106

As Lei Zhengyang and Xu Miaoli left, Song Xiyan's suppressed rage erupted.

"Dad, why? You know that Lei boy is the Song family's shame. Why agree to this marriage?" Song Xiyan cared less about his daughter's happiness and more about the family's honor. His traditional mindset clung fiercely to face.

Song Yunhe shook his head, dismayed. His son, the future patriarch, was so shortsighted. Could he sustain the Songs? The old man worried deeply.

"Shame? That's just your lingering grudge," Song Yunhe said. "Xiyan, I've told you countless times: there are no eternal friends or enemies—only interests. If you can't see that, my years of teaching were wasted. Think: what can the Songs gain from a Lei alliance?"

In the capital, the Leis weren't the top family but ranked among the top five, wielding significant influence in politics and the military. This year, their bold moves had boosted their prestige, with rumors that Lei Yunbao might climb higher next year.

"But we clashed with the Leis—everyone in the capital knows!" Song Xiyan argued. "Now, allying with them makes us look hypocritical and weak." He saw the benefits but disdained such flip-flopping.

Song Yunhe, a master of pragmatism, smiled faintly. "So what? For survival, betrayal's nothing new—even kin turn on kin. The Leis are soaring. This alliance is no loss for us. Yingfei agreed—why not bless them?"

"I don't believe it," Song Xiyan said. "Yingfei hates Lei Zhengyang. How could she suddenly change her mind?"

"Xiyan, watch your tone," Song Yunhe snapped. "I still run this family. Call Yingfei and ask her stance. If she doesn't object, it's settled. Pick a date for the ceremony." His efforts for the family went unappreciated, leaving him frustrated. Though heavy-handed, he'd bear the scorn for the Songs' future.

The call connected, Song Yingfei's voice coming through.

"Yingfei, the Leis proposed today," Song Xiyan said. "Grandpa and I want your opinion. Any thoughts?" In his mind, Lei Zhengyang topped his daughter's hate list—she'd never agree.

Shockingly, after a brief pause, she said, "Handle it as you see fit. I don't object." Then she hung up, cutting off Song Xiyan's chance to respond. When he tried redialing, Song Yunhe stopped him.

"Enough. It's decided," Song Yunhe said. "Xiyan, whatever you think, keep it hidden. We can't afford to slight the Leis, understood?" Seeing his son's fury, he issued a stern warning.

Privately, Song Yunhe sensed something amiss. Yingfei wouldn't agree so easily. Years ago, they'd pressured her into the Yang alliance, yet now she casually assented? But he didn't probe—her compliance aligned with his hopes. For the Songs, she'd bear any grievance.

At the Lei residence, Xu Miaoli recounted the Song visit, prompting Lei Qiuping to crow, "Zhengyang, you're something else! Wronged her once, dared a second time, and now you're marrying her? One of the capital's four beauties—talk about luck!"

Lei Chunping glared, fuming. "You rascal! Last year's mess barely settled, and you pull this? The Songs are no small fry. Anger Old Song, and he'll trouble us. Lucky they're not petty. If this marriage happens, settle down and treat Yingfei right, got it?"

Lei Zhengyang stayed silent, lazily sipping juice with a nonchalant expression. He wanted to say it wasn't luck but an accident, but they wouldn't believe him. No point explaining—let it be.

Lei Yunbao's mind was elsewhere. Though Third Uncle's wedding neared and his grandson's engagement loomed, his distracted gaze betrayed his true concern.

"Grandpa, don't stress," Lei Zhengyang said, noting his weary look. "This isn't your burden alone. After days of talks, any feasible plans?"

Lei Yunbao shook his head. Recent meetings had been heated, with top officials debating fiercely, but no solid solutions emerged. Some even suggested mimicking the West—tasking research institutes with beastification studies to counter it.

"Beastified power is still weak," Lei Zhengyang said. "It won't scale for a decade. Grandpa, we have time to create stronger forces. Evil never triumphs—there's always a way."

Lei Yunbao sighed. "True, but this threatens the nation. A country's strength lies in its military. If the West perfects beastified warriors, their might will crush the East. Without solutions now, we'll be defenseless."

"There's a way, but it's not feasible yet," Lei Zhengyang said. "What about my proposal—establishing a Lei research lab? I could start preliminary work against beastified warriors."

The room stayed quiet, recognizing Lei Yunbao's worry as a family matter. Lei Zhengyang's offer to ease it was cause for celebration.

"You really have a plan?" Lei Yunbao asked, a spark of hope igniting.

Lei Zhengyang couldn't be certain. Without a superbrain, Golden Dragon power was unattainable. But seeing his grandfather's anxiety, he nodded. "I can try."

"Good," Lei Yunbao said. "I'll fully back the lab. Chunping, Miaoli, your resources are at Zhengyang's disposal. If issues arise, I'll handle them. We need a counter to beastified warriors urgently—hope is critical."

On serious matters, Lei Chunping and Xu Miaoli didn't jest. "Zhengyang, name your needs. Mom will make it happen," Xu Miaoli said.

"Find a secluded, quiet spot for the lab," Lei Zhengyang said. "I'll list the equipment later. Also, scout talent—software engineers, especially. Quality over quantity."

"No problem," Lei Chunping said. "Talent's plentiful—Dad can help. But Zhengyang, this is huge. Why not hand it to the National Science Academy? They've got more resources, faster results."

"It's just a concept," Lei Zhengyang said. "If I shared it now, they'd call it absurd. I'll test it first. If it's viable, then I'll go public. No need for gossip."

Lei Yunbao agreed. "Zhengyang's right. The Leis are too prominent lately—envy's brewing. Keep this quiet until it's solid. A failure would make us a target, not worth the risk."

Turning to Lei Zhengyang, he added, "Zhengyang, for nation and family, I'm counting on you to tackle beastified warriors. It's vital, understand?"

Lei nodded, knowing it was a long shot with current tech unable to produce supercomputers. But facing his family's expectations, he grudgingly agreed.

Sensing the pressure, Lei Yunbao softened. "Put that aside for now—Zhengyang's got it. Let's talk joy. Since Old Song agreed, the engagement's set. Xiaoli, pick a date, make it grand. Don't let anyone look down on the Leis."

"How about this, Dad?" Lei Qiuping chimed in. "Combine Zhengyang's engagement with my wedding—double joy, twice the celebration."

Second Uncle Lei Xiaping nodded. "Good idea. It's just a month away—one big event works."

"Settled, then," Lei Yunbao approved.