Chapter 42: Elders Are Not Spared

Ling Xiao spent the night at the Jiangzhou Grand Hotel, and the next morning, he rose as usual for breakfast. Xiu’er handed him a document.

“Young Master, this is the list of donors from yesterday’s auction.”

Ling Xiao took a sip of tea, rinsed his mouth, then accepted the list and glanced at it.

When his eyes landed on a particular name, his gaze flickered. The atmosphere in the room seemed to thicken, making Xiu’er feel a tightness in her chest.

“Young Master… you…?”

Ling Xiao set the list aside and asked calmly, “Where is my uncle now?”

“To answer you, Young Master, your uncle was transferred to Yan Capital three years ago. His whole family has settled there.”

Ling Xiao narrowed his eyes, a glint flashing within.

“I’ve always wondered how the Hua family learned about our affairs three years ago. If it was solely through Chen Batian, it doesn’t make sense. After all, Chen Batian didn’t know my mother’s identity. Even if he did, he wouldn’t have known that the young master of the Hua family fancied my mother.”

Xiu’er’s beautiful eyes widened in shock.

“Young Master! Are you suspecting your uncle? But he’s your father’s own brother—how could he…?”

Ling Xiao let out a cold laugh.

“Power can blind a man. Not only brothers—even one’s own flesh and blood means nothing! Now, both my uncle and third uncle live in luxury, but what about Grandfather? He’s left to scrape by on welfare in the old village. How laughable.”

Xiu’er sighed softly, her eyes full of pity for Ling Xiao.

She had never experienced familial affection, yet Ling Xiao’s version seemed even sadder than having none at all.

“Should I send someone to bring him in for questioning?”

“No need. In a few days, Grandfather’s seventieth birthday will be here. In my name, send invitations to my uncle and third uncle’s families.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“After breakfast, have Ming Cheng accompany me to the Jiangzhou Bank to retrieve the items from yesterday’s auction.”

“Young Master, Lord Ming went out early. He said he was going to instruct Zhang Wenhe, to prevent him from embarrassing you in the future.”

Ling Xiao chuckled.

“That fellow is finally showing some initiative. Very well, in that case, you will accompany me.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

After breakfast, Ling Xiao changed and went downstairs. Xiu’er stayed upstairs to tidy up.

By coincidence, as Ling Xiao reached the lobby, he encountered his Third Uncle.

He seemed to be entertaining several businessmen at the hotel. Seeing Ling Xiao, he was surprised.

“Ling Xiao, what are you doing here?”

Ling Xiao replied calmly, “I’m staying here, naturally.”

“The room rates here are exorbitant. You… Oh, that’s right. Yesterday, Xiao Xue told me you’re seeing Mu Yiren, Miss Mu’s daughter.”

“And what does that have to do with you?”

“…”

Third Uncle frowned, hands clasped behind his back, adopting a posture befitting an elder. “Ling Xiao, I am your third uncle. You’d do well to speak respectfully. Don’t forget your manners!”

“Oh? Now you recall you’re my third uncle? Is it because I’m your nephew, or because I’m Mu Yiren’s boyfriend?”

“You—!”

His face flushed, then paled.

“Ling Xiao, don’t be ungrateful! Don’t think you can act recklessly just because you have Mu Yiren. I’m speaking to you out of respect for your deceased father. If I didn’t, even if you were the CEO of Yiren Group, you wouldn’t amount to much!”

Ling Xiao nodded.

“I believe that. After all, you’re different now—a department head.”

“Hmph!”

Third Uncle snorted, straightened his tie, and stood proudly.

“As long as you know.”

But before he could finish, Ling Xiao swung his hand and slapped him squarely across the face.

A crisp sound echoed, and Third Uncle fell to the floor.

“You—! You little bastard, how dare you hit me?”

Clutching his face, Third Uncle stared in disbelief.

Ling Xiao drew a wet wipe from his pocket, cleaning his hand as he sneered coldly.

“That was nothing. If you dare put on airs in front of me again, I’ll keep hitting you until you learn to behave whenever you see me.”

“Ling Xiao, you’re ruthless! Remember this—our feud won’t end so easily. One day, I’ll make you pay for striking me!”

Ling Xiao glanced at him indifferently.

“I’ll be waiting. One more thing—seven days from now, Grandfather’s seventieth birthday. You and Uncle had better return and pay your respects. If you don’t, you’ll bear the consequences.”

At that moment, Xiu’er descended the stairs, coming to Ling Xiao’s side.

“Young Master, everything is ready. Shall we go?”

Ling Xiao nodded.

“Let’s.”

As the two departed, Third Uncle seethed behind them, gnashing his teeth.

He clenched his fists, eyes fixed furiously on Ling Xiao, muttering curses.

“Little bastard! Refuse a toast, then take the punishment! I gave you face, and you don’t appreciate it—daring to hit me! Just wait, one day I’ll make you wish you were dead!”

…

While Ling Xiao was on his way to the bank, the institution itself was in turmoil.

Dozens of police cars surrounded the area. Police tape cordoned off the streets several blocks away, barring entry to the public.

“Everyone inside, listen up—you’re surrounded! Get out with your hands above your heads, or prepare to die!”

The voice belonged to a short-haired young woman in uniform, striking and authoritative.

None of the officers around dared so much as glance at her, a testament to her formidable reputation.

Soon, an Audi A6 pulled up. From it stepped a middle-aged man in a suit, exuding authority.

“Guo Ziyi, what’s going on? Why all this commotion?”

Guo Ziyi shrugged.

“Director, don’t blame me! Who could’ve predicted a gang of robbers? These bastards pretended to be buyers from yesterday’s charity auction, presented forged certificates to claim auction items, and when they were discovered, took several hostages!”

“Damn those scoundrels! Even charity auction items aren’t sacred! Guo Ziyi, you’re the captain. I don’t care what methods you use—get every hostage and every auction item out intact! If anything is missing, or anyone dies, you’ll answer to me!”