After arriving at the Xu Holdings factory, Xu Yihong began to make a simple introduction for Jing Yun. “Our business has broad reaches in the medical field, but we are most famous for high-quality disposables and medical imaging. Our goal is to bless the common people with the production of machinery that could replace imports.”


  “I have a basic understanding of that.”


  As they discussed away, they reached the entrance of the Xu Holdings’ production base, with the family’s eldest uncle waiting for them there.

  “You’re here.”


  “Since eldest uncle is more learned in machines, I’ll let him offer you a basic explanation.”


  “Sorry for the trouble, Eldest Uncle.” Jing Yun told his eldest uncle graciously, just as the latter shared a glance with Xu Yihong.

  Both men knew what each other was thinking.

  After that, the three of them entered the production base.

  Jing Yun did not know where the pair had set their trap, but he paid extra attention on the way. It was safe if there were others working the machines nearby, but he would have to be especially careful when they arrive somewhere empty.

  “This machine is used for producing human joints… Do you want a closer look?”


  “Sure.” Jing Yun nodded, and followed the other two men to the machine and see how it works.

  “Why don’t you try working it? I’ll have a worker start one for your use.”


  Jing Yun nodded, with a man wearing full scrubs entering just then to bring Jing Yun along for testing the equipment.

  Behind them, Xu Yihong and eldest uncle shared a look.

  Then, the machine was turned on and the worker told Jing Yun, “Young Master Xu. These things are very sharp—you have to be very careful even though there are safety measures.”


  “Alright.” Jing Yun nodded and walked up.

  But just as Jing Yun and the worker was about to start their test, Jing Yun’s eldest uncle had suddenly appeared behind him and attempted to push him over. However, Jing Yun had already seen him on the reflection of the machine’s glass and hence dodged quickly, leaving eldest uncle catching air and tumbling into the open machine.

  It was fortunate that the worker caught him in time, but amidst a blood-curdling scream, Eldest Uncle’s thumb was shredded off by the machine’s gears.

  “Quick, call the ambulance!” Xu Yihong quickly tried to divert Jing Yun’s attention once he saw that Eldest Uncle’s scheme had been foiled. “What happened, Yifeng?”


  Jing Yun had not even said a thing, and his eldest brother was already trying to blame him…


  “Xu Yifeng! Is this how you’re treating me when I come to you to help?” The eldest uncle accused him too.”


  “You could have spoken out. I was just startled by you, Eldest Uncle.”


  “His hand is hurt. You have to explain yourself to our parents when we’re home!”


  Jing Yun remained impassive, and did not follow the ambulance to the hospital. He merely studied the trail of blood, before turning to stare at the worker wearing scrubs who had been with them. “You’ve wrapped yourself so tightly not because this machine is important, but because you don’t want me to recognize you, right?”


  The worker shivered and stuttered even as he spoke. “I… I don’t know anything. I… I’m just in charge of turning on the machine.”


  “Sure, you know nothing. But just know that I remember your name now.” Jing Yun said, pointed at the workers’ name tag.

  “Young master, this really has nothing to do with me.”


  “How toxic. If I really was pushed, my hands would be gone with so many gears.” Jing Yun mused, scaring the worker into sweating buckets.

  Still, Jing Yun did not bother the worker, although he needs to be monitored.

  Right now, he has to go home and face his eldest uncle who was now one thumb less, with a battle to expose pretenses unavoidable now.

  ***

  When Jing Yun reached the hospital, his eldest uncle’s wound had already been sutured, but the thumb that was cut off cannot be reattached.

  Soon, the Xu couple arrived after hearing the news, and were quite worried when they found Jing Yun outside the operation room. “Are you alright? Is your brother alright?”


  “I’m fine, but Eldest Uncle had a thumb severed.” Jing Yun replied.

  “Where’s your brother?”


  “Paying the bill.”


  “What actually happened?” Papa Xu asked.

  “It’s Yifeng’s fault,” Xu Yihong said, suddenly appearing out of nowhere. “Eldest Uncle wanted to teach him how to use a machine, but he suddenly turned and Eldest Uncle tripped over, falling inside before one of the gears shredded his thumb.

  “Brother, you are the one who studied medicine.” Jing Yun walked up to Xu Yihong, before suddenly making a quick turnaround. “See? If you were standing behind me and you didn’t move, you wouldn’t be falling forward if I turned around. The only explanation for what happened, therefore, is…”


  “Is what?”


  “Your eldest uncle wanted to push Feng’er?” Mama Xu immediately understood what Jing Yun was saying. “That’s right—if your eldest uncle wasn’t trying to push Feng’er, why would he trip forward?”


  “Mom, you didn’t see what happened so you wouldn’t know.”


  “Eldest Uncle would have said something before if he really wanted to help me. But he said nothing, and suddenly lunge at me? What could he be trying?”


  “Yifeng, Eldest Uncle is the one hurt.”


  “If I didn’t move, then he would have reached me and pushed me over. When that happens, my hand… both my hands can’t be saved now, right?”


  After hearing Jing Yun out, Papa Xu finally understood his meaning.

  It was not just Papa Xu either. Even Xu Yihong knew what Jing Yun was saying now.

  “Eldest Uncle has nothing against you. Why would he try to hurt you? You are at fault here, Yifeng. Just apologize—Eldest Uncle is forbearing and wouldn’t blame you.”


  “No grudge? Are you sure about that, Brother?” Jing Yun asked Xu Yihong with added meaning.

  “Feng’er, could this be a misunderstanding?”


  Mama Xu was puzzled too. After all, the Xu family’s eldest uncle had not tried to do anything untoward to her immediate family ever since he lost management rights over Xu Holdings. Moreover, after so many years had passed, he just had no reason to try to hurt Jing Yun.

  “Mom, if I may tell the truth here—I knew something would happen when I left this morning.” Jing Yun spoke out to his parents evenly then. “I had wanted to give my brother a chance, and I wouldn’t be speaking out if he didn’t make a move against me. But someone clearly wants me handled.”


  “Yifeng, what are you saying?” Papa Xu stared at Jing Yun in shock.

  “Yes, Feng’er. What are you talking about? I don’t understand…” Mama Xu echoed.

  “It’s fine if you don’t understand. Brother here does.”


  Jing Yun leveled a sharp gaze at Xu Yihong, who kept his cool despite panicking inwardly. “You’re out of your mind. We hadn’t been together that long, and you’re already showing who you really are.”


  “One may know a person for a long time without understanding their true nature. Mom, Dad, he is your son. It is better if you rebuke him instead.”


  “What do you mean, Feng’er? Your brother…”


  “Mom, Dad. Have you not been wondering all along why I was abandoned at Jianchuan? The answer is my eldest brother…”