Chapter 149: We're Not Getting Any Younger!

Chapter 149: We're Not Getting Any Younger!

The arrival of Old Liu didn't surprise Su Ping in the slightest, even though he hadn't informed the other party. But it was in Old Liu's nature to show up unannounced, so it wasn't an unexpected occurrence.

However, what Old Liu didn't anticipate was that Su Ping's business partner turned out to be Dong Muchun.

"Old Liu, you should've told me you were coming. I would've come down to greet you," Su Ping said with a smile.

Old Liu waved his hand and, with great interest, glanced at Dong Muchun.

"I didn't expect that the production of Wolf Heart would involve Miss Dong's participation. I wonder if this is a collaboration between the Dong family and Tianyun Corporation, or..." Old Liu said, not even acknowledging Su Ping's greeting and directly addressing Dong Muchun.

Dong Muchun immediately understood Old Liu's intention and quickly replied, "Old Liu, this is a personal collaboration between me and Su Ping. It has nothing todo with the Dong family or Tianyun Corporation!"

Lin Lei, who had accompanied Liu Fu Hai upstairs, smiled and said, "On this matter, I can vouch for Miss Dong..."

Old Liu looked at Lin Lei in surprise, then nodded without saying another word.

Dong Muchun also realized what was going on and quickly said, "Old Liu, the ribbon-cutting ceremony is about to start. I'll go check on the preparations downstairs and excuse myself for now."

After Dong Muchun left, Liu Fu Hai finally turned to Su Ping.

"Xiao Ping, as your mentor, I must advise you to maintain some distance from the Dong family, especially from Dong Muchun. If it were just her, it might not be a big deal, but if it involves the internal affairs of the Dong family, it's best to stay clear."

Su Ping was taken aback and nodded slightly.

"The higher-ups are exerting tremendous pressure on these ancient beast taming families. You have a bright future ahead of you, and there's no need to get involved in the muddy waters of factional struggles!" Liu Fu Hai said with a meaningful smile.

Without waiting for Su Ping's response, he quickly changed the subject.

"I heard from Sun Chaorju that you inquired about Mu Yu's progress because of the difficulties with the Origami Man, right?"

Upon hearing this, Su Ping was slightly startled.

Damn it, Sun Chaorju is such a blabbermouth; he can't keep anything to himself!

Su Ping nodded and then shook his head.

"It's not that bad. I was just curious before, but there's been some progress with the Origami Man!"

"Oh?"

Compared to Sun Chaorju, Liu Fu Hai was more impressed by Su Ping's talent.

He narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Su Ping, I heard from Qin Erlong that your second companion beast is the Origami Man, right?"

"Yes, a mutated Origami Man," Su Ping confirmed.

"That's quite a bold move! Mu Yu made some mistakes due to the Origami Man, which allowed others to take advantage of him. Of course, it was also because of his lack of determination and his extreme admiration for that Undead Breeding Master," Old Liu sighed.

After a brief pause, Old Liu continued, "Mutated companion beasts are difficult to constrain using conventional evolution models. For all Undead Beast Tamers, the Origami Man is a disgrace to the Undead lineage. However, if your Origami Man is mutated, there might still be a chance for it to evolve!"

Undoubtedly, Old Liu had a lot to say on this matter.

Su Ping was immediately intrigued.

"How so?"

Currently, both of Su Ping's companion beasts were mutated: the Wood-Poison dual-attribute Lin Wolf and the Gold-attributed Origami Man.

It could be said that compared to regular companion beasts, his mutated beasts somewhat constrained his beast taming path.

Now that Liu Fu Hai was talking about the cultivation and evolution of mutated companion beasts, Su Ping's interest was piqued.

"Mutated companion beasts are extremely rare and are usually formed under specific conditions. Their mutated attributes and characteristics differ from those of other beasts.

Having an additional attribute means having another channel to explore! In what direction did your Origami Man mutate?"

"Erm, Gold attribute, and it has exceptional control over sword skills!" Su Ping quickly explained.

