"It is truly astonishing that the Yun family, a presence of such standing, is treated in such a manner by Lord Lu," Lin Haitao stated frankly.
"I've heard that you've been impersonating Lu Fan outside recently, swindling quite a few people?" Lin Aotian said coldly. "Aren't you afraid Xiao Fan will find out?"
"I..." Lin Haitao gave an embarrassed smile. "I merely told them that Lord Lu of Jiangnan is my brother-in-law, but I haven't actually lied!"
"Shut your mouth, immediately!" Lin Guoli said sternly. "What kind of person is Lord Lu, someone you can compare yourself to? If there's a next time, I'll break your legs!"
Lin Haitao wore a helpless expression, unsure how to respond.
In fact, prior to this, he had shown no favor towards Lin Ke, even dispatching people to deal with her. But as things stood now, he could only acknowledge Lin Ke's identity.
"Can I get out of bed now!"
After drinking the medicine, Lin Ke asked.
"Of course not, you've been frightened and need a few days of rest. You absolutely cannot get out of bed casually," Lu Fan stated. "And you don't need to go to work these days; leave the company matters to your father!"
"How can that be!" Lin Ke looked aggrieved. "My company has many contracts yet to be signed. If they are delayed, they might become void."
"Your father will handle these matters," Lu Fan said. "Since I've come to Jiangbei, why don't you accompany me to Chuzhou!"
"To Chuzhou?" Lin Ke was somewhat surprised. "Why would we go there?"
"I want to take you to play in Chuzhou," Lu Fan said earnestly. "Do you want to go!"
"Is that true, are you sure you're not tricking me?" Lin Ke's face lit up with surprise. "Xiao Fan, you're usually very busy, how did you suddenly find time to accompany me?"
"Perhaps my conscience has been awakened!" Lu Fan gave a helpless bitter smile.
Actually, his primary reason for going to Chuzhou this time was to have Lin Ke meet Yang Shiwen, who was her mother's elder brother. Basic courtesy needed to be observed.
Moreover, he had left without notice this time, and he was unsure if Yang Shiwen would mind, which caused Lu Fan some worry.
Outside the gates of Jiangdong City, the Yun family members gradually departed, their eyes filled with reluctance. This was the land where their Yun family had grown up, and now they had to leave their homes. A sense of melancholy permeated their hearts.
Clutching the portrait, Yun Yiyi's mind was filled with myriad thoughts, mingled with threads of anger. If not for Yun Bei's reckless actions, the Yun family would not have found themselves in such a predicament. Now, leaving their homeland, their situation was even more tragic.
Among the Yun family, those with strong martial arts had already left. What remained were merely the old, the weak, women, and children, which filled her with a profound sadness.
"Yiyi!"
Li Qing stood at the city gate, gazing at Yun Yiyi. "Are you alright?"
"Senior Brother, why are you here?" Yun Yiyi frowned. "Did Lord Lu send you! Are you here to exterminate the Yun family?"
"Lord Lu is absolutely not that kind of person!" Li Qing stated. "I've come this time just to see you, after all, the deceased are gone!"
"I didn't even get to see my father for the last time, yet you are here feigning sympathy," Yun Yiyi said coldly. "Lord Lu of Jiangnan will forever be an enemy of my Yun family. You stand with my enemy, so why comfort me!"
"Lord Lu is absolutely not as you imagine. If the Yun family had not acted so excessively, Lord Lu would never have intervened," Li Qing said. "I only hope you understand that hatred will only lead you into a predicament. I hope you can move past this soon!"
Yun Yiyi did not reply, leading the Yun family members away. Her sole goal in this life was to reach the realm of Grandmaster and become a powerful cultivator, so that she could seek revenge on Lu Fan.
She knew that the matter was not Lu Fan's fault, but the hatred for her father's death was irreconcilable. As a daughter, she would leave no room for leniency.
A few days later, Lu Fan arrived in Chuzhou with Lin Ke, appearing travel-worn. Han Yunhai followed behind.
As soon as they reached Jiangjing Bieyuan, Gu Wen rushed out. "Master, you're finally back!"
"What, are you worried about me?" Lu Fan asked with a light smile, walking inside.
"The news of Lord Lu of Jiangnan killing the Yun family head has spread like wildfire," Gu Wen said with a smile. "Even my Gu family is blaming me for not informing them, otherwise, they would have definitely lent you a hand!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly, not paying much attention.
"My Lord, you're back!"
Lin Xiaojia emerged from her room. Upon seeing Lu Fan, her eyes showed relief. She had been worried these past few days, and his safe return brought her great comfort.
"Who is he?" Lin Ke asked, surprised.
"I am Lord Lu's servant," Lin Xiaojia said quickly. "Miss Lin, please do not misunderstand."
Lin Xiaojia was well aware that Lu Fan already had a family and knew that Lu Fan and Lin Ke were already married.
"Ahem... Gu Wen, why are you still standing there?" Han Yunhai shot him a look. "Aren't you going to take the luggage inside quickly!"
Gu Wen received the signal and nodded quickly, taking the luggage towards the room.
After putting the luggage away, Lu Fan led Lin Ke into the room. Lin Ke, however, said indignantly, "I never realized you were keeping a mistress in Chuzhou!"
"It's a huge misunderstanding!" Lu Fan said with a bitter smile. "I am extremely devoted to my Xiao Ke. How could I possibly keep a mistress? Her grandmother died tragically and she was pursued by countless experts. Her background is quite pitiful. If I hadn't intervened to save her, she probably wouldn't have survived!"
"Is that true?" Lin Ke asked, surprised. "Is she really that pitiful?"
"She is from a tribe in the Ten Thousand Mountains. Unfortunately, she is the only survivor of her tribe, and people from other tribes are pursuing her," Lu Fan stated. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have taken her in."
Lin Ke nodded solemnly. She felt a touch of sympathy for Lin Xiaojia's plight.
"Right, weren't you coming to Chuzhou to find your relatives?" Lin Ke suddenly asked. "You've been here for so long, and you still haven't found any news of them?"
"I've already found my second uncle; he's at the Chuzhou Apartment," Lu Fan said. "I'll take you there tomorrow!"
"Is it appropriate for me to meet your second uncle like this?" Lin Ke asked awkwardly. "Should I buy some clothes?"
"I think it's best not to,"
Lu Fan waved his hand. "I think your current outfit is quite nice. Wear this tomorrow!"
Lin Ke nodded slightly. Although she felt a bit apprehensive, she was, after all, someone who had experienced the world. Her heart gradually settled.
As night fell, Lin Ke had already fallen asleep. Lu Fan, however, could not sleep and went to the courtyard.
In the courtyard, Lin Xiaojia sat in contemplation, lost in thought.
"Still thinking about your tribe?" Lu Fan walked over.
"Brother Lu!" Lin Xiaojia shook her head. "I just want to venture out on my own. I'm afraid I won't be able to stay by Brother Lu's side in the future!"
"Venture out on your own?" Lu Fan's brows furrowed. "With your strength, if people from the Arctic tribe find you, how will you cope!"