"Third Uncle, spit it out. All this tugging's not a good look," Lei Zhengyang said, exasperated by his uncle. A senior figure, yet in front of him, Lei Qiuping never acted the elder.
Grinning ingratiatingly, Lei Qiuping said, "Zhengyang, tomorrow's the big military showdown among the six academies. Third Uncle's begging you to join, boost the special forces' morale. They miss you, you know?"
Since returning from the Yilin Mountains, Lei Zhengyang hadn't set foot in the Fifth Academy. He'd sharpened the special forces, but the ambush there cost lives, leaving him with regrets. He'd avoided them since. Yet Lei Qiuping's plea left no room for refusal—as the academy's instructor, this contest carried his honor too.
"Zhengyang, your Third Aunt specifically asked for this, and I already promised her," Lei Qiuping added, smirking. "You can't say no, or where's my face?"
Typical—committing him first, asking later. Lei Zhengyang sighed. "Fine, I'll show up. Third Uncle, it's not for you—it's for my future Third Aunt, got it?"
Face or not, Lei Zhengyang's agreement was enough. Lei Qiuping beamed. "That's the spirit! With you there, the Fifth Academy's gonna steal the show tomorrow."
"Zhengyang, dinner's ready!" Xu Miaoli called from the hall, her tone sharp for Lei Qiuping. "Old Third, not hungry? Skip it then."
Lei Qiuping laughed. "Let's eat. Oh, Fourth Uncle's here too. Heard the navy's prepping for its year-end patrol. He's aiming to make waves."
Year-end was harvest time for the Leis, it seemed. Lei Zhengyang didn't care much for the fanfare—his Southern trip had netted Longteng's massive funds, transferred to his account. He'd entrusted them to Li Yuanfeng, Yangtian League's strategist, to manage its operations. Beyond the Leis' public clout, Lei Zhengyang wanted his own covert force. The family was mighty, but Yangtian League's role in the future would be crucial. He planned to focus on it, but Lei family affairs kept piling up, overwhelming him.
In the dining room, Fourth Uncle Lei Dongping was indeed there, buzzing with excitement. His fleet's new command program, after rigorous tests, had boosted attack power. He was primed for the upcoming patrol to make a global splash. Likely, he'd shared the news with Grandpa, explaining the old man's good mood. Spotting Lei Zhengyang, Lei Yunbao's stern face softened. "Zhengyang, sit by me."
Since Lei Zhengyang's year-long disappearance and return, his transformed character and contributions had earned Grandpa's favor—a natural outcome. The adults nodded approvingly, save for Lei Zhengchen, who looked faintly forlorn. Once, that affection was his.
As Lei Zhengyang sat, Lei Yunbao said, "Everyone's worked hard lately. I'm in a fine mood today. Let's raise a glass!"
Alcohol was rare at home, guarding Grandpa's health and curbing his old addiction. All four Lei brothers were boozehounds, Lei Qiuping the worst. With Grandpa's rare approval, even Lei Chunping agreed. The family had been tense, weighed by Grandpa's beastified warrior concerns. But, as Lei Zhengyang said, it wasn't one man's burden—it required the nation's might. After reflection, Grandpa's mindset had eased.
Lei Qiuping, quickest on the draw, grabbed two bottles of Maotai from the cabinet, grinning. "Dad, hoarding this fine stuff? Such a waste! I've eyed it forever. Don't skimp today. Zhengyang, you're drinking too—your tolerance is solid."
Xu Miaoli, unusually silent, turned to Lei Zhengchen. "Zhengchen, join in. It's a celebration. The Leis have had a joyful year, with more to come. Worth a toast."
Glasses filled, Lei Dongping raised his first. "Zhengyang, this one's to you. Honestly, I'm ashamed. I used to see you as the family's burden, gave you the cold shoulder. But your turnaround's warmed my heart. Forget the past—your program for my fleet? That's worth a drink."
An elder toasting a junior put Lei Zhengyang on the spot, but Lei Dongping downed his glass, leaving no room for refusal. Lei Zhengyang laughed. "Fourth Uncle, really? Just an excuse to drink? We're family—why so formal? I caused trouble before, and you all cleaned up my messes. I owe you thanks."
Lei Dongping stayed mum, but Lei Qiuping piped up. "Zhengyang, you're a man—quit yapping! Drink! No messy talk at the table—just chug. Say what you want, I'm watching. No escape."
Lei Zhengyang downed his glass, only for Lei Qiuping to pour another. Today, he was the star. Grandpa, perched at the head, didn't mind, chuckling as his sons and grandson bantered, reminiscing about his own lively drinking days.
"Hey, drinking without me? Not cool!" Lei Xiaping's voice boomed as he strode in. "Old Third, next time, tip me off, or I'll make you regret it." Without preamble, he sat and downed a glass, savoring it like a true connoisseur. Most officials loved their liquor, after all.
Lei Chunping laughed. "Old Second, your nose is a bloodhound's! Grandpa barely uncorks, and you're here. I'm impressed."
"No kidding," Lei Xiaping said. "Old Third's been eyeing these bottles. If I didn't watch him, he'd have swiped them. Gotta finish them today—who knows when we'll get another shot?"
With Lei Xiaping's arrival, the table erupted. Laughter and banter flowed, men's voices unending. Xu Miaoli, the dutiful sister-in-law, slipped away to order more dishes, letting the men drink heartily.
Even the reserved Lei Zhengchen was swept into the revelry, his face red as a monkey's rear by the end.
Blessed with Golden Dragon power, Lei Zhengyang metabolized alcohol effortlessly, staying sharp. Amid the jovial mood, he leaned to Grandpa, whispering, "Grandpa, my Southern trip was a jackpot. I found a superbrain developer. With this terminal, I can build a true AI. Once that's done, beastified warriors won't be a problem."
Lei Yunbao's eyes widened. "Zhengyang, for real? You've got a solution?"
Lei Zhengyang nodded. "It'll take time, but I'm on the path. Grandpa, until I perfect the superbrain to unlock human potential, this stays between us. It's bigger than X-material—I can't risk interference."
Lei Yunbao's brow furrowed, then he nodded. "I understand. Report superbrain matters directly to me. If you hit snags, I'll help. Don't tell your uncles yet—it's too critical. If we counter beastified warriors, the Leis will shine for a century. Absolute secrecy."
No fool, Lei Yunbao knew the nation's frantic search for solutions—beyond advanced weapons, nothing concrete had emerged. Lei Zhengyang's potential-unlocking approach, leveling humans with beastified warriors, could neutralize Western threats. The East would stand fearless.
Buoyed by the news, Lei Yunbao, barely drinking, glowed with excitement. He left early, ceding the rare moment to his sons. The four Lei brothers, fueled by 50-year-old Maotai, went wild for over two hours, collapsing in a drunken heap.
Even Lei Zhengchen, dazed, needed a servant's help to stumble out.
Xu Miaoli, exhausted from playing caretaker, sighed at the sprawled men. "These fools—liquor makes them reckless. But it's happy drinking. Hopefully, they'll sleep soundly tonight."