Still with that nonchalant, casual attitude, completely disregarding him, Hu Han's fists clenched, his body trembling slightly from anger.
However, he ultimately endured it, fixing Zhong Tian with a cold gaze.
And so, under Zhong Tian's deliberate obstruction, Li Zhonglou, who should have secured the permit in a few minutes, spent a full fifteen minutes to finally obtain it. Had Hu Han not been present, they would likely have scrutinized his family history for three generations.
As the two prepared to leave with the permit, Li Zhonglou finally heard Hu Han turn and say to Zhong Tian.
"Mr. Li is a distinguished guest that Second Master is eager to meet. I suggest you be prepared for the consequences of this matter afterward. Don't think anyone can protect you! Unless you can get Third Master to intervene."
After speaking, Hu Han ignored Zhong Tian's reaction and left directly with Li Zhonglou.
Zhong Tian was indeed startled by Hu Han's words. After the two left, he quickly pulled out his phone and called Hu Fei.
"Young Master Fei..."
As soon as the call connected, he roughly recounted Hu Han's recent words.
"Young Master Fei, what should I do now? I only did this for you and Young Master Tian!"
A cold laugh came from Hu Fei on the other end of the line.
"I asked myself why you were so easily scared. If he truly had that confidence, why didn't he question you from the start? And he's a distinguished guest? If Second Master was truly eager to see him, would he have to rely on you for a permit after just a few words?"
Only then did Zhong Tian realize the truth, and his mind was put at ease. After apologizing a few times to Hu Fei and hanging up, Zhong Tian threw his phone onto the table, leaned back, and propped his feet on the tabletop.
"I knew it. It was clearly a sign of great fortune; how could anything go wrong? It seems my luck is really turning around this year. I might even be able to replace that sickly wife of mine."
A foolish grin spread across Zhong Tian's face as he spoke, already envisioning his happy future.
When Hu Han and Li Zhonglou returned to the vicinity of Second Master's office, Hu Fei was nowhere to be seen.
"Senior Li, please wait here for a moment. I'll go and greet Second Master."
Li Zhonglou nodded. Hu Han walked alone to the office door, knocked, and after about ten seconds, pushed the door open and entered.
Less than a minute later, he emerged from inside and beckoned to Li Zhonglou.
Shortly thereafter, Li Zhonglou followed Hu Han into the office.
Unlike the opulence and refinement outside, the interior was extremely simple in its layout. Although the space was equally large, it was similar to Ya Li's.
At this moment, an old man was seated on the sofa.
The old man appeared to be at least sixty years old, with white hair and age spots on his face. He also had an IV drip attached to his hand, and his complexion was not good.
Li Zhonglou followed Hu Han to the front of the old man.
"Second Grandfather, this is Mr. Li Zhonglou, the Senior Li I mentioned to you earlier."
"Senior Li, this is my Second Grandfather. You can call him Elder Fu."
Hu Han introduced them separately. Li Zhonglou politely greeted them and then sat down.
Hu Fu looked at Li Zhonglou with a scrutinizing gaze and calmly asked, "So, what do you want from me?"
This seemingly inexplicable question caused Hu Han's expression to change abruptly. However, just as he was about to speak, Hu Fu stopped him with a look.
Li Zhonglou, on the other hand, looked at him with surprise.
"Why do you ask that?"
Hu Fu calmly replied, "This foolish boy has no connections and no resources. For someone like you to help him, if you say there's no ulterior motive, would you believe it yourself?"
Upon hearing this, Li Zhonglou re-examined the old man before him. Although he was advanced in age, his mind was still sharp. Generally, elderly people of this age, let alone developing dementia, would not have such quick reflexes.
However, considering the old man's position as Second-in-command of the Hu family, Li Zhonglou quickly understood. Every industry has its elites. If someone dedicates their life to a single pursuit, let alone at sixty or seventy, even at eighty or ninety, they can maintain such keen insight.
Yet, Li Zhonglou did not intend to be completely forthcoming at this moment, even though Hu Han had told him that the old man before him preferred straightforwardness.
"Elder Mr. Fu worries too much. This time, I am not only helping Hu Han, but I am also preparing to establish a company. If this matter goes well, my company's affairs will also be stabilized. One could say it's a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Hu Fu's brow furrowed slightly, and he said with some displeasure, "I've never liked people who beat around the bush. I hope you understand this first."
Li Zhonglou smiled faintly. "I understand what Elder Mr. Fu means. However, some things cannot be resolved with mere words; they depend on actual actions. Therefore, no matter how much I say, it will only be empty talk. Time will ultimately provide the answer."
Hu Fu showed a hint of surprise.
"It's rare to find a young person with such foresight these days. Mr. Li, where did you study, or do you have any famous ancestors?"
"I apologize, Elder Mr. Fu, but I prefer not to answer that question."
Hu Han's expression changed slightly, but to his surprise, his Second Grandfather did not get angry. Instead, he broke into a genuine smile.
"Excellent, excellent. To have such a disposition at your age, Mr. Li, you are bound to be a dragon among men in the future."
After offering his praise, Hu Fu's smile suddenly vanished.
"However, I hope we can remain friends. To put it bluntly, we are merely a small temple; we may not be able to accommodate a great deity."
It was the old man's words that truly made Li Zhonglou look upon him with newfound respect, because this statement clearly indicated that he had realized something. Otherwise, as the Second-in-command of one of the sixteen great families, he would not have uttered such words!
"Elder Mr. Fu is joking. Whether a temple is large or small is merely an external perception. In this world, nothing is indispensable, nor does anything exist without value."
"And Hu Han and I are indeed friends."
Hu Fu gave Li Zhonglou a deep look, then turned to Hu Han and said.
"Then this matter is entirely entrusted to you. Handle it well."
Hu Han's face lit up with joy. He quickly nodded and said, "Please don't worry, Second Grandfather. I will go all out this time and will not make any more mistakes!"
Hu Fu nodded and waved his hand. Hu Han understood and left the office with Li Zhonglou.
However, after escorting Li Zhonglou out, he returned for a moment.