The Frail Guide Who Devoured an Entire Pollution Zone

Chapter 88: Chapter 88: You Should Take a Rest

Seeing Qi Qin’s expression, Qiu Fang suddenly turned to face him directly.

”But Old Qi, there’s something I have to say to you. Weren’t you ever young? What are you doing getting involved in the affairs of these young people? They should be the ones to decide their own business. Us old fogeys shouldn’t be sticking our noses where they don’t belong.”

Seeing Qiu Fang speak up and point the finger at him, Qi Qin’s jaw dropped, as if he never expected him to do such a thing.

After scolding Qi Qin, Qiu Fang finally turned to Lu Jingyu.

”However, Jingyu, I have a word for you too. You’re not a child anymore. You need to think your own affairs through carefully, especially a major life decision like this.”

”I’ve heard all about the recent commotion. You should think it over carefully and bring this matter to a close as soon as possible.”

Lu Jingyu was also a bit surprised to hear such words from Qiu Fang’s mouth.

When Qiu Fang had entered, Lu Jingyu had been observing Xu Ruming’s reaction the whole time.

He had never managed to find out who was backing Xu Ruming and Shen Ling’an.

With Qiu Fang making a rare appearance, he couldn’t help but be suspicious.

But ever since Qiu Fang appeared, Xu Ruming acted as if she hadn’t seen him, not sparing him a single glance.

Seeing no connection between Qiu Fang and Xu Ruming, Lu Jingyu withdrew his gaze.

”Elder Qiu, I’ve heard your words. However, I don’t need to consider this matter any further.”

His intentions had always been clear, so there was naturally no need to waste any more time considering anything.

Lu Jingyu was about to state his intentions again, but before he could speak, Qiu Fang cut in.

”It’s good that you’ve thought it through. You’re a man of your own mind, and I trust you can make the right decision.”

”Since you’ve decided, then handle this matter cleanly and quickly. Don’t let the idle gossip continue to fly around.”

Seeing that Qiu Fang seemed to be supporting Lu Jingyu’s choice, Qi Qin grew anxious again.

Xie Qingling had offered up an entire case of potions. If she and Lu Jingyu truly drew a line between them, the loss to the Alliance would be far too great.

Even if Lu Jingyu’s attitude was resolute now and his mind couldn’t be easily changed, it was still better to buy some more time.

’Maybe if he thinks about it a little more, his mind will change!’

Anxiously, Qi Qin shot meaningful glances at Qiu Fang, but the latter continued to ignore him.

”No matter how you look at it, these are all your personal matters. Don’t let everyone stand around here and watch the drama.”

”The three of you involved should find some time to talk things out in private. Once you do, the matter will be settled.”

”As for everyone else out there, from this day forward, no one is to discuss this matter. Spreading baseless rumors that are nothing but personal speculation is strictly forbidden.”

”If any more gossip gets out, we will hold each and every person responsible.”

Qiu Fang finally finished speaking. With his hands behind his back, he smiled at the crowd.

But upon hearing his words, everyone’s mood shifted in different ways.

First was Lu Jingyu. The first few sentences had sounded rather reasonable, but who knew that by the end, it would sound like he was just trying to smooth things over without resolving anything.

Between the lines, he was telling him to resolve the matter in private later, which was just another delaying tactic.

Qi Qin finally breathed a sigh of relief, understanding that this was another one of Qiu Fang’s stalling tactics.

Lu Jingyu’s attitude was too firm. Since they couldn’t persuade him, they could only stall for time.

He inwardly cursed that old fox Qiu Fang for being so scheming, but there were still some things he couldn’t quite figure out.

Xu Qingsui studied Qiu Fang. This was the first time she had ever seen this Elder Qiu, and the first time she even knew such an elder existed.

He had a constant smile on his face and an amiable, friendly appearance, but for some reason, she had a naggingly uncomfortable feeling in her heart. She felt there was something fake about him.

Xie Qingling’s gaze never left Lu Jingyu from beginning to end. Her thoughts were a tangled mess, and she had no attention to spare for Qiu Fang.

The crowd outside didn’t dare to whisper among themselves anymore, but they were all more or less dissatisfied.

Such a juicy topic, and now they couldn’t talk about it anymore. What a shame.

Of everyone inside and out, besides Xie Qingling, only Xu Ruming had yet to look at Qiu Fang.

She kept her head down, as if afraid of being seen.

”Elder Qiu, there’s no need—”

”Jingyu, listen to me. Don’t give them any more of a show. Whatever you have to say, the three of you should sort it out in private.”

Lu Jingyu tried to speak again but was cut off by Qiu Fang.

”I know you’re not the type to drag things out, but matters of the heart are a tangled mess. So, I’ll make a decision for you. You’re always so devoted to the Alliance’s affairs that you don’t even have time to rest.”

”So, I’m giving you a few days off. First, to properly resolve this matter, and second, to relax a little. I heard you went berserk during the last two instances. Too much daily stress can be a factor that triggers it.”

”You should rest well for a few days and stabilize your emotions. Only then can you better lead your team members against the Mutants.”

Lu Jingyu’s pupils contracted. He realized Qiu Fang was making him suspend his duties in the Alliance, and his heart instantly tightened.

Looking at Qiu Fang’s perpetually smiling face, he thought to himself, ’So this was your goal all along.’

Lately, Mutants had been appearing more and more frequently, and their danger level was also increasing.

How could he rest easy being forced to stop participating in Alliance affairs at a time like this?

”Elder Qiu, I appreciate your kind intentions, but I can still handle it. There’s no need for a leave of absence. I will take care of my personal affairs, and I will also arrange Alliance matters properly.”

”Jingyu, I know you’re worried about the trivial matters in the Alliance, but there are so many people here, and so many from the younger generation. Have faith in them. They can handle those things.”

”Just consider this me pulling rank as an old man and exercising my authority as an elder one more time. I’m giving you a few days off, so just go get some proper rest!”

Qiu Fang’s resolute attitude finally made Lu Jingyu sense that something was amiss.

’It seems this was the real reason he showed his face today.’

Qi Qin’s expression changed as well. Some things he hadn’t been able to figure out before suddenly clicked into place.

”Alright, let’s leave this space to the young people! Let them handle their own affairs first.”

Perhaps afraid that something else might happen, Qiu Fang prepared to retreat as soon as he finished speaking.

Before leaving, he didn’t forget to call Qi Qin along.

”Old Qi, it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. Let’s walk together. We can catch up on the way.”

Qi Qin looked at Qiu Fang, seeming to want to say something but holding back. In the end, he shot Lu Jingyu a meaningful glance before leaving with Qiu Fang.

As the two of them left, Qiu Fang also dispersed the onlookers at the door. Xu Ruming took the opportunity to slip away as well, and in the end, only the three people at the center of the conflict remained in the entire meeting hall.

Xie Qingling continued to stare at Lu Jingyu without blinking.