"Th-this... Mr. Fu Zhu, I'm afraid the regulations don't allow it..."
One of the Hounds stepped forward with a tearful expression. When he met Fu Zhu's sharp gaze, he immediately shrank back into the crowd.
Seeing that someone was trying to foil Fu Zhu's plan, Firefly immediately went to his side and whispered, "Fu Zhu, should I make a move?"
She could transform into Sam anyway. Sam was already a wanted criminal by The Company, so she didn't have to worry about getting another bounty.
"It's fine. I'll handle this myself."
Although Sam was a wanted criminal, if she made a move here, it would inevitably implicate the Astral Express. It was better to let Fu Zhu reason with them himself.
Fu Zhu stood up from the long bench, gave Chadwick a reassuring look, and then walked over to the Hounds. With his hands behind his back, he questioned them, "Not allowed by the regulations? Then let me ask you, what crime has Dr. Chadwick committed that requires him to be watched by you Hounds? As far as jurisdiction is concerned, Dr. Chadwick is not a member of The Family. If he has committed no crime, he should not be subjected to such unjust treatment, correct?"
With every sentence, Fu Zhu took a step forward. The Hounds, sweating profusely, took a uniform step back. If the man standing before them were just any Nameless, they could still parrot a few official lines. But the Fu Zhu standing before them was not just a simple Nameless!
The network of connections The Family knew he possessed was terrifying enough, not to mention they had learned that he had single-handedly repelled the Annihilation Gang's Lord Ravager, Phantylia. With such a powerhouse standing before them, exuding hostility, how could any of them dare to talk back?
Fu Zhu stared at the silent group of Hounds and sighed internally. He understood that these people were just grunts who couldn't possibly make a decision on this matter. Making things difficult for them would do him no good.
"Take me to the person who can make the decision on this matter. Otherwise, I'll just have to trouble you."
The Hounds shuddered, immediately standing at attention and half-turning to point the way for Fu Zhu.
"This way, please, Mr. Fu Zhu!"
It was better to pass this difficult matter up the chain. They only made a few credits a month; there was no need to risk their lives!
Seeing how sensible they were, Fu Zhu turned his head and gestured to Chadwick. "Let's go, Dr. Chadwick. It's time to get you some justice."
Chadwick stood up from the bench, trembling. Even now, he found it hard to believe that someone would actually dare to confront the two major powers of The Family and The Company for his sake. Although he was grateful, he couldn't just drag the oblivious Fu Zhu into this mess. He had to make everything clear.
"Mr. Fu Zhu, if you really go to them, there will be no turning back. I have nothing on me that's worth your trouble. My wisdom and skills have long been forgotten. I once drank a potion developed by another genius from the Genius Society. It has blocked all my knowledge and my ability to learn. I'm nothing more than a common old man you could find anywhere now."
"It's fine. I have my ways."
Seeing Fu Zhu's confidence, Chadwick didn't say any more. He just shook his head with a sigh and followed Fu Zhu and Firefly, leaving under the Hounds' guidance.
---o---
Before long, the Hounds led the trio to a massive villa and stopped.
One of the Hounds stepped out from the group and bowed respectfully to Fu Zhu.
"Mr. Fu Zhu, this is the villa where the Family Heads handle important matters. I have already informed Family Head Sunday on the way. He will handle your matter from here. Please, go in."
"Good."
Fu Zhu strode forward. Chadwick and Firefly quickly followed, and the three of them entered the luxurious villa together. The Hound who had spoken earlier hurried ahead to lead the way, finally stopping before an office. He pushed open the door and stood to the side.
"Please, the three of you."
Fu Zhu nodded and walked in first. Once inside, he saw Sunday, whom he had met a few times before, sitting in the head seat. The moment Sunday saw him enter, he rose from his chair to greet them.
"Mr. Fu Zhu, it's been a while. And to the other two, please, have a seat."
The trio nodded and sat down as requested, their gazes all focusing on Sunday. Sunday, in turn, sat down with a polite smile on his face.
"The Hounds have already informed me of the situation. Regarding the matter of Dr. Chadwick... I'm afraid I must apologize to you, Mr. Fu Zhu."
Hearing this, Chadwick's face immediately fell in dejection. But a moment later, he gave a self-deprecating smile. He had been too naive. The Company and The Family had held him captive for so long; how could they possibly let him go so easily?
Fu Zhu, on the other hand, had expected this response. After all, Chadwick was an undeniable genius. The benefits The Family and The Company could gain from him were immense. Why would they release him so easily?
He was here to negotiate, courtesy first, soldiers later. If Sunday had agreed right off the bat, Fu Zhu would have been worried that The Family had some greater scheme in mind.
"Since Mr. Sunday disagrees, then I'll have to just take him with me. Farewell."
With that, Fu Zhu stood up directly, prompting a confused Firefly and Chadwick to rise and follow him.
Sunday was stunned for a moment when Fu Zhu stood up. When he recovered, his face turned cold as he retorted, "Mr. Fu Zhu, are you really not worried about what will happen if you leave with Dr. Chadwick just like that?"
Fu Zhu turned around, leaning his hands on the table and smiling at Sunday. "Mr. Sunday, this matter involves not just me, The Family, and The Company, but also the Genius Society. Let's not even talk about whether I'll make a move. If Herta and Screwllum were to hear that a member of the Genius Society was being held captive in Penacony, what do you think they would think? What would the other geniuses think? Don't forget the saying, 'when the rabbit dies, the fox grieves,' Family Head Sunday."
Anyone who could become a Family Head was no fool. Sunday immediately understood the meaning behind Fu Zhu's words.
Although the geniuses of the Genius Society rarely interacted, they were, on the whole, on the same side. When they learned that a genius was imprisoned in Penacony, who could know if they themselves would be the next to be imprisoned elsewhere?
Sunday took a deep breath, then steepled his fingers, his expression serious as he looked at Fu Zhu.
"Mr. Fu Zhu, I completely agree with what you've said. There's no need for such hostility between us. I can even help you deal with The Company's side."
"Then what is the... price?" Fu Zhu knew there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.
"Help me, help The Family, drive out an unwelcome guest."
PS: sorry for the late update