Inside the office.
A flicker of wariness flashed in Mr. Stone's eyes. His body trembled almost imperceptibly, and he looked at Andrew Han with curiosity. "You’ve already become Mr. Newman’s apprentice? Congratulations, then... Hah, Gavin King never mentioned it to me."
Andrew Han replied promptly, "I only passed Master’s assessment at the end of May. It’s normal that Gavin King wasn’t aware of it."
"Oh, I see."
Mr. Stone nodded gently and picked up the emerald-green nutrient solution, placing it in his drawer.
He continued to chat casually, while Andrew Han glanced at his phone, feigning distraction, wary of saying too much.
Fortunately, a soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
"Come in."
A strange look flashed in Mr. Stone’s eyes as he spoke calmly.
Click.
With a respectful expression, Gavin King gently pushed open the heavy wooden door.
Behind Gavin King stood a middle-aged man and a capable-looking young woman.
The middle-aged man’s hair was tinged with white, his figure somewhat plump, and his round face radiated friendliness. He wore an expensive suit. The young woman seemed to be his secretary.
A moment later.
The man with graying hair spoke up first. "Mr. Stone, I made an appointment yesterday. Will you have time later, or should I wait outside for you?"
Mr. Stone waved his hand. "Wait outside for now. I have an important guest here."
"Alright, alright."
The middle-aged man hurriedly stepped back, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on Andrew Han’s handsome profile.
...
Shortly after.
Mr. Stone wore a broad smile as he walked to the door with Andrew Han.
The middle-aged man first bowed slightly to Mr. Stone, then turned to Andrew Han, offering a polite and friendly smile.
Andrew Han returned the smile and left with Qian Gao.
After a while.
Mr. Stone's smile faded as he glanced at the middle-aged man, then said slowly, "Gao Liang'an, come in and let's talk in detail. Have your secretary wait outside."
"Yes, of course."
The middle-aged man, Gao Liang'an, quickly responded, took the folder handed by his secretary, and followed Mr. Stone into the office.
Bang.
The heavy wooden door closed.
Gao Liang'an held the folder and sat down across from the desk. After a few polite words, he curiously probed, "That young man just now was your distinguished guest? Truly, heroes emerge from youth."
"Hero?"
Mr. Stone crossed his arms and let out a cold laugh.
Gao Liang'an was puzzled, but realized he had misspoken. He forced a smile and remained silent, quietly sitting in his chair.
A strange, oppressive atmosphere filled the office.
Even though Gao Liang'an was a wealthy figure in Suhe City's real estate industry, the corners of his eyes twitched nervously and he felt uneasy, knowing about the Martial Arts World and the terrifying power of martial artists.
Tap.
Tap.
Mr. Stone stood up and walked to the office window, watching his apprentice Qian Gao's sports car speed away out of sight. Only then did he smile faintly, "He is Ning Moli's disciple."
In an instant.
Gao Liang'an's eyes widened in shock. He was so startled that he nearly jumped from his seat, trembling with fear.