"Why?" Ling Chen asked in confusion. "Did he co to East Sea City to get revenge on you?"
"No!" Liu Xiyao shook her head and replied, "Actually, the Liu Family doesn’t care about . I’ve always been the one wanting to take revenge on them. The reason Liu Wei approached is not to cause trouble for , but to sche for my assets. You know, over the years, with Lin Guodong’s help, I’ve managed quite a few businesses across the country. Although my assets aren’t a lot, they are still in the billions. Liu Wei is a very cunning and opportunistic person. If he can control , he gets billions in assets for nothing. Who wouldn’t want such an opportunity?"
"So, the Liu Family can’t keep going and that’s why they ca to East Sea City to seek developnt."
"Pretty much."
"Chen, I’ve heard of that Liu Family you guys are discussing," Nanrong Hao, who was driving, chid in. "The Liu Family used to be quite famous, involved in various industries, similar to our Hongyu Group. But later, due to poor managent and annual losses, the company had to lay off staff and sell off assets. Our Hongyu Group used to collaborate with the Liu Family, but after their decline, we cut off cooperation. That Liu Wei is a clever man. He ca to East Sea City and didn’t do much, just runs a leisure club. Seems like he’s planning sothing big."
"Haozi, what do you an by that?"
"Chen, isn’t it obvious? High-end entertainnt venues will always attract wealthy people. Which of these rich people aren’t influential and powerful? Over ti, as Liu Wei mingles with them, he can integrate himself into the high society of East Sea City. And, as Miss Liu just ntioned, Liu Wei is shrewd and opportunistic. These rich folks often indulge in behavior that compromises their image when at leisure clubs. Moreover, these wealthy individuals have families; if word gets out that they are going to Liu Wei’s place for won, what kind of impact do you think it will have?"
Upon hearing this, Ling Chen imdiately realized.
"Haozi, you an... Liu Wei will use this as leverage?"
"Liu Wei might collect these handles. Whether he would use them or not, I can’t say. Also," Nanrong Hao continued after a pause, "Chen, there’s another matter. When Hongyu Group decided not to continue cooperating with the Liu Family, besides their economic downturn, there was another significant reason."
"We have evidence that the Liu Family might have connections with the local underground forces. Moreover, the Liu Family is allegedly behind the scenes responsible for investnt and control. Since the Liu Family’s background isn’t clean, we were concerned they might be involved in illegal activities, which could affect Hongyu Group, so we chose to sever ties with them."
"Mr. Nanrong is right," Liu Xiyao agreed. "I’ve heard about this too. The police had investigated the Liu Family. Although they covered it up well, not much was found, but it nonetheless impacted their reputation. Many businesses cut ties with the Liu Family because of this."
Ling Chen nodded and said, "Haozi, give Jiang Hao and Xiong a heads-up to keep an eye on Liu Wei. If he dares to do anything out of line, there’s no need to be polite with him, deal with it directly."
"Got it!"
"Xiyao, it’s not safe for you to go ho. Liu Wei will definitely co looking for trouble again. For safety’s sake, why don’t you stay at my place for a while?"
"Isn’t that... not appropriate?" Liu Xiyao appeared sowhat hesitant.
Ling Chen smiled slightly and said, "What’s inappropriate about it? After all, there aren’t many people staying at my place, and there are plenty of rooms. Once everything’s settled, I’ll send you back."
Liu Xiyao thought for a mont and decided to agree. Liu Wei knew where she lived and might send soone to trouble her. Better to stay at Ling Chen’s place, where it was likely safer.
Upon learning that Liu Xiyao would stay at Ling Chen’s house, Nanrong Hao opened his mouth a few tis, wanting to say sothing. But after so hesitation, he swallowed his words.
Back ho, Ling Chen brought Liu Xiyao inside the house. At this mont, Yang Qingling and Yang Yan were already asleep.
This villa had three floors, with Yang Qingling and Yang Yan living on the top floor, while Ling Chen lived alone on the second floor. Being a villa, there were ample guest rooms, with three spacious bedrooms just on the second floor alone.
Ling Chen tidied up a bedroom next to his own, found so bedding and pillows, and helped Liu Xiyao settle in.
"Xiyao, here are so of my clothes for you to wear tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll take you shopping for clothes."
"Thank you!" Liu Xiyao said gratefully.
"No need to be so polite. It’s late, so rest up. I won’t disturb you any further." With that, Ling Chen turned and left the room.
...
Early the next morning.
Yang Qingling and Gong iling were in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Hearing the sound of footsteps on the stairs, Yang Qingling peeked out of the kitchen and said, "Son, breakfast is almost ready, you..." Before she could finish speaking, her expression changed slightly, staring blankly at the person coming down the stairs, montarily at a loss for words.
"Daughter, what’s the matter?" Gong iling, busy in the kitchen, noticed Yang Qingling’s reaction and glanced outside. Upon seeing Liu Xiyao at the staircase, she was montarily taken aback.
"Aunt Yang, Madam Yang, good morning!" Liu Xiyao greeted with an embarrassed smile.
"You are... Liu Xiyao, right?" Yang Qingling was the first to recover, imdiately beaming as she said, "I saw you last ti when you visited Ling Chen." As she spoke, she looked Liu Xiyao up and down and asked, "What are you wearing...?"
"Oh, these are Ling Chen’s clothes that he lent ."
Hearing this, Yang Qingling and Gong iling exchanged glances, their eyes revealing a hint of peculiarity.
Her son certainly had the skills, sneaking a woman in for the night. Considering the possible relationship between Liu Xiyao and Ling Chen, Yang Qingling’s deanor shifted instantly, smiling as she said, "How could n’s clothes fit you? Co, I have so new clothes that should suit you."
Liu Xiyao quietly replied, "That’s... quite a bother, isn’t it?"
"It’s no bother at all, co on!" Without waiting for Liu Xiyao’s refusal, Yang Qingling took her by the hand and led her to the room on the third floor.
Shortly after the two left, Ling Chen stumbled down the stairs, rubbing his sleepy eyes and yawning.
Enticed by the aroma wafting from the kitchen, Ling Chen hurried inside, grabbed a freshly toasted slice of bread, and stuffed it into his mouth.
"Grandma, is the porridge ready? I’m starving."
Seeing Ling Chen eat like a wolf, Gong iling imdiately set down her spoon, pinched Ling Chen’s ear, and scolded, "You little rascal, you’re getting bolder by the day."
"Ouch, ouch, ouch!" Ling Chen quickly pleaded, "Grandma, what did I do wrong?"
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