Chapter 758: Evolution
Xue Ruqi’s composure began to fray. The first call he had taken during dinner at the Fool’s Residence had been from his wife. She informed him that the doctors were requesting a hospital transfer.
At first, Xue Ruqi thought it was a simple matter. He immediately made two calls to powerful local figures, confident he could handle it and take his daughter to the capital for further examination and treatment. Both contacts readily agreed.
But the following calls began to feel off. Soon after, he received a call from a high-ranking friend working in a national ministry. The message was delivered politely but unmistakably. Do not resist and cooperate fully with the government's upcoming arrangements.
In that moment, a deep shock gripped Xue Ruqi’s heart. The Mount Tai Meteor incident had indeed been strange and beyond explanation. Could it be that his daughter had accidentally become entangled in some kind of international affair?
Subsequent phone calls all conveyed the same message as his government contact. Stand down and cooperate. That was when Xue Ruqi realized the situation had escalated far beyond his control. It had grown to a level even someone of his status could not interfere with.
This was the first time since he had built his empire from the ground up that he truly felt powerless. Even so, he had calmly returned to the private dining room, finished the meal with his teacher, Zhou Defeng, respectfully escorted him home and then had a frank conversation with Li Guorui. He did everything he believed needed to be done, with discipline and grace.
After all, even if his daughter had been caught up in something mysterious, he trusted the government wouldn’t act recklessly. Things would surely be sorted out with time.
Having weathered countless storms in business and politics, Xue Ruqi’s mental fortitude had long since become ironclad. But now, faced with several young men flashing National Security Bureau credentials, clearly prepared to escort him away, his instincts told him something was truly wrong.
"I want to make a phone call." Xue Ruqi hesitated for a moment, then asked, trying to keep his voice steady. He needed to verify their identities and more importantly, figure out what exactly was going on.
“Sorry.” The crew-cut man in the lead shook his head and refused. “According to protocol, you are not allowed to contact anyone at this time.”
“Can I at least speak with my wife and daughter?” asked Xue Ruqi, unwilling to give up so easily.
“No.” The answer came again, it was firm and final.