"If it weren't for your intervention, my life would have been in danger," Bai Tianchen said, cupping his fists. "Thank you for saving me!"
"Bai Xue and I are friends, and this incident was my fault for implicating him," Lu Fan waved his hand. "Boss Bai, there's no need for such formality!"
"Young Master!"
Uncle Fu arrived, his steps unsteady, appearing frail with age, yet his eyes were filled with relief.
"Uncle Fu, I apologize for frightening you!" Lu Fan smiled. "The Ghost Gate has been dealt with, and such incidents should not happen again!"
"Young Master, my life is insignificant!" Uncle Fu said repeatedly. "If I have implicated you, I will have no way to face the family head even in the afterlife!"
"In this world, Uncle Fu is one of my few remaining family members," Lu Fan chuckled. "After I've settled these matters, I won't take unnecessary risks. Rest assured, Uncle Fu!"
Uncle Fu nodded solemnly, his expectations growing.
"Sir, are you letting the members of the Ghost Gate off so easily?" Boss Chu interjected. "They are not to be trifled with."
"Their cultivation has been crippled; they can't amount to anything," Lu Fan said calmly. "You seem quite concerned about this matter!"
Boss Chu chuckled awkwardly. He hadn't been of much help and naturally wanted to curry favor.
"I imagine there are still many people in your Ghost Gate," Lu Fan stated directly. "I hope they don't act foolishly, or their fate will be the same as yours, or even worse, like the Ghost King!"
"We understand!" the Ghost Gate members nodded in unison. With the tide turned against them, this was likely all they could do.
After everyone dispersed, Bai Xue approached Lu Fan. "Mr. Lu, thank you. Thank you for saving me and my father!"
"If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been captured," Lu Fan said frankly. "You must be aware of the past grievances between the Ghost Gate and me."
"Sir is correct. Without Master Lu, we would not have been captured by the Ghost Gate," Bai Tianchen agreed. "But without Master Lu's intervention, my daughter and I would likely not have escaped their clutches."
Lu Fan smiled at their gratitude, but said no more.
Bai Xue felt immense gratitude towards Lu Fan. His willingness to save her was a great honor.
"Let's go back," Bai Tianchen said gravely. "Master Lu has many important matters to attend to, and we shouldn't disturb his cultivation."
Bai Xue nodded slightly, a hint of embarrassment on her face. She had wanted to spend more time with Lu Fan, but knowing he had pressing matters, she couldn't linger.
Upon returning to Tianquan Villa, Uncle Fu turned to Lu Fan. "Young Master, I've sent people to inquire about Du Qianqiu. It seems he has appeared in Chuzhou!"
"It matters not. After the Spring Festival, I will personally go to Chuzhou," Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "I must question him directly about why he targeted my Lu family!"
"In that case, Young Master, should you return to Jiangbei now?" Uncle Fu asked. "After all, Miss Lin is still in Jiangbei."
"Indeed, I will return tomorrow!" Lu Fan nodded. "I'm worried about her being alone in Jiangbei!"
"That would be for the best!"
Uncle Fu smiled. "However, Young Master, you should hurry. If it works out, the Lu family can continue its lineage, and the family head's spirit can rest in peace."
"Uncle Fu, please don't misunderstand," Lu Fan said awkwardly. "Things are not as you think. In fact, Lin Ke and I are not together at all!"
"I can see through the affairs of young people," Uncle Fu chuckled, shaking his head. "There's no need for you to explain further!"
"Cough, cough..." Lu Fan cleared his throat, a blush on his face. "Uncle Fu, please don't overthink things. I feel quite embarrassed when you look at me like that."
"I only wish for the Young Master's safety and well-being," Uncle Fu said with a smile. "To find someone you love and spend your life with, at least that would put my mind at ease."
"Uncle Fu, that will happen sooner or later!" Lu Fan said with a light laugh. "But we mustn't rush. As the saying goes, too much haste makes waste. Once these matters are resolved, I will consider it carefully."
"This old servant understands!"
Uncle Fu cupped his fists, his expression earnest. Lu Fan was right; it was better for everyone if all matters were settled before discussing marriage.
Meanwhile, on a street in Qingzhou, Bai Tianchen looked at Bai Xue. "I know you have feelings for Mr. Lu, but your behavior today was too obvious, and it might not be a good thing."
"Dad, what are you talking about?" Bai Xue's face flushed. "Mr. Lu is no ordinary man; how could I possibly aspire to him?"
"Mr. Lu already has someone in his heart, and you are not the right match for him," Bai Tianchen stated frankly. "He cares deeply for Miss Lin, so I'm just reminding you. Don't get too deeply involved, or you'll be unable to recover."
"I understand!" Bai Xue nodded, a hint of resignation in her voice.
In her heart, she had long known that she was not worthy of Lu Fan, nor could she ever have him. She was acutely aware of this.
However, a pang of sadness struck her. Given the situation, there was nothing more she could say.
In the Lin family residence in Jiangbei, Old Madam Lin had fully recovered and was as good as new, even healthier than before.
"Mom, seeing you get better and better makes me very happy," Lin Aotian said with a smile. "It's all thanks to that young man. Otherwise, Mom, you would have been in danger."
"That young man's medical skills are indeed impressive!" Old Madam Lin nodded. "Go and tell him that from now on, he will be my personal physician."
"That might not be appropriate!" Lin Aotian said awkwardly. "After all, he and Lin Ke are very close, and he might not agree to come to the Lin family."
"Brother, you jest. The Lin family is a prominent clan in Jiangbei, with considerable reputation. For a mere youngster to become Mom's personal physician is a great honor for him," Lin Guoli said with a smile. "If he refuses, wouldn't that be ungrateful?"
"This..." Lin Aotian chuckled awkwardly. He could see that Lin Ke liked Lu Fan. If Lu Fan were to stay, how could he feel at ease?
"Aotian, there's something I've been holding back, but I must say it today," Old Madam Lin stated. "Have you ever had a paternity test done?"
"Mom, why would you say that!" Lin Aotian frowned. "Can there be any doubt about this matter!"
"One must be cautious in all things. The Lin family is vast and prosperous; it cannot fall into the hands of outsiders," Old Madam Lin said directly. "The only grandson of my Lin family is Haitao, so I want you to promote Haitao to Vice President of the company!"
"Mom, aren't you putting me in a difficult position!" Lin Aotian frowned. "Lin Ke is my biological daughter, and the Vice President position should likely go to her!"
The Old Madam stopped in her tracks and looked sharply at Lin Aotian. "If you let him inherit the Lin family, have you considered that the Lin family will no longer be named Lin in the future?"
"I will personally select a son-in-law who will live with us," Lin Aotian stated directly.