Liu Fu Hai nodded. "Do you remember what I told you in class? In theory, a companion beast's evolution has infinite possibilities; this is the rule of the beast taming world.

The essence of evolution occurs when a beast's corresponding abilities reach their peak and break free from their constraints, entering a new realm. So, if you want to explore this aspect, you can start with the Gold attribute or, more specifically, the so-called Sword attribute.

Gold attribute skills, resource cultivation, and sword skills are all potential directions. Of course, you'll need to personally experiment and carefully observe. Once you notice any changes or signs of progress, you must analyze whether to continue or stop..."

Liu Fu Hai patiently explained, even though he wasn't a specialist in Undead cultivation. As a senior breeder for many years, he had extensive knowledge in companion beast cultivation.

Even though Su Ping didn't choose another Wolf-type beast as his second contracted companion, which he found a bit regrettable, Liu Fu Hai would still assist him wholeheartedly in this aspect.

Within a short time, Su Ping's understanding of mutated companion beasts underwent a revolutionary change.

The value of mutated companion beasts was often even more significant than the assessment of their racial potential.

As Old Liu put it, it was a matter of 'high risk, high reward'! Indeed, any mutated companion beast represented a high return.

Their evolution was challenging to achieve, but once completed, almost every one of them was unique.

Moreover, the evolved forms were significantly stronger than regular evolved beasts.

This was why Su Anyong initially chose to obtain a mutated Poison-attributed Lin Wolf as Su Ping's first companion beast.

Subsequently, Su Ping sought help from Rong Qiu and the so-called Rong family to assist in the evolution and cultivation of Xiao Qing.

In the battles of beastmasters, mutated evolution bodies often serve as synonyms for various wondrous abilities.

Su Ping and Old Liu had a long chat, leaving Su Ping so disenchanted with this rundown place that he just wanted to rush back home and watch Qian Yi practice her sword skills or Xiao Qing tend to her crops.

Pet cultivation, compared to starting a company, was far more interesting with its social interactions.

Finally, as Su Ping was greedily absorbing knowledge like a sponge, the door was knocked.

"Su Ping, Teacher, it's time..."

"Alright, if there's time later, we can chat at the Beastmaster Association..."

Vice President Liu stood up and left with Su Ping.

As expected.

The stage was ready, and the host was already on stage, microphone in hand, giving a speech.

The seats were filled with row upon row of tightly packed figures.

On one side and behind the seats, various large and small media reporters were present, carrying long and short cameras, their eyes fixed on the host on stage but their attention drawn to the figures seated in the front row.

Including Li Shu and his son, Li Senlin.

"Wow, that's Queen Dong, right? Her aura is so powerful!"

Li Shu sighed beside him, but he was self-aware enough to know that even the so-called school flower, Yin Yin, was a distant figure to him.

For once, Li Senlin didn't retort his son's whispers. At this moment, sitting in the front row, even their backs were intimidating.

A lady in a milky white business suit with a sleek shoulder-length haircut sat in the center, the absolute focus of the crowd.

Li Senlin couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.

Who wouldn't want to be the center of attention everywhere they went? Unfortunately, some things couldn't be forced.

But soon, Li Shu whispered again:

"Hey, why is the seat to Queen Dong's right still empty?"

As expected, some people noticed this as well.

At this moment, all the seats marked with identities were filled, except for the two seats to Dong Mu Yun's right, which remained empty.

"I know, hehe, it's probably reserved for Dong Mu Tian, but I just saw him leave. I wonder what happened!"

"It doesn't seem like it. Everyone knows they're arch-rivals, right?"

"After all, they're siblings; they should at least keep up appearances, shouldn't they?"

People whispered, clearly discussing the two empty seats.

The host on stage continued reading the script, but it was clear no one was paying attention to them.

However, not far away, two figures descended from the company building and headed towards them.

Initially, these two figures didn't draw much attention.

One of them was too young, almost like an ungraduated student.

Such a figure naturally wouldn't attract the attention of most people; perhaps they were just staff members.

