"Heh heh..."

A smile, yet not a smile, crept onto Cheng Deming's face as he observed the man, his laughter chilling.

Clearly, his words were hollow, merely an attempt to shirk responsibility. Their idle indulgence might be tolerated on ordinary days. But in such a crucial moment, they still remained evasive, igniting outrage.

Despite everyone knowing it was not a decision they could make unless both the Upper and Lower Houses agreed and enacted a law. Otherwise, the Federation would never reclaim its dignity.

Not to mention, Cheng Deming could never count on these people—pampered by noble families daily yet slacking off when needed most—to willingly offend their backers.

However, what this person presumably wouldn't see coming was that Cheng Deming simply looked at him calmly and then, expressionlessly, said one sentence.

"In that case, why should the Federation bother to pay you! Therefore, go back, pack your belongings, and leave. From today onwards, you are no longer an employee of the Federation."

Shock spread across the man's face. Panic flared in his small eyes.

"Mr. Vice President, I..."

Cheng Deming glared at him, and then, almost through gritted teeth, spat out a word.

"Out!"

After that fellow departed, the moods of the remaining people collectively sank. They realized that if they were unable to produce an acceptable solution for Cheng Deming today, it would not be them giving Cheng Deming a hard time, but rather Cheng Deming giving them one!

One should know that the guy who was just dismissed, although only a minor official at the Federation Headquarters, actually held a rank surpassing many in the Federation's various states and cities. Even if he were placed in any city, he would be an influential figure capable of taking on the role of a city's governor. This included Jing State!

But now, a man of such significant standing was dismissed so casually by Cheng Deming?

Thus, the situation suddenly became clear! Clearly, Cheng Deming was using their futures to add weight to the scale in their minds.

It was either offend the noble families or offend the Federation.

And from this moment onwards, at least within Cheng Deming's Vice Presidential Office, they had no room for maneuver.

Therefore, Cheng Deming, his expression still grave, addressed them.

"Gentlemen, do you have anything to say now?..."

Outside, the office was still buzzing with discussions, though only those in the know understood the reality. Those who could actually determine the direction of the Federal Military Department—influential individuals or their representatives—had been metaphorically locked in a cage by Cheng Deming. Unless they could really come up with a plan, no one was allowed to leave.

And at this time, the entire Federation was waiting! That included the inner Federation, various factions, and even the numerous families. All sides were waiting patiently!

As for the lackeys from various major and minor families who had escaped from the Ming State Underground City, they were promptly sent off to an unknown, faraway place by their families' decision-makers—those who knew the inside story and the imminent, drastic changes. At least, only when it was guaranteed that the Federation would not launch a sudden attack or settle old scores could this matter truly be considered resolved. Before then, they were to be considered as good as dead in the Ming State Underground City!

However, what remained unexpected was that the following day in the Federation still brought no news regarding the handling of this matter. But unusually, the Elixir Industry, monopolized by the noble families for so long, suddenly and without warning welcomed a formidable challenger: the Federation Science Institute. And the one they chose as their spokesperson was a beautiful young girl in her prime named Yao Yao.

Therefore, certain particularly vigilant great families were immediately alarmed. This wasn't the Federation neglecting the issue; it was clearly a direct challenge to the noble families.

In the past, the noble families could hide behind the scenes, gnawing at the flesh and blood of the Federation and disparaging its rule. However, the Federation couldn't bear it anymore. It intended to intervene directly, to excavate the most succulent piece of meat from these large and small parasites—the Elixir! This was, simply put, an incredibly lucrative and fail-safe industry.

"Who is Yao Yao? The Federation wouldn't suddenly produce such a challenger out of nowhere. The Federation Science Institute must be the true force behind this! So, investigate! Look into it! I need to know the truth..."

"The Federation Science Institute... the Federation Science Institute... Heh heh heh... those bookworms who only research data to help the Federation's people break through their physical limits, suddenly wisened up and entered the business world? Do you believe it? Tell me, do you believe it or not?"

"Those who come bear ill will; those with good intentions stay away! If the Elixir Industry weren't in our hands, we'd be the ones trampled by the Federation now! Of course, I don't want to hold accountable those families who offended the Federation, nor do I want to concern myself with those who dared to slaughter Federation soldiers! But I will absolutely not allow our lifeline to fall into the Federation's grasp..."

