Chapter 82.3
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T/W: Suicide, and using suicide as a method of revenge.
Chairman Ning aka Ning Tianya: Ning family’s head.
Ning Tianxing: Ning Kongran’s father, Ning Tianya’s older brother.
Ning Kongran: Ning family current heir. Studying mecha manufacturing, unlike his family.
Qiao Zhiya found that there seemed to be a lot of novices participating in this game. They were always a bit unresponsive at the beginning of the game. Most of them waited for him to move first before they thought of a counterattack or dodge. However, by then, it was often too late. The combination of a hammer and an advanced-level mecha was something that ordinary mechas couldn’t withstand.
Soon the first round of the game ended, he and Chu Yan were both promoted smoothly. When the final players gathered to announce the points, he saw that the cyan mecha lost to him in the first game was also standing in the area, signaling that they had got promoted also. He felt pleasantly surprised, moving towards them in a friendly manner, thinking that it’s only proper to be gentle and friendly toward novices.
The reaction of the cyan mecha was very strange. First, they froze as Qiao Zhiya patted their mecha’s shoulder. Finally, after a brief pause, they waved back in a stiff, mechanical manner.
After the game, Qiao Zhiya hurriedly prepared Star Network to share this good news with Chu Rong, but found that Chu Rong, who was currently in the study office at this point, actually waited beside the Star Network cabin with a heavy expression.
At first, Qiao Zhiya chuckled in his heart. Then, after registering on how gloomy the atmosphere was, the smile on his face froze, and he realized something faintly. He asked, “W-what happened?”
“Rick passed away.” Chu Rong replied, reaching out to take him into his arms, touching the back of his head. “Let’s go to pick him up.”
Qiao Zhiya was a little hesitant, thinking that he heard it wrong. He abruptly asked, “Pick him up? Why? Isn’t Grandpa Rick just at home?”
When mentioning this, Chu Rong’s expression became heavier. He shook his head and replied, “No, Rick stole a suspension car and ran out of Chu family’s house after lunch. He… went to the Ning family’s Pharmacy City and died in the gate of the building.”
Rick’s move was unexpected to everyone. Prior to this, Chu Rong did think about using this batch of rescued testers to attack Ning’s family, but the person he chose was Eddie. Plus, the method he planned was a more roundabout way, prodding from the “they are illegal Empire slaves” angle.
Such actions needed many detailed arrangements – that’s why Rick’s action was very shocking. He directly used his death to personally retaliate against the Ning family. He personally was the first person who tore off the Ning family’s amiable mask, exposing their rotten face underneath.
“He’s a hero.” Chu Rong held Qiao Zhiya, who was shocked and listless. He patted the youth’s trembling shoulders, then kissed his forehead in an effort to comfort him. “He won’t die in vain, believe me. I’ll make sure of it.”
Rick not only died at the entrance of the Ning family’s Pharmacy City but also, before his death, cut his own wrist, spreading blood all over the steps leading to the main gate of the building. He scattered numerous copies of a confession he had written himself around the area, using every method he could think of to maximize the impact of his death this time.
When the Ning family found something was wrong with him, they tried to take him away, citing “treating him” as their reason. The Gu family who heard the news arrived in a timely manner to stop them, and set up a temporary emergency room on the roadside. Under the gaze of all the onlookers, efforts were made to treat Rick.
But unfortunately, Rick was too weak and had lost too much blood, and was ultimately unable to be rescued.
In the end, Rick got his wish – the impact of his death was enormous. The news of his action spread quickly throughout the upper-echelon of the Federation. The confession that he had scattered before his death was also passed on. In the Starry Sky Forum, his news made several headlines, accompanied by the picture of the steps at the gate of Ning family’s Pharmacy City, all stained in blood.
Soon after, the eagle-eyed netizens found Rick’s figure in the festival video in Celebration Square, confirming that he was indeed one of the people who tested the Ning family’s newest drug.
Public opinion was in a massive uproar. Rick’s confession was spread wildly.
His written confession was not long, only about ten lines or so. There, Rick gave a brief introduction to his identity, and then explained when he was bought by the Ning family as a slave, and how he was transported to the Federation. He was then forced to be the test subject of an unknown drug, and finally, the tale of how he was rescued on the way to his death.
He made it clear that the Ning family’s so-called spiritual power booster was just a stimulant drug. In order to ensure that what he said was true, he was willing to donate his body for research and let the public find out the truth.
Rick has been a slave for a lifetime, and his literacy level was not high. This confession was not well written. It was riddled with many grammatical errors, but that didn’t stop people from crying when they read it.
