The western suburbs.
The old Shao family manor.
Some time had passed since Old Master Shao’s eightieth birthday.
The residents in the vicinity knew nothing of what had transpired at the grand celebration.
All they knew was that the Shao family had been keeping a low profile lately, and their young disciples, when appearing in public, were subdued. They remained tight-lipped about the grand birthday, unwilling to discuss it.
The main branch of the Shao family had been confined to their residence, not appearing for a long time.
The town bustled as usual.
However, at this moment, a line of luxury cars pulled up outside the old Shao family manor.
A Hummer led the way, followed by three Rolls-Royces in the middle, and three Audi A8s at the rear.
The convoy was impressive, drawing a large crowd.
“It’s the Xu family from Xiling!”
“The Shao family’s in-laws, said to be a century-old clan from Xiling!”
“Haven’t the Xu family from Xiling visited much, despite Shao’s daughter marrying into their family years ago? This is the first time they’ve come with such a show of force!”
“They didn’t even bring such a grand entourage for Old Master Shao’s eightieth birthday. Did something happen?”
“…”
Amidst the onlookers, burly and strong bodyguards descended from the Audi cars, forming a cordon around the Rolls-Royces.
From the extended Rolls-Royce in the center, two men and one woman emerged.
The man in the lead, nearing thirty, was tall and handsome.
He wore a Zhongshan suit, his leather shoes gleaming, and possessed an indescribable, extraordinary aura.
It was as if he were born superior, looking down upon the common folk from an unreachable height.
It was a nobility that words could not capture, a noble foundation etched into his bloodline and lineage.
Ignoring the onlookers, he surveyed the old Shao family manor and said with a smile, “Dongsheng, Moline, your Shao family manor is a bit cramped. Why not expand and renovate it?”
“Brother Donglai, our Shao family is merely a small clan, rising only in the past thirty to forty years. Naturally, we wouldn't catch your eye.”
The man chuckled, “Moline, don’t be so self-deprecating. With a few more decades of accumulation, the Shao family may not lag behind the top affluent families of Hangjiang.”
“Then we’ll have to rely on Brother Donglai for your support.” Shao Moline smiled charmingly.
The man smiled faintly, “I heard your grandfather is upright and cautious?”
Mentioning Old Master Shao, a shadow flickered in Shao Moline’s eyes, “My grandfather has become more timid with age. He actually watched my brother get beaten to death in the Shao family right before his eyes!”
After this incident, Old Master Shao strictly forbade anyone in the Shao family from mentioning it again.
As a result, her parents hadn't stepped out of the house for a long time.
Because of this, she harbored resentment towards Old Master Shao, and even towards her husband, Xu Dongsheng, standing beside her.
“Moline.” The man looked at Xu Dongsheng beside Shao Moline, “Don’t blame Dongsheng for this. He has his difficulties too.”
“However, since I’m here, I will support your revenge. All we need is to find out where that murderer is!”
Shao Moline’s face showed gratitude, and she said, “Thank you, Brother Donglai!”
Xu Dongsheng also quickly expressed his thanks.
Xu Donglai smiled, “It’s a small matter. Compared to this, obtaining that item is the most important thing!”
As they spoke, the alerted members of the Shao family appeared at the main entrance to greet them.
Old Master Shao, leaning on his cane, was supported by his younger relatives as he approached.
Xu Donglai strode forward and greeted, “How dare I trouble Old Master Shao to come out in person?”
“It is proper, it is proper. The arrival of the Fifth Young Master Xu at the Shao family brings brilliance to our humble abode!”
The Old Master said with a smile.
As for Shao Baihua and other Shao family disciples, their breathing quickened, their gazes burning with intensity.
After all, they were related to the Xu family, and the Shao family knew about the situation of the Xu family in Xiling.
This Fifth Young Master Xu Donglai was from the direct lineage of the Xu family and was one of the potential heirs to the Xu family patriarch.
He himself was outstanding. In Xiling, he owned a company valued at nearly ten billion yuan, involved in high-tech industries such as new energy, making him the brightest rising star in Xiling’s business circles.
This time, he was representing the Xu family in Hangjiang.
As for Shao Moline’s husband, Xu Dongsheng, he was from a collateral branch of the Xu family, his status and position far inferior to Xu Donglai.
“Old Master Shao is too kind. Let’s go inside and talk.”
Xu Donglai personally supported Old Master Shao, behaving courteously, which deeply moved everyone in the Shao family, who were impressed by his demeanor.
They arrived at the main hall and sat down as host and guest.
“To be frank, Old Master, the Xu family intends to expand eastward and establish a presence in Hangjiang.”
Xu Donglai picked up his teacup and said, “The Shao family and the Xu family are in-laws, so naturally, you are our preferred partner. Donglai will need your network and influence in Hangjiang moving forward!”
Old Master Shao smiled, “The Xu family is a century-old clan with profound heritage. The Shao family is merely second-rate in Hangjiang, with meager strength. I fear I cannot assist Young Master Xu much.”
“Old Master Shao, you are too modest!”
