Life Goals

The mediator, Xu Dongsen, hailed from an influential family. His mere presence silenced potential troublemakers—no one dared cross this formidable figure.

Du Fei laughed heartily. "Since Young Master Xu has spoken, we'll honor his request."

Chen Wan nodded at Xu Dongsen. He'd anticipated this outcome. With dozens on both sides sharing mutual acquaintances, outright conflict was impossible.

Truthfully, Chen Wan barely knew Xu Dongsen. But with the man offering reconciliation, he played along. "Of course, we must respect Young Master Xu. As I said, there's no feud between me, Huo Xuan, or Shen Rong. Why escalate?" He then mingled with the crowd, all smiles.

In the capital's elite circles, even strangers recognized each other by reputation. Within minutes, the atmosphere turned convivial.

Huo Xuan had expected this. What began as confrontation morphed into a grand gathering of nearly a hundred scions—a spectacular sight.

As Huo Xuan conversed, Xu Dongsen approached with Fang Lingtian. "Brother, you don't mind my interference, do you?"

"Not at all," Huo Xuan replied. "A trivial matter."

"Magnanimous." Xu Dongsen nodded. "Lingtian spoke highly of you. I didn't expect to meet such an extraordinary man."

Huo Xuan waved it off. "Brother Fang flatters me." That Fang Lingtian had shared mission details with Xu Dongsen indicated deep trust—reason enough for Huo Xuan to treat him as kin.

After small talk, Xu Dongsen grew solemn. "Frankly, I came not for the spectacle but to seek your help."

Huo Xuan inclined his head. "A friend of Brother Fang's is a friend of mine. Speak freely."

Xu Dongsen sighed. "My grandfather's illness has relapsed. Imperial physicians are helpless. As Hua Buyi's disciple, might you prolong his life?"

Huo Xuan asked, "His age and condition?"

"Eighty-three. Parkinson's. After temporary improvement, he's deteriorated—now mute, mentally sluggish, even forgetting family." Xu Dongsen's voice thickened.

The patriarch was the Xu family's pillar. His fall would halve their political stature during this critical decade of consolidation.

Huo Xuan frowned. He recalled Hua Buyi mentioning this incurable disease. Only the Great Luo Divine Needle technique offered slim hope.

After contemplation, he said, "I should help, but treatment is uncertain."

Uncertainty implied possibility. Xu Dongsen brightened. "Your honest estimate?"

"Examination first."

"Excellent!" Xu Dongsen beamed. "Save him, and the Xu family will owe you everything!"

Fang Lingtian shot Huo Xuan a meaningful glance—this was no ordinary connection to cultivate.

Among the hundred guests, Huo Xuan conversed meaningfully with only seven: Du Fei, Xu Dongsen, and five others vouched for by Liu Ling and Li Yunfei as trustworthy.

Unexpectedly, Chen Wan approached with a toast. "Today's over. Let's be friends."

Huo Xuan said mildly, "If not friends, at least not enemies."

"Well said." Chen Wan raised his glass before departing.

To Shen Rong, Huo Xuan asked, "Satisfied with the outcome?"

"Very." She exhaled. "No more exclusion. And I've realized—why grieve over such people?"

He patted her shoulder. "Growth looks good on you."

She rolled her eyes. "Says the sage."

By evening's end, Huo Xuan's pockets bulged with seventy-odd business cards—future social capital. More valuable were seven new allies who'd answer his call in crisis.

After seeing Shen Rong home, Huo Xuan returned to his hotel, where Shangguan Meixue awaited. Their shared African adventure lingered between them, unspoken yet palpable.

"Back so soon?" He smiled. "The gems?"

"With me." She shrugged. "With Africa stabilized, it was time."

A pause. Huo Xuan asked, "Staying in investments forever?"

"Yes. My dream is Chief Investment Officer—commanding trillions." Her tone was matter-of-fact. "The climb's brutal, but I'll persist."

He thumbed up. "Respect."

"And you?" She eyed him. "A cop for life?"

"Do I look like one?"

"More like a hoodlum." She smirked.

Huo Xuan chuckled. "I've got goals too. Crass ones."

"Do tell." She leaned in.

"First—become the world's top martial artist. Alliance leader." He grinned. "Ambitious, no?"

Shangguan Meixue rolled her eyes. "Why not cosmic superhero?" Then, "Second goal?"

"Get filthy rich." His eyes twinkled. "Nation-rivaling wealth. A snap, and beauties worldwide cling to my legs begging for marriage."

"Death by overexertion awaits," she deadpanned.

"Worth it."

"Dream on!" She mock-spat.

Turning serious, Huo Xuan said, "Meixue, you control vast funds. I seek fortune. Possible collaboration?"

"Absolutely." She smiled. "When you boast $10+ billion assets with premium projects—and I'm Senior Investment Officer—we'll talk."