Starting with the Decade Driver, Messing with School Beauty - Chapter 74 - Society Is Simple, but People Are Complex

“Hahaha! Minister Zhou, you’re too kind. My daughter is just a little girl; there’s nothing remarkable about her. How can she be compared to the trained soldiers under your command?”

Although he spoke modestly, Minister Zhou Weiguo could sense Li Mingwei’s radiant smile even through the screen.

“Mr. Li, I’d like to ask, is the Knight Drive that Li Ling’er and her friend use when they transform your latest technological development at Li Group? We’re very interested in the technology contained in these Knight Drives and wonder if we can collaborate to achieve mutual benefits.”

After saying all that, Minister Zhou Weiguo finally revealed his true purpose. The reason he had discussed these matters over the phone was primarily related to the zect belts and Zecters that Li Ling’er and Tian Mi used.

A Knight system like this, capable of enhancing combat abilities, could be a game-changer in dealing with ordinary monsters. If Dragon City’s defense base could develop a similar or related Knight system, it would significantly reduce casualties and increase mission success rates in battles against monsters.

This was an opportunity too good to miss, as long as one had common sense.

“Knight Drive? You mean the belts they use to transform, right? I’m sorry, Minister Zhou, but I’m afraid I can’t help you with this.”

“Why not, Mr. Li? Our Dragon City defense base has no ulterior motives in this matter. Please believe me. In a world constantly under threat from various monsters, the power of Kamen Riders is the only way to combat them. We urgently need this Knight system’s technology. I hope you…”

Minister Zhou Weiguo wanted to continue persuading Li Mingwei with reasoning, but Li Mingwei had a headache from what he was hearing and didn’t want to let him finish. He immediately interrupted and explained the reason.

“Minister Zhou, I also want to cooperate with you, but it’s not that I don’t want to collaborate; it’s just that we can’t. The items that Li Ling’er and her friend use to transform are not developed by Li Group; they are something inherent in their bodies. According to them, it’s due to their bloodline awakening, a transformation device that arises from within themselves.”

Li Mingwei didn’t know that Li Ling’er and Tian Mi had two belts. He thought that Minister Zhou Weiguo was referring to the AlteRings they used when transforming into Kamen Rider Agito.

Sometimes, having too many belts wasn’t a good thing. Without clarification, misunderstandings could easily occur.

Upon learning that these transformation devices awakened from their own bodies, not created through technology, Minister Zhou Weiguo was surprised.

“What? Transformation devices that awaken from within the body? What does 533 have to do with this? Do you…?”

He wanted to ask Li Mingwei if they possessed non-human bloodlines or if Li Ling’er was a hybrid of humans and monsters. However, he thought it might be impolite, so he stopped himself from asking.

“Minister Zhou, from what they say, it’s because we all have divine bloodlines in our bodies that we have the ability to transform into Kamen Riders. It seems to be called Kamen Rider Agito. This power is a gift from the gods to protect the world and humanity. My daughter has been using this power to fight against monsters that harm humans. Please don’t overthink it.”

Li Mingwei, a seasoned figure in the business world for decades, knew exactly what was going on in Minister Zhou Weiguo’s mind. If he let Minister Zhou believe that his daughter wasn’t human, it could be a threat to humanity. They might even start monitoring Li Ling’er. So he hurriedly explained, hoping to dispel some of Minister Zhou Weiguo’s doubts temporarily.

“Divine bloodlines? The power to protect humanity?”

Minister Zhou Weiguo felt like he was hearing a joke. However, considering Li Mingwei’s position and status, it was clear that he wasn’t a fool. Since he could say such things, there had to be some basis for it. It couldn’t just be baseless claims.

Minister Zhou Weiguo fell silent, wanting to hear Li Mingwei’s explanation.

“It’s like this, Minister Zhou.”

“According to what they say, there are powerful beings in this world known as gods.”

“One of them, named White God, has great affection for humanity and doesn’t want to see humanity perish.”

“So, he bestowed his own power upon humanity, allowing them to have the strength to fight against those monsters.”

“Those who receive the power from White God are known as Agito.”

“Every Agito has a chance to awaken their power and transform into true Kamen Rider Agito, but it’s not a 100% awakening. Only a small number of particularly exceptional individuals can awaken as true Kamen Rider Agito.”

