Chapter 79 President's Help

"Uhm… President, are you saying you can truly enhance our little Li's strength?"

Gu Zhan stared at Shao Yan in stunned disbelief.

Though Shao Yan had promised assistance, he hadn't imagined it would be in such a direct and generous way.

It was a delightful shock—both unexpected and heartening.

His emotions were tangled. If Gu Qingli's power could be elevated, it would be a tremendous relief—especially with her soon to enter Fengyun Saint Academy.

Yet even if she grew stronger, the thought of her facing that sly and despicable Vice Commander Qi left him uneasy.

Gu Qingli's eyes sparkled as she smiled sweetly at Shao Yan.

"Since President Uncle is so kind to offer us help, naturally, we're more than willing to accept."

"But surely, President Uncle wouldn't help me for no reason at all, would he?"

Though Gu Qingli could sense no ill will from the man, she knew there were many ways he could support the Snow Tiger Regiment—this approach must serve a purpose beyond the surface.

She surmised there must be something more behind it.

"Haha, sharp as ever, little one. That's right—I have a disciple who will be entering Fengyun Saint Academy this year as well. The boy is a bit of a loner, and I was hoping you might look out for him."

As he spoke, a trace of genuine worry flickered in Shao Yan's eyes. It was clear his concern for this student ran deep.

Gu Qingli blinked in surprise. So that was the reason. Still, to be admitted to the academy, the youth had to be among the elite. Strange that she had never heard of him before.

"The President has a disciple?"

Both Sun Jie and Gu Zhan were visibly startled. A pupil capable of entering Fengyun Saint Academy must possess extraordinary talent—yet no one in Loulan City had ever heard a whisper of it, nor even that the President had taken on a disciple.

Naturally, this came as a surprise.

"Ah."

Speaking of his disciple, even Shao Yan's gentle expression turned a little rueful.

"It's not that I deliberately kept him hidden—he's simply too withdrawn. Apart from me, he barely speaks to anyone and seldom leaves the house."

It was plain to see that Shao Yan cherished the boy deeply, treating him as if he were his own flesh and blood.

"I thought, since you and he are of similar age, perhaps you might get along. He has no friends. Even when he joins the academy, I can't help but worry."

"Of course! President Uncle, you needn't worry—I'll be glad to meet your disciple. I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

A soft, serene smile graced Gu Qingli's lips. It was a small matter, really—and she truly believed that, given Shao Yan's character, his disciple must also be a person worth knowing.

"That's wonderful. Then tomorrow morning, come to the Mercenary Guild—I'll help you refine your strength. And you can meet the boy as well."

"President Uncle, if your disciple ends up disliking me and refuses to be friends, you won't take back your help, will you?"

Gu Qingli narrowed her fox-like eyes, her expression playfully cunning.

"Little Li!"

Gu Zhan cast an embarrassed glance at Shao Yan, inwardly groaning—why does this child say everything that comes to mind?

"Haha, don't worry. I still have a reputation to maintain in Loulan City. I wouldn't go back on my word and deceive a little girl."

Shao Yan let out a hearty laugh.

Only then did Gu Qingli nod in satisfaction, her face breaking into a radiant, beaming smile.