Wu Jingguo’s expression was extrely poor, and even his breathing had beco slightly rapid.
Having not felt genuine anger for quite so ti, he now wanted nothing more than to smash his fist into Liu Limin’s face.
For years, no one dared to speak to him in such a manner, let alone repeatedly bring up that past humiliation.
Even Wu Jingguo had thought he’d forgotten those past incidents, but when Liu Limin brought them up again and pressed the issue, he realized he wasn’t as calm as he appeared.
Deep inside, a fire from the past remained sealed within him. It was usually invisible, but once ignited, it was hard to suppress again.
"Huff..."
Wu Jingguo took a deep breath, his aged eyes fixated on Liu Limin not far away, and spoke deliberately, "Liu, I’ll tell you, you won against back then, true, but in my heart, I have never held an ounce of respect for you."
"You’re nothing but a despicable little man."
Hearing himself insulted, Liu Limin smiled rather than beca angry, and spoke indifferently, "Be it a noble or a petty man, I don’t care about your assessnt of ."
"You once showed kindness, but you’ve never grasped the crux of the issue. The reason I was chosen by the Imperial Capital is because I was compliant, whereas you were haughty, too proud to bow even to great figures."
"If I may be so blunt, with your temperant, even if you had gone to the Imperial Capital, you wouldn’t be sitting in my current position, let alone whether you’d even survive."
"Jingguo, let ask you, do you really think you could have lived so securely in Rakshasa all these years without my influence?"
"Not to ntion others, I fear Chen Shanhe would have devoured you long ago."
Everyone understands the adage, ’out of sight, out of mind.’ No matter how formidable Wu Jingguo once was, once he faded from the center of power, it was destined that his influence would wane.
The fact that he still resides in a peaceful estate, living like a wealthy man, owes much to Liu Limin’s doing.
After all, most of the big-shots knew about their relationship, and Liu Limin had expressed his respect and admiration for Wu Jingguo on many occasions.
Wu Jingguo was very angry and wanted to say sothing to rebut Liu Limin, but after thinking it over carefully, he found he didn’t really have anything to say.
What others said was true,
and he was very aware that his greatest source of anger stemd from Liu Limin hitting a nerve, which he didn’t want to admit.
"Huff..."
Wu Jingguo took another deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.
Scenes from the past floated through his mind.
Once, he was the top man in Rakshasa City, young and full of vigor. Everyone thought he would ascend to the Lingyun Pavilion in the Imperial Capital.
Back then, Wu Jingguo thought so too and was working hard towards that goal.
Unfortunately, along ca the brilliant detective, Liu Limin, who not only solved remarkable cases but also had high emotional intelligence and social skills, quickly becoming the head of Rakshasa City’s departnt.
At that ti, Liu Limin didn’t show any backing nor aggressive ambition, so Wu Jingguo trained him as his right-hand man, never considering him a rival.
After all, they were from two different systems and had no competition between them.
Yet, in Liu Limin’s third year as head of the departnt, a spot in the Lingyun Pavilion beca vacant, almost certainly slated to be filled from within Rakshasa City.
This was an enormous opportunity; passing through this gate ant soaring high, entering into Grand Xia’s pinnacle of power.
When the news reached Rakshasa City, almost everyone lanted Wu Jingguo’s luck, and many had even started to change how they addressed him privately.
Subordinates’ praise combined with Wu Jingguo’s own confidence made him truly believe he’d clinch the opportunity.
But when the results were announced, everyone was shocked.
The one transferred was not the widely-expected Wu Jingguo but Liu Limin, who, although sowhat conspicuous, had always been more subdued.
Because of this, Wu Jingguo suffered a great blow and beca a laughing stock to others.
They wouldn’t dare mock him to his face, but behind his back, they spared no effort in their jokes and slanders.
Gradually, Wu Jingguo’s own spirit deflated, and knowing promotion hopes were dashed, he then began using his position to solidify the unassailable Wu family and managed to remain in his leading role until retirent.
There’s no help for it; competition in officialdom is the fiercest at the top. Without others stepping down, there’s no chance for ascension.
"Enough..."
"Let bygones be bygones."
Wu Jingguo reopened his eyes, his expression sowhat softened, and said to Liu Limin, "Old man that I am, I don’t have many years left and don’t wish to dwell on the past."
"Liu Limin, I once showed you kindness, and you have looked after the Wu family these years. Let’s write off our past issues."
"However, if you want my help, then we need to talk terms, and that is that you continue to protect the Wu family after I’m gone."
Upon hearing this, Liu Limin was elated inside.
He nodded and agreed, "Jingguo, for you to think this way is indeed a great blessing for the Wu family. I can agree to these terms."
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