Chapter 138: The Benefits of Power

Xiao Nuo puffed out his cheeks, his expression of worry showing no sign of fading. Seeing this, Qin Sheng suddenly remembered something, reached into her pocket, and placed a piece of candy in his palm.

Xiao Nuo was pleasantly surprised. He peeked at his palm and found it was a White Rabbit creamy candy. In his memory, he rarely ate sweets; the last time he had one was when the director of the orphanage had secretly slipped it into his hand.

"Big sister?"

Qin Sheng gave a faint smile and whispered, "Don't overthink it, little one. Just enjoy the candy."

Xiao Nuo froze for a moment, then nodded gently. He quietly unwrapped the candy and popped it into his mouth. The sweet flavor instantly filled his mouth, providing an invisible comfort to his heart.

Qin Sheng folded her arms and sat with her legs crossed, waiting quietly for the assembly to begin. Her gaze remained fixed on the tip of her raised foot, lost in thought. Suddenly, someone stood right where her gaze was directed.

Qin Sheng’s leg stopped swaying. She lowered her foot and looked up at the person standing before her.

"Captain Qin is quite relaxed, isn't she? It seems you don't even care how tarnished your reputation is becoming."

Hearing the grating voice, Qin Sheng scratched her ear with a look of annoyance. The person standing before her was none other than Guo Ting, someone Qin Sheng found incredibly tiresome.

Seeing that Qin Sheng wouldn't even deign to look at her, Guo Ting stomped her foot in anger and continued to taunt her relentlessly. "Captain Qin, you certainly have a high opinion of yourself, don't you? I’m talking to you, and you won't even acknowledge me."

Qin Sheng let out a soft scoff and finally looked up to give Guo Ting a direct gaze. Guo Ting thought she had finally gotten a reaction, but Qin Sheng's following words were so shocking they nearly made her cough up blood.

"Who are you? Are you worth me looking at?"

Every word from Qin Sheng was like a sharp blade slicing through Guo Ting, leaving her speechless with rage.

"You! Qin Sheng! Don't think you're so great just because you've become the Seventh Captain. You need to know whose safe zone this really is!" Guo Ting shouted, completely forgetting the gravity of her surroundings.

Her shouting drew the eyes of many nearby. The guards sitting around were all familiar with Guo Ting, the spoiled niece of Guo Jun, and had long since grown accustomed to her unreasonable outbursts. Usually, out of respect for Guo Jun’s power, everyone turned a blind eye. But at a time like this, wasn't her implication that the safe zone belonged to the Guo family?

The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, but the center of public opinion had shifted from Qin Sheng to Guo Ting. Seemingly oblivious to the gossip, Guo Ting assumed everyone was merely afraid of her uncle’s power and shouted even louder.

"Qin Sheng, what are you pretending for? The Chief Captain of this safe zone is my uncle. What kind of authority are you trying to flaunt as a lowly new captain?"

Qin Sheng sneered and said flatly, "So, are you saying the entire safe zone belongs to your Guo family?"

"Of course it does!"

Guo Ting spoke with pride, completely failing to notice the cold, stern gaze behind her.

"Chief! I hope you will properly investigate this Guo family. Since when has our people’s safe zone become the property of the Guos?!" Qin Sheng stood up abruptly, bowed slightly, and spoke with such righteousness that it seemed as if she were a hero embarking on a final, heroic mission.

Hearing Qin Sheng address the Chief, Guo Ting turned around in a panic, only to find herself face-to-face with the Chief, who had just arrived to discuss other matters with Qin Sheng.

"Chief?! I-I didn't mean that..."

The Chief was clearly furious. He had already been wary of Guo Jun's excessive influence in the safe zone, and now, with Guo Ting shouting in front of all the guards that the safe zone belonged to her family—a charge equivalent to treason in ancient times—the situation was dire.

"Presumptuous! What else do you have to say for yourself?! Guo Jun! Where is Guo Jun? Tell him to get over here immediately!"

The Chief looked around, and seeing that Guo Jun was not nearby, his voice grew even louder. It was clear that the Chief's anger was beyond what a simple apology from Guo Ting or her uncle could resolve.

"Chief, I..." Guo Ting, realizing she was in deep trouble, tried to plead her case, but the Chief had no interest in listening.

"Take her away to the Hall of Reflection to think over her actions!"

At the Chief’s command, his staff stepped forward and hauled Guo Ting away. Despite her desperate and unwilling attempts to argue, the Chief’s men were not to be trifled with; they simply carried her off.

Qin Sheng watched Guo Ting being dragged away, unable to utter a single word, and let out a cold snort.

The Chief was still fuming, so Qin Sheng quickly put on a sweet, obedient smile. "Chief, please don't be angry. With me here, I will surely help you deal with all these disloyal subjects."

