Would I, Su Qi, ever lie to you

The prompts in Su Qi's mind were like a broken record, frantically flashing across his mental screen.

He struggled to control the muscles in his face, refusing to let that smile show.

Acting was a delicate craft.

And playing the role of a noble, selfless patriot? That was next-level difficult.

Su Qi felt the corners of his mouth twitching from the strain.

Fortunately, Feng Xingxia's burst of emotion came and went quickly.

After all, he was a man who had weathered storms. His composure returned in no time, though his slightly reddened eyes still betrayed lingering emotion.

He released his grip on Su Qi's shoulder and walked back to his seat at the head of the table, his demeanor noticeably softer.

"Child, your sincerity has been received—by me, and by Great Xia."

Feng Xingxia's voice was steady again, but the admiration in it was unmistakable.

"However, I cannot agree to an unconditional handover."

"Great Xia has a saying from the pre-civilization era: 'Offer a peach, and receive a gem in return.'"

Huh?

Su Qi lifted his head, his face carefully arranged into a perfectly measured look of confusion.

The others in the conference room were equally stunned.

What kind of move was this?

The kid was willing to give it away for free, and the old man was refusing?

Feng Xingxia interlaced his fingers and rested them on the table, his gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"Great Xia has never shortchanged those who serve her!"

"Our endurance through the ages hasn’t relied solely on passion and sacrifice."

"If today we accept your selfless contribution, what happens tomorrow? Will everyone assume serving the nation means gaining nothing in return? Who, then, would strive for innovation? Over time, the very foundation of our nation would crumble!"

"This so-called 'unconditional surrender'—it’s a threat to Great Xia’s bedrock!"

The old man’s words struck like a hammer, resonating through the room.

The dean of the Magic Card Academy and the balding teacher—among others—snapped to understanding, their eyes brimming with newfound respect for Feng Xingxia.

Truly, the elder’s perspective was on another level.

"So, this X-class patent—you must file it. And that ten percent profit share? You will take it."

Feng Xingxia’s tone brooked no argument.

"This isn’t for you. It’s a precedent for every genius standing with Great Xia!"

"A message: your contributions will be seen, remembered, and rewarded beyond measure!"

Su Qi: "…"

Well, damn.

He saw it now—this old man was dead set on shoving wealth and glory into his arms.

He’d planned to refuse a couple more times, to fully cement his "humble, virtuous youth" persona.

But at this point? Any further refusal wouldn’t be modesty—it’d be sheer pretentiousness.

So Su Qi let his face twist into a show of "reluctance," pausing dramatically before nodding with grave resolve.

"…Alright. To refuse further would be disrespectful. I’ll follow your arrangements, Elder Feng."

Seeing his "grudging" acceptance, Feng Xingxia finally allowed a faint smile of satisfaction.

"Now that’s more like it."

He turned to the Magic Card Academy’s dean, his tone shifting to stern command.

"Dean Fang, your academy will oversee the follow-up procedures with the relevant departments."

"First: expedite the X-class patent registration and certification for Su Qi’s 'Sourceflow Construction Method.' Classify all materials as top-secret. If necessary—no, scratch that—you personally will ensure Su Qi’s safety."

"Yes! Mission guaranteed!" The dean shot to his feet, snapping a sharp salute.

"Second," Feng Xingxia continued, "the Magic Card Academy will pilot the method’s rollout."

"Form a dedicated teaching team with Su Qi as honorary advisor. And, uh—baldy—what was your name again?"

The balding teacher jolted upright, bowing so deeply his spine creaked.

"Reporting, Elder Feng! I’m Wu Gong!"

"Right. Wu Gong." Feng Xingxia nodded. "You uncovered this talent. That’s no small merit."

Su Qi: ???

Wait, what?

What did this baldy have to do with anything?

If not him, some other middle-parted schmuck would’ve been the messenger.

Had Su Qi known the old man had direct ties to the authorities, he’d have "accidentally" practiced in front of him sooner.

All this time, he’d assumed Feng Xingxia was linked to the Cardholders’ Association.

"You’ll oversee the teaching plan. Weren’t there a few reckless kids who already learned it prematurely?"

