Let them offer their loyalty

Since Tianyu's youngest son's voice was being played out loud, Celine's voice could be heard directly, full of joy and a desire for credit. If I could see Celine's face at this moment, her face would probably be full of "Come and praise me, I'm really awesome, right?"

"Great job, Celine."

It was also a customary compliment, but Celine was very pleased with the compliment and she raised her head quietly.

"According to our investigation and the evidence we have collected," Tianyu's son spoke slowly, his voice echoing in the empty space, "The recent series of events in the slums are most likely the work of Ye Hua and Yue Yan from Longcheng. They are behind this."

There was no hesitation in her words, for she was absolutely certain of the outcome of this investigation.

"Ye Hua and Yue Yan's whereabouts are erratic, but we found traces of their activities in the slums. After a brief investigation, we also found that their movements are consistent. The gang leader who contacted them also said that the weapon was a one-handed sword, which also matches the intelligence."

"Jonas, we can't act rashly," Tianyu's youngest son emphasized, "Yehua and Yueyan's identities cannot be underestimated. You know, we came here just on a whim. If we want to deal with them, we need more evidence and plans before we can take action. Now, our first priority is to stay vigilant and avoid attracting their attention."

"I see."

Jonas nodded to show his understanding. Under such circumstances, it was impossible to let Tianyu's son and Celine take risks again. The best thing to do now was to let them come back.

"Also, Jonas, the guests from Dragon City, let's call them guests for now, are trying to integrate these gangs together. I have replaced all the security personnel of the Alt Group. They are now hidden gangsters. If necessary, just give the order."

"Okay, thank you for your help, youngest son. Now take Celine and the others back to rest. I will take care of this matter."

After hanging up the phone, Jonas sighed and felt a little melancholy.

He knew that the purpose of these two people coming here was not simple, but at least they should have hidden for a while, so why did they start causing trouble right away?

"But since this is the case, it gives me a direct reason to take action. I guess they think that even if I find out, I will wait for an opportunity to take them down in one fell swoop, so they think they can delay it for some time."

Jonas stood up, put down his coffee cup, tidied his appearance a little, and then called Eiffel.

"Eiffel, please ask Miss Yueqian to come over."

........................

Yue Qian was invited by Jonas to his office.

Jonas stood by the window with his hands behind his back. He turned around and his eyes fell on Miss Yuexuan who had just walked in. She was calm and composed, her long dress set off her figure, and her steps were light. But if you look closely, this calmness was just an act, she was just being reserved.

"Ms. Yueqian, thank you for coming." Jonas' voice was calm and polite. There was a smile on his face, but the scrutiny in his eyes could not be concealed.

Do you all think I will take them all at once and accumulate strength for a big one?

I don't!

Jumped directly in the face.

Yue Qian nodded slightly, with a seemingly stiff smile on her face: "Mr. Jonas, why did you suddenly want to see me?"

Jonas gestured to Yue Qian to sit on the sofa in front of him, and he chose a seat opposite her. The distance between them was both polite and convenient for conversation.

"I believe you are not surprised by our invitation." Jonas said straight to the point, his eyes locked directly into Yue Qian's eyes, trying to read her true thoughts.

Yue Qian gently waved her hand, her expression remained calm, "Of course I know that you are a thoughtful person, Mr. Jonas. I am also very curious about what you want me to come here for, haha."

She realized something. As early as when she entered the Alte Group, she had called Ye Hua and shared the outside world's voices with her, so she could also hear Jonas' words.

"I was originally shopping and bought this long skirt, but I didn't expect you, Mr. Jonas, to pull me over."

The last haha ​​came out stiffly.

Still pretending!

This wasn't his personality when we first met, was it?

Jonas leaned forward slightly, folded his hands on the table, his eyes fixed on Miss Yueyun, and his voice was filled with a hint of gentle concern, breaking the formal atmosphere in the office: "Miss Yueyun, how are you doing in District 25? I remember you told me before that you had reservations for the restaurants you wanted to eat at. I wonder if you had a chance to enjoy the food there?"

Jonas's inquiry sounded both concerned and casual.

"District 25 is very interesting. The pace of life here is very different from Dragon City, which gives me a lot of freshness. As for the restaurants I booked, their dishes are indeed well made and taste quite good. It gave me a very pleasant dining experience."