Just what kind of despair and hatred that pushed him to resolutely choose to use death to reveal the truth after being rescued?
After this incident broke out, the image of the Ning family in the hearts of the people collapsed completely.
By the time Qiao Zhiya and Chu Rong arrived at the Gu family’s Pharmacy City, Rick had been placed in a medical coffin. His expression wasn’t peaceful, and his complexion had turned pale due to excessive bleeding. Lying inside, he didn’t look like a corpse, but a dummy instead.
The man who greeted and chatted with him in the morning was gone in a blink of an eye. Qiao Zhiya had never experienced such a loss of life before – he didn’t know how to react properly. Instead of grieving, soothing the throbbing ache in his heart, he forced himself into a guise of calm. He went forward, and volunteered himself to help clean up Rick’s body. He changed Rick’s clothes, and put a rabbit plushie beside his body – it was something he made just this morning, he planned to give it to him later, but it seemed he was too late.
Chu Rong accompanied him throughout all of this; and only after Qiao Zhiya had finished, did he step forward to place Rick’s coffin into a dedicated medical space — per Rick’s will, his body would be used for research, and he wouldn’t be laid to rest for the time being.
After the coffin was taken away, Qiao Zhiya finally let his emotion spill. He cried, but he still quickly wiped his tears away when he glanced at the looming building of the Ning family’s Pharmacy City.
His eyes were filled with clear disgust.
“They will pay the price.” Chu Rong held him in his arms and patted him on the back. “Soon, the Ning family will be finished.”
Meanwhile, with the Ning family.
Ning Tianxing leaned on the sofa. He looked at Ning Tianya, who was in a very bad mood. “I was visiting the Empire, and such a thing happened here. Why didn’t you discuss it with me before you made such a drastic decision?”
“Dage, I …” Ning Tianya opened his mouth to justify himself, but found that he didn’t know where to start. Finally, he said in a hurry, “Dage, what should we do now? The Chu family holds the evidence of our test. This matter has been completely exposed, the situation is very unfavorable to us!”
“Of course I know we are at a severe disadvantage. In fact, the moment the Chu family was watching, the situation had already tipped in their scale. With Chu Rong’s aggressive style of attack, the Ning family was basically halved.” Ning Tianxing’s tone was calm – it’s as if he was merely discussing other people’s affairs. He even picked up his tea in a calm manner.
Ning Tianya became overcome with anxiety the more he thought about it. “I haven’t told our father about this. Dage, you have to think of a way, the president’s reelection is now in front of us. Now the situation is–”
“You don’t have to think about the election. It’s clear that the new President will be Chu Huai.” Ning Tianxing waved his hand to interrupt him, turned the tea cup around, and said, “As I said earlier, we have to put our heads down for now, and show some weakness at the right time. Tianya, I elevated you to the position of the chairman, a position even slightly higher than Chu Huai’s. After so many years of influence, why haven’t you grown at all? If the Chu family wants to clear the pharmaceutical industry, let them do it. These are just minor losses. Even if you cooperate with them once, exchanging a bit of public favor for interests, it would still be a worthwhile deal. Your mistake is being too impulsive.”
Now Ning Tianya also felt that he was confused at the time to insist on going against the Chu family. However, since things had come to this point, talking about it was meaningless. The most urgent task now was to stabilize the situation of the Ning family first!
“Dage!” He was so anxious that he could only say this. He frowned a little, hoping that Ning Tianxing could give an idea on how to salvage the situation.
Ning Tianxing was displeased with his impulsive demeanor and scolded him, “Look at yourself. You’re getting anxious over such a small situation. How can the Ning family rely on you in the future? The current situation may indeed deal a heavy blow to the Ning family, but it doesn’t mean it’s over. However, if you continue to act impulsively, revealing more flaws for the Chu family to investigate, then the Ning family will truly be finished. What you need to do now is quickly identify the mole. Just admit the things happening outside; the more you try to conceal, the worse it gets when exposed.”
When Ning Tianya heard this, he was shocked. “The mole? Dage, you mean…”
Ning Tianxing set down the teacup, shook his head, and said, “Although you were prone to impatience in the past, you were never foolish. Yet this time, your foolishness is unbelievably clear, even to me. Think carefully. Who was it that whispered in your ear, urging you to launch the so-called new drug and deliver the evidence to the Chu family? Remember it. Who gave you the confidence to believe that testing the drug on those slaves was a good idea? Good enough idea to execute without consulting my opinion. Think about it deeply, remember every bit of it.”
‘Who was it again…’ In his mind, the first face that flashed was Elder Ning’s. But he quickly shook his head to deny this possibility. He thought about it again, and finally remembered someone.