“My daughter and her friend are both successful awakeners of Kamen Rider Agito. They are blessed by the gods, following the gods’ commands to protect humanity and fight against these monstrous threats.”

Li Mingwei painted a heroic picture of Li Ling’er and Tian Mi, describing Li Ling’er as a hero chosen like many heroes in superhero movies.

Although Minister Zhou Weiguo felt that Li Mingwei’s words were like fabrications, he couldn’t help but think that in a world filled with destructive monsters, having a few gods suddenly appear might not be such a big deal. These gods were willing to help humanity, bestowing them with power to combat the monsters. It seemed like a tremendous blessing.

“I see. So, Mr. Li, does that mean you can also transform into this so-called Kamen Rider Agito?”

“To be honest, although I’m much older than Li Ling’er, I might not have had the luck to awaken the power of Agito. I’m still just an ordinary person. In our family, only Li Ling’er has awakened the power of Agito.”

Li Mingwei also desired to transform into a Kamen Rider Agito, experiencing powers beyond humanity.

Unfortunately, luck and opportunity are not on my side; I can only cry in the bathroom.

“That’s true. If everyone could awaken as Agito, the world would probably be very different from what it is now.”

Minister Zhou Weiguo deeply understood this. If everyone in the world became Agito, it would be the monsters who should be trembling. Billions of Agito would be overwhelming. It would be enough to conquer the world.

Both of them were unaware that they were not discussing the same thing. However, they strangely found themselves on the same wavelength.

Li Mingwei’s misunderstanding saved Li Ling’er and Tian Mi from potential trouble. If Minister Zhou Weiguo had learned that they were not using Agito powers but something else, he might have insisted on obtaining the technology behind the belts for research.

“By the way, Minister Zhou, I have a matter to discuss with you. I wonder if it’s possible.”

“What’s the matter?”

Minister Zhou Weiguo’s alertness kicked in instinctively. Politicians and businessmen share the same nature; they both seek benefits. If Li Mingwei brought up something, it couldn’t be a simple matter.

Li Mingwei gathered his courage and said, “Actually, it’s not a big deal, mainly it’s my daughter. She mentioned for some reason that she hopes I can purchase some Knight Drives. The quantity doesn’t need to be too many, just one of each different type would suffice. It seems that doing this can help them enhance their combat abilities. I, as a father, will do my best to fulfill my daughter’s request. So, I wanted to discuss with you whether it’s possible for us to purchase some Knight Drives from you. As for the terms, whatever Minister Zhou suggests, I, Li, will do my utmost to fulfill.”

“It’s impossible, Mr. Li. This is absolutely impossible,” Minister Zhou Weiguo immediately rejected without thinking. The Knight Drive technology that each country possessed was a top-level, top-secret technology. Selling Knight Drives to outsiders might risk exposing their own technology.

Moreover, selling them one by one was no different from giving the technology away to Li Mingwei.

“Don’t be in a rush, Minister Zhou. Let’s discuss it. Everything is negotiable, right? We want to purchase these Knight Drives mainly for personal use. We don’t care about the technology or other aspects. If you’re concerned about technology leaking, you can rest assured; we won’t touch that part. Also…”

Li Mingwei talked for a while, and his points could be summarized into three:

1. They genuinely need these Knight Drives.
2. They won’t give these Knight Drives to anyone else and will keep them secure.
3. They won’t research the technology contained in the Knight Drives, and Li Group and their affiliated tech companies won’t get involved in it.

As a businessman, having thick skin is a primary condition. Whether Minister Zhou Weiguo would agree or not, they wanted to establish a good starting point for negotiations.

However, after Li Mingwei’s words, Minister Zhou Weiguo did feel a slight hesitation.

“Mr. Li, this matter can indeed be discussed, but I need to consult with others and can’t give you a response at the moment. How about this: I will hold a meeting with others tomorrow to discuss and see if we can create a win-win situation with Li Group. What do you think?”

“That would be great, Minister Zhou. We are fully dedicated to protecting Dragon Country and its civilians at Li Group, especially during these critical times. We have no ulterior motives. I hope you can trust our sincerity.”

Since learning that his family was favored by divine beings and possessed the power to protect humanity, Li Mingwei’s mindset had subtly elevated. He regarded it as Li Corporation’s duty to protect humanity and Dragon Country. Although he couldn’t transform into a Kamen Rider, he could contribute in other ways.

