The bodyguards' method was simple. They ignited the gas, causing an explosion that engulfed the nightclub in flames. They didn't bother checking the private room for Young Master Xu's body, as they assumed a knife wound to the neck was undoubtedly fatal.
However, they were unaware that Lin Xiaotian was already carrying Young Master Xu towards the parking lot.
Young Master Xu was still conscious. When he saw Lin Xiaotian, his eyes were filled with confusion and resentment, as if asking one question:
"Why would you do this?"
Lin Xiaotian smiled faintly. "I just want to tell you that even if you wanted to be a wealthy man, it wouldn't be that easy."
"Don't you have any idea about the things you've done?"
"You brought this brother of yours upon yourself. You've now seen how ruthless he is. If you want to continue cooperating with me, you need to lie low for a while. Otherwise, even if your brother doesn't kill you, other members of the Xu family might just do it."
"I can save you and let you continue living. After all, you know very well that the only reason I'm keeping you alive is to ensure you accept my control obediently."
"The life you desire, I can give it to you. And I don't need you to be my complete puppet. After all, future cooperation between our families will be a win-win for both of us."
Young Master Xu clutched onto this last straw of hope. A flicker of life returned to his eyes, and his previously vacant gaze became animated with excitement.
He hadn't expected Lin Xiaotian to save him at the brink of death, to bring him back from the dead.
It was likely something Young Master Xu himself hadn't anticipated.
Lin Xiaotian's faint smile remained, his eyes holding a colder, mocking glint. "You should understand how serious your mistakes were. I told you before not to try and use me, and today's incident is merely a small lesson."
"You wanted to use me to achieve a goal, to kill with a borrowed knife."
"But that kind of tactic is useless to you. Today, I'm here to tell you that you must think carefully before acting. Consider whether you can bear my wrath after you've done something."
"This is just a small lesson for you. After this matter is over, I believe you will become a qualified lackey."
With that, he inserted a silver needle into Young Master Xu's body and then took out some ointment, applying it to the wound. The gushing blood stopped.
Young Master Xu reached for his wound, but Lin Xiaotian grabbed his wrist.
"If you want to die, feel free to do so. This ointment of mine is very precious; it can help your wound recover quickly. You're too weak to stand up right now, so just rest here. I'll arrange a room for you."
"You'll go into hiding for now and only appear when I need you."
Young Master Xu wanted to say something more, but Lin Xiaotian had already turned and left. A stranger in black clothes entered.
"Behave yourself, and we won't harm you. After all, you'll be cooperating with Mr. Lin in the future."
At this moment, Lin Xiaotian's phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, a slight smile curved his lips.
Without hesitation, he answered. Soon, the voice of Young Master Xu the Second came through.
"Mr. Lin, we've handled everything. My elder brother has completely disappeared from this world."
"I'll bring my men back immediately to inform my father. I'll also tell him that other siblings were behind this, and that I've already gained your initial trust."
"I'll tell my father you're very angry and must find the mastermind. I'll use this opportunity to attack other members of the family and eliminate those who pose a threat."
"Indeed, my brothers and sisters have been eyeing the position of family head for a long time. If we can't suppress their ambitions, they might bring great trouble to our cooperation in the future."
Lin Xiaotian's lips curved into a slight smile. "Good. I approve of whatever decision you make. After all, you are a truly intelligent person. You can guess what I'm thinking, and I can naturally guess what you're thinking. Some actions have consequences."
"Never think of using me, or you won't be able to bear the repercussions."
The voice on the other end was silent for two seconds, then Young Master Xu the Second's respectful words came through: "Sir, please rest assured, I would never consider using you. I know my own limitations. In front of you, I am merely a lackey."
Lin Xiaotian let out a cold laugh and hung up the phone.
Even without guessing, he knew what the man would do next.
This might even affect some of his decisions, but he didn't dwell on it. For a considerable period, the Xu family would remain obedient.
His previous plan was to make everyone believe it was an internal conflict within the Xu family, not an external influence.
Young Master Xu the Second had heeded Lin Xiaotian's warning. His eyes held a deep sense of helplessness, for he knew very well that Lin Xiaotian detested being used.
He closed his eyes and remained silent for a moment, then said to the bodyguard driving, "Wake me up when we reach the family estate. I need to consider some things carefully. Don't disturb me."
Time ticked by. After about two hours, they finally arrived at the family estate's entrance. Upon arrival, they saw some family members waiting to greet them.
The Xu family patriarch also emerged from his room, a faint smile on his face. "Second son, how did the mission go?"
"Did your elder brother introduce you to that person?"
Tears welled up in Young Master Xu the Second's eyes. He immediately knelt before his father and cried out, "Father, I'm sorry. I really don't know who wanted to harm my elder brother. Now, my elder brother is gone."
"He was killed in a nightclub. I don't know what he experienced before he died. He called me and asked me to contact Lin Xiaotian."