Chapter 174: The Bustle Temporarily Subsides

Chapter 174: The Bustle Temporarily Subsides

Lu Yao never fails to quietly impress everyone.

Suddenly, I got curious about where Lu Yao's story was originally headed.

However, such talents, no matter the circumstances they find themselves in, will not remain obscure for long.

They might seem silent on the surface, but they're quietly laying roots, aiming to bloom spectacularly.

As I reflect on the shadows, I keep a cool heart.

The smile in Lu Mingchao's eyes spread like ripples on water, slowly, glowing and enchanting.

To Grandfather Zhang, that same piece of paper was a death sentence.

"Nephew Wei, did you come prepared?"

Wei Zhang replied unhurriedly, "It wouldn't be right to bother Grandfather twice over the same issue."

"Would you please take a look, Grandfather?"

Grandfather Zhang looked closely, feeling surprised while forcing a smile, "Nephew, you've got some skilled folks working for you."

"We're just trying to get by," Wei Zhang's response was flawless.

Grandfather Zhang placed the paper face down on the wooden table, then pressed it heavily with his fingertips, saying in a deep voice, "As sensible people, we should be honest with each other. Nephews, are you really going to be this harsh?"

"Dear nephews, you've been in Lotus Town long enough to know the Zhang family well. You should know that what is detailed on this paper is the ancestral property passed down through generations of the Zhang family."

"Unless the family faces a major crisis, on the brink of ruin with no way out, the ancestral property shouldn't be touched or sold. You're forcing me to betray the Zhang family, branding me as unfilial—this is truly unfair!"

Grandfather Zhang was visibly upset, his face red, breathing heavily.

A faint, crisp sound—the thin paper ripped.

Seeing the paper tear, a strange sense of satisfaction washed over Grandfather Zhang.

After a deep breath, he went on, "Since you know selling the land and shops is to back Sun's in Changhe County, you should also understand that despite the various speculations and rumors outside, Sun's, an old merchant house, is like a starved camel—still bigger than a horse. Its strength is undeniable, and it won't default on debts."

"Sun's isn't just held up by the eldest son of the Sun family, but also by key figures like Sun Wude. Sun Wude built his business from scratch back then, and he's just as capable of steering Sun's through tough times now."

"If you'd do me the honor today..."

Lu Mingchao's eyelid gave a slight twitch.

Sun Wude? More like 'No Virtue.'

The Sun family ancestors were quite prophetic with their naming.

Old Master Sun's rise is a tale of vice and ruthlessness.

Perhaps, when he was young, Sun Wude indeed had some speculative and daring spirit.

As for now, it's better not to mention it.

"With all that grand talk, did Grandfather Zhang actually sign a contract with the Sun family, detailing the collateral and stamped with Old Master Sun's seal?"

Although the voice wasn’t particularly loud, Grandfather Zhang's arm erupted in goosebumps.

Like dim lanterns swaying under the eaves, repeatedly banging against the gray walls, grating on the nerves.

Grandfather Zhang: Now I know what it’s like to swallow a fly!

"Let’s take this one step at a time..."

Wei Zhang interrupted Grandfather Zhang's excuses, "Yes, one step at a time. We small players won’t meddle in your grand dealings with Sun Bantian, but do let us rest easy."

"Especially with your unwavering faith in the Sun family, there's no need to worry about having to mortgage due to inability to repay debts."

"It’s just a token contract, better than nothing."

Today’s visit was already a rupture in relations, and polite words were mere formalities.

"Wei Zhang!" Grandfather Zhang’s voice suddenly sharpened.

Wei Zhang smiled gently and calmly, "Are you summoning me to draft a contract and sign a promissory note?"

Then he cupped his hands, "Wei will oblige."

Grandfather Zhang’s eyes swept over the room, his voice hissed through clenched teeth, "Good, good, good."

"Very good."

"Fortunes shift, and you’re quick to kick a man when he’s down. Aren’t you afraid of karma?"

Grandfather Zhang flicked his sleeve, laid out the paper, and wrote in one swift motion.

Wei Zhang took the note, gave it a shake, and waited for the ink to dry before handing it to others. He looked up at Grandfather Zhang, "Today, I’ve gained some insight. Not drafting a note is a favor, drafting one is the right thing to do. How does it become, in your words, the act of a villain kicking a man when he’s down?"

"If that’s the case, Wei and Zhang need no longer do business."

Wei Zhang clasped his hands and strode out with finality.

The merchants who came together all followed Wei Zhang's lead and left together.

Wei Tang was on edge. With the relationship broken, it was inappropriate for her to stay, so she looked at Lu Mingchao for help.

Lu Mingchao stood up, bowed, and said, "Then I’ll take my leave and await your explanation, Grandfather Zhang."

"Was this also your doing?" Grandfather Zhang gritted his teeth.

Looking at Lu Mingchao as if she were a mortal enemy who’d desecrated graves and murdered kin.

Lu Mingchao chuckled, "Grandfather Zhang, don’t lash out and fling accusations."

"Farewell."

Wei Tang followed closely behind Lu Mingchao.

In the hall, there seemed to be the sound of cups and saucers falling and shattering. Lu Mingchao looked back from afar.

In the future, when living a life of hardship and uncertainty, they would miss these shattered exquisite cups and saucers.

Outside the mansion.

Wei Tang tugged at Lu Mingchao's sleeve, sighing with lingering fear, "For the first time, watching the drama was so thrilling it left me speechless. I was afraid Grandfather Zhang would be so enraged that he would chase after you with his cane, regardless of anything."

"Chasing after me to beat me?" Lu Mingchao drawled, "Grandfather Zhang values his dignity."

Wei Tang smiled briefly, but then, as if struck by a thought, her smile vanished. After a moment of hesitation, she bit her lip, mustered her courage, and said, "Was it Zhang Cheng and the eldest son of the Sun family who instructed Cheng Zhi to falsely accuse Brother Lu?"

Lu Mingchao casually replied, "It wasn’t exactly a direct order."

"Coercion and bribery—a perfect fit."

"Sister Wei, I won’t go after Cheng Zhi about this again."

Wei Tang’s pale face turned bright red in an instant, and she waved her hands repeatedly to explain, "Mingchao, that’s not what I was getting at."

She just hadn't expected Cheng Zhi to conspire with others to harm Brother Lu.

"I understand," Lu Mingchao said, her fingers twitching with the urge to pinch Wei Tang’s cheek.

Immediately, Wei Tang, like a little wildcat with its fur bristling, put her hands on her hips, her round almond eyes widening even more, and said fiercely, "No respect for your elders? I’m older than you."

Lu Mingchao was about to calm the bristling little wildcat when she saw it visibly calm down and become elegant.

Following Wei Tang's gaze, she saw Lu Yao and Wei Zhou waiting at the entrance of the alley.

"Chao Chao," Lu Yao waved to Lu Mingchao.

Wei Tang: She could pretend he was waving to her, too.

Wei Tang gripped her handkerchief, clinging to the self-deception.

The sky darkened gradually as evening hues spread.

"The embroidered quilt was tossed aside, revealing crimson waves."