Zhou Zhisheng noticed Liu Cunyi’s hesitation, so he said, "Gan Xiong hasn’t given us much time. You need to hurry."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhisheng didn’t rush.

Instead, he asked, "About the first option you mentioned, leaving the Western Alliance and setting up our own base, where would we go?"

Hearing this, Liu Cunyi responded anxiously, "Why do we have to build a base ourselves? What if Gan Xiong sends people after us once we leave? Don’t you think the second option suits us better?"

Zhou Zhisheng shook his head and said, "I no longer want to live under someone else’s control, barely surviving. Relying on a new power isn’t any different from staying under Gan Xiong’s influence; what’s the difference?"

Liu Cunyi quickly said, "Of course, it’s different. That power is much better than Gan Xiong, you...."

As he spoke, Liu Cunyi stopped.

He said to Zhou Zhisheng, "Anyway, whatever works, as long as we can leave the Western Alliance, anything will do."

Zhou Zhisheng nodded, reasoning was indeed like this.

Leaving here first, and then splitting up later is also an option.

Besides, he didn’t particularly trust people from the Liu Family; it was just that they happened to be on the same side right now, facing a common enemy, forcing them to unite and cooperate.

Liu Cunyi looked at Zhou Zhisheng and said, "Then make up your mind quickly, whether we should leave together or not. Time waits for no one; if we delay further, neither of us will be able to leave."

It was obvious that Liu Cunyi was getting a bit impatient.

Zhou Zhisheng said to Liu Cunyi, "How about this, I’ll give you an answer tonight. If we take action, when do you think we can act? What preparations are needed before the action?"

Liu Cunyi thought for a moment and said, "The sooner the better. If possible, we could leave tomorrow."

Zhou Zhisheng hesitated and said, "No, tomorrow is too soon. We need a day to prepare. How about the day after tomorrow?"

"That works," Liu Cunyi said.

"Then I won’t come over tonight. If we decide to leave with you, we’ll hang a red lantern on the rooftop. If we’re not ready to leave, we’ll hang a white lantern. You should be able to see it from your side."

Liu Cunyi thought about it and found it made sense.

Their frequent visits would surely arouse Gan Xiong’s anger and suspicion.

So he said, "Prepare your family’s assets to hand over to Gan Xiong, and at that moment, remember one thing: don’t be swayed by Gan Xiong. Once either of our families wavers, it will result in severe consequences.

If you stay and we leave, Gan Xiong definitely won’t let us go. If he resolves us, you won’t be able to withstand it either. You need to be very clear about this."

Liu Cunyi earnestly said to Zhou Zhisheng.

Zhou Zhisheng nodded and said, "Don’t worry, the two of us are like grasshoppers tied to the same rope; I understand the principle that if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold."

Only then did Liu Cunyi feel relieved and let out a long breath.

He wasn’t afraid of Zhou Zhisheng not agreeing now, he only feared Zhou Zhisheng wouldn’t understand this principle and would betray them at the critical moment, causing both families to be doomed.

Zhou Zhisheng looked at Liu Cunyi and then said, "Alright, let’s leave it at that for now. I’ll give you a reply tonight."

"Okay, take care," Liu Cunyi said.

Zhou Zhisheng slowly walked out the door. As soon as he stepped out, he saw three people standing diagonally across, watching him.

Zhou Zhisheng didn’t look at them, pretending nothing was out of the ordinary, and walked toward his own area.

....