It was only halfway through the reunion event that the eldest uncle of the Xu family arrived.

  Though he and Papa Xu were incompatible like fire and water, he cared enough to save face for the Xu family in appearance and act like a brother to Papa Xu.

  “So this is my nephew. He looks talented.” The eldest Xu uncle was quite tall and rather rounded, and therefore appeared burly compared to Papa Xu.

  His hands were naturally very strong as well, and Jing Yun felt sore when he clapped on his shoulder.

  “Thanks for coming all the way here, brother. I’m embarrassed as a younger sibling.” Papa Xu quickly greeted conventionally.

  “How could you say that? Everyone knows my brother and sister had been crying every day for this kid. Now that he’s home, a brother like me is surely relieved.”


  Jing Yun, however, did not answer, and instead kept his eyes on both his eldest uncle and Xu Yihong.

  Like father, like son. They really accounted for everything.

  “Don’t worry about your uncle. Just greet him for a bit.” Mama Xu whispered into Jing Yun’s ear just then.

  “Mom, could you help me announce my engagement with Minglan?” As a matter of fact, Jing Yun did not care for those two men. He would eventually deal with them anyway, and all he wanted right now was to give something for Minglan.

  Mama Xu smiled then. “Got it.”


  Hence, Mama Xu walked up to the podium and announced Minglan’s engagement with Jing Yun.

  Old Sheng was naturally pleased about that—even if Sheng Xiao would not hold Huang Yao together, he more or less gained some consolation through Jing Yun.

  “Fourth Sister, Jing Yun, congratulations.” Mu Qiqi quickly offered her best wishes. “You don’t know how impatient Xiao Xiao and I were when there just seemed to be no way out for you two.”


  “I think you’re the only one being impatient. Eighth Brother never asked about something like that.” Sheng Minglan said, lifting her brow. “You are the only person in his heart.”


  “But whatever happens, may you stay together with the person you love. You will have happiness, Fourth Sister.”


  Sheng Minglan nodded, and turned to Jing Yun then, drawing looks of envy from around them as they gazed lovingly into each other’s eyes.

  Meanwhile, the employees at Xu Holdings were not only shocked—they were breaking cold sweat too.

  After all, the person whom their superiors told to push around and bully was the third son of the Xu family…


  No wonder he did not look like your usual salaryman in both manners and appearance.

  He was the young master of Xu Holdings.

  Soon, the news spread across the company, and those who had given Jing Yun a hard time before were very nervous.

  “I wouldn’t have crossed him if I knew he’s the young master of Xu Holdings.”


  “He’s too discreet. There wouldn’t have been so many misunderstandings if he made clear who he is early on.”


  “Looks like the third young master is carrying out an inspection in plain clothes. You lot who bullied lower-ranked staff and licked the boots of superiors are now in trouble.”


  In truth, Jing Yun did not have a bone to pick with those people since he had already taught them a lesson.

  He would not be bothered with them as long as they didn’t do it again.

  ***

  After the event, the guest all entered the dance floor whereas Xu Yihong went off to the garden to have a chat with his real father.

  “Uncle, even if I’ve been with this family for years, in the end it is they who look more like a family.”


  The eldest Xu uncle snorted. “You’ve been working hard for the family over the years, never dragging your feet. And yet every accomplishment you had is taken away just because that beggar came back.”


  “I don’t mind that.” Xu Yihong muttered. “Still, this little brother is a tough nut to crack. If we don’t act soon, it would be too late if he remembers.”


  “What are you planning to do?”


  “In two days, I will bring little brother for a visit at the factory. We’ll see what you have in mind then.”


  Having owned so many heavy machinery, Xu Holdings’ factories could prove to be a very dangerous place. When the day comes, it was not like Jing Yun could not be dealt with if the machine was tampered with a little.

  They would have nothing to do if there was an accident. Jing Yun would only have his misfortune to blame.

  “Don’t worry about such a trifle.” The eldest Xu uncle replied. “If your wings had not hardened, I would have wrung your little brother’s thin neck.”


  “No rush…”


  ***

  Meanwhile, Sheng Xiao was standing up high, watching as Xu Yihong and the eldest Xu uncle mingled.

  His lips curled into a smile. “Tell Jing Yun to be careful these few days. Xu Yihong is up to something.”


  “I have to say that blood relations are such a curious thing,” Mu Qiqi could not help musing. “Those two look so alike.”


  “If you’re curious, let’s put a baby in you and see what happens.”


  “I’m nineteen.” Mu Qiqi said, emphasizing her age.

  “Twenty is old enough…”


  Mu Qiqi tried to punch him on the chest, but Sheng Xiao caught her tiny fist. “Your grandfather is hoping that we have a child early on.”


  “We’re not even engaged, let alone married. Why would I give you a baby?”


  “Qi’er, you’ve changed. You never treated me like that before.”


  Mu Qiqi chuckled, and ceased fooling around with him. “When will you announce the founding of Zhongteng?”


  “When the timing is right.” Sheng Xiao said mysteriously.

  He had already resigned from Huang Yao now, and the people of Jianchuan would change their opinions about him.

  After all, he ‘has nothing to his name’ now. He should not act quickly, and instead satisfy himself by watching the drama unfold.

  And he could afford to let Old Sheng delude himself for a few days more.

  ***

  In the distance, Jing Yun, who was beside Papa Mu and Mama Mu also noticed that Xu Yihong was seated with his eldest uncle.

  “Looks like eldest brother and eldest uncle are having a lively chat.” He told Mama Mu casually then.

  “Your brother could hold a good conversation with just about anyone.”


  It appeared that Jing Yun’s mother had a hundred percent trust in Xu Yihong—Xu Yihong’s diligent management of the family over the years was certainly not wasted.

  “What were you talking about? You look so happy.” Xu Yihong rose from his seat when he found Jing Yun nearby, approaching him and Mama Xu.

  “About how you make good connections!” Mama Xu answered.

  “Mom, I’m thinking about bringing little brother to our factory for a visit in two days. What do you think?”


  Since the Xu family owns a corporation that develops and manufactures medical tools, Jing Yun certainly should learn about their production line.

  “Sounds good. You’ll be in charge, then.”


  “Thank you, Brother.” Jing Yun said very courteously as well.

  “You don’t have to be so formal. We’re brothers, and the family’s property is yours eventually.”


  See? What did Sheng Xiao just say?

  Xu Yihong could not hold back any longer, because the longer Jing Yun stayed in the Xu family, the more he would bond with the Xu couple.

  If that continued, Xu Yihong would be disadvantaged if he tried anything against Jing Yun.

  In the very least, if he was to be exposed with current circumstances, the Xu couple just might side with him.