After lunch, the atmosphere in the Long Family residence shifted into a more formal tone.
Han Yue, Long Yi, Grandpa Long, Colonel Long, and Secretary Wen moved to the estate's private meeting room to hold a strategy session. Little Zhihan, still full from lunch and happily tired from the cruise, was left in the living room to play with the little bunny while watching cartoons. The maid thoughtfully prepared a plate of sliced fruit and a juice box for him.
Inside the meeting room, the air was calm but sharp. Tea and pastries were served. Han Yue casually sipped her drink, her eyes falling on Grandpa Long. She suddenly muttered in a soft, innocent voice:
"Sigh… what a poor grandpa, chained like a dog by his own son…"
The room fell silent. Even Secretary Wen's normally stoic face twitched slightly.
Long Yi cleared his throat with a small cough.
And then—
"That stinky boy! How dare he chain me?!" Grandpa Long shot up in outrage, his cane thudding against the floor. His white beard trembled with indignation. "Just wait until I teach that second son of mine a lesson—hmph!"
Colonel Long calmly intervened, "Father, calm down. We've already made preparations. He won't get the chance to pull anything again."
Long Yi nodded in agreement. "Don't let any of our moves reach that thing's ears. He's no longer worthy of the Long family name. Let him survive the apocalypse without the Dragon Ring or our support. Let's see if he still dares to raise his head."
Han Yue, enjoying the drama with the best seat in the house, casually reached for another slice of melon. Ah… family theatrics paired with fruit. Delicious.
After Grandpa Long huffed and puffed for a bit longer, Long Yi finally turned toward him with a smile. "Grandpa, this is Han Yue. You've seen her on livestream, but now you've officially met. Also—about your jade and antique collections—I brought them all back for her. She can have them."
Grandpa Long's expression instantly brightened. He straightened up with exaggerated dignity and cleared his throat.
"Ahem. Hello, little girl Yue. Just call me Grandpa from now on. If there's anything you want, just ask me."
(His face practically screamed: 'I'm rich. Ask me for the world.')
Han Yue grinned brightly. "Hello, Grandpa. Just call me Yueyue. And okay~ I'll take all your jade :3"
"Good!" Grandpa Long burst into laughter. "Take it all! I don't need it anymore anyway. I had ten rooms full of jade! But no worries, Long Yi brought everything back."
Everyone shared a relaxed laugh at the exchange. Grandpa Long's mood had completely recovered thanks to Yueyue's playful charm.
After tea and pastries, Secretary Wen straightened in his seat and began delivering reports in his usual crisp tone:
Shadow Guards: All units continue successful assignments. Suspicious activities from "above" are being monitored.
Han Yue's progress: Impressive. Stockpiling efforts remain unmatched.
Once the initial reports concluded, Grandpa Long shared an update of his own.
"All my remaining assets, estates, stocks, and shares are already in the process of being sold and liquidated. It should all be finalized within 2 to 4 days. As for my personal belongings and collections, Long Yi already gathered everything into his space."
Colonel Long followed with a serious report. "I've requested a transfer. I'll be stationed at the mountain region. It's where we plan to establish a secure military base. After subduing the spy inside our unit, I proceeded with the early arrest after verifying evidence. He's now under interrogation by General Wang Tianlei."
He continued, "The base is still under lockdown. Since one spy was found, higher-ups are conducting a full sweep for others. I don't need to be there—I was the lead investigator on the case. Now my priority is the mountain base."
He detailed his plan:
Renovate and expand the old training grounds into a new military base.
Allow soldiers' families and civilians to live there for protection.
Keep it mixed-use: military personnel, dependents, and, if ordered, selected survivors.
Secretary Wen interjected to clarify for the room.
"Currently, we're building two bases on the mountain, now officially named Hidden Dragon Peak:
One for Long Yi's personal operations.
One for Colonel Long's military base on the renovated training grounds.
Colonel Long requested the official transfer, and the government needed permission from the mountain's private owners. Thankfully, the commander handled it quietly. The Long Family agreed to host the military base, on the condition that only Colonel Long is to command it, and only military personnel are allowed to stay there."
"Construction is now in full swing," Secretary Wen concluded. "The military base will be positioned slightly away from our private bases, on the lower east side of the peak."
Everyone nodded.
"Good. Our people need a place to go when it all falls apart," Grandpa Long muttered, eyes heavy with experience.
Han Yue, thinking seriously, spoke next.
"Each base should aim for self-sustainability—independent farming, water collection, animal breeding, and underground storage. If food or water runs out, panic will start. Better to plan now than regret later."
Secretary Wen took notes immediately. "We've considered this, but thank you for the reminder. I'll instruct the teams to prioritize this phase next."
Han Yue added another idea:
"Let's build a market hub between the three bases. Like a stone or concrete bazaar. When the world falls apart, we can trade without exposing our bases directly. Survivors from the military base can go there too. We'll leave it looking abandoned until it's needed."
Colonel Long agreed. "That would make exchanging supplies and food easier. With no direct contact, we reduce risk."
Grandpa Long nodded. "It's a good solution. Very thoughtful."
Secretary Wen, still taking notes, added, "Yes. This would help avoid future conflict. Thank you, Miss Han Yue."
Long Yi simply smiled. Whatever Yueyue said, he would always support it.
The meeting continued until dinner was served. They ate together in good spirits before retiring to their rooms for the night.
Of course… Han Yue was summoned again to collect another round of goods.
She returned home at 10 PM, exhausted.
"So tired… being a female protagonist is hard work… Zzzzz…"
And with that, Han Yue finally collapsed into bed and slept soundly.