Chapter 108: Of the Grandchildren’s Generation
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The Profligate Son, No Ads
Chapter 108: The Grandchildren’s Generation
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Xiao Tianci glanced at the time and asked, “Have all the arrangements been made over there?”
Chief Steward Lin Jian replied, “Boss, rest assured, everything has been coordinated.”
“Good. Let’s head over now and make the most of our time. Once we appear, we’ll likely have been noticed. There isn’t much time—we still need to have dinner with Ni’er tonight.” The helicopter took off from the city center, flying toward the outskirts.
A European-style ancient castle stood surrounded by dense tropical jungle, with occasional roars of wild beasts echoing through the air. Who could have had the mood to build such a castle in this remote place?
“The Dongfang Yi family is well-off, generations of merchants. By his father’s time, they had become influential entrepreneurs within the country. He has known Tian Ni for many years and has persistently pursued her. For someone like him, such unwavering devotion is quite rare,” a seductive voice sighed, “Ah, nowadays, it’s hard to find such devoted people.”
“According to the latest intelligence, after Xiao Tianci and his group secretly returned to country Z, they openly went to the city to meet Tian Ni. Dongfang Yi has long loved Tian Ni and remains devoted despite knowing that Xiao Tianci and Tian Ni are married. This news struck him hard, and now he’s drowning his sorrows alone at a bar.” Glancing at a small information receiver, another update came in, causing a quick correction: “Latest news says he’s already drunk and has been carried away.”
“Bang!” A fist slammed on the table, producing a dull thud. Someone was clearly displeased. “Why waste time holding meetings about someone irrelevant? Let’s go to country Z now and deal with Xiao Tianci and his group. Wasting time here isn’t worth it—better to just kill him.”
The speaker was none other than Michel, who had recently clashed with Xiao Tianci and was now fully recovered, though his complexion was still pale and he had lost weight. As Grintz put it, losing a comrade left him feeling like he could barely carry on.
Though his wounds had healed long ago, Michel dared not act without orders from above. He had requested to storm the island multiple times but was reprimanded each time.
Grintz’s eye injury had healed, though his eye was useless after being hit directly. If not for his strong constitution, he wouldn’t have survived. Compared to Michel, whose power was less overwhelming, Grintz had luck on his side.
On the battlefield, he was arrogant toward weaker foes but rarely spoke when facing stronger ones.
Before the large screen stood a charming woman with an alluring figure and natural sensuality. Her youthful face combined with mature poise and seductive gestures unsettled any man who looked at her.
With a teasing laugh, she said, “What’s up, our handsome guy? You seem pretty fiery lately! Missing me, huh? Mmm…”
“Hmph.” Michel snorted coldly, refusing to look at her. This woman was infuriating, flaunting her relationship with Hu Wu, her godfather, and always playing the seductress. But if you ever thought you could get close to her, you’d soon realize how detestable she truly was.
Michel had been through it all and knew better than to fall for this sly fox. Besides, he was still nursing the pain of losing two of his best brothers.
Grintz chuckled beside him, “Feifei, what do you think of that pretty boy?”
Hu Feifei, who shared the surname Hu with her godfather Hu Wu, laughed happily, “Heh… heh… Good! Then catch him for me!”
A low cough silenced everyone. All eyes turned to the person seated at the head. His temples were streaked with white, his face broad but gaunt as if skin stretched over bone. He leaned back with eyes half-closed.
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Slowly opening his eyes, he surveyed those present: Grintz with his physical prowess, Michel with his abilities, Lawrence with firearms expertise, and Hu Feifei with intelligence skills. Then he looked once more at Michel.
“You’re all puzzled why we’re focused on this man instead of rushing to kill Xiao Tianci. Didn’t you ever think about what Xiao Tianci himself might be thinking? He used a diversion to buy time and secretly returned to country Z. Then he came out publicly. What could that mean?”
Hu Feifei added, “Godfather, you guessed it long ago. Xiao Tianci can’t stay in country Z for long. We have virtually no manpower there, and ordinary people are useless. If we send a large force now, it’ll likely be chasing shadows.” She shot Michel a flirtatious glance.
Hu Wu looked like a man on the brink of death from illness, so frail that speaking was a struggle. Yet not one person, including Grintz, dared ignore his orders; he was their direct superior in martial arts.
“Ahem… that is one reason,” he said, glancing at Michel and Grintz. “Who among you dares claim you can handle the Vajra? You can’t kill the Vajra, so why talk about killing Xiao Tianci?”
Since learning the Vajra’s transformation flaws, Michel had been searching for a countermeasure, partly encouraged by Grintz to fight again. Otherwise, even if he returned, he’d be useless. This time, the ordeal had strengthened and honed him in many ways.
“The Vajra is formidable but not invincible. Especially since we now know the secret of his third transformation. Hmph—I’ve already devised a plan to deal with him.”
Hu Wu coldly shattered his fantasy. “Your plan? Whether the dead live or not, just because you’re prepared doesn’t mean Xiao Tianci isn’t. Qinglong and Huofeng have fully defected to Xiao Tianci. Who knows what he did at the Xiao family this time? Your confidence is only your own assumption.”
Michel was disgruntled but dared not contradict Hu Wu. The Phantom Organization had no official ranks but enforced harsh punishments.
Grintz sneered, “You’re absolutely right. Though I lost an eye, a gentleman waits ten years for revenge. I’ll follow the organization’s arrangements.”