"Use them as test cases. Great Xia will allocate all necessary resources. One condition: I want tangible results within three months."

Wu Gong’s face flushed crimson with excitement, his voice trembling.

"Yes, Elder Feng! I won’t fail you!"

Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined a "mediocre" theory instructor like himself would helm a project capable of altering the nation’s destiny.

This was ancestral luck on steroids!

His gaze at Su Qi now held a near-fanatic reverence.

This wasn’t just a student—this was a legend in the making.

With the arrangements settled, Feng Xingxia refocused on Su Qi.

"Any objections, young Su?"

Su Qi kept up the act.

"Ah… none, really. Though the security detail seems excessive…"

Feng Xingxia nodded, then shook his head.

"Son, I know youth chafes at restrictions. But this is non-negotiable. Your worth now transcends the individual."

"Starting today, your safety is our priority."

He pulled a pure black card from his coat and handed it to Su Qi.

The material was cool to the touch, unadorned save for a single ancient "Xia" character traced in dark gold thread.

"A custom ID, authorized just for you. Within Great Xia’s borders, it grants access everywhere but a few restricted Source Realms. It’ll also smooth over… unnecessary complications."

"In emergencies, it can block a lethal strike and teleport you to my side."

Su Qi accepted the card.

He could sense it—this thin slip blended cardcrafting techniques yet surpassed their limits.

"And if some fool still dares cross you…"

"You youngsters love those viral short dramas, right? The ones where the protagonist smirks before dropping the mic?"

"Just smirk, flash this card, and watch the fireworks."

Finally, Su Qi’s mask cracked. Seizing the moment, he let his lips curl wildly.

Feng Xingxia didn’t overthink it, assuming his joke had lightened the mood.

"Alright, we’re done here." Feng Xingxia stood. "Dean Fang, Wu Gong—stay to finalize details."

"Su Qi, with me."

"Yes."

The two left the conference room, one following the other.

Only after the heavy door closed again did the oppressive atmosphere in the conference room instantly dissipate.

The balding man's legs gave out, and he collapsed back into his chair, gasping for breath as sweat poured down his forehead like it was free. Dean Fang, on the other hand, seemed to fare slightly better, merely loosening his tie.

The two exchanged a glance, each seeing unrestrained elation in the other's eyes.

The Magic Card Academy was about to soar!

Would they finally outshine the capital?

...

Stepping out of the building, the cool breeze swept away the stifling air inside.

Feng Xingxia didn’t have the black car wait for him. Instead, he walked side by side with Su Qi along the tree-lined path of the academy.

"So, how does it feel? Overnight, you’ve gone from an ordinary student to a national treasure under Great Xia’s protection."

There was a hint of teasing in Feng Xingxia’s voice.

"A bit troublesome," Su Qi answered honestly.

He had just wanted to skim a little profit.

Who knew even a watered-down version of his Great Xia reaction would cause such a stir?

Now, things had escalated into a full-blown spectacle.

Feng Xingxia was amused by his bluntness and couldn’t help but laugh heartily.

"You’re a straightforward one, kid."

Once his laughter faded, his expression turned serious again.

"Trouble is inevitable. But this is a responsibility you must bear."

"Su Qi, your Sourceflow Construction Method holds far greater value than you realize. It doesn’t just affect Great Xia’s future—it steps on the toes of certain... entities."

Feng Xingxia paused, gazing up at the horizon.

"I don’t know where you heard about the Abyss."

"But since you have..."

"You should understand that Great Xia is already standing on shaky ground."

"And then there are the ‘Descendants.’ They’re constantly trying to dismantle us from within. Your emergence is a wildcard to them—a threat they’ll want to eliminate at all costs."

Su Qi listened quietly, not interrupting.

This information was just as crucial to him.

"So, from now on, be careful in everything you do."

Feng Xingxia’s words were laden with gravity.

"I understand," Su Qi nodded.

"Good, that’s good." Feng Xingxia patted his shoulder approvingly. "Come on, I’ll walk you back."

...

The two walked in silence, one after the other, until they reached the mouth of the alley.

