463: Chapter 463: Picked Up an Ace 463: Chapter 463: Picked Up an Ace Watching the heavy words of Elder Zhang, an octogenarian, Tangyu couldn’t help but want to agree to take care of Zhang Xiaoxi, which didn’t seem like such a difficult thing to consent to.
As long as she could accept the fact that he had a girlfriend, he was willing to accept it himself.
However, in such a situation, how could Tangyu have the nerve to say it out loud?
So, all he could do was remain silent, listening to Elder Zhang’s sighs.
Tangyu could understand Elder Zhang’s feelings.
“Don’t worry, Grandpa Zhang, as long as I am in Donglin City for a day, I will never let them be bullied.” Tangyu also spoke with utmost earnestness.
He rarely made promises, but faced with Elder Zhang’s request, he still made such a vow.
A man doesn’t make promises lightly, but once he does, he will protect them with his life.
Tangyu never needed any reasons for his actions, relying solely on his own preferences and feelings.
If it felt right, he would not hesitate to go through fire and water.
If it felt wrong, even if it cost a billion, Tangyu wouldn’t give it a second glance.
It’s not to say he’s carefree, but at least that’s the real Tangyu.
Elder Zhang nodded, and finally, a trace of relief appeared on his face.
“Grandpa Zhang, what exactly is the use of this Founder’s Medal?” Tangyu still had to ask.
Although he could tell that this medallion must be very impressive—no, extremely impressive—he still didn’t know what it actually did, or in other words, what benefits he could gain from it.
That was what Tangyu was concerned about.
At the same time, Tangyu was also astonished, no wonder Zhang Xiaoxi’s family had added two more special agents and the security was so strict—it turns out the Zhang family had such a prestigious background, the descendants of founding contributors.
If you went back a few decades, the Zhang family would have undoubtedly been a powerful family in the whole of Huaxia Country, it’s just that they have fallen from their former glory now.
Even the current Zhang family could not be underestimated.
At least, their status still existed.
Elder Zhang smiled and said, “As for its use, well, it’s similar to the ancient Imperial Sword, I suppose.
Even if not quite as powerful, it’s not far off.”
With this description, Tangyu immediately understood and his face showed both surprise and delight.
“Can it be used to execute before reporting?” Tangyu asked, as this seemed to have the same authority as that of National Security.
“Yes.”
“Can it act as a Death Exemption Token?”
“Yes, but you can only use it once in your lifetime.”
Tangyu pouted a little, once in a lifetime was indeed a bit scarce, but it was acceptable.
Tangyu didn’t think he would need to use this feature.
“Besides the two functions you mentioned, there are a few more.
First: As a bearer of the Founder’s Medal, no matter what crime you commit, neither the police nor the army have the right to arrest you; only National Security is qualified to invite you—and it’s an invitation, not an arrest.
As the bearer of the Founder’s Medal, even if you commit a heinous crime, only the ruler of this country has the authority to punish you.
Of course, this is a potent effect, but I hope you never have to use it.
Another thing, as a bearer of the Founder’s Medal, you can make one wish to our country’s ruler, and as long as it’s not excessive, it will be granted, but you only get one chance.
Lastly, this medal cannot be transferred to anyone else.
That means once it’s in your hands, you will be its last holder, and it will disappear from this world with you.
Of the nine Guardian Medals, I guess only a few are left in this world, probably only two or three now,” Elder Zhang said.
Tangyu felt another surge of delight.
It was indeed an Imperial Sword; from now on, neither the police nor the military had the authority to bother him—essentially allowing him to behave with impunity.
It was, indeed, an ace up his sleeve.
“Of course, if you run into big trouble, you can also present the Founder’s Medal.
Generally speaking, others will give this medal some respect.
Additionally, this medal is under the protection of the ruler of this country; no one can harm its holder, or they will face punishment from National Security, without exception,” Elder Zhang said.
“Grandpa Zhang, what you’ve said is detailed enough, I understand,” said Tangyu with a smile.
Elder Zhang patted Tangyu heavily on the shoulder, his tone weighty, “Actually, if possible, I really hope you never have to use the Founder’s Medal in your lifetime.
It represents not just an identity, but also a past honor of the highest degree.
However, I believe you won’t use it lightly.
But I still need to remind you, unless absolutely necessary, the Founder’s Medal should not be used.
Our Huaxia Country hasn’t seen a Founder’s Medal for many years.
Once you use it, it will certainly attract great attention, and it may not necessarily be a good thing for you.
I trust your abilities, and you won’t easily resort to the Founder’s Medal.”
Tangyu nodded and said, “Don’t worry, Grandpa Zhang, I definitely won’t use it unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
“Well, old people do like to preach, just keep the Founder’s Medal safe,” Elder Zhang said.
In the living room, Zhang Xiaoxi and Zhang Xiaodong had endless things to talk about, as the two sisters hadn’t had such a happy conversation in over a decade.
The frozen heart of Zhang Xiaodong was also slowly thawing.
“Grandpa, are you done talking?” Zhang Xiaoxi looked towards Elder Zhang and Tangyu, who had returned after more than half an hour.
“Xiaoxi, why don’t you take Tangyu for a walk in the yard?” Elder Zhang suggested.
Zhang Xiaoxi immediately understood her grandfather’s intention and nodded, “Okay, I’m actually tired from sitting so long.