“Good.” Hu Wu nodded approvingly. It was difficult to reason with youngsters full of vigor. “Feifei, take care of Dongfang Yi.” With that, his eyes slowly closed.
After about twenty minutes of flight, the helicopter reached the closest county-level city to the metropolis. From above, the city’s layout was clear. Xiao Tianci had been here before and was somewhat familiar.
Chief Steward Lin Jian knew it even better and briefed Xiao Tianci: “Boss, this is a new city, well planned with around 300,000 people. The overall layout resembles a rice field character. The two largest main roads on the east side lead to our destination.”
Xiao Tianci nodded. “I knew it before, but seeing it from above makes it clearer. By the way, have you met the old man?”
Lin Jian nodded. “Two years ago, on his birthday, the master brought me here.”
The helicopter landed at a special pad, and contact was made with those below. Xiao Tianci had warned Huofeng and Xiaomeige not to act rashly; this place was unlike any other.
Upon disembarking, a man dressed as a secretary approached. “Boss Xiao, we’re very pleased to have you. Old Zhao is waiting in the parlor. Please, this way.”
Xiao Tianci hadn’t expected the old man to live here, no wonder it was marked as a military restricted area. Zhao had retired from his top leadership post years ago and appeared to be a relic to ordinary people. But those who truly knew understood he was the one who could change and control everything within the country.
Xiao Tianci only allowed Chief Steward Lin Jian, Vajra Fang Meng, Huofeng, and Xiaomeige to follow; the others stayed by the helicopter.
The journey was silent until they reached the parlor. The others were stopped, and only Xiao Tianci was led into the study.
Having met many celebrities of late, Xiao Tianci no longer felt the overwhelming excitement he once would have upon seeing Old Zhao. Now, he was calm.
Old Zhao looked as vigorous as he did when frequently appearing on television. Upon seeing the secretary bring Xiao Tianci in, he put down a book and smiled warmly: “You’re here. Come, sit.”
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From the moment one walked in, the atmosphere was plain—no lavishness, even the small decorations were simple. Compared to the grandeur of the Xiao family home, this place felt humble and serene. It was rare to find such a pastoral retreat within a city.
Xiao Tianci, a lover of books, could infer much about a person from their study. Modern studies have evolved from places for scholars to write and sip tea into multifunctional spaces—some extending offices, others wealth-building sanctuaries, or places for internet and gaming. Regardless of function, the design reveals the owner’s unique cultural taste, aesthetic sensibility, and practical needs. Different ages and professions yield distinct “faces” for a study.
At first glance, this study was spacious, with numerous bookshelves filled with rich collections. The furniture was simple in appearance, and the presence of antiques, a precious bronze censer, and calligraphy created a harmonious blend of modern and classical charm—utterly free of urban ostentation, revealing the owner’s refined scholarly temperament.
Xiao Tianci, familiar with studies, had once put great effort into creating one suited to himself. This study, with its traditional Chinese style, was plain yet elegant, embodying the spirit of a “study room.” At the moment the door opened, one could sense it immediately. The furniture featured square lines, with Chinese-style desks, bookshelves, tea tables, and screens, decorated with Chinese calligraphy and antiques. Though Xiao Tianci only glanced briefly, he had already formed some insights about the study’s owner.
“Writing reflects the person,” they say of literature, and for a study, “the room reflects the man.”
Xiao Tianci’s eyes were drawn to several key areas—the heart and focal points of the study. Seeing him sit, the old man nodded and asked, “Do you like reading?”
“Very much,” Xiao Tianci answered.
“What kinds of books do you read?”
Xiao Tianci felt a rare sense of restraint creeping over him. Ever since inheriting his legacy, he had deliberately acted cocky and restless before these world-renowned leaders and intellectuals. It was strange—he wasn’t afraid that even the American president ignored him, so why now? It was a feeling of a junior facing a senior. He smiled inwardly but recalled his father’s good relationship with the elder; it was fitting to regard him as a senior.
“I mostly enjoy business books, but I read others as well.”
The old man regarded him thoughtfully. “Ah, a well-read man.”
“Heh… you flatter me, sir. I hardly qualify as well-read—mostly just skimming the surface,” Xiao Tianci replied, thinking that this visit wouldn’t be a simple negotiation as he had hoped.
The elder smiled kindly. “Modesty is a virtue. Recently, you’ve really made a splash—surpassing even your father.”
Xiao Tianci smiled, contemplating how the elder seemed even gentler than on TV. That kindness was so strong it influenced him, subtly shifting his mood and state as soon as he entered. Like a basketball player’s rhythm being controlled, though the elder meant no harm, Xiao Tianci disliked the sensation—even toward someone he deeply respected.
“Old Zhao, you know my situation. I don’t understand many things myself, so I often act hastily and have caused some trouble lately. Still, I’m grateful for your care of my family.”
Though not trying to take control, Xiao Tianci sought to steady his own pace.
“Yes, you’re quite promising. You probably don’t yet understand the connection between your family and mine. Your father called me Uncle Zhao. I was best friends with your grandfather—we graduated from the same school,” he reminisced warmly.
Xiao Tianci was a bit stunned. If his father were alive, he’d be just over fifty; the elder was seventy-six. That made sense. Given his status, he wouldn’t joke with him frivolously or confuse him. But if so, wouldn’t that make him a “grandson”?
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