Feng Xingxia settled back into his rattan chair, closing his eyes to rest.

Just as Su Qi was about to push open the door and head upstairs, the old man’s voice suddenly spoke up.

Eyes still shut, as if murmuring in his sleep, he said:

"Remember—never let anyone see your full hand."

Su Qi turned his head slightly.

The old man continued, "The Sourceflow Construction Method you revealed is, in everyone’s eyes, your limit—the pinnacle of your life’s work."

"But only you know whether that’s truly everything you have."

"Hide your edge. Hide your secrets. Until you have the power to flip the board, play the role of the ‘genius youth’ everyone adores."

"That way, you’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble."

Su Qi’s mind stirred.

The old man was dropping him a hint.

He seemed to have sensed something, but he didn’t pry. Instead, he offered this lesson in survival.

Truly a man who’d lived over a century.

His understanding of human nature was even more profound than his Sourceflow Construction Method.

"I’ll remember that," Su Qi replied.

Only then did Feng Xingxia slowly open his eyes, a glimmer of amusement in his murky gaze.

"A teachable youth."

...

Su Qi climbed to the third floor, his steps light.

He fished out his keys, ready to unlock the door—

Click.

The door was yanked open from the inside.

A pouty face greeted him.

Liu Yuan stood there, hands on her hips, cheeks puffed up like an angry hamster, blocking the doorway.

"Su! Qi!"

She enunciated each syllable, her voice dripping with displeasure.

"You finally decided to come back?"

"Where were you? Gone all afternoon, not answering your phone! Do you have any idea how worried I was?"

Her barrage of questions hit him like rapid-fire.

Su Qi scratched his head helplessly.

Great. Just finished dealing with the old man, now here comes the little one.

One cared about the nation’s future; the other cared whether he’d make it home for dinner.

The contrast couldn’t be more striking.

"I’m back now, aren’t I?"

"I saw you leave with Grandpa Feng earlier! What were you two doing? Were you up to something dangerous again—?"

Her imagination had already conjured up a full-blown drama—a delinquent teen lured into shady dealings by a scheming old man.

Su Qi sidestepped into the apartment, closing the door behind him.

"Just school stuff. Feng Xingxia was just heading the same way."

He slipped into his slippers, brushing it off casually.

"What kind of school thing takes all afternoon? And why would an old man personally walk you home?" Liu Yuan wasn’t buying it, trailing after him like a persistent shadow.

Then, suddenly, his foolish little sister’s eyes reddened, her tone softening.

"Brother... I’m not trying to control you... You can go wherever you want..."

"But when I called... it said ‘out of service.’"

"I thought you’d gone into the Source Realm again..."

Seeing the worry and care written all over her face, Su Qi gave a half-truth.

"Why would I go to the Source Realm for no reason? This time, it’s because my grades were outstanding, and the school decided to award me a special scholarship. They’re setting up a research team and making me a consultant."

Liu Yuan tilted her head, her pretty eyes brimming with skepticism.

"You either sleep or skip class—I’ve seen it myself!"

Ahem. Su Qi cleared his throat.

"That’s called strategic rest. It optimizes mental creativity. And the results speak for themselves."

Watching him spin nonsense with a straight face, Liu Yuan burst out laughing—but quickly schooled her expression back into a scowl.

"Then where’s my milk tea?!"

Su Qi: "..."

Only then did he remember—he’d left to help his airheaded little sister retrieve her milk tea because the new delivery guy couldn’t find the alley.

Then...

Then Feng Xingxia had pulled him aside for a talk.

And since he happened to be holding a cup of milk tea... he’d absentmindedly drunk it.

But of course, Su Qi couldn’t admit that.

"Oh, the milk tea?"

"Feng Xingxia asked what it was. I told him it’s a youth drink—not his thing."

"He didn’t believe me and insisted on trying it."

"You know how old folks are—stubborn like kids sometimes."

Even his foolish little sister wasn’t that gullible.

But it didn’t matter.

Su Qi pulled back the curtain, pointing at the nearly empty cup still standing on the stone bench outside, with only dregs left at the bottom.

"See for yourself."

"Would I ever lie to you?"