“Kong’an?” He exclaimed, and shook his head again. “It can’t be him. Although he always accompanied the old man some time ago, he always inquired about the new drug, but it should not–”
“It’s him.” Ning Tianxing interrupted him, waved his hand and said, “Go take him for a check and see if he’s had any strange things recently, or if he has come in contact with any strange people. You’d better check yourself also.”
‘Check myself? What does it mean?’ Ning Tianya became more confused.
“Aren’t you a researcher in this field?” Ning Tianxing was genuinely irritated by his stupidity. He snorted and said, “Mind control, using your own tricks against you. This mole is somewhat interesting.”
Ning Tianya finally understood and was shocked.
What his brother implied that he, Ning Kong’an, or even Elder Ning, was under control of the mole’s spiritual power unknowingly?
‘If this speculation is true, then…’ he felt a chill down his spine.
The next day after the death of Rick, Ning Tianya stepped forward and held a press conference. He simply acknowledged the trial of the drug, sincerely apologized, and said he would bear the consequences of Rick’s death. He announced the temporary closure of the Ning family’s pharmacy for reorganization. He eventually resigned from his post as the Parliament’s Chairman, leaving the political scene of the Federation.
The Ning family offered a straightforward and decisive apology, and the price they were willing to pay exceeded the public’s imagination. The crowd, originally prepared to criticize them, was momentarily stunned. Their attention to the testing incident itself was unconsciously shifted to a different direction.
The press conference ended briefly. Following that, news about the Ning family shutting down their pharmacy city kept surfacing. After Ning Tianya resigned, news about Chu Huai possibly taking over his position emerged. Shortly after, rumors started circulating about the Ning family’s testing incident being a ploy by rival families to plant a spy in the Ning family.
After this rumor emerged, some people on Star Network suddenly began to recall the various contributions Ning had made to the Federation. Some people analyzed the reasons why the Ning family had been entangled with negative news for several months despite their usual neutrality. They were all alluding to the suspicion that someone was behind the Ning family’s downfall.
Public opinion gradually took a turn, and the Ning family, by strategically retreating, strangely managed to regain some public favor. They transformed from the perpetrators to the victims. Subsequently, public discourse veered towards conspiracy theories, eventually implicating the Xiang family. Rumors suggested that the Xiang family orchestrated these events to incite conflict between the Ning and Chu families, benefiting from their fight, fishing in muddy waters.
Hearing this nonsensical gossip, Chu Yan was baffled. He whispered to Qiao Zhiya, “These people really dare to think so wildly, ah. I suddenly have some sympathy for the Xiang family. The Ning family obviously did not dare to fight hard with our family anymore, so they are ready to stir the muddy water and escape.”
Qiao Zhiya frowned. He only felt utter disgust when he heard about the Ning family’s actions. Looking at the list of Ning family’s existing pharmaceutical patents he got from Zhuang Yu, his eyes became firmer and he walked towards the laboratory.
He still remembered Chu Yan’s analysis of the Four Great Families. Knowing that public opinion alone couldn’t destroy a genuine such a massive conglomerate. He didn’t have any convoluted plans or overwhelming power to execute grandiose actions. His idea was simple: since the Ning family relied on pharmaceuticals, he aimed to pull the Ning family down in the field of pharmaceuticals!
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
T/W: Suicide, and using suicide as a method of revenge.
Chairman Ning aka Ning Tianya: Ning family’s head.
Ning Tianxing: Ning Kongran’s father, Ning Tianya’s older brother.
Ning Kongran: Ning family current heir. Studying mecha manufacturing, unlike his family.
Qiao Zhiya found that there seemed to be a lot of novices participating in this game. They were always a bit unresponsive at the beginning of the game. Most of them waited for him to move first before they thought of a counterattack or dodge. However, by then, it was often too late. The combination of a hammer and an advanced-level mecha was something that ordinary mechas couldn’t withstand.
Soon the first round of the game ended, he and Chu Yan were both promoted smoothly. When the final players gathered to announce the points, he saw that the cyan mecha lost to him in the first game was also standing in the area, signaling that they had got promoted also. He felt pleasantly surprised, moving towards them in a friendly manner, thinking that it’s only proper to be gentle and friendly toward novices.
The reaction of the cyan mecha was very strange. First, they froze as Qiao Zhiya patted their mecha’s shoulder. Finally, after a brief pause, they waved back in a stiff, mechanical manner.
After the game, Qiao Zhiya hurriedly prepared Star Network to share this good news with Chu Rong, but found that Chu Rong, who was currently in the study office at this point, actually waited beside the Star Network cabin with a heavy expression.