Jonas nodded, seeming to be satisfied with Yue Chen's answer: "That's good, otherwise people will say that I don't pay enough attention to Dragon City and treat you poorly."

"So, the reason Mr. Jonas asked me to come here is...?"

She had already imagined what would happen next.

..........................

Here is the imagined picture:

"In that case, why do we need to go to places like the slums and join forces with the leaders of those small gangs?"

"what!"

Yue Qian stood up directly and looked around and Jonas vigilantly.

"Don't be nervous. Since Jonas dared to invite you so openly, he doesn't intend to attack you."

Ye Hua's voice came through the communication.

As early as when she entered the Alte Group building, she had been communicating with Ye Hua so that she could keep Ye Hua informed of the situation at any time.

Jonas did not show any surprise. His eyes were still calmly staring at Miss Yueqin, as if he had already anticipated her reaction. He slowly put down the coffee cup in his hand, his voice still calm.

"Ms. Yueqian, we are all adults. There is no need to play cat and mouse here. The intelligence I have is clear enough to show that you have a direct connection with some changes in the slums. I want to know, what is your purpose in doing this?"

Yue Chen's expression became complicated. She knew that her plan had been exposed and any lies or cover-ups could not save the situation. She took a deep breath, sat back on the sofa, and tried to stay calm.

"Mr. Jonas, I admit that we did have some small moves, but you should also know that everyone in this world has their own goals and plans. The actions of Ye Hua and I are not aimed at the Alte Group, but are some of our own private matters."

Jonas smiled slightly, stood up, walked to the office window, and looked out at the busy city scene.

"Ms. Yueqian, I am not here to confront you. The Alte Group has always been based on the principles of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit. If you are willing, we can sit down and talk in detail to see if there is any possibility of cooperation, or at least, we can ensure that we will not interfere with each other."

Yue Qian was silent for a moment. She knew she was in a disadvantageous position, but Jonas's proposal also gave her a chance to turn things around. She nodded slowly.

"I'd like to hear your thoughts, Mr. Jonas."

Jonas smiled evilly: "It's very simple, as long as you offer your body and bring your companions..."

..........................................

Ahhhhh, no such thing! She would rather die than become a sex doll, absolutely not. She hasn't paid off the loan for her house in Longcheng yet!

Yue Yan screamed in her heart, as if this scene had become a reality. In the next second, she would have to sacrifice her body and pull Ye Hua along with her.

"I just want to learn more about Longcheng. Miss Yueqian, there's no need to be so nervous."

Jonas' voice suddenly brought Yue Qian back to reality.

Fortunately, fortunately, this became a reality.

Relax, she didn't do anything openly, and even if there is further investigation, it won't lead to you.

Knowing that Jonas was not here to settle accounts with her, Yue Qian suddenly returned to her old self: "Ahaha, so you asked me to come here just to learn about Dragon City. Tell me, I will tell you everything I know as long as you ask. This is how I repay Mr. Jonas for helping me reserve the restaurant."

Jonas smiled slightly, and his whole body relaxed: "Then I will start asking. I have always been curious about what Dragon City is like. I wonder if Miss Yueqian can tell me about it."

A smile appeared on Yue Yan's face. She adjusted her sitting posture and appeared more relaxed and at ease.

Why didn't you say it earlier? If you asked her this, she would just say something random. Why was she so nervous just now? It wasn't like herself at all.

"Longcheng is a vibrant metropolis. It is a perfect fusion of technology and tradition, and the intersection of cyberpunk and traditional customs." Yue Qian began her description with a hint of enthusiasm in her voice that was hard to conceal.

"Imagine skyscrapers towering into the sky, their glass curtain walls shining brightly in the sun, and at night, the whole city is like a dream world lit up by countless neon lights. On the streets, a constant stream of people shuttle between various shops and stalls, where you can find the most cutting-edge technology products and taste authentic street snacks."

"Oh, this seems to be common in all modern cities. Let me think about what else I can say."

She paused, as if recalling those familiar scenes, and then continued: "Longcheng is not only high-tech, our cultural heritage is also very rich. In some old neighborhoods, you can see ancient temples and traditional markets. People there still maintain a traditional lifestyle. This contrast makes Longcheng more unique. Those people are really rare, such as Taoist priests and monks. I don't know how they survived."

