"Liu Clan, Liu Heguang, welcomes the Lu clan's descendant back to the country."
"Welcome Kassel College's Headmaster Hilbert Jean Angers and his students as guests of the Family."
Liu Heguang's voice wasn't loud, but it accurately reached everyone's ears across the space.
Lu Mingfei looked at the gentle smile on Liu Heguang's face, thinking about "the Lu clan's descendant."
"Lu Shanyan, your great-grandfather was once the Family's spokesperson," Angers said, standing behind Lu Mingfei, "He was also an old friend of mine."
Lu Mingfei turned to look at Angers, asking quietly, "Why are you only telling me now?"
"Because I didn't expect Liu Heguang to be the one to pick us up. This display is entirely for you; it shows no respect for Kassel College."
Angers glanced around; only two cars were parked behind Liu Heguang, with their windows half-down and empty inside. It seemed the Family did not welcome him.
"Me?"
"You," Angers said, "Lu Shanyan's descendant."
Lu Mingfei once again elevated his great-grandfather's status in his mind. Although he still didn't understand why, if his great-grandfather was so formidable, he still ended up being taken in by Kassel.
But this was not the place for prolonged thought.
From the moment they stepped off the gangway, Lu Mingfei and the two others had been observing Liu Heguang, and Liu Heguang, in turn, was observing Lu Mingfei, with a harmless smile.
The rain had stopped, and the sun pierced through the dark clouds, shining on Lu Mingfei's face, casting a faint golden glow on his black eyes.
When their eyes met, Liu Heguang saw the deeply hidden anomaly in those spirited eyes.
A dragon hidden in a deep pool...
"Tong Chen, go and greet them," Liu Heguang nodded slightly.
In just a few hours, Liu Tongchen had completely changed his view of Lu Mingfei. It wasn't that he had noticed anything himself, but rather that Liu Heguang had said so.
What his older brother said was enough.
In the past, no matter which hybrid organization in the world the Headmaster of Kassel College visited, he would be welcomed with open arms. If not with beautiful women throwing themselves at him, at least with luxury cars and fine wine, and he would be taken to the best local entertainment facilities the moment he landed.
But such treatment was impossible to enjoy right now.
The Family's attitude towards the Headmaster completely exceeded Lu Mingfei's expectations, so much so that when Liu Tongchen bypassed Angers and came directly to shake Lu Mingfei's hand, he hadn't yet come to his senses.
Liu Tongchen was momentarily stunned, seeing Lu Mingfei's gaze still on his brother. He had no choice but to call out.
"Liu Clan, Liu Tongchen, welcome home, Lu Mingfei."
Lu Mingfei came to his senses and shook Liu Tongchen's hand ceremoniously. During the handshake, Lu Mingfei took another look at Liu Tongchen and then moved aside, and Liu Tongchen then shook hands with Zero, who was behind Lu Mingfei.
"Kassel College, Zero."
"Liu Clan, Liu Tongchen."
After all this, Liu Tongchen stood beside Lu Mingfei without further movement. Liu Heguang then took a step forward.
"Headmaster of Kassel College, Mr. Hilbert Jean Angers, the Liu Clan of Guangwu greets you. Regarding the Kui Men Plan, the Family has prepared transportation for you. Please step into the car and proceed to the Family Council Hall."
One of his hands rested on the hilt of the sword at his waist, his tone calm.
Lu Mingfei looked straight at Liu Heguang, standing motionless beside Angers, observing the situation's development.
Liu Heguang's Mandarin was clear and precise, and he did not switch to English due to Angers' identity, which represented absolute sovereignty and confidence.
Even third-grade elementary students could speak a few words of English now, and he didn't believe that this apparent leader of the Liu Clan wouldn't know English.
"No need to be so formal, Liu Heguang. I remember you; our last conversation went smoothly, didn't it?" Angers said with a smile, "It seems you are the future spokesperson for the Liu Clan?"
"The Family sent Heguang to receive Mingfei, naturally because they value Heguang."
Liu Heguang smiled and nodded at Lu Mingfei, naturally calling him "Mingfei," as if he and Lu Mingfei weren't meeting for the first time but had been childhood friends.
"Mingfei, Liu Heguang."
"Liu Heguang, Lu Mingfei."
Angers followed Chinese tradition, introducing the two to each other.
"Nice to meet you."
Lu Mingfei shook Liu Heguang's hand. He noticed that Liu Heguang still wore that kind smile, the curve of his lips not wide, yet it made people feel incredibly comfortable, and a sense of trust naturally arose in his heart.
"The position of Family Head hasn't been decided, meaning the 'Liu-Li contention' is still ongoing?" Angers asked.
"Yes," Liu Heguang admitted openly.
"I heard about this three years ago, and it's still not over. It seems the competition is fierce," Angers glanced at Lu Mingfei beside him, "But it should be decided soon, right?"
"Very soon. Heguang is already preparing to propose marriage to the Li clan."
These were things Angers would be able to discern once he entered the Liu Clan. Rather than being secretive about these trivial matters, it was better to be open about them to improve the other party's goodwill.
Liu Heguang said frankly.
"You are very confident and very good. With you leading the Family for the next 50 years, it will surely flourish," Angers said.
"Mr. Angers knows a lot about the election process for the Family's spokesperson," Liu Heguang said.
"Just some idle talk with Shanyan many years ago," Angers said, "The Secret Party knows more, and there are Family students in the College."
"Sharing information, as it should be," Liu Heguang nodded lightly. "The elders have been waiting for Mr. Angers for a long time. You can rest assured leaving Mingfei with me."
"It seems the Family still has the same temperament after all these years. This time I have much more time than my last visit, so it seems we can have a good talk."
Angers stared intently into Liu Heguang's eyes for several seconds. After seeing the answer there, his expression slightly darkened.
"Under heaven, there is no land that is not the King's; within the four seas, there are no subjects who are not the King's servants." Liu Heguang met the eyes of this lion without backing down, his voice steady and composed, tinged with a hint of coldness, the curve of his lips slightly downturned, revealing a touch of authority.
Rules as hard as bronze and iron stood between their gazes.
"It seems the Family has indeed found a good successor."
Leaving that remark, Angers walked directly past Liu Heguang and got into his transportation.
Liu Heguang's hand, which had been gripping the hilt of the sword at his waist, finally relaxed. Cold sweat soaked his back, and when he clenched his fist again, it trembled slightly.
"Tong Chen, see the guests into the car."
Without Liu Tongchen's help, Lu Mingfei had already taken his and Zero's luggage and walked to the back of the only remaining black car, throwing the luggage onto it.
He understood in his heart that Liu Heguang had been at a disadvantage in this confrontation, and to prevent the other party from seeking petty revenge, it was best for him to be proactive.
Being observant and helpful was the best choice, especially since he was once again dependent on others.
Huh? Why did I say "once again"?
This scene felt somewhat familiar.
Lu Mingfei silently looked at Liu Heguang, who was still standing in place, and recalled Liu Heguang when they had just landed. He blurted out a random question.
"Um, do you know Fingel von Frings?"