"Not just any ordinary person? Who is he?"

The helmeted man continued to ask questions through his helmet in a processed electronic voice.

The woman projected on the screen responded, "Zhang Leiyuan, the head of the Zhang Group. He will be competing against the current Central China champion, Li Xingeng, in two days. He is a trainer with the same strength as the Chinese champion."

"So it's him. Since he wants to challenge Li Xingeng, to prove that they are not on the same side, can we win him over?"

The woman was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "Zhang Leiyuan is solely focused on the interests of the Zhang Group and is completely indifferent to everything else. Winning him over is extremely difficult. However, his championship match with Li Xingeng does give us an opportunity."

The helmeted man nodded thoughtfully. "You mean, we can start by considering his emphasis on the family's interests? And cooperate with them?"

"Cooperation? Of course it's impossible. We only need subordination, not equal partners. Surrender or annihilation." A hint of viciousness flashed in the eyes of the woman behind the curtain that no one else could see.

The helmeted man was confused and said, "Strong people are not so easy to restrain. How do you want to deal with this?"

This woman, who did not cover her voice, should be a young woman judging from the way she spoke, but there was a sinister feeling in her tone.

"It's just two simple steps. Suppose he defeats Li Xingeng, becomes the Chinese champion, and begins his political career. Then, can the video footage of this robbery serve as a stain on our ability to coerce him?"

The helmeted man responded, "You mean you want us to use the pressure of public opinion to coerce him."

"That's right. With the power of the internet these days, it's no longer possible to form an effective information cocoon to suppress speech. If the video goes viral, revealing the newly crowned Chinese champion is engaging in bandit-like activities, he'll naturally lose public support. Even if he becomes champion, his victory will be a hasty one."

The helmeted man gently stroked his chin and said, "That's a good point. But even if he doesn't become the champion, he's still the head of the Zhang family. Although he can't pursue a career in politics, managing the family well will allow him to protect his small piece of land. At the same time, he will also become an enemy of us. It's not wise to offend such a lion."

"Hehehe~" Hearing the words of the helmeted man, the woman in the screen projection let out a silver bell-like laugh, but it seemed so creepy in the silent meeting room.

"Zhang's next heir, his son, is only a 17-year-old rookie trainer this year. If we put him under house arrest, do you think a man who prioritizes the family's interests will remain indifferent? Then he will be at our mercy..."

The helmet could be heard and the whole person shook. This was indeed a feasible method, but the risk was too great. He was about to open his mouth to refute something.

The man sitting in the middle of the projection screen spoke. An encrypted electronic voice came, saying, "This method is feasible. Follow Xi's arrangements and do as Xi says."

The helmeted man immediately responded, "Yes, boss."

The woman known as "Xi" also responded excitedly, "I will definitely live up to your cultivation."

..............................

After two hours of traveling, it was already around 6 o'clock in the evening when Zhang Heng and his group's car finally drove slowly into their own manor.

The tall iron carved gate opened automatically to both sides, and the golden family emblem inlaid on the doorposts sparkled in the sunset.

As soon as you enter the manor, a wide asphalt road comes into view. Tall and straight plane trees are neatly arranged on both sides of the road, their lush branches and leaves intertwined, creating a natural green shade.

Walking along the road, there is an artificial lake not far away. On the large lawn beside the lake, several miniature pufferfish are happily jumping around, their tiny figures appearing and disappearing among the grass.

Nearby, Orinyu was swaying the leaves on his body, looking relaxed and contented. In the corner of the lawn, a Snorlax was lying comfortably, snoring loudly and soundly.

The car came to a steady stop in front of the manor's main residence. The main house was a building of unadorned elegance, with exquisitely carved stone flower pots placed on either side of the steps. The main building was likely a quadrangle courtyard with several entrances, its gray tiles and white walls, and the simple yet delicate carvings on the roof ridge, embodying a restrained elegance.

