Chapter246

Sutinger emerged from the kitchen, announcing, "It's time to eat. I used to cook when there were fewer people. But with more guests now, I'll hire some chefs tomorrow. Do you have any culinary preferences?"

Shao Qi nodded, "I should have considered that. I'll handle hiring the chefs. We also need additional security for the manor, so I'll take care of that as well."

Sutinger recognized the importance of having trustworthy staff. Only he and Master Xuan knew of his arrival in Yang City, and he wondered what waves his presence might stir. This was one of the reasons he wanted to stay at Litchi Manor - the closer to the storm's center, the safer he felt.

Zhou Huajin was still concerned about Zhou You. Their meeting the day before was not smooth. After such a prolonged separation, a palpable unfamiliarity had grown between father and son, exacerbated by the fact that Zhou Huajin had a new family, which Zhou You seemed reluctant to accept.

Today, his father-in-law, Hu Shancheng, also visited, bringing a new medicine. Zhou Yichen's health improved dramatically after just one dose, and he was brought home from the hospital that afternoon.

Zhou Huajin didn't dare neglect his father-in-law, who was only a few years older than himself. The herbal medicine conglomerate might be a single company, but it held numerous patents. This new drug, for instance, could not only rapidly heal physical wounds but also mend damaged meridians – a dream remedy for martial artists.

"I heard your eldest son has returned?" Hu Shancheng's presence was commanding, yet Zhou Huajin, with his decades of officialdom, would have been his match in the past.

"Yes, I never expected him to seek me out upon his arrival in Yang City. He's had a tough ten years on his own. It's a relief he's back."

Hu Shancheng took a sip of tea, not responding immediately. As soon as he received the news, he had sent investigators, but they found limited information. However, he did learn that Zhou You was staying at Litchi Manor with several companions.

Regardless of the owner of the manor, the fact that the group included the junior leader of the Wan Sword Sect made them worth befriending.

"Why didn't you invite him to stay? As your eldest son, it might be a good idea to host a welcoming banquet for him, allowing the people of Yang City to recognize his presence. Weren't you searching for him years ago?"

Zhou Huajin hadn’t anticipated this comment. Back then, he had searched for Zhou You outside of Yang City and had only asked a few close friends within the city for help, but hiding this from Hu Shancheng proved challenging.

"He felt it unnecessary. He's matured and quite competent, capable of handling many things independently. Perhaps I might have to rely on him in the future," Zhou Huajin said cheerfully. A capable son was every parent's greatest comfort.

However, Mrs. Zhou didn't appreciate this remark, coldly stating, "Rely on him? Is there anything my father and I can't handle?"

Hu Shancheng shot his daughter a reproachful glance, admonishing, "You should know better. Ten years ago, Zhou You was a core member of the National Security Department, a true prodigy. Had the apocalypse not occurred, he would have accomplished so much by now. And talent always shines through. Even if his last decade wasn’t favorable, he’ll soon find his footing. Having a capable older brother benefits Zhou Yichen greatly."

Zhou Huajin shared this sentiment. The return of a lost son felt like being blessed with a child in old age. Hu Shancheng's clear understanding reinforced Zhou Huajin's hopes for family harmony. With Zhou You in his prime, even without doing anything significant, a strategic marriage could further elevate the family’s status.

The young lady has many commendable qualities, but she tends to be overly conceited. She believes that with the support of the Traditional Medicine Group, everything will be in her favor. Little does she realize that in today's world, money can't solve every problem.

Chapter 126: Visiting

“Hmph, don’t sugarcoat it. Looking at him, he doesn't seem interested in getting close to us. Why hasn’t he visited his hospitalized younger brother even once?” Lady Zhou can't stomach the thought of having a stepson in his thirties.

“Didn't you remember who alerted you about Xiao Chen's accident? Who was the first to administer aid, buying Xiao Chen crucial time? You show no gratitude. Is this how a mother should speak?” Zhou Huajin seemed to see her in a new light; he couldn’t believe such words came from her.

“Enough. Xueqing was just too worried. She hasn’t rested for days. Get some sleep, and when you wake up, we’ll visit that young man. I've prepared a gift for him. We truly owe him this time. Had it not been for him, Xiao Chen might not have survived. We must show our gratitude,” Hu Shancheng has a broader perspective than his daughter. That young man is now an adult and poses no threat to their family. As Hu Shancheng just said, establishing a good relationship could be beneficial for their grandson. Why fret over something that clearly offers more advantages than drawbacks?

Once Zhou Huajin went upstairs, Hu Shancheng advised his daughter, “Don’t do anything foolish. You were adamant about marrying him and even bore him a son. Don’t let the arrival of a stepson disrupt your family, alright?”

"Didn't we think back then that his son would never return?" Hu Xueqing said bitterly.

"Shush… Have you gone mad? Ensure Zhou Huajin never learns of this. It's not merely about familial discord. Do you understand?"

But Hu Xueqing didn't think it was that serious. "Dad, what's there to fear? It happened so many years ago. Besides, we didn't do anything wrong – we just learned of some news in advance. And he's alive and well now, isn't he? From the looks of him, that pretty-faced man probably isn't very competent."

"You're underestimating him. Do you know where he lives now?"

"Of course. Isn't it at Litchi Villa? Zhou Huajin has boasted about it multiple times since his return. What's so special about living there? He's just riding on someone else's coattails. The man who came with him the other day did seem quite formidable, though. Maybe they're in an illicit relationship.”