On his way back, Zhou Qin kept turning one question over in her mind: should she tell Li Yundong that her father had been reinstated?

This news would be like a strong dose of reassurance for Li Yundong and the others, allowing him to focus on other matters without the constant worry of being ambushed or struck from the shadows.

As the saying goes, it is easier to cultivate oneself within the confines of the Six Doors (official bureaucracy). With official backing, even the weakest sect would not be casually oppressed by others.

Li Yundong’s current predicament was this: he wasn't worried about trouble arising from the cultivation world, but rather the myriad ways his enemies might harass him through the mundane, secular world.

Zhou Qin knew her father’s temperament well. Although Zhou Keqiang was overbearing and rarely considered others’ feelings, he was fiercely protective of his own kin. Despite their frequent arguments, Zhou Keqiang loved his daughter deeply; Zhou Qin had no doubt about that.

Even if only for her sake, Zhou Keqiang would extend some protection to Li Yundong. With such a powerful backer, anyone considering causing trouble for Li Yundong in business or politics would have to think twice.

Yet, after much deliberation, Zhou Qin decided against telling Li Yundong, fearing it might look like she was seeking praise or showing off her influence.

As Zhou Qin hurried back, Ziyuan, who was in the shop, suddenly received a phone call. After hanging up, she gave Li Yundong a meaningful look, her face etched with confusion, before they moved to a corner to speak in hushed tones. "Li Yundong, I have some good news."

Li Yundong laughed. "Good news, yet you’re being so secretive! Say it out loud!"

Ziyuan shook her head. "No, this matter is a bit strange."

Li Yundong asked curiously, "What is it?"

Ziyuan whispered, "Remember how I told you someone was blocking us over the certificates and registered capital?"

Li Yundong's face darkened. "Don't tell me someone is causing trouble again?"

Ziyuan’s expression was odd. "No, the person from the Administration for Industry and Commerce just called me. They said all our paperwork has been approved, and the licenses are ready."

Li Yundong was speechless. "What happened?"

Ziyuan replied, "I don't know. They just called suddenly to say it was done. Last time I called, they were so evasive."

Li Yundong pondered for a moment. "Could another sect be helping us?"

Ziyuan managed a wry smile. "We only have enemies right now; where would we find friends?"

Li Yundong asked, "What about Du Fei? Could he have helped us?"

Ziyuan considered it, then shook her head. "If that's the case, we need to be even more wary. There’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world."

Li Yundong nodded. "You're right. I have no idea what's going on! But, overall, we no longer have any worries hanging over us. Our biggest concern is resolved, and we can finally go all out!"

Ziyuan smiled. "That’s certainly true."

Li Yundong called out loudly to the little foxes. "My little ones!"

The little foxes, busy with their tasks, all looked up, their faces smeared like little calico cats. They responded in unison, "We are here!"

Li Yundong chuckled heartily. "All our documents are ready, and there are no more lingering worries. Everyone can work without holding back!"

With that declaration, the shop erupted in cheers, and the little ones threw themselves back into their work with renewed vigor.

Li Yundong watched them with a smile. His gaze swept over and settled on Su Chan, who was pressed up against the opaque plastic sheeting covering the glass window, peering outside. Her little bottom was sticking out high, the tip perfectly round and plump, looking very tactile.

Li Yundong crept up quietly and delivered a sharp smack to the girl's backside. She yelped and jumped up, covering her bottom with both hands, resembling a startled little rabbit.

Li Yundong burst into triumphant laughter, as if he had accomplished something monumental.

Su Chan rubbed her bottom with an expression of mock indignation. She pouted, "Why did you hit me?"

Li Yundong grinned. "Why are you sticking your bottom out so high?"

The little girl instantly forgot about being hit; she grabbed Li Yundong and whispered conspiratorially, "Yundong, look, look quickly!"

Li Yundong leaned closer to the gap. He saw that Zhao Yougen's shop across the way had mimicked them, pasting opaque plastic sheeting over their windows too. Figures were moving inside, but he couldn't tell what they were doing.

Li Yundong straightened up, laughing