The Huo Mansion was located mid-slope on Red Leaf Mountain, a vast estate that nearly encompassed half the mountain. A special cement road had been constructed from the mid-slope all the way to the mountain's base, flanked by trees brought from all around the world, grandly guarding both sides, exuding opulence.
A black Rolls-Royce Phantom stopped at the entrance where a beautiful woman and a middle-aged man alighted from the car.
"The young mistress has returned."
Seeing the woman, several bodyguards at the gate immediately shouted loudly.
Huo Yongshi furrowed her brows, a look of helplessness appeared on her face, "Why shout so loud? I wanted to surprise Grandfather."
Having said that, Huo Yongshi and Brother Zhong entered the villa.
An old man in a white Tai Chi outfit was already standing outside a villa. The old man was approximately seventy years old, with silver hair but a ruddy complexion, a joyful expression painted across his face. This old man was the helmsman of the Huo Family, Huo Jiaming.
"Grandfather, I'm back." Huo Yongshi cheerfully ran to the old man, all trace of haughtiness gone from her face, revealing a warm smile.
As she spoke, Huo Yongshi held onto Huo Jiaming's arm, acting coquettishly like a little girl would with an adult.
"You, you, you're such a big girl now, and still acting spoiled with Grandfather, not feeling shy at all." Huo Jiaming shook his head, but his face was still covered with an indulgent look.
Huo Yongshi said, "No matter how old I am, I'm still Grandfather's granddaughter. By the way, aren't Dad and Mom here?"
"Your dad and mom have gone to France for some business; they should be back in a couple of days. Grandfather is old now; it's time for them to take care of the family affairs. I just want to rest and enjoy my old age," Huo Jiaming explained.
Even though he said that, Huo Jiaming still held absolute power in the Huo Family, constantly controlling the lifeline of the family.
"But you're already grown up and still haven't found a partner. If you don't find one soon, I'm afraid Grandfather might not get to see you get married," Huo Jiaming suddenly said half-jokingly. Huo Yongshi blushed slightly upon hearing her grandfather's words, "Grandfather, you are supposed to live a long life, how could you not see me get married. Moreover, you know I'm planning to go to Harvard to pursue a dual PhD degree. I can consider marriage later. And as you know, finding a boyfriend isn't simple. Who knows where a man worthy of your granddaughter could be?"
"You, you, you've been eloquent since you were little, Grandfather has always said that about you," Huo Jiaming spoke as they walked into the villa's living room and sat down on the sofa.
"It's good for a girl to study, but it shouldn't delay her life's important events. I think that young man from the Li Family isn't bad; he's quite a figure in Ancient Capital circles," Huo Jiaming mentioned, his eyes gleaming as he looked at Huo Yongshi.
"Are you talking about Li Shujie? I don't like him," Huo Yongshi said, frowning.
Huo Jiaming responded, "The Li Family is well-matched with us, and in this circle in Ancient Capital, he's the only one that catches my eye. I heard he's already a Martial God Strong Person, and with the family's background, his future achievements will surely be substantial."
"What's so great about being a Martial God Strong Person? Being able to fight and kill is impressive? Even if humans are formidable, can they withstand modern high-tech weapons?" Huo Yongshi pouted, clearly already discerning her grandfather's abnormal behavior.
After finishing her words, Huo Yongshi stood up and said, "Grandfather, I'm quite tired from the flight, I'll head to my room to rest."
Watching Huo Yongshi run towards the upstairs room, Huo Jiaming shook his head helplessly, "In my lifetime, I've managed to control such a vast family fortune, but I simply can't handle my own granddaughter."
After Huo Jiaming finished speaking, the smile on his face completely faded, replaced by a dignified appearance. His presence became deep and profound, commanding respect.
"Xiao Zhong, was there an unpleasant incident on your way here?" Huo Jiaming began.
Brother Zhong hesitated briefly before telling Huo Jiaming about the incident on the plane.
Huo Jiaming said, "Little Shi is my granddaughter. How could I not notice that she was a bit down? She's just hiding it; however, it's just a small matter, let's forget it."
"Also, arrange it for me; tomorrow, I have agreed to meet Minister Lou at Base 8, and Little Shi will come along with me," Huo Jiaming slowly said.
"Yes, sir. I'll make the arrangements immediately. Tonight, I'll have someone prepare some dishes that Miss likes," Brother Zhong said before leaving the mansion.
At this time, Lin Mo, Luo Yu, and Yingzi had also arrived in the Ancient Capital.
"Instructor Lin, the Security Bureau has arranged to test new equipment tomorrow, so tonight you can only stay in a hotel. We will head to the base tomorrow," Yu Luo spoke.
"No problem," Lin Mo nodded.
Lin Mo then decided to take Yingzi out for a walk around the Ancient Capital; this was his first visit here, having only stayed in the Imperial City before and never visiting the Ancient Capital.
It must be said that the Ancient Capital, whether in terms of economy, architecture, culture, or development, was of an exceptionally international standard.
The two visited some famous sites; Lin Mo also treated Yingzi to some local delicacies until night fell before returning to the hotel.
The next morning,
Luo Yu drove a black Audi A6 to pick them up to head to the base.
This car had a white license plate beginning with the character "Yan" and its windows were covered with various military passes, boasting more prestige than even a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Anyone in the know would automatically avoid this car, since anyone with a bit of common sense knew it was a high-level military official's car.
According to Luo Yu, the base was located behind the 8th Military District's station, heavily guarded. They would have to pass at least thirty roadblocks on the way, and they were continuously monitored by satellites. Only personnel from the Security Bureau could enter.
About an hour and a half later, Lin Mo and Yingzi finally arrived inside the base.
Luo Yu presented the pass, and the three of them walked in together.
The entire base was constructed using white steel bricks and equipped with every high-tech product imaginable; it had the feel of a sci-fi movie. Upon entering, an iris scan was mandatory, and there were tiny probes everywhere, even laser guns, to prevent others from intruding into the base. Walking inside, the base seemed a bit larger than imagined, divided into several floors, all built underground and equipped with various facilities, suggesting that people could live here for decades should the world end.
Inside the base.
Lin Mo tried to probe with his Divine Sense but furrowed his brows because he felt his Divine Sense was blocked by a Barrier, and it even carried a hint of hostility, resisting him. If it wasn't for Lin Mo's strong Divine Sense, he might have been hurt.
"It seems this base is not simple," Lin Mo thought inwardly.
As a Huaxia Security Bureau's equipment research base, the protection measures were very meticulous, and they even recruited Martial Artists, Superpower Users, and Magic Users, equipped with up-to-date scientific weapons, demonstrating truly impressive strength and resources.