At first, Qiao Zhiya chuckled in his heart. Then, after registering on how gloomy the atmosphere was, the smile on his face froze, and he realized something faintly. He asked, “W-what happened?”
“Rick passed away.” Chu Rong replied, reaching out to take him into his arms, touching the back of his head. “Let’s go to pick him up.”
Qiao Zhiya was a little hesitant, thinking that he heard it wrong. He abruptly asked, “Pick him up? Why? Isn’t Grandpa Rick just at home?”
When mentioning this, Chu Rong’s expression became heavier. He shook his head and replied, “No, Rick stole a suspension car and ran out of Chu family’s house after lunch. He… went to the Ning family’s Pharmacy City and died in the gate of the building.”
Rick’s move was unexpected to everyone. Prior to this, Chu Rong did think about using this batch of rescued testers to attack Ning’s family, but the person he chose was Eddie. Plus, the method he planned was a more roundabout way, prodding from the “they are illegal Empire slaves” angle.
Such actions needed many detailed arrangements – that’s why Rick’s action was very shocking. He directly used his death to personally retaliate against the Ning family. He personally was the first person who tore off the Ning family’s amiable mask, exposing their rotten face underneath.
“He’s a hero.” Chu Rong held Qiao Zhiya, who was shocked and listless. He patted the youth’s trembling shoulders, then kissed his forehead in an effort to comfort him. “He won’t die in vain, believe me. I’ll make sure of it.”
Rick not only died at the entrance of the Ning family’s Pharmacy City but also, before his death, cut his own wrist, spreading blood all over the steps leading to the main gate of the building. He scattered numerous copies of a confession he had written himself around the area, using every method he could think of to maximize the impact of his death this time.
When the Ning family found something was wrong with him, they tried to take him away, citing “treating him” as their reason. The Gu family who heard the news arrived in a timely manner to stop them, and set up a temporary emergency room on the roadside. Under the gaze of all the onlookers, efforts were made to treat Rick.
But unfortunately, Rick was too weak and had lost too much blood, and was ultimately unable to be rescued.
In the end, Rick got his wish – the impact of his death was enormous. The news of his action spread quickly throughout the upper-echelon of the Federation. The confession that he had scattered before his death was also passed on. In the Starry Sky Forum, his news made several headlines, accompanied by the picture of the steps at the gate of Ning family’s Pharmacy City, all stained in blood.
Soon after, the eagle-eyed netizens found Rick’s figure in the festival video in Celebration Square, confirming that he was indeed one of the people who tested the Ning family’s newest drug.
Public opinion was in a massive uproar. Rick’s confession was spread wildly.
His written confession was not long, only about ten lines or so. There, Rick gave a brief introduction to his identity, and then explained when he was bought by the Ning family as a slave, and how he was transported to the Federation. He was then forced to be the test subject of an unknown drug, and finally, the tale of how he was rescued on the way to his death.
He made it clear that the Ning family’s so-called spiritual power booster was just a stimulant drug. In order to ensure that what he said was true, he was willing to donate his body for research and let the public find out the truth.
Rick has been a slave for a lifetime, and his literacy level was not high. This confession was not well written. It was riddled with many grammatical errors, but that didn’t stop people from crying when they read it.
Just what kind of despair and hatred that pushed him to resolutely choose to use death to reveal the truth after being rescued?
After this incident broke out, the image of the Ning family in the hearts of the people collapsed completely.
By the time Qiao Zhiya and Chu Rong arrived at the Gu family’s Pharmacy City, Rick had been placed in a medical coffin. His expression wasn’t peaceful, and his complexion had turned pale due to excessive bleeding. Lying inside, he didn’t look like a corpse, but a dummy instead.
The man who greeted and chatted with him in the morning was gone in a blink of an eye. Qiao Zhiya had never experienced such a loss of life before – he didn’t know how to react properly. Instead of grieving, soothing the throbbing ache in his heart, he forced himself into a guise of calm. He went forward, and volunteered himself to help clean up Rick’s body. He changed Rick’s clothes, and put a rabbit plushie beside his body – it was something he made just this morning, he planned to give it to him later, but it seemed he was too late.
Chu Rong accompanied him throughout all of this; and only after Qiao Zhiya had finished, did he step forward to place Rick’s coffin into a dedicated medical space — per Rick’s will, his body would be used for research, and he wouldn’t be laid to rest for the time being.
After the coffin was taken away, Qiao Zhiya finally let his emotion spill. He cried, but he still quickly wiped his tears away when he glanced at the looming building of the Ning family’s Pharmacy City.
His eyes were filled with clear disgust.
