The Frail Guide Who Devoured an Entire Pollution Zone

Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Qiu Fang’s Character

As Meng Donghua spoke, his eyes shone with excitement. This was the first time anyone had seen him like this since the incident, a clear sign that the crisis had been significantly eased.

His worries apparently gone, Meng Donghua was in no rush to deliver the medicine and instead gave Lu Jingyu a gossipy look. ”Captain Lu, how did you convince Elder Chen to provide so many medical supplies? He didn’t try to attack you when you went to see him, did he?”

Lu Jingyu shot Meng Donghua a cold glare, and he immediately fell silent.

”Go tell Elder Chen we’ve gathered almost all the medical supplies. He doesn’t need to worry about it anymore.”

Not at all dejected that his curiosity went unsatisfied, Meng Donghua gave a cheerful assent and departed with the medical supplies.

”The supplies we have now probably aren’t enough, are they? Didn’t you say Chen Yunfei can’t use these standard supplies? Maybe we can accept Elder Chen’s help for now, solve the immediate problem, and then pay him back later.”

Xu Qingsui was still a little worried. She felt that rejecting Elder Chen’s kind offer so quickly was too risky.

Lu Jingyu looked at her and shook his head. ”Don’t worry. We still haven’t been to see Elder Qiu. Whatever supplies we’re short, he’ll make up the difference for us.”

Lu Jingyu spoke with absolute certainty, as if he had already received a definite answer from Qiu Fang.

”How can you be so sure? Aren’t you afraid he’ll kick you while you’re down?”

Lu Jingyu sneered. ”He won’t. Elder Qiu is a master of social politics. He wouldn’t ignore something like this, not for the sake of his own reputation. And when he does make a move, he’ll make sure it leaves him with a good name.”

Seeing Lu Jingyu’s conviction, Xu Qingsui said no more and went with him to Qiu Fang’s home.

A servant at the door had already received word from Qiu Fang and personally led the two of them inside.

”Jing Yu, what lucky wind blew you here today? This is the first time you’ve graced my doorstep, isn’t it?”

”If you ask me, you should visit me more often instead of that stubborn old goat, Mr. Chen. That whole affair wasn’t your fault to begin with. You shouldn’t let something that had nothing to do with you hold you back.”

Qiu Fang’s welcome was effusive, but his words betrayed that he was aware of Lu Jingyu’s recent whereabouts.

After he finished, Qiu Fang feigned surprise, as if only just noticing Xu Qingsui. ”Guide Xu is here too? Does that mean...”

Then, an expression of dawning realization spread across Qiu Fang’s face. ”Have you two finally confirmed your feelings for each other? Are you here to share the good news? In that case, let me be the first to congratulate you! But I must also offer a word of caution. Jing Yu, you must handle things properly with Guide Xie. Don’t let Guide Xu be wronged.”

Qiu Fang launched into a long monologue, giving neither of them a chance to speak.

And at his words, both of their expressions flickered.

”Elder Qiu, we haven’t come today to announce good news. But rest assured, when that day does come, I will be sure to inform you, no matter where you are.”

Qiu Fang’s words had already made Xu Qingsui’s cheeks burn, and she was shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

She hadn’t expected Lu Jingyu’s reply, which made her blush all the way to the tips of her ears.

She could feel the heat spreading up her face.

She stole a glance at Lu Jingyu and was surprised to see a hint of seriousness in his expression.

A strange feeling surged through her, and she quickly averted her gaze.

”So it’s not good news? Then what brings you here?” Qiu Fang asked, unfazed, his demeanor as smooth as ever.

”Elder Qiu, you must have already heard about what happened today. The infirmary is overflowing with patients, and medical resources are critically low. I’ve had to swallow my pride and come ask you for some supplies.”

At Lu Jingyu’s words, the smile that had been plastered on Qiu Fang’s face finally vanished.

”I have indeed heard about the situation outside. You didn’t need to ask. I’ve already had people start gathering supplies.”

”For years, you’ve been the primary provider of the Alliance’s medical supplies. I’ve always felt guilty about that. Now that such a serious incident has occurred, how could I possibly sit by and do nothing?”

”It’s quite a burden on you, isn’t it? Worrying about these matters even while you’re on leave. But you don’t need to concern yourself with what comes next. It will be handled.”

Even at a time like this, Qiu Fang brought up the leave, showing just how eager he was to snatch power from Lu Jingyu.

”With so many wounded lying in the infirmary, how could I possibly rest easy? Besides, if someone hadn’t deliberately orchestrated this, how could the situation have gotten this bad?”

Since Qiu Fang was no longer bothering with pretenses, Lu Jingyu cut to the chase as well, his words becoming barbs in their verbal sparring.

Qiu Fang smiled faintly. ”Jing Yu, I know you care about Alliance affairs, but how can you possibly manage everything by yourself? You need people to share the burden.”

”Although the cost today was high, the outcome was good. Captain Shen did, after all, lead his team to deal with the Mutants.”

By calling him ”Captain Shen,” Qiu Fang made his own position crystal clear.

”As for the casualties, that’s something no one wants to see, and it’s impossible to control. So you shouldn’t blame Captain Shen for it. Besides, it’s his first time leading a team—who can be expected to get everything perfect? Even experienced veterans make mistakes, don’t they?”

Qiu Fang beamed at Lu Jingyu, the target of his words perfectly clear.

Just moments ago, he had been feigning concern for Lu Jingyu, and now he was twisting the knife in his most painful wound. The man’s shamelessness knew no bounds.

Hearing Qiu Fang’s venomous words, Xu Qingsui forgot all about her shyness and spoke up. ”You’re certainly broad-minded, Elder Qiu. The infirmary is overflowing, yet you can speak so calmly. If you weren’t supposedly helping to gather supplies, I’d almost suspect you were just waiting to watch the drama unfold!”

”No, wait. A moment ago you said you felt guilty because Captain Lu has been providing the supplies all these years. But now you suddenly have the channels to procure them? Don’t tell me you were just paying lip service?”

No one had expected Xu Qingsui to suddenly interject, her words sharp and showing Elder Qiu absolutely no deference.

Qiu Fang’s face flushed red with anger. He wanted to erupt, but Xu Qingsui’s words had left him an out. If he lost his temper now, it would only prove she’d struck a nerve and he was lashing out.

He couldn’t show his hand just yet, so he had to swallow his anger and force a smile. ”Guide Xu, you certainly have a sharp tongue. Quite the joker!”

”The other elders and I built the Heiyu Alliance from the ground up. Our hearts are always with the Alliance, and this is the last thing any of us wanted to see. But what’s done is done, and I can only console myself with that thought.”

”Sigh! Let’s not dwell on it.” With a pained expression, Qiu Fang heaved a sigh. ”The supplies should be nearly ready. I’ll have someone send them over shortly.”

”Originally, I was thinking...”

”Elder Qiu, speaking of the other elders, there’s something I’d like to ask you. I hope you’ll give me a truthful answer!” Xu Qingsui, not about to back down, cut him off directly.