"I initially thought this was an excellent opportunity, and now, recalling it, I even feel it was arranged beforehand. Perhaps it threatened my elder brother, or maybe they intended to pin it on me. However, after careful investigation, I found no clues whatsoever."
"I strongly suspect Lin Xiaotian might be orchestrating this, deliberately trying to sow discord within our family. But upon reflection, this matter has absolutely no connection to Lin Xiaotian."
"After all, Lin Xiaotian would be furious if such a thing happened. He called me earlier, demanding I find the culprit, or he would suspend our cooperation."
As Xu Er Shaoye spoke, anger flared in his eyes. "I had already established some cooperative ties with Lin Xiaotian. We were drinking at a hotel, and we were getting along famously. Then, this bad news arrived, and Lin Xiaotian flew into a rage."
He spoke with increasing grievance, tears streaming down his face. He was truly heartbroken at this moment, fully aware of the methods Lin Xiaotian had employed against him.
The tears were genuine, and the sorrow displayed on his face was not feigned in the slightest.
Seeing this, Xu Jiazhu's eyes blazed with fury. "Don't let me find out who did this, or I'll make them wish they were dead."
"Er Shao, don't be sad. I know your role in this. Your elder brother is gone, but it won't fall on you."
"The most important thing now is to secure our cooperation with Lin Xiaotian. He must be extremely angry, as he considered your elder brother a good friend, otherwise, he wouldn't have formed such a deep partnership."
"What you need to do now is to appease Lin Xiaotian's emotions as much as possible. Ideally, call him in front of all of us and tell him we will find this traitor within three days."
Hearing this, Xu Er Shaoye sneered inwardly. He knew his father wanted him to make a call to clear his own name.
There was clearly no sign of grief on his father's face regarding his elder brother's death.
This gave him a sense of impending doom.
If his father could treat his elder brother this way today, he would surely treat him the same way once he was no longer valuable. Only by truly reaching the top could one overcome all obstacles.
Fortunately, he had already established a cooperative relationship with Lin Xiaotian beforehand, and they understood each other implicitly. He directly took out his phone and dialed Lin Xiaotian's number.
The call was answered quickly.
Lin Xiaotian's cold, angry voice came through the phone: "You've responded so quickly. Have you really found the person behind this?"
"I don't care who did it. I need an answer. If this matter cannot be resolved, then from today onwards, you and I are mortal enemies."
"If you dare to lay a hand on my friends, you'll have to contend with my power."
The furious words made the Xu family members present's eyes light up.
They didn't find Lin Xiaotian's demands excessive. In fact, they admired people who prioritized friendship above all else, as only then could one truly entrust their back to them.
It was a pity they couldn't achieve this themselves, yet they always yearned for it.
Xu Er Shaoye put on a helpless expression, looking at everyone present. Then, he said cautiously, "Mr. Lin, this really cannot be blamed on our family. After I returned today, my father gave me clear instructions to find the culprit quickly. I'm doing this to show you our sincerity. Please, don't be angry."
"Do you think I wouldn't be angry?"
"Young Master Xu was my good friend. If I wanted to, I could trade such antiques and calligraphy for any resources. It doesn't matter who I cooperate with. The reason I chose the Xu family is because we shared common interests."
"After finally finding a confidant, he is dead. And your family is undeniably involved in this."
"I don't want to hear any excuses. All I want is an answer: who is behind this?"
There was silence on the other end of the phone. Xu Er Shaoye looked at his father.
Xu Jiazhu took several deep breaths, then took the phone. "Mr. Lin, I am the head of the Xu family. I know you must be furious, but I am even more enraged because my son is gone."
"He was my own son, the future heir of the Xu family."
"My heart is filled with grief. I want to know who is behind this more than you do. Please, give me a few days. I will give you a clear answer. I also want to know who this scoundrel is. I will tear him to pieces, without mercy."
Lin Xiaotian's cold laugh echoed from the phone: "Don't try to fool me. Young Master Xu had already told me about his experiences within the family."
"I don't know how much familial affection there is between you and him, but all I want to know now is this: if you cannot provide a clear answer, I will personally visit the Xu family and find the murderer myself."
"I hope you will honestly provide me with an answer, rather than finding someone to take the blame."
With that, he hung up the phone.
Xu Jiazhu's expression turned grim for a moment, but he quickly smiled. "It seems this Mr. Lin is a man of passion. My useless son still holds considerable importance in his eyes."
"No wonder he told me on the phone before that he would only cooperate with my useless son. It turns out he truly considered my son a friend."
"However, this time, my son is in trouble, and I am indeed deeply saddened. But the deceased is gone, and I have nothing more to say. Find the person behind this quickly."
"No matter who you are, disrupting our family's development and plans at this critical juncture will come at a price."
"Er Shao, this matter requires your investigation."
Upon hearing this, Xu Er Shaoye's face couldn't help but show a hint of excitement. His eyes were filled with determination. "Dad, don't worry. I will definitely investigate this thoroughly and quell Lin Xiaotian's anger."
"I guarantee our cooperation will not be interrupted."