But at this moment, Dong Mu Yun, who had been sitting there all along, stood up. Under the spotlight and everyone's gaze, she approached the two figures walking towards them.

"Quickly take your seats; the ribbon-cutting ceremony is about to begin..."

Were these two seats for this old and young pair?

Everyone was slightly startled.

However, Li Shu, who had been chattering non-stop, blinked and didn't react until the two figures sat down, their backs facing him.

He looked at his father, who was adjusting the camera, and tugged at his sleeve.

"Dad, I think I saw Su Ping!"

"What? Who?"

Li Senlin turned to his son.

"I think I saw Su Ping! He's sitting next to Queen Dong..."

Li Senlin gave his foolish son a doubtful look. Had he pushed his son too hard, driving him crazy? He glanced at the figure's back, which indeed seemed like a young man.

But a young man is still a young man; this leap was too big! "This isn't a school reunion; what are you rambling about?"

"It's true!"

Li Shu suddenly became extremely excited, straining his neck to peek forward, but the journalists' positions on both sides made it impossible to see the front row's faces.

"Alright, the ribbon-cutting is about to start. After that, the journalists will ask questions, so you better behave."

Li Senlin was right.

After the host finished reading the script, he finally spoke:

"To celebrate the establishment of Pingyun Company, please welcome the company's General Manager, Miss Dong Mu Yun, shareholder Su Ping, Cultivation Master, and the Beastmaster Legion's Lin Lei, to join hands and cut the ribbon!"

Originally, only Su Ping and Dong Mu Yun were supposed to cut the ribbon.

However, after seeing Vice President Liu and Lin Lei arrive, Dong Mu Yun had a sudden thought.

When she invited them, neither of them refused.

It was just a ribbon-cutting, mainly to give Su Ping some face.

However, as these four names were announced, the venue fell silent.

Most people in the audience didn't know who Lin Lei was, but coming from the Beastmaster Legion, he was probably no ordinary figure.

As for Lin Lei, Su Ping might not know him, but how could they not know the Cultivation Master Association's President Liu?

This person had come?

Evidently, the two associations' leaders usually kept a low profile, and the earlier glimpse was too fleeting to recognize that the squinting old man was indeed the Cultivation Master Association's current leader, Vice President Liu?

This was a surprise to some.

While for others, it was the revelation of Su Ping's identity.

For instance, the few bank managers who had come with Dong Mu Yun.

It's clear that they already knew about the special relationship between Dong Muyun and the young man who had borrowed money from them. However, they never expected that the so-called Pingyun Company, which was established, would be in partnership with Su Ping.

The most remarkable sight, without a doubt, was the father and son duo standing nearby.

"Little Shu, did I hear that right?" Li Senlin's expression was filled with skepticism.

"You heard right! I'm telling you, I can't be wrong about this. It's not just anyone, but how could I possibly mistake Brother Ping?" Li Shu stared at the front desk in disbelief.

As expected, four figures rose from the first row and walked towards the podium.

The scissors, wrapped in red cloth, were held in the hands of the four individuals.

Among them was Su Ping, easily recognizable by Li Shu due to his signature 'Su Ping-style fake smile'.

Li Shu's eyes lit up with excitement.

This feeling, akin to 'encountering an old friend in a foreign land', made him feel quite peculiar.

However, compared to his own son, Li Senlin was more aware of what this represented and what had transpired.

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Even back then, Li Senlin had already realized that this young cultivator was not an ordinary one.

But he never imagined that in such a short time, this cultivator would be on the verge of becoming a dragon.

Li Senlin's gaze became complex.

Li Shu, however, had already regained his composure. Without a second thought, he took out his phone and snapped a photo of Su Ping and the others on stage, following the host's instructions.

He then sent the photo directly to the long-inactive classmate group chat.

Su Ping had already left the group chat after graduation, and the classmates had all gone their separate ways, rarely chatting.

Unsurprisingly, Li Shu's photo stood out as particularly jarring.

So, he added a sentence:

"Brother Ping looks so handsome!"