Minister Zhou Weiguo could sense the sincerity in Li Mingwei’s words. However, he didn’t provide an immediate response. He simply agreed and ended the call.

Li Mingwei didn’t rest at this point. He immediately called Li Ling’er.

At this moment, Li Ling’er, Tian Mi, and Qing Mu hadn’t gone to sleep and were playing video games.

Li Mingwei’s sudden call took Li Ling’er by surprise, but she couldn’t get angry with her own father. She answered the call.

“Hey, Dad, what’s up?”

“Ling’er, where are you guys right now? Why haven’t you come home yet?”

“We’re at the Azure Dragon Hotel. We’re not going home tonight; we’re staying here for the night and going back tomorrow.”

“I see. Ling’er, listen to me. Minister Zhou, the head of Dragon City Defense Base, called me a while ago and discussed something about you guys.”

Hearing this, Li Ling’er’s pupils dilated, and her voice unintentionally rose.

“What? Minister Zhou from Dragon City Defense Base called you? What’s it about?”

“Because of you three. Did you guys happen to eliminate a monster in the Azure Dragon Amusement Park tonight?”

Upon hearing this, Li Ling’er immediately felt relieved.

“Oh, it’s because of that? I thought it was something else. Yes, Dad, we took care of a monster at the Azure Dragon Amusement Park tonight and saved two Kamen Riders from Dragon City Defense Base. Is he calling to thank us?”

“Ling’er, you’re being too naive. They’re not calling to thank you; they’re calling because they covet the powers of you three. They want to research your powers!”

Li Mingwei couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless about his daughter’s naivety.

This world is very complicated, and doing good deeds doesn’t always guarantee a good outcome.

“What? They want to research our powers? Why? Those are our powers! Why do they have the right to research them? This is so unreasonable!”

“Reason? Ling’er, at times like this, it’s not about reason. Your powers are too strong, and they have a need for them. Naturally, they will have thoughts about it. It’s normal. It has nothing to do with morality. Do you understand?”

Li Ling’er’s mood soured as she listened to Li Mingwei’s words. She had done a good deed by saving people, but instead, the others were eyeing their powers. This wouldn’t sit well with anyone.

“Dad, how did you respond to them?”

“Don’t worry, on their end, I’ve managed to buy some time for now. I told them that Agito’s power is a divine gift and cannot be researched through human technology. They should believe it, and there shouldn’t be any issues in the short term. They won’t have any ulterior motives for you.”

Li Ling’er had a few question marks in her mind. When she defeated the Fangire, she clearly used the power of the Zecter. So, why did they link it to the power of Kamen Rider Agito? However, she kept this thought to herself.

“Got it, Dad. I’m sorry if I caused you trouble.”

“It’s okay, my dear. You did nothing wrong in this matter. You eliminated a monster and protected ordinary people, which is a good deed. Dad is proud of you. As for the other matters, don’t worry about them. Dad will handle it for you. Just continue to be the hero you are, and remember that Dad will always be your strong support. Do you understand?”

Li Mingwei couldn’t bear to blame his daughter. Moreover, Li Ling’er had done nothing wrong in this situation. It was just that the world was full of complexities.

Li Ling’er was too innocent, and she didn’t realize what the biggest danger in this world actually was. Sometimes, those visible people might be even more dangerous than invisible monsters.

“Thank you, Dad. You’re the best person in the world.”

“Alright, my dear, get some rest now. I have some other matters to attend to here. You’ve come back for a short visit; enjoy your time. After this weekend, you’ll return to Yan City for your studies. Dragon City might not be the best place for you.”

“I understand, Dad.”

“Okay, I’m hanging up.”

The call ended.

Qing Mu and Tian Mi had put down their phones when they heard Li Ling’er’s phone call. They stopped playing games.

“Qing Mu, Tian Mi, my dad just said…” Li Ling’er explained everything her father had told her on the phone to her two friends.

Tian Mi had a straightforward temperament and couldn’t help but say, “I can’t believe this. We clearly saved two people and defeated that monster, and they’re actually eyeing our powers. How can they do this?”

“I guess…” Qing Mu rubbed his chin and slowly said, “Uncle probably made a mistake. He might have thought that when you defeated the Fangire, you were using Agito’s power. That’s why he said that. By coincidence, it temporarily dispelled Dragon City Defense Base’s thoughts. If they knew that your powers could be replicated through technology, they wouldn’t give up so easily.”