Lin Xiaotian had already seen through Young Master Xu's intentions. He arrived at the company entrance via elevator and, upon seeing the truck, a brilliant smile spread across his face.
He watched a young man alight from the truck, bearing a striking resemblance to Young Master Xu, about seventy percent similar.
"You must be Young Master Xu's brother? He called me earlier, saying you'd be handling the handover of all these antiques to me. He also mentioned you brought more treasures this time. I'm eager to see just how much you've brought."
Upon hearing this, the Second Young Master Xu turned his head. As his gaze fell upon Lin Xiaotian, his face immediately lit up with excitement. He had finally met the man himself. His purpose for coming was to sever ties with Lin Xiaotian, and ideally, to usurp his elder brother's position.
This way, he would fulfill his father's expectations. He looked down on his elder brother from the bottom of his heart, finding his lack of ambition utterly contemptible.
Being born into a prominent family like theirs meant standing on the shoulders of giants.
Yet, his elder brother was solely focused on a life of luxury, uninterested in anything else. He even harbored ambitions, even wanting to become the head of the Xu family. This irked him immensely. Lacking the strength, yet coveting such a position, was simply wishful thinking.
Of course, these thoughts remained hidden. He maintained an outwardly enthusiastic demeanor.
"You are Mr. Lin, aren't you?"
"You can call me Xiao Xu. I'm the second eldest at home, and the elders often call me Xiao Er. You can call me that too, after all, we'll be cooperating from now on, and can consider ourselves friends."
A brilliant smile flickered across Lin Xiaotian's face. He looked at the Second Young Master Xu before him, narrowing his eyes and saying, "Welcome, welcome. Since you're Old Xu's brother, you're my brother too. You can just call me by my name from now on."
The Second Young Master Xu quickly shook his head, "How can that be? I'll still call you Mr. Lin. Please take a look at the antiques we've brought. There isn't a single fake among them."
"These are treasures collected by our family for many years."
Lin Xiaotian glanced at the antiques on the truck as it was opened and immediately felt assured. The smile on his face grew more pronounced. "They are excellent. I'm very satisfied with what you've brought. A single glance tells me there isn't a single counterfeit."
"The gravitas of these antiques, the aura of history they carry, cannot deceive my eyes. This is my true skill in appraising antiques."
"When you have time, I can slowly teach you, so you can also discern true appraisal skills."
The Second Young Master Xu echoed his smile, but inwardly, he felt disdain and mockery. He thought Lin Xiaotian was trying to fool him with such words, as if he had no experience with antiques.
Their family had been in the antique business for centuries. Though he had been involved for a shorter time, it was the fastest way to make money. After all, "gold in times of chaos, antiques in times of prosperity," he understood these principles.
Moreover, he was quite adept in this area. Especially after learning some information about Lin Xiaotian, they certainly wouldn't dare to present fakes to deceive him, as it would be a loss far outweighing any gain. They had been in business for so many years and had developed their own set of business strategies.
Lin Xiaotian maintained his smile and warmly invited, "I've also prepared a surprise for you. Your brother asked me to give it to you. Let's go, I'll take you to dinner and present this surprise to you."
"We've been driving for a long time and must be exhausted. The rest of your people can make do at our company. You'll come with me."
Upon hearing this, the Second Young Master Xu's eyes widened in surprise. He knew his elder brother's character all too well. How could he possibly arrange a surprise for him through Lin Xiaotian?
However, despite his doubts, he didn't voice them directly. He knew that Lin Xiaotian's willingness to sever ties with him now was already a great show of respect.
If he could shake his elder brother's position, it would bring him unparalleled benefits.
The two exchanged enthusiastic, yet fake, smiles and soon arrived at a hotel opposite the company.
The hotel wasn't particularly large, only three stories. After the private room was booked, they both walked in.
"Mr. Lin, what kind of surprise have you prepared for me?"
Lin Xiaotian smiled playfully, "Stop calling me Mr. Lin. Just call me Brother Lin. Your brother said that as soon as you came to me, I should find a way to control you. That way, you won't interfere with our plan."
"I'm telling you this directly. Aren't you surprised? Aren't you shocked?"
Hearing this, the Second Young Master Xu felt a chill run down his spine. His heart pounded in his chest. Lin Xiaotian's blatant confession indicated he was well-prepared. He even wondered if there were ambushes set up around them, ready to eliminate him.
After all, he was acutely aware of the brutal competition among the brothers in their family. Had his elder brother been plotting for so many years, only to make his move now?
He dared not imagine the consequences. At this moment, his face had turned pale, and a hint of fear appeared in his eyes.
He forced a smile that looked worse than a cry, his voice trembling slightly, "Brother Lin, what do you mean by that?"
Lin Xiaotian smiled, "Of course, it's a surprise for you. After all, you'll be joining us from now on."
"Your brother personally asked me to do this. He only wants to use me as a tool."
"Once you're captured, you'll have to obey him. In the family, it will be as if he has another person supporting him, and he might even become the head of your family."
At this point, Xu Er Shao was completely convinced. His elder brother had hidden his true intentions too deeply. He usually appeared impulsive and reckless in his actions.
It turned out all of that was merely a facade.
His elder brother was now making his move. Was he intending to take his life?
Fear began to dawn in his eyes, "I accept your control. As long as you spare my life."
He had already planned his next move. Once this matter was resolved, he would definitely inform his father. He had to expose his elder brother's true nature, or he would truly become a puppet.