"Is that Su Ping? Are they having a ribbon-cutting ceremony? Are they opening a branch of their cultivation base?"

These words were spoken by none other than Yun Ying, the so-called school flower whom Li Shu had always been interested in.

At any other time, Li Shu would have responded with a witty remark.

But at this moment, as he stared at his phone, his brows furrowed slightly.

Opening a branch base? Why would they think that? Don't they know who those people on stage are?

If it's just a branch opening, why would there be such a big commotion?

For a moment, Li Shu found himself at a loss for words.

His message, however, attracted the attention of some of his classmates.

They had witnessed Su Ping's abilities before.

At this moment, most of them were full of praise, even Zhou Shuchen, who sent a message:

"Su Ping is indeed amazing. Perhaps he will become the pride of our Class 2, and we should learn from him!"

This posture was vastly different from a few months ago.

Evidently, a few months was enough time for this classmate to understand how the real world worked.

In the world of Beastmasters, the rules were entirely different from those at school.

He had experienced the harsh realities firsthand.

However, perhaps it was precisely because of this that Li Shu didn't know what to say.

He was about to help Su Ping show off to these former classmates.

Tell them that the elderly man standing by Su Ping with a warm smile was the vice-president of the Jianghai Beastmaster Association, and the woman beside him was the renowned Dong Queen of Jianghai Province.

Tell them that their former classmate was now capable of starting a company in collaboration with Dong Muyun!

But even if he told them that Dong Muyun was the vice-president of the Beastmaster Association, would they understand what that meant?

Perhaps the ultimate result would remain the same.

For most people, Su Ping from the past and the present were essentially the same - they were both incredibly capable.

Therefore, upon discovering this astonishing secret, Li Shu's initial excitement calmed down, and he found himself at a loss for words in the group chat.

He seemed to have somewhat understood some of Su Ping's feelings.

Sometimes, some things were just not worth the effort.

Li Shu suddenly realized a lot at this moment.

He somewhat understood why Su Ping had left the so-called classmate group very early on.

He also knew why, after returning from the Heart of Wood, his communication with Su Ping had become less frequent. The last time they chatted was over a month ago.

And even then, it was just a couple of meaningless words.

Originally, Li Shu was aware that he should, like the other classmates, search for his own path, even if it meant a mundane life.

But at this moment, something felt different.

Due to his father's unique profession, he seemed to have caught a glimpse of a completely different world.

"The establishment of Pingyun Company is primarily attributed to Su Cultivator, and I consider myself his employee..."

"Please don't listen to the nonsense of the esteemed guests. Aside from that, your presence here is not merely for my sake..."

"..."

Li Shu watched Su Ping on stage, and as Su Ping interacted with those around him, polite laughter filled the air. Li Shu's gaze became somewhat dazed.

Until Li Senlin, standing beside him, spoke to the photographer:

"Get ready, the media will be asking questions soon."

Li Senlin held up his press pass and informed the photographer.

The media's questions were mostly similar.

What does Pingyun Company produce?

How effective are their products?

What is the company's production capacity, and what are their future plans?

This is what the media does, and this is how they earn their keep.

If you were to invest in a pig farm that breeds and raises pet beast pigs, you could still ask questions like, "What kind of evolved creature can be bred to produce meat that is juicier and more delicious?"

In essence, it's just a promotional channel.

However, at this moment, Li Shu suddenly spoke up:

"Dad, can I go up there with you for the interview?"

Li Senlin gave his eldest son a suspicious look.

After sending the message, the young man stood there, deep in thought, not knowing what he was thinking about.

However, Li Senlin also knew what his son was thinking.

He pursed his lips and then clenched his teeth, saying, "Okay, but you should also know what kind of occasion this is. If you want to catch up with that person up there, you should also pick a good time!"

Li Shu, of course, knew that his father was using his entire career to help his son fulfill his wish. If something went wrong, even the editor-in-chief would be of no use.

For example, if this brat went up to ask Dong Muyun about Dong Mutian's matter and got kicked out, that would be the least of his worries.

