Forced to Marry a Female Billionaire CEO-Chapter 659: Bizarre

"Their idea is simple," Duan Zhuo'e said, coughing twice in embarrassment. "Ma Tong plans to make a fake Seasoned Envoy Pass and a Dragon Badge, then plant them in your clinic. When the time comes, they'll pretend to investigate you, 'discover' that you have the pass, and then logically proceed to the next task."

Upon hearing this, Xu Ke first froze, then laughed. "This Ma Tong is quite the character."

He had been worried that Xiang Hongyu might plan an actual investigation, wasting more of his time in Tianhai. He never expected them to take such an unconventional route.

Even if you don't actually have the pass, I'll make sure you do today.

"Yeah, I think so too," Duan Zhuo'e echoed weakly, unsure if he was being genuinely complimentary.

"Why is she so convinced I'm your mission target? What evidence could possibly give her that much confidence?"

Xu Ke was genuinely curious.

He acknowledged that Xiang Hongyu's analysis fit with Ki Qinyin's deeper strategic goals and also aligned with what he himself was seeking. Still, he found it unbelievable.

That woman came to such a firm conclusion just by thinking about it, and she's ready to execute it so resolutely, even to the point of framing me?

What was more, judging from what Duan Zhuo'e was saying, it seemed Bai Qian'er and Ma Lian had agreed as well. These geniuses from the Northern Dragon Guard's practical class didn't seem worried at all about botching the mission Ki Qinyin gave them.

He had to admit, faced with their reckless actions, he found it somewhat absurd. Yet, at this moment, he couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration. It's great to be young. To be young is to be impulsive and passionate.

Little did he know, Duan Zhuo'e cleared his throat twice, interrupting Xu Ke's thoughts. "Because they called Madame Yu. She told them yes, the Seasoned Envoy Pass is on you. As long as you admit it, we can proceed to the next task."

Xu Ke was speechless.

Damn it. How reckless!

That was the only thought in his mind.

"Why don't any of you play by the book?"

After a long silence, Xu Ke waved his hand. "Then what is the next task Madame Yu gave you?"

"To defeat you," said Duan Zhuo'e. "Either by ganging up on you or in one-on-one duels. The Madame's intention is that as long as we win, the mission is complete."

"Hmm..."

Hearing this, Xu Ke pondered for a moment and then nodded. "I understand."

It seems Ki Qinyin really has a lot of faith in me, Xu Ke thought. But that makes sense. She knows my former strength. If I were to lose to these five, all my years of cultivation would have truly gone to the dogs...

Seeing Xu Ke's silent expression, Duan Zhuo'e quickly added, "Uncle, I know that our real seasoning mission is supposed to be issued by you.

"Madame Yu once gave a direct order that any mission not issued by someone holding a Seasoned Envoy Pass doesn't count.

"So please don't be angry. The only reason Madame Yu claimed her instructions were the 'real mission' was because she felt Ma Tong's ideas were getting more and more outrageous. She was afraid of losing control of the situation, so she said that on purpose... If you wanted to, you could just show them the Seasoned Envoy Pass. Then we would naturally have to obey your orders."

Duan Zhuo'e was worried. He feared that after hearing all this, Xu Ke would think Ki Qinyin was playing a double game—promising him authority but secretly being unwilling to relinquish control. That kind of thinking could make Xu Ke lose faith in the Northern Dragon Guard, which was why he was explaining in such detail.

Xu Ke saw right through Duan Zhuo'e's intentions. I would never think that way, he thought to himself. In truth, I couldn't care less about the position of Seasoned Envoy.

But he still let out a laugh and said, "I understand. But how do you know so much about what Madame Yu is thinking? You understand her that well?"

"Because I called her," Duan Zhuo'e admitted. "I told her you were the real Seasoned Envoy and asked why she was overstepping her authority."

Xu Ke was immediately dumbfounded. "By making that call, didn't you just let Madame Yu know that you're aware of the truth?"

"Yeah."

"And she didn't ask how you knew my identity?"

"She did!"

"What did you say?"

"I said my uncle told me."

Xu Ke was even more stunned. How can he be so honest? Isn't that just announcing to Ki Qinyin, 'I, Duan Zhuo'e, am a cheater'?

Curiously, Xu Ke asked, "And she didn't punish you?"

"She did. The punishment... we can talk about that after I get back..." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

As Duan Zhuo'e said this, he finally showed a hint of embarrassment.

Xu Ke was silent.

Incredible. So this whole practical class is full of characters!

Xu Ke was stunned for a good while before he could finally squeeze out a question. "How did you dare?"

"I was too curious. I couldn't hold it in."

Xu Ke was at a loss for words again. Finally, his expression darkened. "Have you never heard the saying 'curiosity killed the cat'?"

"But I've never heard of it killing a person!" Duan Zhuo'e said with a grief-stricken look. "I have no idea what I'm in for when I get back..."

After saying this, Duan Zhuo'e just kept staring at Xu Ke.

Xu Ke was rendered speechless by him. Seeing Duan Zhuo'e's pitiful gaze, he couldn't help but say, "Don't look at me like that. I'm not going to plead for you."

Now I get it, Xu Ke realized. He's being so detailed because he's hoping I'll plead his case for him.

"I was just worried that the Madame overstepping her authority would affect your relationship with the Northern Dragon Guard! Uncle, please, just help me this once..." Duan Zhuo'e begged.

"Consider this a lesson. Don't feel the need to ask about everything, and don't go blabbing about everything you know."

"But Uncle, I did it for your own good..."

"Cut it out!"

Duan Zhuo'e stepped forward and grabbed Xu Ke's hand. "Uncle, just help me out this one time..."

"Get lost!"

Xu Ke shoved him away.

…

Watching Duan Zhuo'e leave with the Seasoned Envoy Pass, Xu Ke gazed at his retreating back, his expression turning solemn.

He had told Duan Zhuo'e to go back and confirm that the Seasoned Envoy Pass was indeed with him, and to arrange a match at Tianhai Gymnasium for the day after tomorrow.

The Tianhai Gymnasium was the same venue where the Martial Alliance selection competition had been held.

As for his identity as the Seasoned Envoy, he didn't mention a single word.

About half an hour later, Duan Zhuo'e returned with the pass and told him everything was settled.

Xu Ke nodded and sent Duan Zhuo'e on his way.

Once Duan Zhuo'e was far gone, Xu Ke stayed with Duan Chongfeng for another half hour.

He remained there until Duan Jia came in, bowed, and said, "Mister Xu, Fang Caizhe just left under the cover of darkness."

Hearing this, the corners of Xu Ke's mouth curved up. "I understand. Alright, you can go back. Thank you for your hard work."

"Not at all!"

Duan Jia departed.

"What are you scheming?" Duan Chongfeng asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Xu Ke gave a cryptic smile. "I'm preparing a comprehensive plan just for those five."

"Really?" Duan Chongfeng said, unconvinced.

But Xu Ke had already stood up to leave. "See you next time!"

Duan Chongfeng grew frantic and cursed, "Hey, hey, hey! Don't go! Finish what you were saying! You're a real bastard for leaving me hanging like this!"