Ah Da and Ah Xiao replied, "The Fortress Master wants to see you as soon as you return."
Ouyang Kai nodded, "Alright, let's go."
Following that, Yin Xue's figure emerged from the cabin and slowly walked onto the dock. Ouyang Kai stepped forward to help her, "We're returning to the fortress now."
"Mm," Yin Xue responded faintly.
This indifferent attitude gave Ouyang Kai a restless feeling.
He secretly took a breath and thought, Once Ouyang Gong is dealt with, I'll properly deal with this girl!
The group got into the car and headed directly for Huangtian Fortress.
As the car drove into Huangtian Fortress, Xiao Jie and the others stared in astonishment, their mouths agape!
"This is clearly the Imperial Palace!" a young man in the team exclaimed.
"I originally thought the Jin family was at the top tier of wealth, I didn't expect Lijing Island to be this luxurious..."
"I've gained some insight."
...
Everyone craned their necks curiously, looking out the window.
Since the people in this car were the team sent by the Jin family, they didn't mind showing their lack of exposure.
Meanwhile, in another car.
Ah Da and Ah Xiao sat in the front, while Ouyang Kai and Yin Xue sat in the back. The atmosphere was so quiet it felt like it could freeze.
Ouyang Kai stole glances at Yin Xue from time to time.
Yin Xue stared forward expressionlessly, showing no reaction. However, she couldn't help but recall the last time she was here and Ouyang Kai forcibly kissed her.
"I say," Ouyang Kai broke the silence, trying to find a topic, "how has your useless nephew been recently?"
Yin Xue shot him a frosty glare, "Who are you calling useless?"
"Uh, well, I was just concerned about our great nephew," Ouyang Kai quickly said with a fawning smile.
"He is my nephew," Yin Xue stated coldly.
Ouyang Kai nodded, "Yes, yes, yours."
My future...
Of course, he didn't dare to voice his inner thoughts.
"He suffered such a great blow, he's been confined to his room these past few days and hasn't gone out," Yin Xue said in a low voice.
"Tsk, for that kind of woman, why bother?"
Ouyang Kai shook his head speechlessly. He couldn't understand the melancholy of these young boys.
Yin Xue cast him a sideways glance but said nothing.
Soon, they got out of the car, and the group headed towards the main fortress.
"It's lunchtime now, everyone, please dine together in the second-floor restaurant."
Ah Da informed everyone. Xiao Jie and the others were too shocked to speak; it was too luxurious.
Second-floor restaurant.
As Ouyang Kai, Yin Xue, and Xiao Jie's group arrived, they saw the Old Master, Jin Ye, and Su Ding already seated.
The table was very long, with servants attending on all sides.
Various delicacies were being served. When Su Ding saw Ouyang Kai and Yin Xue, she was slightly taken aback.
She stood up, her face filled with joy, "Uncle!"
Ouyang Kai's gaze flickered between Su Ding and the Old Master, and the corners of his mouth slowly curved upwards.
"Dingding, I'm fine now, don't worry."
Then, he looked at Jin Ye, nodded, and walked up to the elder, "Father, I'm back."
The elder grunted and said, "Everyone, please be seated."
Xiao Jie and the others also greeted Jin Ye and took their seats.
"Everyone, today is a day of family reunion for my Ouyang Zhenfeng's entire family. Thank you all for your help these past few days."
"After my Ouyang family has quelled the internal strife, a grand banquet will be held to thank everyone."
Ouyang Zhenfeng raised a glass of wine and toasted the crowd, his demeanor projecting that of a superior.
Everyone raised their glasses and drank.
"I have also arranged accommodations for all of you. If you need anything at all, please feel free to approach me directly."
"You are too kind, Fortress Master."
Xiao Jie and the others laughed heartily and said with bravado.
Su Ding's eyes also curved into smiles. Her grandpa, uncle, Jin Ye, and she – the family was all together.
It would be even better if Xiao Xi and Xiao Rui were here.
The meal concluded with everyone enjoying themselves.
"Come with me for a moment."
After the meal, the Ouyang Fortress Master said to Ouyang Kai in a low voice, then turned and left.
Ouyang Kai grunted and glanced at Ah Da and Ah Xiao.
"Young Master, don't worry, we will arrange everyone's accommodations," Ah Da and Ah Xiao quickly said.
"Good."
Ouyang Kai then looked at Su Ding and Jin Ye, "Dingding, Xiao Ye, I'll find you after I'm done. You should go back and rest; you've been tired these past few days."
"Mm-hmm," Su Ding and Jin Ye nodded.
Afterward, Ah Da and Ah Xiao led Xiao Jie and the others to the arranged courtyards. Yin Xue also intended to follow them.
Unexpectedly, Ouyang Kai grabbed Yin Xue's arm, "You come back with me."
Yin Xue raised her delicate eyebrows, her pretty face turning cold, and her voice grew slightly frosty, "What are you doing?"
"I have something to say to you. Wait for me to come back," Ouyang Kai said, then his gaze flickered in the direction the Ouyang Fortress Master had left. It was clear he needed to go find his father immediately, yet he was worried Yin Xue would leave directly.
Yin Xue pushed him away, "Then I'll wait until you're done."
With that, she turned to leave. Her cool demeanor, however, was something Ouyang Kai found hard to let go of.