Chapter 11

Lei Xiaogu: "You almost guessed it right, but you were still a bit off."

Lei Liya: "A bit off? Where did I go wrong?"

Lei Xiaogu: "You guessed correctly that he was grooming successors and that the children of martyrs were candidates for the position. But you didn't realize that this was also a smokescreen, just like I misled you with the truth earlier."

Lei Liya: "Misled? So the added children of martyrs were just a smokescreen, and he has another successor in mind? That doesn't make sense. It's just about taking on a final disciple; why would he be so cautious?" — feeling puzzled

Lei Xiaogu: "If the successor only inherited his life's knowledge, he wouldn't need to be so careful. But in reality, his final disciple not only inherits his unique skills but also the position of head of the supernatural department. No amount of caution is too much in this case."

I (voiceover): "The position of head of the supernatural department? The old man treats the supernatural department like his own family business?"

Lei Liya: "The position of head of the supernatural department? Impossible. If Gao Dun is gone, based on seniority and ability, Father is the only choice to be the head of the supernatural department. Moreover, Gao Dun's decision is clearly overstepping his authority, and the highest level of the organization—the [Nine Elders]—wouldn't agree to it."

Lei Xiaogu: "No, you're wrong. The [Nine Elders] know that after Gao Dun's death, I am the only candidate for the position of department head. They continue to indulge Gao Dun's overstepping decision, choosing the lesser of two evils." — in a helpless tone

Lei Liya: "They're afraid of you?"

Lei Xiaogu: "Yes, I've always done the dirty work for the organization, and I don't shy away from using any means necessary. They have always been wary of me. Besides, I now control the [Terrifying Shadows]. The [Nine Elders] would never entrust the two most powerful departments of the organization to one person unless absolutely necessary. At the same time, to prevent a new department head from being incompetent and causing irreparable damage to the organization, it's best to have Gao Dun help groom a successor they approve of. This way, even if Gao Dun survives by luck, the organization will have a young talent who can replace Gao Dun and balance the power between us two old men. It's a win-win situation."

Lei Liya: "So the choice of Gao Dun's final disciple was selected and recommended by the [Nine Elders]? That makes sense. Father's insight is much deeper than mine." — in admiration

Lei Xiaogu: "This is mainly because I have exclusive sources of information. Don't undervalue yourself."

Lei Liya: "Exclusive sources of information? Although it's impolite, I have to ask: are they reliable?"

Lei Xiaogu: "Very reliable. Jonathan told me, and he is my man." — took a sip of water

I (voiceover): "I didn't see that coming. Old scholar, you have a thing for this, huh? You and the bald guy have a thing going on."

Lei Xiaogu: "He is also Gao Dun's man and the [Nine Elders]' man." — continued

I (voiceover): "You need to fix that heavy breathing. And is the bald guy a socialite? Why are you leaving your mark everywhere in the organization?"

Lei Liya: "Jonathan is a double agent? (thinking for a moment) Yes, as an alien, he needs to place his bets on multiple sides to secure his position in the organization. This way, no matter who gains or loses power, he won't be in an irreparable situation. Hanging on one tree is the most foolish thing to do. So who is the real final disciple? Jonathan must have told Father, right?"

Lei Xiaogu: "You said it yourself, Jonathan places his bets on multiple sides. He wouldn't risk offending Gao Dun and the [Nine Elders] by hanging on my tree. The information he provides is always limited and leaves room for maneuver. We need to find the real final disciple ourselves. Do you have any ideas about this?"

Lei Liya: "The newly added children of martyrs provide a direction, which is their background. The children of martyrs and orphans listed in the draft of the production team could be the ones chosen by the organization, so we need to pay more attention to them. (searching for eligible candidates) Great, only two meet the criteria: the photographer, Peter, and the supporting actor, Robin."

Lei Xiaogu: "Peter's mother was a biological scientist in the supernatural department and died in a laboratory accident four years ago, which earned her the title of martyr. Peter himself was bitten by a radioactive spider that escaped from the experiment, giving him spider-like superpowers. He's a talent, and we need to pay attention to him. As for Robin, we can rule him out; he definitely isn't the one." — firmly

Lei Liya: "Why?"

Lei Xiaogu: "First, he is my student, and I know him well; he isn't part of the organization. Second, he is from the Yi ethnic group, and we don't know if he is really an orphan (he came from an orphanage), but his ID says so."

I (voiceover): "What kind of reason is that [second]?"

Lei Liya: "After all these years, the [glass ceiling] in the organization still can't be broken?" — in frustration

Lei Xiaogu: "There's no way around it. The supernatural department is a powerful department in the organization, not a ceremonial position like an honorary chairman or a powerless vice president. It must be held by Han Chinese. Every generation of ** chairmen, state chairmen, premiers, and military commanders has been Han Chinese. This is an unwritten rule. Compared to being from a minority ethnic group, your gender is no obstacle to your ambition. You should be grateful."

Lei Liya: "Indeed, I should be grateful. If I weren't your daughter, I wouldn't have risen so quickly." — self-deprecating

Lei Xiaogu: "… (suddenly inspired) You're right." — searching for new criteria on the computer

Lei Liya: "You're [right]? I didn't rely on your influence… Are you looking for the children of high-ranking officials?" — understanding Lei Xiaogu's meaning

Lei Xiaogu: "Yes… It's him—the legal advisor of the production team—Dent, a 19th-level official in the organization, former assistant prosecutor."

Lei Liya: "Which direct relative is a high-ranking official? Also from the prosecution?"

Lei Xiaogu: "No, not from the prosecution."

Lei Liya: "No? Then why…" — confused

Lei Xiaogu: "He has the surname Deng." — interrupting

I (voiceover): "He has the surname Deng? What kind of explanation is that?"

Lei Liya: "… A direct relative?" — surprised

Lei Xiaogu: "A distant relative." — frowning

Lei Liya: "That's good, they can still be moved in a pinch." — relieved

Lei Xiaogu: "Can be moved? What do you plan to do with them when the time comes?" — serious

Lei Liya: "When Gao Dun is dying and beyond saving in three years, create a situation that forces the [Nine Elders] to have no choice but to let Father take the position."

I (voiceover): "The saying [the most venomous heart is that of a woman] is indeed true. You're even more ruthless than your father. Can't you see that your father doesn't want to make a move?"