“They will pay the price.” Chu Rong held him in his arms and patted him on the back. “Soon, the Ning family will be finished.”
Meanwhile, with the Ning family.
Ning Tianxing leaned on the sofa. He looked at Ning Tianya, who was in a very bad mood. “I was visiting the Empire, and such a thing happened here. Why didn’t you discuss it with me before you made such a drastic decision?”
“Dage, I …” Ning Tianya opened his mouth to justify himself, but found that he didn’t know where to start. Finally, he said in a hurry, “Dage, what should we do now? The Chu family holds the evidence of our test. This matter has been completely exposed, the situation is very unfavorable to us!”
“Of course I know we are at a severe disadvantage. In fact, the moment the Chu family was watching, the situation had already tipped in their scale. With Chu Rong’s aggressive style of attack, the Ning family was basically halved.” Ning Tianxing’s tone was calm – it’s as if he was merely discussing other people’s affairs. He even picked up his tea in a calm manner.
Ning Tianya became overcome with anxiety the more he thought about it. “I haven’t told our father about this. Dage, you have to think of a way, the president’s reelection is now in front of us. Now the situation is–”
“You don’t have to think about the election. It’s clear that the new President will be Chu Huai.” Ning Tianxing waved his hand to interrupt him, turned the tea cup around, and said, “As I said earlier, we have to put our heads down for now, and show some weakness at the right time. Tianya, I elevated you to the position of the chairman, a position even slightly higher than Chu Huai’s. After so many years of influence, why haven’t you grown at all? If the Chu family wants to clear the pharmaceutical industry, let them do it. These are just minor losses. Even if you cooperate with them once, exchanging a bit of public favor for interests, it would still be a worthwhile deal. Your mistake is being too impulsive.”
Now Ning Tianya also felt that he was confused at the time to insist on going against the Chu family. However, since things had come to this point, talking about it was meaningless. The most urgent task now was to stabilize the situation of the Ning family first!
“Dage!” He was so anxious that he could only say this. He frowned a little, hoping that Ning Tianxing could give an idea on how to salvage the situation.
Ning Tianxing was displeased with his impulsive demeanor and scolded him, “Look at yourself. You’re getting anxious over such a small situation. How can the Ning family rely on you in the future? The current situation may indeed deal a heavy blow to the Ning family, but it doesn’t mean it’s over. However, if you continue to act impulsively, revealing more flaws for the Chu family to investigate, then the Ning family will truly be finished. What you need to do now is quickly identify the mole. Just admit the things happening outside; the more you try to conceal, the worse it gets when exposed.”
When Ning Tianya heard this, he was shocked. “The mole? Dage, you mean…”
Ning Tianxing set down the teacup, shook his head, and said, “Although you were prone to impatience in the past, you were never foolish. Yet this time, your foolishness is unbelievably clear, even to me. Think carefully. Who was it that whispered in your ear, urging you to launch the so-called new drug and deliver the evidence to the Chu family? Remember it. Who gave you the confidence to believe that testing the drug on those slaves was a good idea? Good enough idea to execute without consulting my opinion. Think about it deeply, remember every bit of it.”
‘Who was it again…’ In his mind, the first face that flashed was Elder Ning’s. But he quickly shook his head to deny this possibility. He thought about it again, and finally remembered someone.
“Kong’an?” He exclaimed, and shook his head again. “It can’t be him. Although he always accompanied the old man some time ago, he always inquired about the new drug, but it should not–”
“It’s him.” Ning Tianxing interrupted him, waved his hand and said, “Go take him for a check and see if he’s had any strange things recently, or if he has come in contact with any strange people. You’d better check yourself also.”
‘Check myself? What does it mean?’ Ning Tianya became more confused.
“Aren’t you a researcher in this field?” Ning Tianxing was genuinely irritated by his stupidity. He snorted and said, “Mind control, using your own tricks against you. This mole is somewhat interesting.”
Ning Tianya finally understood and was shocked.
What his brother implied that he, Ning Kong’an, or even Elder Ning, was under control of the mole’s spiritual power unknowingly?
‘If this speculation is true, then…’ he felt a chill down his spine.
The next day after the death of Rick, Ning Tianya stepped forward and held a press conference. He simply acknowledged the trial of the drug, sincerely apologized, and said he would bear the consequences of Rick’s death. He announced the temporary closure of the Ning family’s pharmacy for reorganization. He eventually resigned from his post as the Parliament’s Chairman, leaving the political scene of the Federation.
The Ning family offered a straightforward and decisive apology, and the price they were willing to pay exceeded the public’s imagination. The crowd, originally prepared to criticize them, was momentarily stunned. Their attention to the testing incident itself was unconsciously shifted to a different direction.
