Five minutes to six in the afternoon, Ronan returned home without even changing clothes, then headed downstairs again and called out to Lady Luo Shuqing, who was sitting on the sofa with a frown as she monitored online public opinion:
"I have a gathering tonight. I'll be back late, and if it gets too late, I might stay out for the night."
"You're going out again right after getting back? Fine. Watch your safety."
"Listen to yourself, does that sound like something a person would say... Hey, I wasn't talking about you!"
Mo Peng had also just returned from school, but his timing in chiming in was terrible. He immediately drew a cold glare from his mother. Then, remembering that Old Man and his elder sister would both be out tonight, while Raven would not show herself either, he realized he would have to face Lady Luo Shuqing's overwhelming pressure alone. His courage at home promptly evaporated. He hurried up to Ronan with a smile.
"Why don't I come with you?"
"Sure."
"Hah... huh?"
"If you want to come, no problem. It's a gathering full of young people. There should be things to do."
Mo Peng swore he had only said it casually. Who would have thought Ronan would take him seriously?
"Uh, well, actually..."
Mo Peng was not stupid. He did not know what Ronan had been busy with lately, but he was certain it was something major. The Xia City government-recognized "High Authority Group" definitely had not earned its status by playing the victim—why else would Mom not ask a single question about Ronan going out, or even staying out overnight? She knew Ronan was doing serious business.
What would he be going along for? To act cute?
Mo Peng tried to shrink back, but Ronan threw an