As Han Qiushui and the others left, Lu Fan pulled Lin Ke’s hand and walked towards the Lin family residence, saying, "If I'm not mistaken, the Lin family already knows you've been kidnapped, and they might even be scrambling to raise money right now."
“Brother Lu Fan, you’re truly a sage. It’s exactly as you said,” Lin Ke nodded. “But if it weren’t for you tonight, I would have been in serious trouble. How should I thank you!”
“You’ll soon be my wife, so what’s with the thanks and no thanks?” Lu Fan chuckled. “As long as you are safe and sound, I’ll be content.”
Lin Ke gave an embarrassed smile. Lu Fan’s words brought a warmth to her heart.
Meanwhile, in the car, Han Qiushui looked at the Three-Legged Cripple and said, “I’ve always told you to keep a low profile when you do things, but you never listen. Now that you’ve ended up like this, it’s all your own fault!”
“Miss Han, who exactly is that person? You are the eldest daughter of the Han family, why must you obey him?” the Three-Legged Cripple pleaded repeatedly. “Does Miss Han really intend to make me disappear?”
“Naturally, it’s true!” Han Qiushui stated directly. “That person is my master, and he is also Lord Lu of Jiangnan. Let alone you, even our Han family cannot afford to offend him, so your fate has already been sealed!”
“Lord Lu of Jiangnan!”
Incredulity filled his eyes, and the Three-Legged Cripple looked utterly astonished, as if he knew a great deal about Lord Lu of Jiangnan.
“If you had offended someone else, perhaps I could have intervened, but you offended my master and touched his inverse scale,” Han Qiushui said coldly. “Under such circumstances, I cannot protect you!”
“Miss Han, I have always been loyal to the Han family. Please, Miss Han, spare my life!” the Three-Legged Cripple begged for mercy.
“It’s too late!” Han Qiushui’s expression was frigid. “Those who offend the wrong person must pay the price. You must be well aware that my master has been immensely kind to the Han family. You are as good as dead!”
The Three-Legged Cripple was filled with regret and helplessness. If he had known that Lin Ke had such a powerful backer, he would never have dared to do such a thing.
In the Lin family’s courtyard, Lin Aotian had already contacted his company, preparing to sell half of his company’s shares. For him, his own flesh and blood were paramount; everything else was mere vanity. He had failed Lin Ke years ago and would not let that happen again.
However, at that very moment, Lu Fan, holding Lin Ke’s small hand, arrived at the Lin family courtyard, looking as if nothing had happened.
Lin Aotian turned and gazed at the scene before him, his astonishment growing. “Xiao Ke, weren’t you captured?”
“I was captured, but Brother Lu Fan rescued me, so I’m here to thank him properly,” Lin Ke said with a smile.
The other members of the Lin family also looked surprised, unaware of what had transpired. Under normal circumstances, the captors would be powerful figures, and Lu Fan, being an ordinary person, rescuing Lin Ke seemed like a fantasy. But the reality was right before them, leaving the Lin family members bewildered. Lin Aotian, in particular, had already prepared to hand over half of the Lin family, only for Lin Ke to appear before him.
“Young Lu, thank you!” Lin Aotian exclaimed. “But how did you manage it?”
“Perhaps I couldn’t do much myself, but people I know can,” Lu Fan said with a light laugh. “I will be returning to Jiangnan tomorrow. I hope Uncle Lin will take good care of Lin Ke!”
“Could it be the Han family’s help?” Lin Yalan asked in surprise. She was well aware that Lu Fan was a favored guest of the Han family, having learned it at the Jingxuan Hotel that day. She hadn’t known the reason for Lu Fan’s esteemed status.
“The Han family of Jiangbei?” Lin Aotian was even more astonished. “How could he know someone from the Han family of Jiangbei?”
“I’m not sure about that!” Lin Yalan shook her head. “But he does have some connection with the Han family!”
“She’s been delivered safely, Uncle Lin doesn't need to worry anymore!” Lu Fan shrugged. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be taking my leave!”
With that, Lu Fan left without lingering, as he felt quite averse to the other members of the Lin family.
After Lu Fan departed, Lin Aotian asked with concern, “Are you injured anywhere?”
“Dad, don’t worry, I’m fine,” Lin Ke shook her head. “But thanks to Brother Lu Fan, I would have been in real trouble without him.”
“Xiao Ke, were you…?” Old Mrs. Lin frowned. “You are to be married to Lord Lu, you must not…”
“Rest assured, Old Mrs. Lin, I am still a virgin!” Lin Ke stated directly, though a slight frown creased her brow. Old Mrs. Lin’s concern for this matter, rather than her safety, made her feel a little disheartened.
“You are about to marry Lord Lu, yet you’re not preparing properly and are spending all your time with this fellow,” Lin Haitao said coldly. “If the Lord Lu of Jiangbei finds out, who knows what he’ll think!”
“I will handle my own affairs, and I don’t need you to interfere!” Lin Ke retorted sternly.
Lin Haitao was about to retort when Lin Guoli stopped him. Lin Ke would soon be Lord Lu’s wife. Even if they were to become the stewards of the Lin family in the future, they could not lightly offend Lin Ke, lest they bring trouble upon themselves.
“It’s good that you’re alright. That you’ve returned safely is a great blessing,” Lin Aotian said with relief.
The next morning, Han Yunhai, along with the members of the Azure Dragon Sect, waited outside the courtyard. After a long while, Lu Fan emerged with Granny Guihua. They were returning to Jiangnan to arrange the wedding, and Lu Fan naturally needed to make some preparations.
As Lu Fan was about to get into the car, a figure appeared beside the convoy. Dressed in casual wear with a ponytail, she looked rather pure. “Master, I want to return to Jiangnan with you!”
“You are the apple of Elder Han’s eye and the sole heir of the Han family,” Lu Fan chuckled softly. “If you truly return to Jiangnan with me, the Han family will never agree.”
“My grandfather has broken through to the Grandmaster realm, so the Han family will be in no danger!” Han Qiushui stated directly. “With that, I have no worries and can stay by Master’s side at all times!”
“Since you want to go, then go!” Lu Fan waved his hand. “It’s a good opportunity for you to gain some experience, as being my disciple is not an easy task!”
“Thank you, Master!”
Han Qiushui was overjoyed. She had expected Lu Fan to refuse, but that was clearly not the case, which was just as she had hoped.
In the car, Han Qiushui was respectful and looked composed. Being able to accompany Lu Fan to Jiangnan was an honor for her.
“How is the matter I assigned you proceeding?” Lu Fan looked at Han Yunhai. “Have you used up the Qi Nourishing Pills?”
“My Lord, rest assured, the Qingyun Sect has been established,” Han Yunhai said with a smile. “As soon as My Lord gives the order, the many experts of the Qingyun Sect will surely follow your lead!”
“That’s excellent!” Lu Fan nodded slightly. “The country is full of experts. Without one’s own forces, it is bound to be difficult to move forward!”