Chapter 55: I Have No Family

Gu Ruilong deliberately emphasized the words "top-tier genius." Although he did not state it bluntly, Li Chang'an could still detect a subtle, weaponized undertone of threat within his words.

Instantly, Li Chang'an’s impression of the man plummeted in a straight line.

Yet, adhering to the principle of not offending people for no good reason, Li Chang'an still clarified his reasons quite politely, explaining, "Young Master Gu thinks too highly of me. The compensation you offer is naturally excellent, but I have been accustomed to living in Linjiang since childhood and have no intention of developing my career elsewhere."

Hearing his response, Gu Ruilong narrowed his eyes slightly.

Fingering the emerald ring on his hand, he remained silent for a long time before suddenly rising to his feet and saying, "Very well, it seems I must return in defeat today. If you happen to change your mind sometime soon, you can still call me. I am a man who loves nothing more than rallying talent and treating scholars with courtesy."

After dropping those words, Gu Ruilong gave Li Chang'an a deep, lingering look, and without lingering any further, pushed open the door and walked straight out.

Once he had departed, Su Ruobing set down the contract in her hands and remarked casually, "Don't let his decent, gentlemanly appearance fool you. In truth, he is incredibly petty. I estimate he has already begun to harbor a grudge against you by now."

"I am generally not the type to harbor grudges," Li Chang'an gave a bitter smile, sighing, "Hearing you say that makes me wonder if I should strike first to gain the upper hand."

He believed he had been humble enough just now, yet he had somehow managed to offend Gu Ruilong anyway.

Thus, many times it was not that he sought out trouble, but rather that trouble found its way to his doorstep; in fact, the opposite was true: the less one wanted trouble, the more trouble loved to seek them out.

You don't harbor grudges because you usually settle them that very night, right?

Seeing that he was not only unfazed but actually seriously considering how to launch a preemptive strike, a flicker of surprise flashed across Su Ruobing’s face.

She had not expected this youth, who had only just become a Reincarnator, to possess such a decisive and ruthless mindset.

Then again, if not for this, how could he have achieved an S-grade reincarnation rating?

With these thoughts in mind, Su Ruobing nevertheless spoke up, "Let's put that aside for now. Gu Ruilong is a scion of the Imperial Capital's Gu family, backed by an immense family heritage, and he himself is a renowned genius in the capital, having become a permanent Reincarnator ahead of time at the age of sixteen... By now, his evolution tier is likely already at D-grade or even C-grade. To make an enemy of him with your current strength is simply too reckless."

Her voice paused for a moment before she continued earnestly, "This matter arose because of me, and it is truly my apology for dragging you into it. In a couple of days, I will have your family brought to the Reincarnator Association to be placed under protection. I will also speak to Gu Ruilong in advance. You need only focus on heading to your territory to take up your post with peace of mind."

Su Ruobing spoke very tactfully.

In reality, although the talent Li Chang'an displayed was astonishing enough, he was currently nothing more than a newly initiated Reincarnator.

To truly clash with Gu Ruilong, to put it politely, was an overestimation of his own abilities; to put it bluntly, it was seeking his own death.

Therefore, after some deliberation, she proactively proposed a series of solutions, prepared to utilize her own influence to shelter Li Chang'an.

Upon hearing this, Li Chang'an smiled, his face devoid of expression as he said, "I grew up in an orphanage. I have no family, and likewise, I have no weaknesses. Therefore, I believe Gu Ruilong needs to think