Chapter 87

Lei Yunlong

Before they arrived, Fan Hongye and Wei Xinran already knew about their mission.

I also know the purpose of my visit today.

Huo Shaochong sought them out to guard against Zhu Maodian.

Others may not know, but he does.

The Shenzhou Chamber of Commerce, backed by the Martial Alliance, started out by using underhanded and ruthless methods.

Given Zhuang Lao's status and position, few would dare to harbor any ill intentions.

But we should be prepared for any eventuality.

Seeing Zhu Maodian's attitude, Fan Hongye and his companion breathed a sigh of relief, their faces flashing with disdain.

It seems this Zhu Maodian isn't much of a figure after all, being so cowardly.

He made his own son kneel down in public to be humiliated, and he emptied his family's coffers to give gifts as an apology.

Their trip was probably a waste of time.

However, Zhuang Huaisheng did not accept it immediately.

"When I entered, I saw that Vice President Zhu got straight to the point, so I thought you were a straightforward person."

He glanced at Zhu Maodian indifferently:

"Why are you going around in circles now?"

Zhu Maodian laughed heartily and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Zhuang Huaisheng:

"As expected of Elder Zhuang, I really can't hide anything from you."

"To be honest, I invited you here today not only to apologize, but also to ask you for a favor."

Zhuang Huaisheng had anticipated this and calmly said, "State your purpose."

Qin Mo watched silently from the side.

The gifts on the table, piece by piece, are worth over 100 million.

The trouble Zhu Wei caused is definitely not worth this price.

There's no such thing as a free lunch; what Zhu Maodian is about to bring up is definitely not simple.

As expected, Zhu Maodian suppressed his smile and adopted a tone that sounded sufficiently respectful.

"To be honest, when I first became the vice president of the Shenzhou Chamber of Commerce, I received guidance from a benefactor."

"However, I heard that when that noble person was in the West Sea in his early years, he was young and arrogant and offended many people."

"Now, my esteemed friend is old and longs to return to his hometown."

"I heard that among those who drove away the noble people in their early years, Master Zhuang was the most virtuous and respected."

"Presumably, if Elder Zhuang were willing to speak up, it would be enough to bring his old friend back home..."

Zhu Maodian spoke these words casually, as if it were something extremely easy for Zhuang Huaisheng.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Zhuang Huaisheng, who had been calm and composed, revealed a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes.

"The old friend you're talking about, you're probably referring to Lei Yunlong, aren't you?"

Upon hearing this name, the young people, including Huo Shaochong, all looked bewildered.

Obviously, I've never heard of this name before.

However, Qin Mo, who was sitting unremarkable to the side, suddenly felt a twitch in his eyelids.

He had heard of that name before.

He had heard Lei Yunqi mention this name countless times while he was in Blackrock Prison.

Every time it's mentioned, it ignites a burning hatred.

That's right, the mission Lei Yunqi was given back then was actually carried out by Lei Yunlong.

Lei Yunqi once said that his junior brother was ambitious and outwardly respectful to him, but secretly plotted to kill him.

He barely managed to escape back then, and if he hadn't been found by the master's men and taken back to Black Stone Prison, he would have died long ago.

Although, because of the blood on his hands, he could never leave Blackrock Prison.

But he kept this hatred in his heart.

As for Lei Yunlong, he thought that by killing Lei Yunqi, he would become the next head of the Lei family.

But for some reason, he was also driven out of Lei Family Fort less than two years later.

Unexpectedly, he had actually stayed in Xihai Province.

He had initially found it boring, but he sat up slightly and became somewhat interested.

"Oh……"

Zhuang Huaisheng sneered, his previous amiable demeanor vanishing, replaced by a fierce glint in his eyes:

"I never expected that you were one of Lei Yunlong's men."

"What I never expected was that this traitor, who was driven out of Lei Family Fortress, stirred up trouble in the West Sea for five years and survived, and still harbored treacherous intentions."

"He wants to come back? Sure."

"However, I can't control others. As for me, I will only allow his soul to return to his hometown."

These words were a very direct rejection.

The other young people didn't know who Lei Yunlong was, but they could tell that he had a grudge against Zhuang Huaisheng.

Zhu Maodian was not angered by Zhuang Huaisheng's words at all; on the contrary, he smiled broadly.

"Mr. Zhuang, there's no need to be so angry. You know I was only doing this to repay a debt of gratitude; I had no other choice."

"Having heard a word from Master Zhuang today, I've given up hope."

"The main reason I invited you here today is to apologize."

He waved his hand dismissively: "Please accept all of these things with a smile. As for what happened earlier, just pretend I never mentioned it."

After saying all that, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Although he was rejected, he seemed relieved.

It was as if he had no choice but to say those words.

Seeing this, Zhuang Huaisheng also lowered his guard a bit.

No matter how valuable these things are, they are just a drop in the ocean for the market manipulator.

Normally, he wouldn't have considered accepting it.

However, he liked that jade Guanyin statue after just one glance.

Besides, since it's an apology, there's no harm in accepting it.

"I didn't expect you to be such a loyal and affectionate person."

"Fine, I'll take the things."

"Please also convey my words to Lei Yunlong."

"I'll only return to the Western Sea if I die."

Because Zhu Maodian spoke up for Lei Yunlong, he definitely couldn't finish his meal.

Zhuang Huaisheng had already achieved his goal, and had no intention or need to feign friendship with Zhu Maodian.

Huo Shaochong was very perceptive and immediately instructed Fan Hongye and Wei Xinran to step forward and take the items away.

Anyway, Zhu Maodian himself said that these were all apologies.

Zhu Maodian didn't say anything more, letting Fan Hongye and Wei Xinran take the things.

No one noticed that Zhu Wei, who was sitting in the corner like a quail, smiled when he saw them accept the gifts.

"Wait a minute."

Just then, a figure suddenly stepped forward and placed a hand on the box containing the jade Guanyin statue.

Fan Hongye was holding the jade Guanyin, and when he saw that the person blocking the way was Qin Mo, he immediately showed displeasure.

"What are you doing? Do you know how much this jade Guanyin is worth? You're so reckless, what if I break something?"

"Get out of here!"

He didn't give this prospective son-in-law of the Zhuang family a friendly look.

What's more, this person is Huo Shaochong's rival in love.

He was about to walk away with the box when he realized that he couldn't lift it no matter what Qin Mo was holding down.

It seems that what's inside isn't a jade Guanyin, but rather a piece of pig iron weighing over a thousand pounds.

Fan Hongye's expression changed, and in his anger, he secretly circulated his inner energy, but the box remained unmoved.

This unexpected turn of events drew everyone's attention to Qin Mo.

Wei Xinran roared in anger: "How dare you! Have you no manners in front of Elder Zhuang? Get out!"

Zhu Maodian's smiling face was fixed on Qin Mo with a quiet gaze.

Qin Mo remained unmoved. Not only did he not let Fan Hongye take the box away, but he also pushed the box containing the jade Guanyin in front of Zhu Maodian.

"Vice President Zhu, right?"

"We have received your sincere apology."

"We'll accept the other items, but we don't need this jade Guanyin statue."