The Chief felt slightly better upon hearing this. Qin Sheng signaled for someone to arrange a seat, and the Chief sat down beside her. In a matter of minutes, no one dared to whisper that Qin Sheng had attained her captaincy through backroom deals; it was obvious who her backer was now.

Many began to envy Qin Sheng. This was exactly the effect she wanted. Since bypassing the Chief was not feasible for now, it was better to align with him to resolve many issues—such as the rumors. People dared to gossip about Qin Sheng, but no one dared to gossip about the Chief. And the "Hall of Reflection" the Chief spoke of was no easy place to stay. Having a certain amount of power was indeed useful.

"Chief, Captain Guo has arrived," Xiao Li said from the side.

The Chief, who had just been cheered up by Qin Sheng, turned dark the moment he heard Guo Jun was here. "Send him over."

"Yes!"

Guo Jun was surprised to find the Chief sitting among the spectators. Only when he got closer did he realize that the person sitting next to the Chief was the very woman he hated to the bone: Qin Sheng. A bad premonition took hold of him, and he instinctively knew it had something to do with her.

"Chief, may I ask why you summoned me?" Guo Jun remained respectful; his power was still less than the Chief's, and he knew he had to play it safe in his presence.

"Guo Jun, I think you've become too comfortable in your position as Chief Captain. Have you forgotten why you were made captain in the first place?!"

The Chief was clearly incensed, as every word hit home. Guo Jun was bewildered, having no idea what had happened, but he answered honestly. "I became captain to protect the safe zone."

"So you do know!" The Chief was even more enraged. He pointed at Guo Jun and shouted, "Since you cannot manage your own people, I will do it for you!"

Qin Sheng watched with interest. Having grown used to seeing Guo Jun’s arrogant demeanor, seeing him suffer a quiet defeat today was quite amusing. Guo Jun glanced at Qin Sheng and, seeing the smile still lingering on her face, grew so angry he could barely breathe.

"I don't know who you mean by 'my people', Chief?"

"Naturally, I mean your niece. She has committed a grave error and has been sent to the Hall of Reflection. Once the assembly is over, you will take her back and discipline her properly!"

Upon hearing that Guo Ting had been sent to the Hall of Reflection, Guo Jun’s expression tightened. He loved his niece dearly, and he was certain this was all Qin Sheng’s doing. He glared at Qin Sheng with intense malice.

Qin Sheng didn't need to guess that Guo Jun blamed her for everything. However, she was not one to take things lying down, so she asked directly, "Captain Guo, why are you looking at me like that? Do you suspect I framed your niece?"

Guo Jun hadn't expected Qin Sheng to admit it so openly. Just as he was about to retort, the Chief spoke first.

"Why are you blaming Qin Sheng?! You know what kind of character your niece has, don't you?"

The Chief's words were blunt and stinging. Guo Jun could only lower his head in silence.

"That's enough. Get back to your post; the assembly is about to start." The Chief waved his hand, wanting to see no more of Guo Jun.

"Yes." Guo Jun had no choice but to tuck his tail between his legs and head to his own seat.

"Chief, please calm yourself. It’s not worth ruining your health over such matters." Qin Sheng didn't forget to fan the flames on the side. She found the drama highly entertaining, and now it was time for her to wrap it up.

The Chief waved his hand and shook his head helplessly, his brow furrowed. Seeing this, Xiao Li stepped forward to massage the Chief’s temples.

"It’s an old ailment. Whenever the Chief gets angry, he gets a headache," Xiao Li explained to Qin Sheng.

Qin Sheng nodded, then said, "I will send you some restorative medicine tomorrow. You can try it and see if it helps."

"Thank you for your trouble, Qin Sheng," the Chief said with a smile.

"It is my duty, Chief."

Qin Sheng had firmly solidified her image in the Chief's heart. Compared to the likes of Guo Jun, the Chief naturally preferred an obedient and thoughtful subordinate like Qin Sheng. Before long, he began offering to grant her a request.

"Really, Chief?"

"When has the Chief ever lied? Captain Qin, hurry and thank the Chief."

Qin Sheng feigned excitement and thanked him repeatedly. Her sweet talk and charm put the Chief in a much better mood.

"Same as before. Seeing you like this, it seems you've already decided?"

Qin Sheng shook her head, looking suddenly sentimental. "I was just thinking about it. The favor you've already granted me is more than enough to make me grateful."

"Just tell me."

"I would like my friends to join the Seventh Team."

"This..." The Chief looked hesitant.

"Chief, please rest assured. They are very capable, and I will definitely train them into a high-strength team that will satisfy you."

Seeing Qin Sheng’s confidence, the Chief finally relented.

"As you wish."

Qin Sheng’s eyes lit up instantly. "Thank you, Chief!"

The Chief smiled and shook his head, then walked up to the stage with Xiao Li to begin the assembly.