Xu Donglai secretly thought that this old fox was not so easily fooled, so he extended his hand towards the bodyguard behind him.
The bodyguard took out a palm-sized box and handed it to Xu Donglai.
“You are an elder. Donglai cannot come empty-handed on his first visit.”
Xu Donglai held the box and opened it. The treasure within shone brilliantly, dazzling the eyes.
Inside was a large, emerald-green luminous pearl.
Many of the younger generation of the Shao family stared with wide eyes.
Such a luminous pearl must be worth tens of millions. Young Master Xu had a generous hand.
Partnering with this Young Master Xu presented an opportunity for the Shao family to leap to the forefront of Hangjiang.
“This is a small token of my sincerity, a belated birthday gift for your eightieth birthday.”
Xu Donglai said with a smile.
Old Master Shao’s brows furrowed slightly, but then quickly relaxed, saying, “How dare I accept such a generous gift from Young Master Xu?”
“This is a gift of my sincere intention, wishing you longevity as boundless as the East Sea and as enduring as the Southern Mountains!”
Old Master Shao sighed inwardly and accepted the gift.
Such a generous gift must come with a request.
The incident of his eldest grandson’s death at his eightieth birthday had not yet passed, and now this young master of the Xu family had arrived. He wondered what this would bring to the Shao family.
However, he clearly could not refuse, as that would be too disrespectful to this noble young master of the Xu family.
“Then I shall accept your gift without presumption.”
Old Master Shao said, and then asked, “Young Master Xu, where do you plan to start in Hangjiang?”
“I heard that the eldest young master of the Shao family tragically passed away, and the murderer is still at large?”
Xu Donglai’s expression turned serious, and he said solemnly, “Young Master Shao was my sister-in-law Moline’s elder brother, and my cousin Dongsheng’s elder brother-in-law. How can this matter be ignored?”
“Does Old Master Shao know where the murderer is now? I will send people to apprehend him, and then we can discuss other matters after justice has been served to the Shao family.”
“What does Old Master Shao think?”
Xu Donglai’s words were confident and commanding.
The Shao family disciples in the hall were all invigorated, their eyes filled with anticipation.
They looked at Old Master Shao in unison, waiting for him to agree.
Old Master Shao’s expression shifted slightly.
“How can we trouble Young Master Xu with this matter?”
Looking at the reactions of his nephews and younger relatives, Old Master Shao remained silent for a moment and said, “The Shao family has always been prudent and law-abiding. That murderer will be dealt with by justice and righteousness…”
“Grandfather, how can you be so pedantic?” A young man from the Shao family couldn't help but say, “Young Master Xu is willing to bring justice for us, why don't you agree?”
“Exactly, Father. How can Moqing die in vain? That person is so arrogant. We’ve endured this insult for too long!”
“Father, this matter must be justly resolved. Our Shao family may lack the strength, but now that Young Master Xu has come forward, what is there to worry about?”
“…”
The Shao family members could no longer hold back, and they all spoke out.
“All of you, be quiet!”
Old Master Shao’s eyes held even more worry. He stomped his cane heavily on the ground, scolding his nephews and younger relatives.
Under his authority, the younger generation grudgingly fell silent, but their dissatisfaction and resentment were evident on their faces.
“Young Master Xu!”
Old Master Shao sighed inwardly and said, “I do not know where that person is now. If Young Master Xu wishes to bring justice to the Shao family, the Shao family will be eternally grateful.”
Xu Donglai smiled, “This is naturally what I should do.”
“Young Master Xu has just arrived, and this matter need not be rushed.”
Old Master Shao said, “As I mentioned earlier, our Shao family’s motto is that all family members must abide by the law and not act rashly without cause.”
“If Young Master Xu wishes to bring justice, then this old man looks forward to Young Master Xu using his influence to bring that murderer to justice and face legal judgment!”
Xu Donglai felt annoyed, but outwardly he smiled, “Since Old Master Shao says so, then we shall comply with your wishes. However, this will indeed take some time!”
“It’s alright, this old body can afford to wait!”
Old Master Shao glanced around and said, “I am feeling a bit weak and need to rest. Young Master Xu, please make yourself comfortable. Shaobai, arrange a banquet to entertain Young Master Xu and Dongsheng and the others!”
“No need!” Xu Donglai sneered inwardly and said, “I have already booked a banquet at a hotel. I have invited many friends and relatives of the Shao family. If everyone is free, would you do me the honor?”
“That’s too kind of you! Young Master Xu, you are too polite. How can we refuse?”
“We should be the ones inviting Young Master Xu!”
“It is our honor that Young Master Xu invites us!”
“…”
The Shao family members all chimed in with flattery and agreement.
Shao Baihua looked at Old Master.
Old Master waved his hand and said, “Since Young Master Xu is hosting, if there is nothing else, then you may go. I am old and tired, and I wouldn't want to spoil the occasion. We will host Young Master Xu in the evening!”
With that, he slowly left the hall, leaning on his cane.
As he departed, numerous Shao family members surrounded Young Master Xu, showering him with flattering words.