Chapter 58: Greed Clouds the Eyes

After Ling Xiao had taken control of Jiangzhou and reunited with Mu Yiren, passions were running high between the two, and for the time being, life had settled down for a couple of days.

On this day, at the Jiangzhou High-Speed Rail Station, Third Uncle Ling and his family of three arrived early to wait. As time dragged on, Ling Xue grew impatient.

“When is Uncle’s family finally going to arrive?” she asked.

“Soon. They’re coming from far away, so naturally it’s taking a bit longer,” Third Aunt Ling replied with excitement, her eyes shining.

“Xue, when your cousin and his sister arrive, make sure you talk to them a lot. Both of them study in the capital—they’re well-traveled and knowledgeable, and they can give you some good advice. Besides, if you maintain a good relationship with them, it’ll come in handy someday!”

Third Uncle Ling nodded in agreement. “That’s right! We should keep in touch with our own family. Blood is always thicker than water.”

Ling Xue rolled her eyes. “If I had to rely on their family, I’d be better off hoping for the blessing of my late Second Uncle and Aunt.”

Third Uncle Ling frowned, adjusted his glasses, and spoke coldly, “What kind of talk is that?”

“Dad, you should know better than anyone. Back then, in Jiangzhou, only our own family knew Aunt’s true background! And right after Second Uncle’s family suffered that tragedy, Uncle’s family went straight to the capital, relying on the Hua family’s influence to quickly establish themselves there. Do I really need to spell out what all that means?”

“Enough!” Third Uncle Ling snapped.

“Your second uncle brought about his own misfortune. Now that your uncle’s family is established in the capital, you’d better get close to them!”

Third Aunt Ling hurried to smooth things over. “Silly girl, listen to your father! Your second uncle’s family has been wiped out—they have nothing left to offer. What’s the point of bringing them up? Even if Ling Xiao is with Mu Yiren now, he’ll never compare to your uncle’s family. You should focus on getting close to your uncle’s side. Ling Xiao isn’t important—just be polite and that’s enough.”

Ling Xue sighed in disappointment and said nothing more. Though her parents had made her somewhat pragmatic, selfish, and proud, she still retained a trace of conscience. Even if she looked down on Ling Xiao now, she didn’t feel much warmth for her uncle’s family either.

She could already sense that this time, at Grandpa’s birthday celebration, things would hardly be peaceful. But she had no desire to say more.

Her uncle’s family was thriving in the capital—Ling Xiao couldn’t possibly compare. Even though he was with Mu Yiren now, he was still no match for her uncle.

This was the gap in power. Her uncle’s family could crush Ling Xiao and Mu Yiren with ease.

Just as she sighed, her father’s excited voice rang in her ears. “It’s big brother—he’s back! Come on, let’s go.”

Ling Xue looked ahead. A middle-aged man, somewhat resembling her father, was approaching with his family of four.

Compared to her father, the man exuded a commanding presence, enhanced by his cold, stone-like face—a look that came from years in a position of authority. At his side was a woman dressed head to toe in luxury brands. Behind them walked a boy two years older than Ling Xue and a little girl of seven or eight, both also wearing designer clothes.

Ling Xue’s family was doing well; while they weren’t exceptionally wealthy, their appearance was always presentable. Yet, compared to her uncle’s family, they were instantly outclassed—the difference couldn’t be clearer.

“Brother, you’re back!” Third Uncle Ling greeted him enthusiastically. A rare trace of a smile appeared on the cold face of the eldest brother.

“Thank you, third brother. Sorry to trouble you to take time off work just to pick us up.”

“Don’t say that! It’s not often you’re back—who else would come to get you if not your own brother?”

“Sister-in-law, let me help you with those bags.”

Without the slightest politeness, the eldest sister-in-law handed over her suitcase, her back straight and her expression proud, as if passing it to a servant. “Thanks for the trouble, third brother.”

“No trouble at all! These must be Ran and Xin? They’ve grown so much in just a few years! I can see the family resemblance—they’re bound to be a handsome young man and a beautiful young lady.”

Eldest sister-in-law chuckled. “You always know how to flatter. But your daughter Xue isn’t any less impressive—she’s become even more graceful since I last saw her!”

Third Aunt Ling grinned obsequiously. “You’re too kind, sister-in-law. It’s all in the genes. Xue, come and greet your uncle and aunt.”

Though Ling Xue disliked her parents’ fawning over her uncle’s family, she had no choice but to obey. She stepped forward, bowed, and greeted them.

“Hello, uncle, aunt.”

“Good, good! Xue, you’re truly beautiful. When you come to the capital, I’ll find you a good match! Once you settle down there, you can bring your parents over to enjoy life with you.”

At these words, Third Aunt Ling’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “That would be wonderful! Xue, aren’t you going to thank your aunt?”

“There’s no need for thanks—we’re all family,” said Third Uncle Ling with a smile. “Brother, sister-in-law, let’s go. I’ve booked you the best rooms at the Jiangzhou Grand Hotel. I’ll take you there.”

“Very well, let’s go.”

They split into two cars. Third Uncle Ling didn’t call a taxi, but had hired two Mercedes to pick them up—after all, his brother’s family had risen in the world; they wouldn’t dream of taking a taxi.

The eldest brother and Third Uncle Ling rode together, while the others traveled in a Mercedes van, heading for the Jiangzhou Grand Hotel.

In the car, the eldest brother’s expression darkened. “Third brother, I hear Ling Xiao is back?”

“Yes, brother. He came back suddenly a little over two weeks ago—it startled me too.”

“Who would’ve thought he’d have such luck! After having both legs broken, not even the wolves in the mountains finished him off, and he still managed to escape.”

“That’s not all—he’s not only alive and well, his legs have healed. Now he’s back with Mu Yiren and living comfortably, by the looks of it.”

“Narrowly escaping death brings fortune, it seems. He’s been lucky indeed!”

“Isn’t that the truth?”

After a pause, Third Uncle Ling lowered his voice. “Brother, there’s something I’m not sure whether I should say.”

“Go on.”

“Ling Xiao has come back with quite an attitude. If he finds out you’ve been associating with the Hua family, will there be... complications?”

The eldest brother narrowed his eyes and chuckled softly. “I know what you’re getting at. But so what? I’m not someone Ling Xiao can mess with anymore! Even with that little girlfriend of his backing him, he’s nothing in my eyes.”