In middle age, one's comprehension becomes extraordinary.

When Director Zeng makes a phone call at noon on a weekday, it's usually because he has something important to discuss.

When the call was answered, Director Zeng invited Li Yuan to lunch together.

It's a small matter, but not very important.

The restaurant was located between Lingshan No.1 Middle School and the Municipal Education Bureau.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Director Zeng had already ordered the food and was waiting.

The two had a short get-together and first chatted about whether Li Yuan had any interesting experiences on his treasure hunt.

Yanling Town is a famous treasure hunting ground, where many treasures of the world have been unearthed.

Of course, Director Zeng was just chatting with Li Yuan.

They didn't actually want to find out anything specific.

After some casual conversation, Director Zeng finally got down to business.

"I know about you and Jin Fan. Jin Fan is seriously injured now, and his family has been trying to take revenge on you."

I had considered the methods they might use, but I never imagined they would be even more ruthless than I anticipated.

"What trouble has the Jin family caused this time?"

Director Zeng's expression turned slightly serious as he began to talk about some things he had just heard.

Do you know a woman named Zhuang Meng?

Upon hearing the name, Li Yuan unconsciously frowned: "I know her. She's my ex-girlfriend. We broke up after graduating from university."

Director Zeng nodded, clearly aware of these things as well.

"There are rumors that you are threatening and coercing her."

Some of the tasks assigned by Lanying City were originally meant for you to complete.

These tasks require a high level of proficiency in operating the machine.

We can't find anyone else to handle this in Lanying City right now, so we need your help.

As a result, you used this to threaten her, and you had some bad intentions towards her...

Hearing this, Li Yuan was almost amused and annoyed: "I threatened her? I had bad intentions towards her?"

After meeting Zhuang Meng in Lanying City, she was completely lost in a fantasy.

He always felt that he went to participate in the Lanwu Trial because of her.

Does he have feelings for her, or does he have special intentions towards her?

Especially at this crucial stage, Zhuang Meng is getting married to Tang Shuchen at the end of this year.

He seemed to be suffering from paranoia.

"My refusal of the tasks assigned by Lanying City has nothing to do with Zhuang Meng."

There are only two reasons.

One is that I'm busy at Lingshan No.1 Middle School, I have to teach students and go to work.

Secondly, they arbitrarily reduced the rewards for tasks.

If they dare to lower the reward for the mission, I can naturally refuse the mission.

Li Yuan's explanation was straightforward and was indeed the real reason.

Director Zeng on the other side nodded; he certainly trusted Li Yuan.

"These rumors have been circulating in several organizations recently."

I suspect it was done by the Jin family.

When other methods fail to deal with you for the time being, they start spreading these rumors to affect your work.

Director Zeng never doubted Li Yuan from the very beginning.

In his understanding of Li Yuan, he always thought he was a very upright person.

If there were any issues with his words or actions, Principal Yin would have already uncovered them when Li Yuan and Jin Fan were vying for the qualification.

Upon hearing this, Li Yuan shook his head.

"I feel that this matter has nothing to do with Jin Fan's side."

Zhuang Meng was just as confident when I last met her.

She assumed I was interested in her.

I even talked to her about it to her face, but she still did the same thing!

Speaking of all this, Li Yuan felt a growing aversion to Zhuang Meng.

From the moment I entered Lanying City, I tried every means to avoid suspicion.

I never expected her to say something like that.

In Zhuang Meng's eyes, she truly looked down on herself.

I feel that she is the best partner I've ever found in my life.

"These rumors can affect you, so you must take them seriously."

You became a vice principal at the age of thirty; your future is bright.

Rumors may seem harmless, but their impact is real.

Some things, if said repeatedly, will start to be taken seriously by some people.

Li Yuan nodded, indicating that he understood.

Director Zeng, standing to the side, couldn't help but ask, "Have you thought about how to deal with these rumors?"

Explaining this kind of thing clearly is really not easy.

Li Yuan also knew that when faced with rumors, explanations were usually ineffective.

Many people believe in the saying that explanation is just a cover-up, and a cover-up is the truth.

The best way to deal with a rumor is to create another argument to cover it up.

Seeing that Li Yuan did not answer, Director Zeng expressed his own thoughts.

"You're thirty years old now, it's about time you found a partner."

With the position of vice principal and so many honors, the conditions in Lingshan City can hardly be considered bad.

Do you have any plans?

As Director Zeng finished speaking, a smile appeared on his face.

It was obvious that he was going to introduce Li Yuan to someone.

"I have a niece who is four years younger than you."

She's beautiful and has a good job; she works in the tax department.

I showed her the group photo that day, and her eyes immediately fell on you.

"So, how about we meet?"

Upon hearing Director Zeng's words, Li Yuan shook his head with an awkward laugh.

Feeling that it wouldn't be so easy to refuse this time, I could only speak my mind and say that I actually had someone I liked.

The relationship has not been officially established yet.

Upon hearing this, Director Zeng's face showed a hint of regret.

If it could lead to a marriage alliance, that would be the best outcome.

Even if he couldn't, it wouldn't matter, as Li Yuan would always be a trusted confidant of his faction.

"Since you have such a person, you should make it public as soon as possible to avoid being affected by rumors."

Can you tell me who it is?

"Teachers from No. 1 Middle School?"

Director Zeng wanted to know more, but Li Yuan just smiled and shook his head.

"Wait a while longer, and if there's an opportunity, I'll definitely talk to Director Zeng about it."

Having said that, Director Zeng didn't press the matter further.

"The Lanying City Trial Command has sent a notice to our city bureau, asking you to be publicly criticized."

They said you lack a sense of responsibility and don't follow instructions for important tasks.

Of course, our bureau will definitely ignore it.

After Director Zeng finished speaking, Li Yuan roughly understood where the rumors came from.

Before he could finish speaking, Director Zeng still had something to say.

"I recently received news that there is serious infighting within their command headquarters, with very differing opinions."

This post is definitely based on the opinions of some people.

I heard that on the other side, they want you to go back and resolve some troubles.

I'm really curious, what kind of mission requires you to go back?

Director Zeng had some knowledge of the Lanwu Trial.

But I still don't quite understand why there's a mission that requires me to keep begging Li Yuan.

"It's a task to activate large machinery. Others can do it, but it's just too troublesome."

The reward offered is low, but they want to hire a more outstanding martial artist.

These tasks will naturally have to be left hanging.

Li Yuan's explanation was not entirely accurate.

After activating the central machine last time, Li Yuan did not accept any related tasks.

Sending other people over not only failed to open the machine, but also caused significant damage.

What needs to be done now is no longer simply turning the machine on.

Some need repair, while others require the installation of entirely new equipment.

It's even more difficult than before.