Gu Ningzhi sighed softly in his heart. He understood Li You’s character well, and it was not out of the ordinary for him to do such things. If Li You hadn’t done so, Gu Ningzhi would instead suspect that Li You had been transmigrated like a novel character...

Just like how Su Jiameng always adhered to her principles in everything she did and was cautious with everyone, Li You also had his own boundaries.

As the saying goes, one must act according to their position. Li You was, after all, an Alliance Major General. Discovering someone with such strange behavior and not putting them under surveillance was already not an easy task. If Su Jiameng and Li You were to switch places, her actions would only be more reckless and direct.

"For the sake of our years of friendship and being classmates, keep any secrets you discover to yourself for now," Gu Ningzhi looked at the smiling faces of the students and murmured softly, "For certain reasons, I can’t tell you what I know. But I can say that her existence is quite special. For this somewhat turbulent Alliance, she is a sort of opportunity..."

Hearing the first part, Li You simply furrowed his brow and was about to retort, "You think too highly of yourself, stop being so narcissistic," when he heard Gu Ningzhi’s subsequent words and instantly displayed a somewhat awestruck expression, utterly incredulous!

Did Gu Ningzhi hit his head and become stupid, or was he completely swapped with someone else? How could he possibly elevate an ordinary... uh, perhaps somewhat secretive sixteen-year-old girl to such heights? An opportunity for the Alliance?

"I don’t feel that the Alliance is particularly turbulent..." Li You crossed his arms, his steps steady and consistent, "Gu Ningzhi, are you sure you’re not dreaming right now or haven’t woken up from last night’s dream?"

"Having been with the Expedition Army for so many years, it’s natural you can’t feel those subtle changes." Gu Ningzhi couldn’t help but shake his head. Though the Expedition Army held a significant proportion in the Military Department, they were often far from the Alliance, exploring or defending the borders. Because of this, Li You found it difficult to sense those nuanced changes. "The Alliance isn’t as peaceful as it appears, especially in recent decades..." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

At this point, Gu Ningzhi abruptly swallowed back his words. Here, at Xilena First Affiliated School, was not the place for discussing such weighty matters of reality. If overheard by someone with ulterior motives, it could cause big trouble.

Li You remained silent most of the time thereafter, occasionally showing a frown, seemingly contemplating something, with a bit of struggle. At the fork in the road, Gu Ningzhi reached into his pocket, took out a capsule, and handed it to him.

"What are you doing?" Li You’s expression remained calm, with only a trace of confusion in his eyes, "I don’t need it..."

"Take it for testing," Gu Ningzhi grasped his hand, pressing the capsule firmly into Li You’s palm, looking somewhat indifferent, "You’re quite a notable figure in the Alliance, aren’t you? If people find out you’re messing around with a few disreputable figures here, you’ll have to write a punishment review when you get back to the Expedition Army, right? Since you need to test it, you’ll need materials."

"And you?" Li You didn’t really want to take this kind of pill, as it seemed like an untraceable product to him!

"Come on, hardly anyone knows the Gu Family has three sons now, let alone the second son being named Gu Ningzhi. Even fewer know what Gu Ningzhi looks like, right? And with my current appearance, who would recognize me except for those really close to me?" When Gu Ningzhi was still with the Gu Family, he rarely attended public events, so very few people knew him.

Li You shifted his gaze casually to the capsule in his palm, thought for a moment, clasped his hands together, indicating acceptance, "I understand. When the results come out, if you’re interested, I can give you a copy. I guarantee no more than three people will know the result!"

Three people... Gu Ningzhi, Li You, and Li You’s friend involved in the testing. Gu Ningzhi ran these words through his mind, realizing Li You had agreed to help him keep it hidden, and couldn’t help but smile, "I’ll owe you for this favor."

"Be careful. Based on previous information, each of those escapees is not easy to deal with," Li You said as he turned to leave, "If Xilena’s former genius gets caught up in this group, it’ll be quite the joke."

Regarding Li You’s awkward concern, Gu Ningzhi could only feel sentimental. Back then, Little Squid was such a passionate and fiery youth; now he’s turned into a tsundere, awkward uncle... Gu Ningzhi unceremoniously scratched his ear, reflecting how time grinds away one’s sharp edges, especially the Expedition Army, which is like a hell; only fools want to stay there...