Yue Qian's eyes were sparkling, and it was obvious that she had deep feelings for Long Cheng. She looked at Jonas, as if expecting his reaction.

Jonas listened attentively. He was very attracted by Miss Yue's description: "It sounds like Dragon City is a fascinating place. The combination of technology and culture sounds very desirable. I hope to go there and see it in person one day."

Yue Chen smiled and completely relaxed: "If Mr. Jonas is interested, I can personally take you to the best places in Dragon City. I guarantee it will open your eyes."

"Then I'm looking forward to this day."

Jonas asked casually with a smile: "Before listening to Miss Yueqian's words, I also learned a lot about Dragon City. Can you listen to me and see if there are any mistakes?"

"Yeah, okay?"

Yue Qian didn't care too much about it. As long as one was willing to investigate these things, they could be found out.

"I heard that Dragon City's selection system is a system that is deeply influenced by bloodline? In this system, power and status are often inherited from family? In Dragon City, those who are called 'families' hold the highest power and resources, and their bloodlines are considered the purest and most noble?"

Jonas spoke, and the smile on Yue Qian's face slowly disappeared.

"These families, their members are given special status and rights from the moment they are born. They control the economy, politics and even military power of Dragon City, and marriages between them are often used to maintain and enhance the influence of the family. In Dragon City, bloodline is not only a symbol of status, but also a guarantee of actual power?"

"At the same time, this system has also led to social stratification. It is difficult for ordinary citizens to enter the inner circle of these families through personal efforts? Although technological advances have allowed everyone to enjoy a certain degree of convenience and entertainment, the real decision-making power and control are still firmly in the hands of these 'families'?"

Jonas looked at Yueqian, raised his coffee cup and took a sip: "Am I right, Miss Yueqian?"

You are so right.

Yue Qian felt powerless all over, with a complex emotion in her eyes. Her body seemed to be hunched over by an invisible burden.

She had worked her way up from the slums, and had established herself in Dragon City through her wisdom and perseverance, but she always felt that there was an insurmountable gap between herself and those in her 'family'.

In the shadow of Dragon City, the slums are like forgotten corners. Narrow alleys, dilapidated shacks and dirty streets constitute the daily life here. In such an environment, a child named Yueqian struggles for survival every day.

Yuexuan's home is a shabby little house with several tiles missing from the roof. Whenever it rains, rainwater seeps in unimpeded, soaking their few clothes and sparse bedding. The paint on the walls has long since peeled off, revealing the grey bricks, and the air in the house is filled with mold and dampness.

Yueyun's father died early due to illness, and her mother worked hard in the factory, leaving home in the early morning every day and returning late at night. Yueyun often woke up alone, quickly washed with cold water, and began a busy day. She did not have enough money to go to school, nor did she have time to play. Her childhood was swallowed up by the pressure of life.

In order to help support the family, Yueqian sold unwanted newspapers on the street and helped carry goods in the market. Her hands were covered with calluses from the work, and her fingertips sometimes got blisters from carrying rough objects. The childish look in her eyes was no longer childish, but replaced by precocity and perseverance. But even so, she still maintained an optimistic character.

Hunger was a common problem for Yue Qian, and he could only rely on some cheap food to fill his stomach, such as a few slices of stale bread or some unfresh vegetables. On cold winter nights, he would huddle in a tattered blanket and try to fall asleep shivering, while the summer heat made him toss and turn all night long.

Despite the difficulties in life, Yue Qian never gave up hope. She picked up discarded books from the ruins and learned letters and numbers in the dim light of street lamps. She dreamed of leaving this barren land one day and going to the places she had heard of in stories to pursue a different future.

It was not until she climbed to the middle level of Dragon City that she heard about such ridiculous thing as bloodline theory for the first time.

But this ridiculous thing completely cut off her thoughts of continuing to climb up.

"Yes, Mr. Jonas, Dragon City is indeed like that. I have witnessed its glamour and splendor, and I have also experienced its darkest corners. Children from the slums usually cannot do well because of this system." There was a hint of helplessness in Yue Chen's voice, and she didn't know if this helplessness was directed at herself.

"In Dragon City, bloodline is like a key that can open the door to power and glory. Most people are just people without this key. They can work hard, earn wealth, and even have a certain social status, but the decision-making power and influence at the highest level, that kind of leisurely elegance and authority, are always beyond their reach."

