The three of them instantly quietened down. Laura and Scarlet sat cross-legged on the bed with Wang Zhong, their faces still plastered with paper slips. Compared to the three of them, they were even more surprised to see the person outside the door. It was actually Carolyn?
Carolyn's expression didn't change as she maintained her usual smile. "Looks like you've recovered well. Excuse me, can I talk to Wang Zhong alone?"
Her indifferent tone carried a hint of dignity that couldn't be rejected.
Without talking about Scarlet, even Laura felt that she couldn't reject her. Perhaps she didn't feel anything when Carolyn wasn't targeting her. However, when they were in close proximity and had a direct conversation, the aura radiating from Carolyn was indeed something that ordinary people of the same age couldn't contend against.
Scarlet and Laura also knew that the matter between them wasn't something outsiders could talk about. After exchanging glances, they left together. There were some things that Wang Zhong could decide for himself.
"Congratulations, Wang Zhong." It was hard to tell how genuine Carolyn's smile was, but at least it gave off a feeling of sincerity. "Your results this time really made me have a whole new level of respect for you. You've really surprised me."
"Thank you." Wang Zhong smiled faintly. Giving a short reply wasn't usually the correct way to chat. Wang Zhong's tone seemed to be perfunctory, or perhaps he had taken the initiative to end the conversation. The atmosphere instantly froze, and the two of them didn't immediately speak. Instead, they sized each other up.
Lying on the sickbed, Wang Zhong still looked the same. Even though he couldn't move his body due to recuperation, his eyes always flashed with the colour of sunshine and vigor, making him appear full of energy. He didn't seem like a seriously injured patient at all. It was precisely this vigor that had attracted Carolyn back then.
On the other side, Carolyn was still as beautiful as ever. She had specially dressed up before coming over today, wearing a rather slim white dress. The skirt was adorned with diamonds that resembled stars, undoubtedly setting off her goddess-like temperament. Her current attire was clearly even more beautiful than when Wang Zhong had first met her in the training room.
However, the two of them discovered that they no longer had the same feelings as they did in the past. Wang Zhong didn't know what the other party was thinking, nor did he care about it. That's because, after experiencing it, he had discovered that Carolyn wasn't the type he liked.
Admittedly, one's appearance was the most important factor in attracting others. However, one's personality was the most important factor in getting along with someone. To him, Carolyn was too complicated. At the same time, Carolyn clearly didn't need someone like him.
Wang Zhong wanted to say something to break the awkward atmosphere. Originally, he believed that he would have many things to say to Carolyn if he were to face her again. However, at this moment, he suddenly discovered that he was simply unable to find anything to say.
It could not be said that he liked her, nor could he say that he hated her. It was just that he did not have any feelings for her. Furthermore, given her identity, it did not seem too appropriate for them to be friends. It could only be said that there was no knot in his heart, and they could face each other normally.
Since he was a guest, he couldn't just leave his guest here.
Carolyn smiled as she casually sat down on the sofa beside them. The awkward atmosphere seemed to have slightly dissipated as she asked, "What are your plans for the future?"
"Back to Tianjing," said Wang Zhong after thinking about it. "The first step should be to cast my Heroic Soul."
Carolyn nodded her head. "Have you considered any other options?"
There was some anticipation in her eyes as she looked towards Wang Zhong. This was the main reason why she had come here today. Clearly, she wasn't going to continue her relationship with Wang Zhong.
"After experiencing this CHF, you should know how helpful a family's influence is to one's growth. Once you reach the Heroic Soul Stage, resources and various opportunities will become even more important. Join the Stuart Family. I guarantee that you will become the number one person in the Federation. We can work together to create a new era!"
Carolyn was extremely direct with her words. There was no need to beat around the bush when it came to matters like this. At this moment, all the various factions were extremely interested in Wang Zhong. Regardless of goodwill or malice, the Stuart Family had to be the first to make their move.
Furthermore, from Divian's description of the situation, Wang Zhong wasn't the kind of person who couldn't let go. Therefore, Carolyn wasn't worried about this. Wang Zhong was an intelligent person who was also pursuing the pinnacle of martial arts. Regardless of how one looked at it, the Stuart Family was the best choice for him.
However, her unquestionable tone caused Wang Zhong to smile.
Frankly speaking, if it was before the CHF, Wang Zhong would definitely agree without any hesitation, even if he was just a so-called "hired thug". Love would always blind people, and first love would easily cause people to be confused. However, this CHF had allowed him to grow. Not only had he improved his strength, but his emotions and mental state had also improved.
All of the confusion he had felt in the past had already been cleared. Although the Heart's Eye could only allow him to see more clearly in combat, the improvement of his emotions and mental state had allowed him to see through even more matters and people.
What Carolyn had said was correct. Resources and conditions were indeed important for one's cultivation. Wang Zhong had also considered this before.
However, even if the past disputes between them were thrown out, he was just a tool in Carolyn's eyes. If he was useful, she would value him. Once he was useless, she would throw him away. This was Carolyn's nature.