The press conference ended briefly. Following that, news about the Ning family shutting down their pharmacy city kept surfacing. After Ning Tianya resigned, news about Chu Huai possibly taking over his position emerged. Shortly after, rumors started circulating about the Ning family’s testing incident being a ploy by rival families to plant a spy in the Ning family.
After this rumor emerged, some people on Star Network suddenly began to recall the various contributions Ning had made to the Federation. Some people analyzed the reasons why the Ning family had been entangled with negative news for several months despite their usual neutrality. They were all alluding to the suspicion that someone was behind the Ning family’s downfall.
Public opinion gradually took a turn, and the Ning family, by strategically retreating, strangely managed to regain some public favor. They transformed from the perpetrators to the victims. Subsequently, public discourse veered towards conspiracy theories, eventually implicating the Xiang family. Rumors suggested that the Xiang family orchestrated these events to incite conflict between the Ning and Chu families, benefiting from their fight, fishing in muddy waters.
Hearing this nonsensical gossip, Chu Yan was baffled. He whispered to Qiao Zhiya, “These people really dare to think so wildly, ah. I suddenly have some sympathy for the Xiang family. The Ning family obviously did not dare to fight hard with our family anymore, so they are ready to stir the muddy water and escape.”
Qiao Zhiya frowned. He only felt utter disgust when he heard about the Ning family’s actions. Looking at the list of Ning family’s existing pharmaceutical patents he got from Zhuang Yu, his eyes became firmer and he walked towards the laboratory.
He still remembered Chu Yan’s analysis of the Four Great Families. Knowing that public opinion alone couldn’t destroy a genuine such a massive conglomerate. He didn’t have any convoluted plans or overwhelming power to execute grandiose actions. His idea was simple: since the Ning family relied on pharmaceuticals, he aimed to pull the Ning family down in the field of pharmaceuticals!
T/W: Suicide, and using suicide as a method of revenge.Chairman Ning aka Ning Tianya: Ning family's head.Ning Tianxing: Ning Kongran's father, Ning Tianya's older brother.Ning Kongran: Ning family current heir. Studying mecha manufacturing, unlike his family. Qiao Zhiya found that there seemed to be a lot of novices participating in this game. They were always a bit unresponsive at the beginning of the game. Most of them waited for him to move first before they thought of a counterattack or dodge. However, by then, it was often too late. The combination of a hammer and an advanced-level mecha was something that ordinary mechas couldn't withstand.Soon the first round of the game ended, he and Chu Yan were both promoted smoothly. When the final players gathered to announce the points, he saw that the cyan mecha lost to him in the first game was also standing in the area, signaling that they had got promoted also. He felt pleasantly surprised, moving towards them in a friendly manner, thinking that it's only proper to be gentle and friendly toward novices.The reaction of the cyan mecha was very strange. First, they froze as Qiao Zhiya patted their mecha's shoulder. Finally, after a brief pause, they waved back in a stiff, mechanical manner.After the game, Qiao Zhiya hurriedly prepared Star Network to share this good news with Chu Rong, but found that Chu Rong, who was currently in the study office at this point, actually waited beside the Star Network cabin with a heavy expression.At first, Qiao Zhiya chuckled in his heart. Then, after registering on how gloomy the atmosphere was, the smile on his face froze, and he realized something faintly. He asked, W-what happened?Rick passed away. Chu Rong replied, reaching out to take him into his arms, touching the back of his head. Let's go to pick him up.Qiao Zhiya was a little hesitant, thinking that he heard it wrong. He abruptly asked, Pick him up? Why? Isn't Grandpa Rick just at home?When mentioning this, Chu Rong's expression became heavier. He shook his head and replied, No, Rick stole a suspension car and ran out of Chu family's house after lunch. He went to the Ning family's Pharmacy City and died in the gate of the building.Rick's move was unexpected to everyone. Prior to this, Chu Rong did think about using this batch of rescued testers to attack Ning's family, but the person he chose was Eddie. Plus, the method he planned was a more roundabout way, prodding from the they are illegal Empire slaves angle.Such actions needed many detailed arrangements that's why Rick's action was very shocking. He directly used his death to personally retaliate against the Ning family. He personally was the first person who tore off the Ning family's amiable mask, exposing their rotten face underneath.He's a hero. Chu Rong held Qiao Zhiya, who was shocked and listless. He patted the youth's trembling shoulders, then kissed his forehead in an effort to comfort him. He won't die in vain, believe me. I'll make sure of it.Rick not only died at the entrance of the Ning family's Pharmacy City but also, before his death, cut his own wrist, spreading blood all over the steps leading to the main gate of the building. He scattered numerous copies of a confession he had written himself around the area, using every method he could think of to maximize the impact of his death this