Chapter Ninety-Nine: The Xiao Family Island

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The only relatively pristine places left on Earth are the polar regions and the depths of the ocean. Human technology has yet to truly explore the deep sea. It’s a pity because the underwater scenery is magnificent, but Xiao Tianci and his companions were not on a sightseeing submarine, so they couldn’t enjoy the underwater views. Besides, he wasn’t in the mood for it now.

The Xiao family owns vast enterprises worldwide. Unlike in the past, large families no longer need to live together; each person has their own independent space. Of course, large families still face various forms of control, but it’s much better than before.

Every year, during the year-end gathering or when there’s a significant matter to discuss, they all come together. This place also serves as an excellent spot for rest and leisure. Many used to live here permanently or stay for extended periods. Each descendant of the Xiao family has their own space on this large island, which is big enough to comfortably accommodate hundreds of thousands.

In the past, most travel here was by plane; few came by boat due to the many hidden reefs around, so guides were necessary.

Their journey was smooth and uneventful, and soon they had landed on the island. “Clap...” Upon arrival, Xiao Tianci saw guards lining both sides of the dock, similar to those accompanying him, but even more numerous this time. They were greeted by various stewards and island administrators.

He recalled that hundreds of Xiao family members used to gather here; many lived here year-round. But since the incident, this place had quieted down considerably.

Chief Steward Lin Jian introduced Xiao Tianci to several key administrators, and Xiao exchanged a few words with them. Their eyes gazed at him with such warmth that he felt like avoiding their attention.

Lin Jian, the chief steward, had grown up here and knew everything about the island intimately. Fang Meng rarely came but was not unfamiliar with the place. Only Qinglong, Huofeng, and little Meg were visiting such a place for the first time. They had seen countless private islands before—ones they could afford to buy themselves—but an island like the Xiao family’s was a first. From the submarine, they had seen the dock, a wide elevated road stretching endlessly, and dozens of oddly shaped vehicles.

Xiao Tianci, Lin Jian, Jingang, Fang Meng, Qinglong, Huofeng, and little Meg all boarded the largest bus, similar to an airport shuttle. Once inside, Xiao Tianci’s eyes lit up—it resembled a small bar, spacious and well-equipped with ample width and height, allowing easy movement. Aside from the slight vibration when the vehicle started, the ride was smooth enough that even a fully filled glass wouldn’t spill.

The interior was thoughtfully arranged, spacious enough for several people to move freely. Huofeng walked from front to back, sighing: “This is outrageous. The wealthy are truly extravagant. But this vehicle is excellent—if you didn’t look outside, you wouldn’t feel it moving or shaking.”

The last few sightseeing seats and the rear section were made of glass, affording views of the surrounding scenery. On one side, the overwhelming might of the sea waves and landslides could be felt; on the other, pristine peaks and verdant waters unfolded. Even little Meg climbed up, entranced by the sight.

Hearing Huofeng’s comment stirred something in Xiao Tianci’s heart. “Chief steward, is this an electric vehicle?” Electric cars were no longer rare, though they hadn’t fully penetrated the market due to various issues, including resistance from oil-producing countries. But electric vehicles were undoubtedly the future.

Lin Jian nodded. “This is our bar electric vehicle. Behind it are magnetic suspension cars, nuclear-powered vehicles, and other special types. The island primarily uses electric vehicles—there are no gasoline cars here.”

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Magnetic suspension and nuclear-powered cars? Xiao Tianci thought incredulously. Such vehicles wouldn’t be deployed unless the technology was perfected. If it were truly mature, these technologies wouldn’t even be on the market yet—probably another ten to fifteen years before initial appearance.

Unlike Xiao Tianci, Huofeng didn’t immediately think about commercial operations. She and little Meg pressed their faces against the windows, admiring the beautiful scenery as the vehicle sped along smoothly. Watching the outside world from such a ride was a true pleasure.

Xiao Tianci ran his hand over every detail inside the vehicle. From its simple yet grand design, he was deeply impressed. There was no welcoming ceremony, but every detail was enough to stir the soul.

