A Pure Relationship

Dr. Maya was a vital, irreplaceable researcher in the Extremis Virus project. Li Qi understood her importance deeply and resolved to keep her by his side no matter what and bring her into the Ten Rings.

Li Qi hesitated no longer. He slowly raised his head, looked toward Maya, who was eating with her head lowered and a slightly reserved expression, and decisively activated his mind-control ability.

In an instant, he successfully took control of Maya's consciousness, ensuring that she could devote herself wholeheartedly and without reservation to her research, thereby realizing her greatest value.

Dr. Maya instantly became Li Qi's most loyal subordinate and researcher.

Reading her memories, Li Qi was surprised to discover that when she had met Tony Stark several years earlier, they had merely spent the entire night discussing the future prospects of genetic technology in depth. Although they had drunk alcohol along the way, both had remained sober and had done nothing beyond the bounds of professional exchanges.

When he had previously subdued Tony as his puppet, Li Qi had confirmed this in Tony's memories as well, gaining a greater measure of approval and appreciation for Maya's purity.

After a moment's thought, Li Qi decided to first have an in-depth conversation with Maya and discuss the direction of Extremis Virus research in detail, so that she could devote her full efforts to advancing this crucial research within the Ten Rings.

Once controlled, Maya's eyes visibly held greater resolve and loyalty, blazing like burning flames. It was as though a magical key had unlocked the scientific thinking and imagination in her mind, stimulating them further, and for a researcher, this was undoubtedly the key to innovative breakthroughs.

At the dining table, no one else noticed anything unusual about Maya. In Li Qi's villa, everyone was rather cautious in word and deed. The atmosphere at the table was somewhat dull and oppressive, as though shrouded in an invisible membrane.

Li Qi cleared his throat twice and said gently, "Everyone, relax. Enjoy your meal and speak freely. There's no need to be so reserved."

Hearing the leader's words, Xu Wenwu, Xu Xialing, Maya, Daisy, and the others gradually began to chat.

Shang-Chi and his Asian girlfriend, Katy, continued bickering as they ate, occasionally showing off their affection. They added a touch of ease and cheer to the somewhat oppressive atmosphere, like a breath of fresh air flowing into a stuffy room.

Shang-Chi swallowed his food, turned his head slightly toward Xu Wenwu on his right, and said, "Since you've taken everything, there's nothing left for me to do here. Katy and I are going back to downtown Los Angeles tomorrow."

Hearing this, Katy lightly patted Shang-Chi's arm. She still wanted to stay at the villa, get to know the famous tycoon Tony Stark, and take part in more interesting social activities.

She had stayed up drinking with Tony late into the night yesterday and was full of anticipation for the rich and varied life at the villa.

Naturally, Shang-Chi would not give in to his girlfriend. He gently took Katy's hand in his left and gazed at her affectionately, his eyes filled with tenderness and resolve.

Moved by Shang-Chi's gaze, Katy nodded gently, a sweet smile touching her lips, and continued enjoying the food on the table.

The chef in the villa's kitchen was highly skilled. Katy thoroughly enjoyed the meal and occasionally fed Shang-Chi, their interactions brimming with sweetness.

Shang-Chi chewed helplessly and looked at his father again. Having received Li Qi's instructions, Xu Wenwu understood that the leader did not want Shang-Chi to join the team, so he went along with it and said

"Well, all right. Take care of yourself. I'll have my men bring you some money for living expenses in a little while. Don't work too late from now on. Buy Katy a house, and I'll give you some more spending money too."

Shang-Chi had intended to refuse, but Katy pinched his arm and happily thanked Xu Wenwu with narrowed eyes, joy sparkling in them. All of this had been arranged by Li Qi. He hoped Shang-Chi could live a stable, comfortable life, far from the dangers of fighting and killing.

Watching his girlfriend's actions, Shang-Chi shook his head helplessly, nodded slightly, and continued eating.

He looked up again at Xu Xialing, who sat to Li Qi's left. He had many things he wanted to say to his younger sister, to urge her not to get too close to their father, but with everyone present, he could only silently swallow his words.

Li Qi watched everyone's expressions and naturally understood what Shang-Chi was thinking. He did not care, however, because Xu Xialing was already firmly under his control, like a puppet pulled by strings.

The meal was reasonably pleasant. Afterward, Li Qi told Xu Wenwu to stay at the villa for the time being, and Xu Wenwu bowed respectfully, nodded, and agreed. After arranging rooms for Xu Wenwu and Xu Xialing, Li Qi returned to the master bedroom.

Ying Li hurried over to greet him and gently took his wrist. Her eyes brimmed with tender affection, like a pool of clear spring water, as she drew him gently into her arms and softly spoke of how much she had missed him.

The AI JARVIS had already informed Ying Li that her husband and children were all at the villa, but at that moment, her heart held only Li Qi, as though he were the only person left in the world.

Li Qi returned Ying Li's embrace. After speaking gently with her for a while, he brought up something he had been considering all along-restoring her magical abilities.

Ying Li came from Ta Lo Village and had once enjoyed the divine dragon's protection. She had possessed not only magic but also the skills of a martial arts master. After leaving Ta Lo Village, she had lost her magical enhancement, and her martial arts alone could hardly ensure her safety.

After communicating with his golden finger system, Li Qi discovered that he could temporarily grant Ying Li similar magical qigong abilities.

He gently released Ying Li, rubbed her face dotingly, and said tenderly, "Listen, I'm going to give you magical abilities again now. From now on, you'll work in security at the company with your daughter, all right?"

Ying Li had long since become obedient to Li Qi's every word. She nodded gently, her eyes filled with trust and dependence. Using his golden finger, Li Qi slowly infused her body with magical abilities similar to those she had possessed in Ta Lo Village.

Ying Li instantly felt herself grow stronger. Not only had her physical abilities improved significantly, but familiar magical power also surged within her. An ecstatic smile blossomed across her face, as though she had been reborn.