time.When the Ning family found something was wrong with him, they tried to take him away, citing treating him as their reason. The Gu family who heard the news arrived in a timely manner to stop them, and set up a temporary emergency room on the roadside. Under the gaze of all the onlookers, efforts were made to treat Rick.But unfortunately, Rick was too weak and had lost too much blood, and was ultimately unable to be rescued.In the end, Rick got his wish the impact of his death was enormous. The news of his action spread quickly throughout the upper-echelon of the Federation. The confession that he had scattered before his death was also passed on. In the Starry Sky Forum, his news made several headlines, accompanied by the picture of the steps at the gate of Ning family's Pharmacy City, all stained in blood.Soon after, the eagle-eyed netizens found Rick's figure in the festival video in Celebration Square, confirming that he was indeed one of the people who tested the Ning family's newest drug.Public opinion was in a massive uproar. Rick's confession was spread wildly.His written confession was not long, only about ten lines or so. There, Rick gave a brief introduction to his identity, and then explained when he was bought by the Ning family as a slave, and how he was transported to the Federation. He was then forced to be the test subject of an unknown drug, and finally, the tale of how he was rescued on the way to his death.He made it clear that the Ning family's so-called spiritual power booster was just a stimulant drug. In order to ensure that what he said was true, he was willing to donate his body for research and let the public find out the truth.Rick has been a slave for a lifetime, and his literacy level was not high. This confession was not well written. It was riddled with many grammatical errors, but that didn't stop people from crying when they read it.Just what kind of despair and hatred that pushed him to resolutely choose to use death to reveal the truth after being rescued?After this incident broke out, the image of the Ning family in the hearts of the people collapsed completely.By the time Qiao Zhiya and Chu Rong arrived at the Gu family's Pharmacy City, Rick had been placed in a medical coffin. His expression wasn't peaceful, and his complexion had turned pale due to excessive bleeding. Lying inside, he didn't look like a corpse, but a dummy instead.The man who greeted and chatted with him in the morning was gone in a blink of an eye. Qiao Zhiya had never experienced such a loss of life before he didn't know how to react properly. Instead of grieving, soothing the throbbing ache in his heart, he forced himself into a guise of calm. He went forward, and volunteered himself to help clean up Rick's body. He changed Rick's clothes, and put a rabbit plushie beside his body it was something he made just this morning, he planned to give it to him later, but it seemed he was too late.Chu Rong accompanied him throughout all of this; and only after Qiao Zhiya had finished, did he step forward to place Rick's coffin into a dedicated medical space per Rick's will, his body would be used for research, and he wouldn't be laid to rest for the time being.After the coffin was taken away, Qiao Zhiya finally let his emotion spill. He cried, but he still quickly wiped his tears away when he glanced at the looming building of the Ning family's Pharmacy City.His eyes were filled with clear disgust.They will pay the price. Chu Rong held him in his arms and patted him on the back. Soon, the Ning family will be finished.Meanwhile, with the Ning family.Ning Tianxing leaned on the sofa. He looked at Ning Tianya, who was in a very bad mood. I was visiting the Empire, and such a thing happened here. Why didn't you discuss it with me before you made such a drastic decision?Dage, I Ning Tianya opened his mouth to justify himself, but found that he didn't know where to start. Finally, he said in a hurry, Dage, what should we do now? The Chu family holds the evidence of our test. This matter has been completely exposed, the situation is very unfavorable to us!Of course I know we are at a severe disadvantage. In fact, the moment the Chu family was watching, the situation had already tipped in their scale. With Chu Rong's aggressive style of attack, the Ning family was basically halved. Ning Tianxing's tone was calm it's as if he was merely discussing other people's affairs. He even picked up his tea in a calm manner.Ning Tianya became overcome with anxiety the more he thought about it. I haven't told our father about this. Dage, you have to think of a way, the president's reelection is now in front of us. Now the situation isYou don't have to think about the election. It's clear that the new President will be Chu Huai. Ning Tianxing waved his hand to interrupt him, turned the tea cup around, and said, As I said earlier, we have to put our heads down for now, and show some weakness at the right time. Tianya, I elevated you to the position of the chairman, a position even slightly higher than Chu Huai's. After so many years of influence, why haven't you grown at all? If the Chu family wants to clear the pharmaceutical industry, let them do it. These are just minor losses. Even if you cooperate with them once, exchanging a bit of public favor for interests, it would still be a worthwhile deal. Your mistake is being too impulsive.Now Ning Tianya also felt that he was confused at the time to insist on going against the Chu family. However, since