Chen Jinzhao has obtained the fatal evidence—
This was Yu Lingxiao's initial conclusion after his call with Chen Jinzhao, and the situation he was most unwilling to face.
In their dealings with Chen Jinzhao, the Yu family unanimously agreed that he was a formidable opponent. He was like a leopard, lurking for prey, capable of launching a fatal strike at any moment.
The Yu family now stood on the brink of being devoured by Chen Jinzhao, precarious and on the verge of collapse.
"Is there no way to get rid of Chen Jinzhao? My dignified Yu family, actually being toyed with by a mere security guard?" Yu Botao cried out in despair. First, Yu Shenxing was imprisoned by Chen Jinzhao, and now the Yu family's most vulnerable point was being held captive.
If the Yu family were truly brought down by Chen Jinzhao, wouldn't they become a laughingstock?
Yu Zhengzhi suggested, "Why don't we report it directly to the provincial authorities? As long as we can silence Chen Jinzhao, he won't be able to utter a single word. Besides, he's already suspected of breaking and entering with intent to kill."
Yu Lingxiao shook his head, rejecting Yu Zhengzhi's proposal.
The biggest problem now was Tao Qiyue and Wang Zhenliang. Even Zhou Linghui couldn't interfere in that matter.
If they escalated the report, it would undoubtedly attract the attention of these two individuals. Coupled with the relationship between Tao Qiyue and Chen Jinzhao, it was highly likely that a thorough investigation would ensue, making the situation even more unfavorable for the Yu family.
"Dad..."
"Yes? What is it?" Yu Lingxiao glanced at his second son, noticing his evasive eyes.
After much stammering, Yu Zhengzhi finally said, "Perhaps you should make a will first? That way, if you were to be apprehended, it wouldn't lead to the fragmentation of our family."
"I am absolutely not doing this for myself, but for the sake of the family."
Yu Botao's expression changed drastically. He suddenly turned and stared at Yu Zhengzhi.
Although he claimed it wasn't for himself, it was clear that Yu Zhengzhi was afraid that if the elder was dealt with, Yu Botao's subordinates would not easily allow Yu Zhengzhi to inherit the family's leadership. Therefore, Yu Zhengzhi's desire to become the successor required the elder's explicit promise. This was precisely why Yu Zhengzhi was so eager for Yu Lingxiao to give his consent for succession, fearing that Yu Botao might contend with him for it later.
Even if he ultimately became the patriarch, the Yu family would be severely weakened.
*Slap!*
Yu Lingxiao slapped him.
"The old man isn't dead yet, and you're already thinking about succession? If this matter isn't resolved, no one will be the patriarch!"
"Get out!"
Yu Zhengzhi clutched his face, attempting to explain.
However, seeing Yu Lingxiao's fury, he dared not say anything further and could only silently withdraw from the study.
Outside the room.
Yu Botao glanced at his brother and then shook his head.
Haste makes waste. He couldn't even grasp such a simple truth; he deserved the slap from the elder.
Yu Zhengzhi snorted inwardly and turned back to his own room.
The animosity between the two was now irreconcilable. They only pretended to be harmonious in front of the elder. Seeing this, Yu Botao also let out a cold snort and slowly left.
Late at night, eleven o'clock.
Yu Mengzhi's door was knocked upon. Upon opening it, she discovered it was the elder who had knocked.
"Grandfather, why are you..." Yu Mengzhi was overwhelmed with surprise.
Seeing Yu Lingxiao silent, Yu Mengzhi stepped forward to support him. Yu Lingxiao then said, "You're not asleep yet, are you? How about you accompany Grandpa for a walk in the back garden? I can't sleep."
Yu Mengzhi did not refuse.
As they walked in the back garden, Yu Lingxiao kept talking to his granddaughter about their childhood memories. Yu Mengzhi echoed, "If only I could, I would prefer to never have grown up."
After growing up, Yu Mengzhi had witnessed too much deceit and intrigue, as well as the covert power struggles within families.
She even realized that the family's love for her was not selfless but a transaction.
The older she grew, the lonelier she became.
Both fell into silence.
After a few minutes.
Yu Lingxiao let out a sigh, "Mengzhi, Grandpa is sorry to you. But from the day our Yu family was established, it has borne the efforts of too many people. We are all on the same boat as them. Do you know that our Yu family's industries generate at least billions in profit annually, but only half of it reaches our hands? You should understand what that means. Now, this large ship is in turbulent waters and could capsize at any moment."
"But the Yu family cannot fall!"
"Otherwise, those hiding in the shadows will erase us from this world!"
Su Chengmin's death back then had filled Yu Lingxiao with fear.
Those people were capable of murder to distance themselves from the vortex; however, to outsiders, Su Chengmin had committed suicide.
If this matter wasn't handled properly, Yu Lingxiao might end up like Su Chengmin. Perhaps even worse, such as a family meeting a fatal car accident or fire...
In short.
Those people had countless ways.
Yu Lingxiao's words, filled with desolation, made Yu Mengzhi's heart tighten, understanding that her worst fears had indeed come true.
She pursed her pale lips and said, "Grandfather, what can I do for the family?"
Yu Lingxiao had been waiting for Yu Mengzhi's words. He turned to his granddaughter and said in a deep voice, "Chen Jinzhao possesses something that concerns the safety of our Yu family. I hope you can retrieve that item."
"What is it?"
"You don't need to know what it is," Yu Lingxiao replied.
Yu Mengzhi's heart nearly stopped beating.
If that was the case, didn't Yu Lingxiao's intention mean for her to steal from Chen Jinzhao, or to deceive him? She truly couldn't do something like that.
Yu Lingxiao paid no heed to Yu Mengzhi's thoughts and continued in a heavy tone, "You must remember, in this world, no one is truly good to you; everyone acts for their own purposes. Didn't Chen Jinzhao approach you for the sake of improving his status and wealth? Therefore, you must not have any psychological burden. Prioritize the family."
"Grandfather, I can't do it," Yu Mengzhi said directly.
Yu Lingxiao instinctively wanted to reprimand his granddaughter, but then he considered that the Yu family might still depend on her. His tone softened.
"Mengzhi, you've been wronged."
"Whatever you want to do in the future, Grandpa won't make things difficult for you. You wanted to be with Chen Jinzhao, didn't you? As long as you get that item, I will permit you to be together and will no longer obstruct you."
Yu Mengzhi looked up at Yu Lingxiao in surprise, as if to confirm the sincerity of his words.
Yu Lingxiao sighed, "Grandpa has realized it. Young people should live their lives as young people do. It was Grandpa's foolishness before."
"Grandpa, are you serious?"
Yu Lingxiao nodded, then coughed a few times. Yu Mengzhi pursed her lips and then said, "Alright, I promise to go find Chen Jinzhao, but I hope Grandpa will keep his word."
"I cannot guarantee that I can retrieve the item. Grandpa, you must be mentally prepared."