Zhou Tao let out a cold laugh, "Ridiculous. Without even showing your face, you expect me to cooperate with you? Do you really think I'm an idiot? I'm telling you, no matter who is behind you, no one can make me, Zhou Tao, bow my head and submit!"
"Do you really think I grew this big by being scared?"
Although this was the first time he had witnessed something so bizarre, Zhou Tao was not unfamiliar with the world. It was merely someone putting on a show.
"Zhou Tao, do you think the things you've done can be hidden from us? You should always remember that there are eyes watching you in the dark. Cooperating with us is your best choice, otherwise, the Zhou family will slowly fade away."
"I'm not threatening you. Your existence holds no significant meaning to us. We're only offering to help you because we see you've fallen out with Ye Longlin. Otherwise, with your stature, you wouldn't even qualify for us to glance at you."
The voice from the shadows spoke again, causing Zhou Tao to frown. He clearly hadn't expected such words to be uttered.
"Don't you find it utterly laughable?"
"In my life, besides dealing with Xia Mingzhong, I believe I've made no mistakes. Even with all sorts of schemes and tricks, I've committed no wrongdoing. What leverage do you possibly hold over me?"
Zhou Tao scoffed, unconcerned. Or rather, he felt he had a clear conscience.
"Is that so? When you were seventeen, at the Chang'an Art Academy, you laid your hands on your school's campus belle. Not only did you assault her, but you also, under the gaze of her family, found six men and forced the woman to her death. Her family couldn't bear it, and her father jumped to his death, while her mother became a madwoman, still begging under the Chang'an No. 1 Bridge overpass to this day."
"The Chang'an No. 1 Bridge overpass is precisely where that woman met her demise. It was only after this that you began to truly study 'art,' and your first painting was created with this woman as the model... I wonder, am I correct?"
Zhou Tao's face gradually darkened. He hadn't expected the other party to be able to uncover such a matter. It clearly exceeded his expectations.
Yet, he had almost forgotten about this incident. He hadn't thought someone could recall it so easily!
What was the origin of this person?
And why were they so unwilling to show themselves, not even daring to appear?
"What exactly do you want?"
Zhou Tao growled, his eyes radiating killing intent. But alas, he didn't even know where the person was.
"It's very simple. I need you to help me keep an eye on Ye Longlin and report to me once every day. I will come to find you at this time every evening. Don't think about escaping. Even if you flee to the ends of the earth, I will find you. Rest assured."
Zhou Tao gritted his teeth tightly but couldn't utter a single word. This was something he had done in his youth when he was ignorant, and it was also a scar in his heart.
At his current age, he had almost forgotten it. He hadn't thought the other party would still know about it!
"What are you yelling about in the study?"
Just then, a woman walked over, rolling her eyes with a hint of allure.
Zhou Tao took a deep breath, "It's nothing, just making a phone call."
His wife didn't say anything further, instead, she spoke considerately, "Alright, if you're tired, go rest early. Didn't you say you have a meeting at the Art Association tomorrow?"
...
Under the cloak of night, the Xia family mansion was brightly lit.
In the old residence of the Xia family, a ten-meter-long dining table was placed in the center of the courtyard. People were seated on both sides, with Ye Longlin occupying the head seat on the left.
"The Xia family only becomes this lively during the annual clan meeting. Those who can attend the ancestral home are all core members of the Xia family. Of course, I also hope you all get acquainted. My daughter's son has returned, and I am very happy today, hence this family banquet."
"Of course, I also know that many of you might think this is likely false. Regarding this point, I am aware. What I want to tell all of you is that he is truly my daughter's child, my grandson."
"Therefore, you don't need to say anything more. I am simply informing you that my grandson has returned!"
The old man was overjoyed. He stood up, raising his wine glass, his face beaming with genuine happiness.
For an elder, this was the best news, the most desired outcome.
"The Xia family has always been a scholarly lineage, with many distinguished ancestors. In our generation, it has become quite fragmented. I hope to take this opportunity to let everyone know that the Xia family is still here, I, Xia Mingzhong, am still here, and the Xia family must not fall!"
"I also know that many within the Xia family wish for me to step down. But in reality, that's not important. If my retirement can strengthen the Xia family's cohesion, I am willing to step down."
"..."
Xia Mingzhong spoke at length, sharing many heartfelt words that silenced many present. However, as the drinks flowed, conversations began to open up.
Most of them revolved around Ye Longlin and Mu Hanqi. Xia Mingzhong didn't join their talks, instead, he continuously served dishes to the little girl, who ate with her mouth smeared with oil, even getting some on her nose.
"Bang!"
Suddenly, the main door was kicked open. A young man entered, holding a baseball bat, followed by a group of burly men.
The scene instantly fell silent. Everyone looked up, seeing the young man storming towards Xia Mo. He directly slammed the baseball bat onto the long dining table.
"Bang!"
"Wow—"
Ye Churan, who had never witnessed such a scene, burst into tears the moment the sound echoed!
"Zhou Hao! What are you doing?"
Xia Mingzhong was furious. He immediately scooped up the little girl to comfort her.
Zhou Hao, Zhou Tao's son, the foremost dandy of Chang'an.
"What am I doing? Old dog Xia, are you really feigning ignorance? Didn't that dog Xia Mo tell you?"
"He made a bet with us, and he lost. The price was your Xia family's painting and calligraphy education in East City. He still hasn't given us the company. What do you think I'm doing?"
"Also, look at the injuries on my face. This good-for-nothing did this to my entire body. This face of mine was beaten by your good grandson!"
Zhou Hao said angrily, his furious eyes fixed on Xia Mo, his expression sinister.
Xia Mo's face turned ashen, his fists clenched tightly. He growled, "You worthless cur, this is between you and me! Why involve our family? And you dare to cause trouble here? Zhou Hao, did I go easy on you?"
"I'm telling you, you came here today, and you won't be leaving standing! Do you really think you can just barge into my Xia family?"
As Xia Mo was about to charge forward, Xia Qingxie slapped him across the face and cursed, "You scoundrel! How could I have given birth to a son like you!"
"Look at your elder brother, and then look at you! Useless!"