Even if Carolyn didn't have such a utilitarian goal in her heart, Wang Zhong was probably just a toy that she found interesting. Humans might be able to change their external appearance due to the environment they were in. However, one's nature was deeply rooted in one's soul, and wasn't something that could be easily changed. Just like when Zhao Zimo had made things difficult for her, Carolyn hadn't even said a single word.
At that time, Carolyn had most likely assumed that Wang Zhong wouldn't be able to take this step. In fact, at that moment, even if Carolyn had casually said a sentence, regardless of whether it was useful or not, it would have been enough to show her innocence. However, it was a pity that she hadn't. This was also the reason why Wang Zhong could see through her the most.
The reason why she was standing here now was because he was useful to her. Their past relationship was just a bargaining chip, or even an excuse.
Moving words were probably what all aristocratic families and people of power loved to say. Painting a picture in the air and playing the emotional card were their usual methods. This was especially true for youngsters, as such things were exceptionally useful.
However, having experienced his first love and the CHF, Wang Zhong was no longer the hothead that would throw himself at a woman he had fallen in love with in the training room.
"I might not be too used to family life, and I'm more used to freedom. You should also know that my good friend Ma Dong is the successor of the Assassin Family. The Assassin Family will help me with some resources. Naturally, there's also the Potter Family."
Wang Zhong gave a faint smile. This wasn't a simple rejection, but an alternative. Only with such a clear attitude would the other party give up. He didn't want to get entangled with the Stuart Family.
"However, I still have to thank you." Pausing for a moment, Wang Zhong added. "Thank you for your invitation."
Regardless of anything, Carolyn wasn't suitable for him. Wang Zhong wasn't going to blame the heavens or others, nor would he bear a grudge against her. Since she had invited him politely, he naturally had to politely reject her. Regardless of the situation, this bit of elegance was still necessary.
Carolyn's expression changed slightly. She probably didn't expect Wang Zhong to reject her in such a straightforward manner. She had assumed that he would at least consider it. Even if he were to ridicule her, it would still be better than this indifferent attitude. At the very least, it would prove that Wang Zhong still cared about her. However, from the looks of it …
"I still hope that you'll seriously consider it. There are many things that you don't understand." Carolyn spoke in an indifferent tone, her expression not changing much. "What you can rely on can't be relied on. This world isn't like what you think it is."
Her tone had already turned somewhat stern. Regardless of what the Stuart Family did, it was extremely rare for them to be rejected. This was even more so for Carolyn.
However, the only response she received was a smile from Wang Zhong. "Perhaps. However, I want to live my own life."
The room turned silent once again.
Carolyn didn't say anything else.
Just like what she had said, there were too many things that Wang Zhong didn't understand about the cruelty of this world. He had overestimated himself.
There were many things that had already been arranged. Furthermore, the interest that the various families had towards Wang Zhong wasn't necessarily out of goodwill. In fact, even the Stuart Family had their own controversies about Wang Zhong.
That's right, he was the number one expert of the CHF, the number one expert, had defeated Mo Wen, had condensed his Dharma Idol while in the Casted Soul Stage … and so on and so forth. He had an extremely brilliant and dazzling resume, and was an existence akin to a god amongst the commoners. However, in the end, he was still a 'person'. Furthermore, he was a 'person' who had offended many people.
Even when the families wanted to recruit him, they had to balance the relationships between the various parties.
More importantly, other than the Mo Family, the other families didn't have much research on the so-called 'Great 5 Elements Constitution'. For example, the Stuart Family. If they really wanted to nurture Wang Zhong, they would definitely have to spend a lot of resources. Furthermore, it might not be truly effective. If they were to endure the pressure from various parties, endure the anger of all parties, and pay such a huge price, only to end up as an ordinary top-notch expert, it would truly be a loss that outweighs the gains.
This time, she didn't come here to beg Wang Zhong to join her family. Instead, she had used her influence in the family to give him a chance. However, if he didn't cherish it …
There wasn't much hesitation. On the contrary, it seemed to have given her a reason to extricate herself.
Carolyn shot a careful look at Wang Zhong, before standing up with a faint smile.
"Get well soon."
She turned around and walked out of the room.
She had come suddenly and left decisively.
At the instant she turned around, Carolyn's face no longer had the easygoing expression she had when she had entered. Instead, she had regained her usual arrogance and coldness. There wasn't a shred of emotion on her face, as though she had put an end to her past self.
It was time to draw a clear line between them. Very soon, Wang Zhong would understand that he was ultimately just a speck of dust in this world.
As the door was pulled open, the 'sneaky' Laura and Scarlet were instantly noticed by Carolyn. Frankly speaking, she felt some disdain towards Scarlet. Naturally, she wasn't targeting Scarlet, as she didn't have the qualifications to do so. Instead, she was looking down on Laura.
As a direct descendant of a great family, she had actually wasted her precious time in such a place, all for the sake of a man.
The Copperfield Family's decline wasn't something that happened overnight. Their undisciplined family style, lack of motivation, and overly idealistic pursuits would cause their demise sooner or later, removing them from the 10 Great Families.
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