It’ll be good to move around.
Let’s go, Tangyu.
I’ll show you around our yard.”
Tangyu knew that Elder Zhang had something to discuss privately with Zhang Xiaodong, so he naturally obliged and followed Zhang Xiaoxi out.
The Zhang family’s yard was not small, well-maintained and tidy, with many flowers and plants and even a man-made pond stocked with plenty of fish.
Next to the pond was a stone bench and a large vine chair swing, which showed how much Zhang Xiaoxi enjoyed playing there.
Zhang Xiaoxi sat directly on the swing, looking at the pond with a sweet, happy smile spreading across her face.
Basking in the sun, she looked enchanting.
When a woman smiles, she really is captivating, and Tangyu was momentarily lost in her beauty.
“Tangyu, what are you staring at?
Come sit with me,” Zhang Xiaoxi looked at Tangyu and said.
“Okay.” Tangyu finally snapped out of it and joined her on the swing.
Both of them gently swung back and forth, feeling pretty good about it.
Zhang Xiaoxi gazed at the pond and said, “This pond is stocked with a lot of fish.
Grandpa really likes fishing here.
I remember when I was little, always swinging here with my sister, watching Grandpa fish.
Whenever Grandpa caught a big fish, we would clap our hands in joy.
Thinking back, it’s as vivid as if it happened yesterday.
I’ve been hoping all along for my sister’s sickness to get better so we could once again sit and swing here together, watching Grandpa fish, go shopping together, play together.
And now, after all that waiting, it’s finally become a reality.” Zhang Xiaoxi said, then turned her head to look at Tangyu, her eyes sparkling, “So Tangyu, I really am grateful to you, thank you for healing my sister and giving her a new lease on life.
You know, when I was talking earlier and said ‘even if—’ and didn’t finish my sentence, do you know what I wanted to say?”
Tangyu blinked and asked, “What did you want to say?”
Zhang Xiaoxi raised her head with a smile and said, “I wanted to say that even if you wanted me to pledge myself to you in exchange, I would be willing, as long as you could cure my sister’s illness.”
“…” Tangyu was suddenly stunned and felt his face turning red.
Is— Is this how bold girls are nowadays?
Is this another attempt at tempting him?
Tangyu was somewhat confused, Zhang Xiaoxi’s personality seemed entirely different from what he had first felt.
Back then, he had thought this girl would be cold and distant, the kind that keeps men at arm’s length and doesn’t like getting close to them, but it didn’t seem to be the case now.
They say girls change eighteen times as they grow up, but this was just a month.
“Hehe, what’s the matter?
I’m not even shy, so why are you?
You’re even blushing.
Could it be that, despite being so grown-up, no girl has ever confessed to you?” Zhang Xiaoxi said with a smile, watching Tangyu.
“I—I have a girlfriend,” Tangyu said.
Zhang Xiaoxi nodded, “I know, that’s why I didn’t finish my sentence just now.
Hehe, but it seems like if you didn’t have a girlfriend, you would actually consider accepting my offer, wouldn’t you?”
“Uh, that—” Could Tangyu say that even though he had a girlfriend, he would have liked to accept?
“Alright, I’ll stop teasing you, I didn’t expect such a big guy like you to be so shy.
I thought your skin was thicker,” Zhang Xiaoxi said.
“My skin has always been thin, okay?
And the impression you give me now is very different from the first time,” Tangyu complained.
Zhang Xiaoxi thought for a moment, then said, “The first time, did you think I was aloof and cool?
Hehe, actually, that’s normal.
I have that expression for any guy I don’t know; I just don’t want any guy getting close to me.
And at that time, I was in a bad mood, so you got that impression.
But really, I’m quite cheerful and lively, and it’s just that I seem unapproachable to people I’m not familiar with.
Anyone who’s my friend will tell you they had a very different impression of me initially; you’re not the first to say so.
But the first impression you gave me was also sleazy; I thought you were a womanizer like everyone else.
But now I realize—”
Tangyu pursed his lips and said, “Realize what, that you were wrong?
I’m actually very pure and honest, right?”
Zhang Xiaoxi shook her head, “No, I’ve realized now that you really are a pervert.”
“Uh—” Tangyu was instantly disheartened, how could this be the outcome?
It was such a blow.
“Hehe, okay, I was just kidding.
Actually, you’re not that bad.
At least, you’re better than other guys.
But I’ve heard that you’re quite close to many girls; your charm isn’t shallow,” Zhang Xiaoxi said with a smile.
Good fortune with women was something Tangyu had always been proud of: “It’s not bad.”
“However, honestly speaking, you’re quite charming as a man.
And quite capable too, it’s no wonder you have so many female confidantes,” Zhang Xiaoxi commented.
Tangyu quite enjoyed that compliment.
“By the way, Xiaoxi, your and your sister’s names are quite lovely.
One Xiaodong, one Xiaoxi.
But I feel Xiaodong sounds more like a boy’s name, right?” Tangyu suddenly asked.
Zhang Xiaoxi replied, “Not at all, originally my sister was called Xiaodong, as in winter ‘Dong.’ Then, after I was born, my sister changed it to ‘Dong’ as in ‘Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest,’ to match with me.
These are our nicknames; our real names are different.”
“Oh, is that so?
What are your real names?” Tangyu asked.
“Not telling you,” Zhang Xiaoxi said.
“…”