Is this the Xiao family? This island, managed by the Xiao family for over a hundred years? Or should he say, the family estate…? He didn’t know how to describe it—he felt both pride and awe.

“Where are these vehicles made?” he asked.

Lin Jian replied, “The core technology comes from our research lab, while the vehicle designs are made by Xiao family members. If you want your own car here, you have to make it yourself. Otherwise, you must use the fleet vehicles, including the houses.”

Pointing toward a distant, faintly visible castle, Lin Jian said, “That is also built by the Xiao family. Besides the main residence, others can choose locations to build houses they like. The island is large enough, so there are more than thirty other villas, castles, and palaces besides the main house, reflecting various architectural styles—from ancient to modern technological.”

Truly an eye-opener. With enough money, the ways to play and live expand greatly. But considering the Xiao family’s recent troubles, the island must now be mostly uninhabited.

“How much longer until we reach the main residence?” Xiao Tianci asked, examining a bottle of supposedly extinct liquor carefully.

“About half an hour,” Lin Jian answered.

That was a long time. Xiao Tianci, freshly discharged and still recovering, motioned for everyone to sit. “You all should sit too. Our health isn’t great; let’s rest.”

His words were mainly for Lin Jian, who then sat down. Suddenly, Xiao Tianci remembered Lin Jian had told him he grew up here. He looked at Huofeng and little Meg, who were happily gazing outside, and an idea formed in his mind.

“Meg, come here, brother wants to talk to you.” Hearing this, little Meg obediently ran over, her small face upturned with a smile. She was much better now, her expressions gradually returning, though she still refused to speak, which frustrated Xiao Tianci.

He pulled Meg close and asked, “Meg, do you think this place is beautiful?”

She nodded vigorously. Xiao Tianci smiled and continued, “This is your ‘home,’ little one. Do you like it?”

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Meg nodded again with force. Xiao Tianci said, “Brother still has many dangerous things ahead, and you have to study. You’ll stay on the island. There are many uncles and aunts here to care for you and play with you…”

Before he finished, Meg suddenly struggled hard to break free, her face turning sad. Tears welled in her eyes and soon spilled down.

Over the past few days on the submarine, Xiao Tianci had thought many times about Meg’s situation. She was still so young and couldn’t avoid schooling. But in her current state, how could he entrust her to go to school? A little child carrying a gun every day—plus, after what happened with Grintz, he worried about her safety, yet she seemed unscathed. Perhaps her heart had already hardened when her mother died in front of her.

Still, he knew she couldn’t always stay by his side. With his current condition and the unpredictable dangers ahead, it was unsafe. Seeing little Meg happily gazing at the beautiful scenery, he suddenly thought it would be best to keep her here, hire the best teachers, and with the island’s century-long defenses, he could rest easy.

“Meg, listen to brother. You can’t always follow me; you have to go to school…” Xiao Tianci reached out to pull her gently, but Meg stepped back quickly, shaking her head repeatedly.

Huofeng, hearing the commotion, hurried over and, seeing the scene, wrapped little Meg in her arms. With a sharp slap, she pushed Xiao Tianci’s hand away and scolded, “Xiao Tianci, what are you doing? Don’t you see you scared her?”

“Meg, be good. Don’t be afraid. Sister’s here. You’re safe…”

Xiao Tianci felt a burning pain in his hand. For someone untrained in martial arts like him, Huofeng’s strike was no light matter. Though she cared for Meg, this was serious. He frowned and said, “Huofeng, I’m talking to Meg. Please step aside.”

Huofeng’s nature was to defend justice, and she had been clashing with Xiao Tianci lately. Also, she was very close to Meg. Holding Meg protectively, she raised an eyebrow and said, “I’m telling you, you call yourself her brother but didn’t comfort her when she cried. What kind of brother are you? How can you talk to a child like that?”

Xiao Tianci’s expression darkened, and he spoke sternly, “Huofeng, move aside immediately. This is a private family matter; don’t cause trouble here. Step aside.”

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“Green Field Phantom” Chapter 67928: The Wandering Water Magician’s Charismatic Performance on the Pitch

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