things had come to this point, talking about it was meaningless. The most urgent task now was to stabilize the situation of the Ning family first!Dage! He was so anxious that he could only say this. He frowned a little, hoping that Ning Tianxing could give an idea on how to salvage the situation.Ning Tianxing was displeased with his impulsive demeanor and scolded him, Look at yourself. You're getting anxious over such a small situation. How can the Ning family rely on you in the future? The current situation may indeed deal a heavy blow to the Ning family, but it doesn't mean it's over. However, if you continue to act impulsively, revealing more flaws for the Chu family to investigate, then the Ning family will truly be finished. What you need to do now is quickly identify the mole. Just admit the things happening outside; the more you try to conceal, the worse it gets when exposed.When Ning Tianya heard this, he was shocked. The mole? Dage, you meanNing Tianxing set down the teacup, shook his head, and said, Although you were prone to impatience in the past, you were never foolish. Yet this time, your foolishness is unbelievably clear, even to me. Think carefully. Who was it that whispered in your ear, urging you to launch the so-called new drug and deliver the evidence to the Chu family? Remember it. Who gave you the confidence to believe that testing the drug on those slaves was a good idea? Good enough idea to execute without consulting my opinion. Think about it deeply, remember every bit of it.Who was it again' In his mind, the first face that flashed was Elder Ning's. But he quickly shook his head to deny this possibility. He thought about it again, and finally remembered someone.Kong'an? He exclaimed, and shook his head again. It can't be him. Although he always accompanied the old man some time ago, he always inquired about the new drug, but it should notIt's him. Ning Tianxing interrupted him, waved his hand and said, Go take him for a check and see if he's had any strange things recently, or if he has come in contact with any strange people. You'd better check yourself also.Check myself? What does it mean?' Ning Tianya became more confused.Aren't you a researcher in this field? Ning Tianxing was genuinely irritated by his stupidity. He snorted and said, Mind control, using your own tricks against you. This mole is somewhat interesting.Ning Tianya finally understood and was shocked.What his brother implied that he, Ning Kong'an, or even Elder Ning, was under control of the mole's spiritual power unknowingly?If this speculation is true, then' he felt a chill down his spine.The next day after the death of Rick, Ning Tianya stepped forward and held a press conference. He simply acknowledged the trial of the drug, sincerely apologized, and said he would bear the consequences of Rick's death. He announced the temporary closure of the Ning family's pharmacy for reorganization. He eventually resigned from his post as the Parliament's Chairman, leaving the political scene of the Federation.The Ning family offered a straightforward and decisive apology, and the price they were willing to pay exceeded the public's imagination. The crowd, originally prepared to criticize them, was momentarily stunned. Their attention to the testing incident itself was unconsciously shifted to a different direction.The press conference ended briefly. Following that, news about the Ning family shutting down their pharmacy city kept surfacing. After Ning Tianya resigned, news about Chu Huai possibly taking over his position emerged. Shortly after, rumors started circulating about the Ning family's testing incident being a ploy by rival families to plant a spy in the Ning family.After this rumor emerged, some people on Star Network suddenly began to recall the various contributions Ning had made to the Federation. Some people analyzed the reasons why the Ning family had been entangled with negative news for several months despite their usual neutrality. They were all alluding to the suspicion that someone was behind the Ning family's downfall.Public opinion gradually took a turn, and the Ning family, by strategically retreating, strangely managed to regain some public favor. They transformed from the perpetrators to the victims. Subsequently, public discourse veered towards conspiracy theories, eventually implicating the Xiang family. Rumors suggested that the Xiang family orchestrated these events to incite conflict between the Ning and Chu families, benefiting from their fight, fishing in muddy waters.Hearing this nonsensical gossip, Chu Yan was baffled. He whispered to Qiao Zhiya, These people really dare to think so wildly, ah. I suddenly have some sympathy for the Xiang family. The Ning family obviously did not dare to fight hard with our family anymore, so they are ready to stir the muddy water and escape.Qiao Zhiya frowned. He only felt utter disgust when he heard about the Ning family's actions. Looking at the list of Ning family's existing pharmaceutical patents he got from Zhuang Yu, his eyes became firmer and he walked towards the laboratory.He still remembered Chu Yan's analysis of the Four Great Families. Knowing that public opinion alone couldn't destroy a genuine such a massive conglomerate. He didn't have any convoluted plans or overwhelming power to execute grandiose actions. His idea was simple: since the Ning family relied on pharmaceuticals, he aimed to pull the Ning family down in the field of pharmaceuticals!
