"This is a one-time exception!" Lin Ke said displeasedly, "I also had to pull some strings, after all..."
"I know, I know!" Xiao Qi said repeatedly, "I definitely won't drag you down again. This is the last time!"
Seeing Xiao Qi's earnestness, Lin Ke couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, I was just saying!"
"Of course I know you were just saying. Do you think I'd take it seriously!" Xiao Qi laughed, "You're my best sister. But speaking of which, have you and your Brother Lu Fan made any progress? I'm still waiting to drink your wedding wine."
"What nonsense are you talking about!" Lin Ke's face flushed with embarrassment, "Brother Lu Fan and I have nothing!"
"Even a ghost wouldn't believe that!" Xiao Qi shook her head, "Forget it, forget it. It's your private business, and I can't interfere!"
Manager Chen came downstairs, spoke with someone, and then led an old man towards Lu Fan's office.
Lu Fan was drinking tea in his office, appearing quite relaxed, as if waiting for someone.
The office door opened, and Elder Zhao entered, cupping his fists towards Lu Fan, "Young Master, this old servant has come personally to inform you that Master Fu has arranged a banquet at the Phoenix Pavilion to catch up with you."
"Master Fu refused to reveal what happened back then, so why is he hosting a banquet at the Phoenix Pavilion now?" Lu Fan glanced at him, "Go back and tell Master Fu that if he doesn't want to talk about the past, I don't want to see him either!"
"This..."
Elder Zhao trembled. If Master Fu heard Lu Fan's words, he would be heartbroken, as everything Master Fu did was for Lu Fan.
"Go back and tell Master Fu that as long as he doesn't speak, I will never forgive him," Lu Fan stated directly, "As you saw today by the West Lake, the strength I displayed is not as simple as you imagine!"
"What the Young Master says is true!" Elder Zhao quickly cupped his fists, "Even I am no match for the Young Master. Now that the Young Master has grown his wings, he truly deserves to know what happened back then!"
"Since that's the case, you may return!" Lu Fan nodded, "When Master Fu is willing to tell me, I will return!"
"To be frank, tonight at the Phoenix Pavilion, Master Fu will reveal everything that happened over a decade ago," Elder Zhao cupped his fists, "I hope the Young Master will not break his promise. After all, Master Fu has worked tirelessly for so many years, and everything he has done is for the Young Master."
"Are you telling the truth?" Lu Fan's heart rejoiced, mixed with a touch of surprise. He hadn't expected Master Fu to come around.
However, it made sense. The strength he displayed today by the West Lake was enough to shock everyone. Master Fu's willingness to reveal the past was likely due to this.
When night fell, led by Elder Zhao, Lu Fan headed towards the Phoenix Restaurant. His expression turned somber. The events of the past were steeped in blood, and he was determined to avenge his clansmen.
At the Phoenix Restaurant, Master Fu sat in a corner, flanked by two guards, exuding an imposing aura that drew the attention of some onlookers.
It was unusual to see someone dining with two guards.
"Go make a call and ask when the Young Master will arrive!" Master Fu put down his coffee and said to one of his subordinates.
However, before he finished speaking, Lu Fan appeared before him, with Elder Zhao standing beside him.
Upon seeing Lu Fan, Master Fu quickly stood up and cupped his fists, "Young Master!"
"Master Fu!" Lu Fan called out, then sat down, "Master Fu, you invited me here today, have you finally come to your senses!"
"I intended for the Young Master to have a peaceful life and only speak of the past when his strength was fully developed," Master Fu said solemnly, "Unfortunately, things have reached this point. If I don't tell you now, the Young Master might be in danger."
"Master Fu, please speak directly. Whatever it is, I will bear it," Lu Fan said with a serious expression, "I want to see who was responsible!"
"If it were the act of one person, it would naturally be nothing to fear," Master Fu nodded, "Unfortunately, this was the work of the five great hidden aristocratic families. The matter is of great importance, and a single misstep could cost the Young Master his life. After all, it is not the five major financial groups in your hands that control the entire Jiangnan region, but the hidden aristocratic families who are the true manipulators behind the scenes."
"The five great hidden aristocratic families?" Lu Fan frowned, his eyes hardening with a cold glint, "Why did they target the Lu family? And why were they so cruel!"
"Young Master, you are unaware! The events of that year were quite peculiar," Master Fu said seriously, "As for why they targeted the Lu family, it was to obtain something from the Lu family!"
"What thing?" Lu Fan asked in surprise, "The five great hidden aristocratic families of Jiangnan, their financial resources and capabilities must be unprecedented. With such immense power, is there anything that could make them so envious!"
"The Lu family's treasure is a piece of meteorite!" Master Fu stated directly, "It can generate powerful energy. In the early years, the family head said that this item was extraordinary and must not be leaked. I don't know if there was a traitor in the Lu family, but this matter became known to the five great hidden aristocratic families."
"Just a piece of meteorite?" Lu Fan frowned, "I'm afraid it's not that simple. Does Master Fu also believe this item caused it?"
"It's no ordinary meteorite; it can even forge many powerful martial artists, which is why it attracted such covetousness," Master Fu said directly, "My greatest concern is that besides the five great hidden families, there are other major forces eyeing it!"
"Does Master Fu mean that the meteorite did not fall into the hands of the five great hidden aristocratic families?" Lu Fan was startled and looked at Master Fu.
"This is the Lu family's treasure, how could it fall into the hands of others!" Master Fu nodded solemnly, "The meteorite has always been in my possession, and I have kept it safe, waiting for the Young Master to grow up and one day shoulder the burden of the Lu family."
"I will make everyone involved in that incident pay the price!" Lu Fan's expression was cold, "As for the meteorite, Master Fu will keep it!"
Master Fu nodded slightly and spoke again, "Your display of power by the West Lake today was noticed by Qin Hai of the Qin family. He likely knows your identity. You look too much like your father!"
"Does Master Fu mean that the people from the hidden aristocratic families already know about me?" Lu Fan's expression was indifferent, "If that's the case, then all the better."
"Young Master, you are still too young!" Master Fu said quickly, "I am telling you the truth tonight hoping that the Young Master will leave Qingzhou. Once your strength is fully developed, we can make further plans."
"Master Fu, there's no need to say more!" Lu Fan stated directly, "I will make the five great hidden families pay the price. Master Fu, there's no need to persuade me further. My mind is made up!"