Huangfu Youcheng was equally shocked to hear that Feng Jilan had been captured.
Especially upon learning that the matter seemed to involve Huangfu Qinyuan, it made Huangfu Youcheng's expression extremely grim, wishing he could slap that rebellious son right then and there.
However, considering the past marriage alliance between the Huangfu and Long families, and the years of grievance Huangfu Qinyuan had endured, Huangfu Youcheng seemed disinclined to pursue the matter.
Moreover, with Kaiyuan Shipping Group now under Huangfu Lin's management, it was already a significant blow to Huangfu Qinyuan.
Seeing Huangfu Youcheng still favoring Huangfu Qinyuan so much, Huangfu Lin's expression also turned somewhat somber.
For years, whenever he made a mistake, he would face punishment from his father, even a slap in the face in front of others.
Yet, ever since Huangfu Qinyuan married the vegetative state daughter of the Long family, Huangfu Youcheng had shown him immense favoritism.
He had even handed over the management of Kaiyuan Shipping and the family's antique smuggling business to Huangfu Qinyuan, which left Huangfu Lin feeling deeply unbalanced.
This was also a major reason why the two brothers had never been on good terms.
Ever since Kaiyuan Shipping Group was handed over to Huangfu Qinyuan, Huangfu Lin had secretly resolved not to make another mistake and to reclaim what rightfully belonged to him.
"Father, the one captured is Feng Jilan. He knows all our family's affairs. Qinyuan doing this is a bit too much. If this matter gets out, it would be a fatal blow to our Huangfu family," Huangfu Lin said, still unwilling to give up.
"I understand this matter. I will reprimand him. This was indeed excessive. Issue a notice to have those reporters delete all related reports. Also, this incident must not affect the departure of the goods," Huangfu Youcheng instructed.
"Father, I have already made arrangements."
Huangfu Youcheng nodded in satisfaction. "Good. If that brat had half your ability, I would be at ease."
Seemingly sensing Huangfu Lin's dissatisfaction, Huangfu Youcheng added, "Lin'er, you should know that the family owes your brother. You already have a family, but he has made a tremendous sacrifice."
"Father, if you continue to indulge him like this, it will lead to a major disaster!" Huangfu Lin protested.
Huangfu Youcheng glanced at Huangfu Lin and sat down on the sofa. "Do you know why I favor him?"
Huangfu Lin was puzzled.
"Do you remember the singer your brother pursued back then?"
"The one who angered the Long family?"
Huangfu Youcheng nodded. "Actually, I knew about that woman long ago."
"You knew long ago?" Huangfu Lin was surprised.
Huangfu Youcheng looked at Huangfu Lin. "You and he are both my sons. Do you think a father would watch his son marry a vegetative person and spend his life like that? I didn't intervene and let them develop, but I thought as long as it was kept secret, there would be no problem."
Huangfu Youcheng said, "But the Long family found out in the end."
"Indeed. It was because that woman gave your brother a daughter," Huangfu Lin no longer concealed it.
"What?!" Huangfu Lin was stunned. Even he, the eldest son of the Huangfu family, did not know about this.
"The Long family also found out. I sent the woman abroad, saving her life, but my little granddaughter was not so fortunate. The Long family sent people to take her away, and she disappeared without a trace."
"Your brother searched for a long time and finally got a piece of news."
"What news?" Huangfu Lin quickly pressed.
"The night your little niece was taken away, she was thrown into the river. They said the Long family would not allow such a scandalous matter to occur. At that time, the Huangfu family was eager to form an alliance with the Long family, so your brother could only endure and suppress this matter in his heart."
Hearing this, Huangfu Lin was bewildered. He had always thought Huangfu Qinyuan was doted on by his father simply because he married a vegetative person, never realizing there was such a hidden story.
"The Long family is so cruel," a hint of coldness flashed in Huangfu Lin's eyes.
"Between families, besides interests, what else is there for filial affection? Qinyuan's life is one the family owes him, which is why I favor him so much," Huangfu Youcheng replied.
"Alright, you should go back and rest. Tomorrow's shipment must not have any problems," Huangfu Youcheng waved his hand, appearing tired.
"Yes, Father." Huangfu Lin then left Huangfu Youcheng's residence.
Outside the villa, Huangfu Lin turned to look at the darkened light in the study upstairs.
He kept repeating Huangfu Youcheng's words in his mind: 'Between families, besides interests, what else is there for filial affection.'
The next morning.
Bai Chengnan took the earliest flight to Jiangcheng.
His purpose was to ensure that today's goods would be delivered to the port on time.
Last night, he had specifically called Chen Fan, informing him that the goods would be shipped at noon today and asking Chen Fan to arrange a cargo ship.
Chen Fan agreed without hesitation, saying he would personally drive to the airport to pick up Bai Chengnan in the morning.
As Bai Chengnan walked out of the airport, he saw a BMW parked at the exit, with two people standing outside.
While others might not recognize them, as Huangfu Lin's subordinates, how could Bai Chengnan not recognize these two? Chen Fan and Da Xiong.
"Oh, Mr. Chen, Brother Xiong, you two personally coming to pick me up at the airport, I am truly humbled, truly humbled!" Bai Chengnan said with surprise and quickly walked over to shake hands with Chen Fan and Da Xiong.
"Mr. Bai is too kind. The Huangfu family is our benefactor now. How could we not treat you well?" Chen Fan replied with a smile.
He then personally opened the car door and invited Bai Chengnan to get in.
"We're all on the same side, no need to be so formal." With that, Bai Chengnan got into the car.
Da Xiong drove, heading towards the port.
Chen Fan, sitting in the back, asked Bai Chengnan, "Mr. Bai, didn't your employees usually deliver the goods before? Why are you personally making this trip today?"
Da Xiong glanced at the rearview mirror. "Mr. Bai, you're not still wary of us, are you? You don't trust us?"
"No, no, how could that be?" Bai Chengnan was startled by Da Xiong's gaze and quickly waved his hands in response.
He then explained, "It's just that the person in charge here has changed, and I'm here to handle some matters."
Chen Fan realized. "Oh, so that's how it is."
"How much worth of goods are we planning to ship this time?"
"The same as last time," Bai Chengnan replied.
"Really? Then what about the commission this time?" Chen Fan rubbed his fingers together.
Bai Chengnan gave an awkward smile. "You can rest assured about that. You'll definitely get it after the job is done."
"Before, payment was always made in advance. Mr. Bai, the rules of business, we can't change them, right? I'm just trying to make money. Otherwise, who would risk doing this?" Chen Fan asked.
"This..." Bai Chengnan was too embarrassed to answer.
"Perhaps I should contact my boss first."
Chen Fan made a gesture of invitation.
Bai Chengnan then took out his phone and called Huangfu Lin.