As soon as Zhang Heng and his father Zhang Leiyuan got out of the car, a creature with a head covered with leaves, a slender neck connected to a brown torso, and arms stretched out like branches. Several dark purple fruits hung between the trunks. The overall image was like an elf walking out of the forest, walking towards them quickly.

"Hehe~"

"It's Grandpa's Pokémon, Oliva."

Oliva is a normal Grass-type Pokémon that appeared in the ninth generation. Oliva has a gentle temperament and usually helps take care of the manor.

It shares nutritious and delicious fruits with weak Pokémon and is a Pokémon with healing abilities.

As he spoke, Oliva handed Zhang Heng a dark purple fruit. Zhang Heng took it with both hands and said with a smile, "Thank you, Oliva."

The last time Zhang Heng was at the lake island, he had eaten the banana from the neck of a tropical dragon. He wondered what Oliva’s fruit was like?

Just as Zhang Heng was about to take a bite of the fruit, his mother's voice rang out from the ancestral home, saying, "Xiao Heng, it's time to eat. Eat the fruit afterward."

As he spoke, Zhang Heng could already smell the aroma of food wafting from the house.

It turned out that Zhang Heng's mother Fu Yinghui had known that the father and son were coming back, and had carefully prepared the meal in the restaurant early.

Entering the main residence, the spacious hall is bathed in a dazzling light from a magnificent crystal chandelier, illuminating every corner. Walking up the stairs to the second floor, the dining room reveals a massive solid wood dining table, polished to a shine, laden with a sumptuous feast.

There are crispy grilled lamb chops with a fragrant aroma, as well as exquisite French foie gras. In addition, there are a variety of fresh seafood and refreshing vegetable salads.

Just then, an old man came down from upstairs, followed by a dark purple and white Pokémon with horns on both sides of its head pointing upwards, helping the old man down the stairs.

The old man in front of him was Zhang Heng's grandfather, Zhang Yuanke, a leading figure in the Chinese medical community. He was thin and over 72 years old. Although his back was no longer straight, he had a strong character.

The Pokémon standing next to him is a male love butler with Psychic and Normal attributes. He is also the butler who helps and takes care of things in the Zhang family's main house.

Zhang Heng immediately called out affectionately when he saw the person coming, "Grandpa, I'm back."

When Mr. Zhang heard Zhang Heng's call, he immediately smiled and replied, "Xiao Heng, I'm glad you're back."

However, as the old man's gaze shifted, after seeing Zhang Leiyuan, his brows frowned slightly, and a look of dissatisfaction appeared on his face.

"Lei Yuan, how can you take Heng Heng around?" Zhang Yuanke's voice was low and serious. "Xiao Heng isn't even a trainer yet. You'll delay him."

Zhang Leiyuan shrank his neck and said softly, "Dad, I know I was wrong. This time I mainly wanted to let Xiaoheng see more of the outside world."

Seeing this, Zhang Heng quickly walked over to his grandfather and said with a smile, "Grandpa, don't be angry. I learned a lot this time out, and I'm now a rookie trainer. My dad even gave me a Galactic Dragon."

As he was speaking, Swampert was seen holding the Alpharond's Pokémon egg and walking up to the cafeteria on the second floor step by step very carefully.

Zhang Heng pointed at the Swampert and said, "Grandpa, these are my companions, along with the Swampert and the unhatched Aluminum Dragon."

Zhang Heng's mother, standing nearby, also spoke up, "It's a shining swamp-skipper. It's so cute and pink."

Old Master Zhang's eyes were sharp as a torch. He looked at the Shining Swamp Leaper and, judging by its appearance, it was at least Champion-level. The Pokémon Egg wasn't bad either. He nodded in satisfaction.

Zhang Yuanke looked at the well-behaved Zhang Heng, and his expression relaxed a lot. He touched Zhang Heng's arm and said, "Let's go and eat."

The butler also prepared a dinner for the swamp-leaping fish.

The family gathered around the dining table, a warm atmosphere permeating the restaurant. Everyone savored the delicious meal while sharing daily stories. Laughter and joy echoed throughout the manor, and at this moment, they were immersed in this happy and wonderful time.

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