a critical role in shaping his personal growth.

The car stopped in front of a villa district—about a hundred villas, all owned by influential people. After a bodyguard got out to open the doors, Li Wanfeng and Kent stepped out and approached a large villa.

The villa was about four stories high, with a small lawn in front and flowers blooming on the sides. It was a beautiful sight, especially in early spring.

A maid appeared at the gate, looking puzzled. She asked, "Who are you?"

Li Wanfeng stepped forward. "My name is Li Wanfeng, here to visit my mentor, Gu Hao."

The maid nodded and went inside to announce their arrival.

Moments later, an elderly man with partially gray hair and a vigorous stride appeared. His eyes gleamed with energy, but his face was warm and kind.

"Wanfeng, you're here!" the elder exclaimed, immediately opening the gate.

Li Wanfeng's eyes reddened as he walked over, standing two meters from the elder. He struggled to keep his voice steady. "Mentor, how are you?"

Gu Hao sized Li Wanfeng up for a moment, then smiled with satisfaction. "Wanfeng, it's been years! You've even become a Four-Star Patrol Officer!"

"That's all thanks to your teachings, Mentor," Li Wanfeng responded quickly.

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Wanfeng introduced Kent. "Mentor, this is my junior, Kent. I brought him to meet you."

Gu Hao looked Kent over, nodding. "A fine young man. Wait, did you say his name is Kent?"

"Yes, Mentor. Is something wrong?" Li Wanfeng asked when he saw the slight change in Gu Hao's expression.

"No, I've just seen this name online," Gu Hao said, a hint of admiration in his gaze.

Li Wanfeng had done his homework the day before and checked online about the recent events in Earthstar City, particularly the uproar surrounding the Red Fire Mine. He nodded, confirming, "Yes, the Kent online is the same Kent here."

Kent bowed slightly. "Kent greets you, Senior Gu."

Gu Hao smiled. "No need for such formality. Honestly, it's more impressive to meet in person. I've heard about your accomplishments. You're only in your first year and already making such a big impact. If everything goes as planned, you'll become the youngest billionaire in history."

Kent quickly shook his head. "I'm not worthy. It's just good fortune on my part."

Gu Hao nodded, then gestured for them to come inside. The bodyguards followed, bringing in the gifts and setting them down in the living room before leaving.

"Please, sit," Gu Hao invited. "I assume you haven't had breakfast? I was just about to eat. If you don't mind, let's have breakfast together."

Li Wanfeng smiled. "Perfect timing. We'll join you."

Since time was tight, Li Wanfeng had arranged things so that they met early, hoping to see Gu Hao before he left for the day.

The breakfast was simple: a cup of fresh milk, a slice of warm bread, and a fried egg for each of them.

As the two men ate slowly, casually chatting, Kent sat quietly. Suddenly, he heard footsteps coming from the stairs. He turned his head and saw a young girl, around sixteen or seventeen years old, descending the staircase. She seemed half-awake, still in her pajamas.

The girl was cute, with a fresh and innocent appearance. She had soft, short hair, and when she smiled, dimples appeared on both cheeks.

"Xiao Ling, we have guests," Gu Hao's voice rang out slightly sternly.

The girl glanced over and, realizing she had missed something, hurriedly said, "Grandpa, I thought we were going out to the wild today? You didn't say we'd have guests!"

She then stole a few glances at Kent and Li Wanfeng, but her gaze lingered on Kent's face for a few seconds.

The girl turned out to be Gu Hao's granddaughter.

Gu Hao smiled and introduced her, "Wanfeng, Kent, this is my little granddaughter, Gu Lingling."

Li Wanfeng nodded and, with a smile, took out a gift box from his spatial bag. "Since she's your granddaughter, I should bring a gift."

Lingling eagerly jumped up, reaching for the gift.

But Gu Hao gave her a stern look and scolded her, "Is this how you greet guests? Don't you know to thank Uncle Li first?"

Lingling quickly became obedient and said, "Thank you, Uncle Li." She then happily took the gift.

However, she didn't immediately open it. Instead, her eyes turned toward Kent.

Kent, confused, wondered if she was expecting a gift from him as well.

Before he could decide whether to offer a gift, Gu Lingling chuckled and said, "You're so handsome, Big Brother! What's your name?"

Kent awkwardly rubbed his nose and replied, "I'm Kent."

"Kent? Ah, so you're Kent?" Lingling exclaimed, then quickly realized her mistake and covered her mouth.

Kent couldn't help feeling a little pleased. He was becoming well-known, not just with the older generation like Senior Gu, but also with younger people like this girl.

"Big Brother Kent, hello! I'm Gu Lingling," she said, grinning.

Kent shook her hand, feeling a soft, almost electrifying sensation.

"Have you eaten yet?" Lingling asked with a playful smile. "Wait for me to freshen up, and then we can play together!"