"The ribbon-cutting ceremony is over, and journalists can now come up on stage for interviews."

At that moment, several local Jianghai media outlets had already gone up to the front.

They took turns asking questions in order.

"Ms. Dong, what made you choose to invest personally and cooperate with Su Ping to establish Pingyun Company?"

Dong Muyun smiled slightly and took the microphone, saying, "Of course, I have absolute confidence in our company's product. It's a product that transcends time, called 'Wolfheart'..."

As Dong Muyun introduced the product, exclamations of surprise echoed from the audience.

This time, it wasn't an act, but the real deal.

If Wolfheart's effects were truly that powerful, its future would indeed be infinitely bright.

Upon hearing that the Legion, various breeding bases, and even the Association had placed orders, everyone exchanged glances.

The next journalist stepped up: "Ms. Dong, Wolfheart is so amazing, but what is its pricing?"

"Hehe, this is indeed what everyone is concerned about. Before the launch, we conducted sufficient market research..."

One by one, the journalists who had prepared their questions in advance went on stage. Finally, it was Li Senlin's turn.

"Ms. Dong, Pingyun Company has only launched this one product so far. What will be the future positioning of Pingyun Company..."

"This..."

Su Ping had not been paying attention to the interviews. He was still chatting with Liu Fuhai on the side.

However, upon hearing this voice, he turned his head in surprise and saw Li Senlin, who was asking Dong Muyun a question but couldn't help glancing at Su Ping.

He and Li Senlin had only met once before.

Therefore, after thinking for a while, he finally remembered who this person was.

Facing Li Shu's surprised gaze, Li Senlin smiled at everyone and walked off the stage.

Then, to Su Ping's surprise, Li Shu actually walked up.

Even Dong Muyun was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting to have a journalist of such a young age.

Even the host beside them was surprised.

Li Shu didn't pay attention to these surprised gazes. He took the microphone and asked, "I'd like to ask Su Ping..."

Before he could finish his question, the host interrupted him, saying, "I'm sorry, this journalist, Su Ping is not available for interviews. If you have any questions, you can ask me or Manager Dong."

Su Ping smiled and waved at Li Shu, saying, "It's fine, let him speak."

Dong Muyun looked at him in surprise, and Li Shu smiled, taking a deep breath. He asked a question that was seemingly ordinary but made everyone in the audience relax: "Su Ping, you're so young yet have achieved so much. Do you have any experiences or words of advice for your peers or former classmates?"

Su Ping, on the other hand, was slightly taken aback. He had even prepared for this guy to ask some unreliable questions.

But to his surprise, when he thought the person was unreliable, the person suddenly became reliable? Perhaps this was also a form of unreliability?

The microphone was handed to Su Ping, who became slightly more serious this time. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I feel I'm not qualified to answer this question because, in my opinion, I'm just lucky. I don't deserve to stand on a high pedestal and point fingers at my peers.

However, if we're talking about experiences, I do have some insignificant ones. It's simply about striving hard.

If you want to become something, strive hard in that direction.

Of course, it's not about pouring chicken soup or insisting on making a name for yourself as a beastmaster or breeder. It's about asking yourself what you want to become and what you want to do.

If you want to do something, just go and do it because no future day will be more suitable than today. We won't be any younger than we are now."

The autumn sunlight at noon shone through the mottled yellow leaves, casting a warm glow on Su Ping's face.

Su Ping smiled lightly.

Li Shu seemed deep in thought, and the audience below clapped, some sincerely and some just for show.

Only Liu Fuhai clicked his tongue in admiration, saying, "The osmanthus fragrance..."

Old Liu scratched his head but couldn't come up with the second half of the sentence. He could only shake his head helplessly.

However, in the corner of his eye, he noticed Dong Muyun, who had lost her elegant posture and was staring intently at Su Ping with shining eyes.

Liu Fuhai smoothed out his frown lines, and at this moment, he suddenly felt that Qin Erlong's previous concerns weren't baseless.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end