"That's really stupid."

Jonas frowned, his eyes sharp, his tone thinly veiled in criticism.

"This system is not only short-sighted, but also completely out of touch with reality. It is hard to imagine that Dragon City will be like this."

His words were like a gust of cold wind that pierced through the warm atmosphere in the room. Without any hesitation, he directly pointed out the flaws in the system and its negative impact on Longcheng.

"People live in this world and work hard for a common goal, but this system is holding Dragon City back. It limits the potential of your most valuable resource - talent. It stifles innovation and plunges Dragon City into a quagmire."

"If Longcheng continues to stick to this unreasonable system, you will lose your competitiveness, lose your most talented people, and eventually, Longcheng will lose everything."

Yue Qian didn't expect Jonas's reaction to be so big, but she still agreed with Jonas.

"Mr. Jonas, I agree with you." Yue Qian finally spoke, her voice calm: "Dragon City does need to change. We can't let bloodline be the only criterion for determining a person's value and future. Everyone should have the opportunity to show their talents and should have the opportunity to change their destiny through their own efforts."

"Yes, that's why I said that with Dragon City being like this, only idiots will appear in the upper echelons, including those who are proud of their bloodline. It's hard to imagine what kind of idiots will be in charge of Dragon City."

After Jonas said this, Yue Qian clearly heard a "tsk" sound in the communication.

"Okay, I have finished asking questions, Miss Yueqian. I am sorry to have wasted your precious time. I wish you a happy time in District 25."

Jonas nodded, and Yue Qian knew that this was asking her to leave.

Walking out of the Alte Consortium, in the alley, Ye Hua was waiting for her as planned.

Yue Yan was about to go up and say hello, but found that Ye Hua was standing in front of her first. A hint of displeasure flashed in Ye Hua's eyes. She stood in front of Yue Yan, with a sharpness in her voice that was difficult to conceal.

"Yue Yan, Jonas criticized Longcheng's system in front of you, but you said nothing. Why? Don't you think he said too much about Longcheng?" Ye Hua's voice gradually became louder, her brows furrowed, obviously dissatisfied with Yue Yan's silence.

Yue Qian was stunned for a moment, and replied: "Ye Hua, I did not refute Jonas at that time, but this does not mean that I agree with his views, or that I do not have my own opinions on the system of Dragon City."

Ye Hua sneered and interrupted Yue Chen: "What does your silence mean? Do you agree with his point of view, or do you simply not have the courage to defend Long Cheng?"

"Yueqian, listen to me! This is not about strategy or reform. This is about loyalty and position! Jonas is questioning our fundamentals, but you choose to remain silent. Your silence is adding weight to his words!"

A trace of displeasure flashed across Yue Yan's face, and an uncontrollable emotion began to surge under her calm appearance. "Ye Hua, do you think I am not loyal to Longcheng? Do you think I don't love Longcheng? You are wrong! The reason I am silent is because I don't want to lose my mind in anger and impulse. We can't let emotions dominate our actions."

"Emotion? Reason?" Ye Hua sneered, "Your 'reason' makes us look weak! Your 'silence' makes people doubt our determination!"

Yue Yan clenched her fists and her voice began to rise: "Ye Hua, do you think I don't want to fight back? Do you think I don't want to tell him loudly how ignorant and one-sided his accusations are? But this is not what we should do!"

"But now I am wrong. He is indeed not ignorant and one-sided. I apologize for my ignorance."

She knew why Ye Hua was angry.

Ye Hua was born into one of the oldest and most distinguished families in Dragon City. Her pure blood and noble bloodline passed down from generation to generation allowed her to occupy an undisputed position in Dragon City society. Since childhood, she has been taught the importance of bloodline and instilled with the values ​​of family honor and tradition. In her world, bloodline is not only a symbol of identity, but also a carrier of responsibility and honor.

Ye Hua’s family history is closely linked to the rise and fall of Dragon City. Her ancestors were the founders and guardians of the city. Therefore, for Ye Hua, Dragon City is more than just a home. It is the pride flowing in her blood and the foundation of her existence. Any criticism and questioning of Dragon City’s bloodline by the outside world seems like an insult to her bloodline and a challenge to her family’s honor.