A Moment of Weakness

Out of politeness, Kent had no choice but to agree.

Seeing this, Gu Hao couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart. Kent was a young, rare talent, and Gu Hao couldn't help but have a bit of personal interest. "Kent, after you finish eating, why don't you head to the living room and wait there? Little Ling will keep you company," he suggested.

Kent got up and followed Gu Lingling to the living room. As they entered, Gu Lingling said, "Big Brother, wait for me here."

She then skipped up the stairs, and Kent, finding a moment of peace, took out his phone to search for information on Gu Hao. He was surprised by what he found.

"He's been awarded a lifetime professorship at Earthstar University! Incredible," Kent thought.

According to the data, Gu Hao was the third-generation head of the Patrol Academy. During his tenure, he had taught five classes of A-level students, and had been a class advisor for 17 years. Under his guidance, over twenty students had become Four-Star Patrol Officers, and countless others had attained lower ranks.

"So this is what they mean by 'a teacher with a thousand disciples'," Kent mused.

Kent couldn't help but think of his own mentor, Ji Guanghe. To be honest, he hadn't attended classes in a while. Although Ji Guanghe had always praised him and provided support, Kent was simply too independent, too clever, and too capable. Their relationship would never be as close as the one between Li Wanfeng and Gu Hao.

About ten minutes later, Gu Lingling reappeared, now wearing a T-shirt with a cute bear on it and denim shorts, looking a bit cooler and still incredibly adorable. Despite her minimal makeup, her natural beauty shone through.

Of course, Zhao Mengxi and Fan Qingmei were also very beautiful, but Gu Lingling's beauty was unique—it gave off a feeling of carefree joy.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Big Brother Kent," Gu Lingling smiled sweetly.

Kent waved his hand. "Just call me Kent, and I'll call you Lingling."

"Okay!" Gu Lingling giggled, then added, "Kent, can I ask you for a favor?"

Kent, seeing her innocent and radiant smile, immediately felt suspicious. "What is it? Tell me."

"Actually, it's just a small request. Can I come with you to see your Red Fire Mine?" Gu Lingling asked, a bit embarrassed.

"Why do you want to go? There's nothing interesting there," Kent replied, instantly understanding her intentions. She simply wanted to explore the wilds and see the world, but because of her young age, she was always under her family's strict supervision.

"But it's such a huge mine, and its value is enormous. Watching the corporations and big families bid on it sounds like fun! Plus, it's causing such a stir right now, many people will be there. Please, just let me see it!" Gu Lingling said, then reached out to grab his arm, trying to act cute.

Kent sighed inwardly. He couldn't stand it when girls acted cute—especially when they were as pretty as Gu Lingling.

"I can't make that decision. Why don't you ask your grandfather if he agrees?" Kent threw the ball into Gu Hao's court.

Gu Lingling immediately panicked, nearly on the verge of tears. She waved her hands and said, "No! I want you to take me! If you promise to take me to the wild, I'll agree to one condition." She then winked and added, "How about I be your girlfriend for a day? If you agree to take me, we'll go on a date, okay?"

Kent's mind immediately blanked. In his past life, he had spent over twenty years alone, but in this life, it seemed like pretty girls kept approaching him one after another.

He was tempted, but he wasn't exactly smitten. Rather, he couldn't bear to see her looking so pitiful, as if he'd be a terrible person for not agreeing.

However, in the end, he steeled his resolve. The little girl was too spoiled. If he gave in now, it would be even harder to deal with later, so it was better to nip this in the bud.

"No, you need your family's permission. Otherwise, I'll end up being accused of abducting a minor," Kent said firmly.

Gu Lingling deflated like a popped balloon. She glared at him in frustration and then ignored him, walking over to the TV and sulking.

Meanwhile, Gu Hao and Li Wanfeng had moved to the study, where they spent about an hour catching up, mainly talking about Li Wanfeng's experiences over the years.

"Kent, let's go," Li Wanfeng said when it was 10:30 AM.

Gu Lingling saw that her grandfather hadn't come downstairs yet and, with a glint in her eyes, decided to try a new approach. She clung to Li Wanfeng's arm with a playful smile. "Uncle Li, are you leaving already? Why don't you stay a bit longer? It's my first time meeting you, and we haven't had much time to talk."

Li Wanfeng chuckled wryly. "I have business to attend to, so I can't stay."

Seeing her plan fail, Gu Lingling quickly tried again. "Uncle Li, this bracelet you gave me is so beautiful! I really love it. By the way, I heard you've been in Lightstone City lately. Is it true you're here because of the Red Fire Mine?"

Li Wanfeng glanced helplessly at Kent. "Yes, that's right."

Gu Lingling, with another pout, pressed on. "Uncle Li, I've heard the Red Fire Mine is huge and valuable. Could you take me to see it?"

Li Wanfeng was unsure how to respond when, just then, Gu Hao came downstairs and overheard the conversation. His brows furrowed slightly. "A little girl like you has no proper behavior, always thinking about going out. Your Uncle Li has things to do and can't babysit you. Go back to your room, and tomorrow, your grandfather will take you to the city wall."

Gu Lingling stuck out her tongue and let go of Li Wanfeng's arm, sulking as she stormed upstairs.

Kent sighed quietly. To protect minors, they were generally not allowed to leave the city without adult supervision. He recalled how, when he was under eighteen and had lost both parents, there was no way for him to explore the world. That curiosity, however, had remained deep inside him.

Seeing Gu Lingling's situation, he felt a pang of sympathy. Unable to resist, he finally spoke up. "Senior Gu, why not let Uncle Li take her? Lingling just wants to see the world, and with Uncle Li accompanying her, there won't be any danger."

Gu Hao hesitated for a moment, not immediately refusing. The reason he didn't take Gu Lingling out to the wilds was that, at his age, he simply couldn't handle the hassle, nor did he have the time to accompany his granddaughter. However, if Li Wanfeng agreed, he might consider it.

After all, his granddaughter was just under sixteen. If she didn't go out and see the world soon, she'd be pestering him for the next two years, and he'd be driven crazy.

Li Wanfeng, noticing the slight change in Gu Hao's expression but not wanting to bring it up directly, spoke up. "Mentor, since Lingling really wants to see the outside world, I can take her on this trip. After this, she probably won't be so curious anymore."