234: Would you like to be a puppet?

Charlie enthusiastically patted Tian Ming on the shoulder, then turned to Lisa and said, "Lisa, why didn't you tell me you were coming sooner? I didn't prepare anything. Come, come, quickly sit down, I'll have someone bring some food over."

He immediately gestured to the staff nearby, instructing them to prepare.

Lisa quickly said, "Charlie is the eldest son of my uncle. He doesn't participate in the internal decisions of the Lawrence Family, so he doesn't know about Shen Yuan's matter."

Charlie looked at Lisa with some confusion and said, "What matter? Why are you speaking Chinese?"

Charlie understood Chinese because his mother was Eastern. Also, because his bloodline was not pure, he had no status in the Lawrence Family. But Charlie knew how to conduct himself; he was kind and enthusiastic, with no competitive relationships with his peers, so he was very popular within the Lawrence Family.

Tian Ming glanced at Charlie and said, "You can understand Chinese?"

Charlie smiled and said, "My mother is Eastern; I've studied Eastern culture and language since I was a child. Buddy, you've been looking down the whole time, did something happen?"

The staff quickly brought some food and drinks. The three sat around a round table and began their conversation.

After sitting down, Lisa explained the whole story to Charlie. After listening, Charlie also frowned. He glanced at Tian Ming and said, "Although I don't participate in the family's decisions, the blood of the Lawrence Family flows in my veins. How about this, to save your girlfriend, you can't use such a rigid attitude. My uncle is overbearing and tough; he will truly fight you to the death, and then your girlfriend will be in danger."

Tian Ming glanced at Charlie and said, "Since you have Eastern blood, the head of the Lawrence Family can be changed. I think you are very good."

Before meeting Charlie, Tian Ming's strategy of 'drawing the firewood from under the cauldron' was always coercion. Now, he added enticement. Instead of destroying the wealth and power of the Lawrence Family, it would be better to find a puppet and slowly transfer it over.

As soon as Tian Ming said this, and in front of Lisa, it was clear that both Charlie and Lisa looked extremely awkward. And Lisa's expression was even more complex; she never expected Tian Ming to try to win over Charlie, whom he had just met for the first time.

Charlie was so shocked by Tian Ming's words that he was momentarily speechless. He stared at Tian Ming with wide eyes. Shaking his head, he said with a wry smile, "Mr. Lu, I appreciate your high regard, but your words are too bold and sudden. The head of the Lawrence Family is not something I can decide. Moreover, that position is not so easy to hold; it involves too many power and interest struggles behind it. That's Lisa's father, and according to Eastern thinking, this kind of behavior is called insubordination and usurpation."

Tian Ming, however, said indifferently, "Duke Lawrence is leading the Lawrence Family to its demise. If you can take power and successfully rescue Shen Yuan, then I can allow your family to continue to exist."

Charlie put away his smile and looked at Tian Ming. Although his appearance was Western, his pupils were no different from those of an Easterner.

"Mr. Lu, I told you, I've studied Eastern culture, thousands of years of history. Are you trying to make me a puppet to be manipulated by you?"

Tian Ming looked at Charlie and asked, word by word, "Then I ask you, are you willing to be a puppet?"

Charlie was a little flustered under Tian Ming's gaze. He shifted his gaze to Lisa. Lisa, however, remained silent. She didn't know what to say; her mind was in turmoil. Either destruction or becoming a puppet, neither of these was the outcome she wanted.

There was only one person who could influence the outcome, and that was Tian Ming.

Charlie took a deep breath and said, "I've been injected with Super Serum, but I haven't evolved an Ability. I've only gained antibodies that provide immunity to the virus. My strength is not enough; I can't even protect myself. Mr. Lu, I believe you can help me ascend to power, but I wouldn't last long in that position; I'd be seen as a traitor by the entire family."

Tian Ming understood that Charlie was willing but had many concerns. Since he was willing, things became much simpler.

Tian Ming spread open his palm, and a Superpower Potion appeared in it.

Charlie saw the familiar casing and a look of astonishment appeared on his face: "You, you can synthesize Superpower Potion?"

The Superpower Potion was developed by Life Origins Company, and this company belonged to the Lawrence Family, so Charlie naturally knew something about it. But he was also clear about the side effects; although it could make a person a top Five-level Ability User with Level 7 or higher body repair ability, this thing was a double-edged sword.

Tian Ming smiled slightly and said to Charlie, "I can give you strength. Even if you want to absorb Red Crystal Core, I will get it for you. Remember, this is not usurpation; this is saving the Lawrence Family."

Tian Ming's words were very straightforward; in short, it meant 'follow me and you'll live a good life.'

"Once used, it requires one such Superpower Potion a month? If it's stopped, you'll die." Charlie asked.

Tian Ming smiled indifferently and said, "It depends on how much energy you can withstand. I can charge the potion. Zheng Haoyu of Life Origins can withstand energy levels that sustain him for three months at a time. Moreover, his physical strength and self-healing ability have reached Level 8 or higher. Once the mechanism of the Red Crystal Core is researched, it will allow you to gain body mutations, and you won't need to rely on potions anymore."

Tian Ming both stated facts, cited examples, and also painted a grand picture. No one could resist such an offer. Even Charlie, who had always been in a state of 'lying flat,' rubbed his hands, wanting to take the Superpower Potion from Tian Ming's hand.

But Charlie knew very well that once he took this thing and injected it, there would be no turning back. He would completely become a puppet supported by Tian Ming.

"Lisa, I!" Charlie looked at Lisa, not knowing what to say.

Lisa looked blank and said, "Make your own choice, but I hope that after you achieve your goal, you can spare my father for the sake of kinship."

Charlie reached out and picked up the Superpower Potion. At this moment, he felt as if he were trading his soul with the devil, and this devil was Tian Ming!

Charlie hesitated for a moment, then slowly extended his hand and carefully picked up the mysterious Superpower Potion. He felt an inexplicable power emanating from the potion, as if it wanted to invade his body and control his soul.

This power made him feel fear. He tightly gripped the potion, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that this decision would completely change the trajectory of his life, and even the fate of the Lawrence Family. Holding the Superpower Potion was like holding a devil's contract, and a deep sense of worry couldn't help but surge in his heart.

Charlie looked up at Tian Ming, a resolute glint in his eyes: "Mr. Lu, please remember your promise today. After success, I hope you will keep your word."