Lu Fan, upon returning to Tianfu Villa, let Lin Ke enter alone while he went outside the villa, his expression turning indifferent.
"My lord, the matter has been handled," Han Yunhai said. "When the time comes, escape will be impossible. We'll be able to round them all up!"
"Well done!" Lu Fan nodded. "If there's a fight, you only need to guard the periphery. I'll be enough on my own!"
"This..." Han Yunhai frowned. "Wouldn't it be too dangerous for you to do this, my lord?"
"The people of the Azure Dragon Gate are ultimately just ordinary individuals!" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Just listen to me."
Han Yunhai nodded solemnly, not daring to disobey Lu Fan's wishes.
Within these seven days, Lu Fan had made all arrangements. The Qin family patriarch's birthday was approaching, and the other four hidden aristocratic families would surely appear. Lu Fan was determined to investigate the events of eighteen years ago clearly.
Meanwhile, at the Qin family residence, the Qin family patriarch frowned. "Why haven't I seen Qin Hai these past few days?"
"Reporting to the Patriarch, Elder Qin has gone out and has not yet returned!" a man said, cupping his fists. "Perhaps he went to prepare a birthday gift for the family."
"That would be for the best!" the Qin family patriarch smiled.
The events of eighteen years ago had always bothered him. Not long ago, he had learned of surviving members of the Lu family. If he could present these Lu family remnants as a birthday gift on his own birthday, it would be perfect.
As the auspicious hour arrived, within the Qin family's gates, numerous guests came to offer their birthday wishes, bringing extremely precious gifts.
The entire Qin family was adorned with festive decorations, appearing peaceful. A hundred-meter red cloth connected to the main hall, where a large "寿" (Shou - Longevity) character was written in the center.
All those who came to offer birthday wishes were prominent figures from Jiangnan, or martial arts experts; none were ordinary individuals.
Amidst the crowd, Yang Ding Tian, following a middle-aged man, spoke with extreme seriousness. "Boss Zhao, this is my Yang family's heirloom, and my only hope! If it is truly presented as a birthday gift, will we receive the Qin family's protection?"
"Rest assured, your heirloom is extraordinary. Old Master Qin will surely be pleased after seeing it, and it will be a simple matter for you to restore the Yang family then," Boss Zhao said frankly. "As for that Mr. Lu, Old Master Qin can make him vanish with a single word!"
"If that's the case, I thank you kindly!" Yang Ding Tian said, his face filled with excitement. Lu Fan had caused his family's ruin, and he had long harbored deep hatred. Now, he would not let this last opportunity slip away. Su Dan Novel Network.
"If we can align ourselves with the Qin family, why would my Yang family not prosper?" Yang Jia Qi said proudly. "We will surely make him repay us a hundredfold!"
"Let's not mention these matters for now. After the birthday celebration, I will bring them up," Boss Zhao said. "As for whether Old Master Qin will look favorably upon you, that will depend on the Yang family's fortune."
"If not for your help, Brother Zhao, my Yang family would likely never have a chance to rise again!" Yang Ding Tian cupped his fists. "Boss Zhao has bestowed a great favor upon my Yang family."
"I am only doing my best," Boss Zhao said with a sinister smile. "However, once this is accomplished, Old Master Yang must fulfill his promise and betroth Miss Yang to me."
"That is natural," Yang Ding Tian nodded quickly.
"What?" Yang Jia Qi was suddenly startled. "Grandpa, what are you saying?"
"Shut your mouth!" Yang Ding Tian slapped her. "You have no say here. Everything is as I arrange!"
Yang Jia Qi's eyes reddened, and she felt a surge of tears.
Upon reaching a corner, Yang Ding Tian quickly comforted her. "Boss Zhao is wealthy and powerful. Following him will not be a loss. If not for his introduction, our Yang family would have no way to turn things around!"
"But he is short and fat, and his daughter is about my age," Yang Jia Qi said repeatedly. "I disagree. I am your granddaughter, after all. How can you demean me like this, Grandpa?"
"You ungrateful wretch! You tore up the marriage contract when I told you to marry him before," Yang Ding Tian scolded. "Now that the Yang family has been destroyed because of you, you must agree to this, whether you want to or not!"
Yang Jia Qi's face was filled with regret. Even if Lu Fan was incompetent, he was far better than Boss Zhao. Moreover, Lu Fan now controlled Taikang Pharmaceutical, and even the Azure Dragon Gate showed him respect. In Qingzhou, he could already command the wind and rain.
Inside the Qin family's main hall, only distinguished guests were seated. Others could only remain outside the main hall, with clear distinctions in status.
Even Boss Zhao could only stand outside the main hall, having no qualification to enter.
Guests continued to arrive to offer birthday wishes, and the scene became quite grand.
Among the throng, a father and daughter were conversing.
"Dad, how have I never heard of such a prominent family in Qingzhou?" Bai Xue said. "We have no prior connection with them, yet we must personally come to offer birthday wishes!"
"You are unaware, but the Qin family is a hidden aristocratic family, possessing immense wealth," Bai Tian Cheng said. "Let alone Qingzhou, even the big shots of Jiangnan must be humble. Although we have come to offer birthday wishes, we cannot even enter the main hall!"
"This is too exaggerated!" Bai Xue exclaimed. "We are here to offer birthday wishes, and this is quite disrespectful."
"To enter the main hall, one must possess precious qualifications," Bai Tian Cheng said frankly. "We are merely uninvited guests, trying to gain some recognition!"
Bai Xue was astonished. A family that could become this powerful was indeed quite frightening.
On the other side of the crowd, Boss Zhao kept looking at Yang Jia Qi with a sinister gaze, as if he wanted to devour her alive.
Yang Jia Qi's face was pale, and she felt strong repulsion. Unfortunately, the Yang family lacked power and influence. If Boss Zhao truly intended to deal with her, it would likely only be a matter of time. The thought made her feel nauseated.
"The Liu family from Jiangdong has arrived to offer birthday wishes!"
"The Ye family from Jiangbei has arrived to offer birthday wishes!"
"The Wang family from Hainan has arrived to offer birthday wishes!"
...
Waves of voices sounded, and behind each resonant announcement was a vast family. Only powerful families had the confidence to enter the Qin family's main hall directly.
The Qin family patriarch sat in the center of the main hall, a look of satisfaction on his face. After years of cultivation and discretion, the Qin family had reached its peak. As the patriarch, he was naturally pleased.
"Old Master Qin is getting younger!"
"Indeed! Old Master Qin is truly in vigorous health!"
Flattering voices echoed within the main hall, each face adorned with sycophancy. This was the hidden aristocratic Qin family, a power that any force wished to curry favor with.
"The Lu family from Jiangnan has arrived to offer birthday wishes!"
A clear voice rang out. The Qin patriarch, who had been beaming, suddenly changed his expression.
The Jiangnan Lu family—that name had been erased eighteen years ago. Why would they appear at his birthday banquet now?
Boom...
A tremendous sound echoed. Outside the main hall, directly facing the main entrance, a bright red coffin was placed flat.