All of a sudden, beneath the Federation's calm surface, various undercurrents began to stir. For no other reason than that the profits and importance of the elixir industry were self-evident. Whoever held this industry would see their power and influence expand to an incredible degree in a very short time. Eventually, they would be completely transformed into a new, gargantuan entity!

And now, behind Yao Yao, the shadow of the Federation Science Institute had emerged. This was enough to prove that the true manipulator behind this incident was the Federation. For all families existing within the Federation, this was an incredibly significant matter and a huge threat! It represented a truly critical and potentially fatal weakness if they lost control of it.

Therefore, these 'big rats,' who had enjoyed the Federation's blessings for far too long, would definitely not welcome this development and would undoubtedly do their utmost to obstruct it.

Similarly, even if most people in the Federation lacked vigilance and insight, destined to live their lives at the bottom rungs of society, they were not fools. Because at this moment, the young girl standing on the stage, about to submit the establishment proposal for the Eighth Elixir Company to the Upper and Lower Houses of the Federation, was clearly in a turbulent situation. She was doing it for the Federation, so she definitely needed everyone's support!

Furthermore, people also noticed something else: this young girl, much like Wang Zhan, seemed to come from the lowest rungs of Chu State within the Federation and was reportedly good friends with him. This was enough proof for many that both of them were striving to unlock the shackles binding the Federation and usher in a better tomorrow for it.

For this, some people were even moved to tears, expressing their profound gratitude.

"Blessed to be born in the Federation! …"

Otherwise, why would two such geniuses emerge consecutively, neither pursuing the pinnacle of martial arts, but instead thinking of those doomed to live in the mire?

Therefore, they all unhesitatingly chose to stand behind Yao Yao, while also cheering for Wang Zhan. Because for them, this young man and woman, hailing from backgrounds so similar to their own, were quite simply the hope for their future—a hope for generations to come, unending.

In fact, ever since Wang Zhan was imprisoned, Yang Cui, upon receiving the news, had become worn out, filled with doubt and confusion, no longer as radiant as before. She had known for a long time that as soon as Wang Zhan stepped onto the path of a Martial Artist, life would definitely not remain as calm as it once was. Because of this, she had even picked up a broom and given Wang Zhan a sound beating, crying in anger, hoping her son could continue to be an ordinary person as before.

Why? Why was life so unfair to her!

Her husband, a genius of the Federation and a martial arts prodigy, had disappeared without a trace.

Her daughter, naturally obedient and sensible from a young age, who even knew how to protect her younger brother, had stepped onto the path of martial arts and never returned.

Her son, Wang Zhan…

Thinking of this, Yang Cui didn't know how many times she had shed tears in bed, soaking her pillows.

This bastard!

Couldn't he think about the old mother who cared so much for him?

Why must she, a woman, always live in fear and anxiety? Was it just because Wang Zhan was her son, Yang Cui's son?

Now, after all her worrying and fearing, Yang Cui had finally faced the scene she dreaded most. Her bastard son was actually in jail, locked up in prison. The reason being that he killed someone!

Thinking of this, tears welled in Yang Cui's eyes as she cried and scolded, "'You bastard! It wasn't easy for me to raise you this big, and now you're in prison! You must be satisfied now, huh?! Don't let me see you, or I'll smash your damned head in!'"

Yang Cui even wondered why she had given birth to this bastard Wang Zhan; it would have been more worthwhile to have roasted a piece of char siu pork!

However, before Yang Cui had much time to feel sad, hurt, or complain, a loud, rumbling knock on the door jolted her awake. Then, a series of urgent calls followed:

"Wang Zhan's mother, Wang Zhan's mother, are you at home? I am Yao Yao's mother! ..."

Yang Cui hurriedly responded, "Yes! I'm home! Wait, I'll be right there."

Immediately, she clumsily wiped the tears from her face. Fortunately, she hadn't worn makeup for decades; otherwise, her face would have been a complete mess.

As soon as she opened the door, she saw Yao Yao's mother and father standing outside. Yao Yao's mother's face was etched with urgency. The father stood behind her, a cigarette in hand, his face haggard and solemn.

Seeing Yang Cui, Yao Yao's mother immediately grabbed her hand and wailed, "Wang Zhan's mother, would you... please save my daughter Yao Yao! I know your son is capable; you must be able to save her. I beg you, I beg you, as long as you can save her, I will even kneel for you right now…"

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