The Xu family head's eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this, his voice calm as he reminded, "Second son, some words are not to be spoken lightly."
"Do you know that what you've just said makes me feel as though you're trying to use a borrowed knife to kill, and I even suspect what kind of cooperation you and Lin Xiaotian have already reached."
"However, it's a good thing I understand your character. Don't disappoint me; you know what I desire most."
"What is rightfully yours, I will give to you sooner or later. As for what is not yours, do not even think about it, or you might find yourself beyond redemption."
Young Master Xu understood that his father was warning him.
In his father's gaze, he saw no trace of affection, only coldness. Perhaps it was due to the large number of siblings, but his father showed no paternal love whatsoever.
A thought arose in his heart at this moment.
Only by occupying that position could he control everything. He even felt that cooperating with Ye Xiaotian and becoming Ye Xiaotian's puppet would be better than following his own father, who merely treated him as a tool to be used.
If he were to reveal his interest in the family head position, he would likely be killed by his own father.
His eldest brother was already dead, and yet his father had not shown any sign of grief. Even if he had, it would have merely been a pretense. After all, a son had died, and he naturally had to put on a show.
As for the investigation results, they were no longer important.
"Alright, you may go and attend to your business. Remember every word I've told you, and do not disappoint me. You are my most valued son," the Xu family head waved his hand.
He did indeed favor his second son the most, as this son was the most similar in both intellect and temperament, making him the most suitable to inherit the family head position. However, he himself was not yet fifty and had only recently taken the position.
Moreover, he had used very dishonorable means to ascend to this position, and he did not want his descendants to learn his ways.
"Second son, I hope you will be smart and not harbor unrealistic dreams. Otherwise, you still appear too naive before me. Even if you have ambition, hide it well and do not let me discover it, or I will have no choice but to painfully eliminate you."
His murmuring words did not reach Young Master Xu.
However, a cold killing intent flickered in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Young Master Xu had already taken out his phone and dialed Ye Xiaotian's number, a respectful expression on his face. Ye Xiaotian was now his master. If he wanted to live well, he had to be controlled by Ye Xiaotian, receiving antidotes regularly to delay the awakening of the worms within him.
A smart person knows what to do and what not to do. He knew he had to keep a low profile and act subservient. If he lost his life, then everything would be lost. Even if he wanted revenge, it was definitely not now.
At the very least, he had to gain Ye Xiaotian's trust and obtain the true antidote before he could slowly scheme against Ye Xiaotian.
In the villa, Ye Xiaotian saw his phone ringing and walked directly to the balcony, his voice filled with a smile, "Is everything going smoothly over there?"
Young Master Xu's voice was very respectful, "Everything here has been very smooth recently. Now my father wants me to investigate my elder brother's matter. In reality, the results and process are no longer important; it's just a formality."
"My father never took my elder brother seriously. Even though my elder brother is dead, my father still shows no grief in his eyes; there is only indifference."
"I have truly realized their heartlessness. Now, if only I am given an opportunity, I will definitely ascend to that position, because only by reaching that position can my life be truly secure."
"Furthermore, as I was leaving, my father warned me not to have any improper intentions. He is warning me not to covet the family head position."
"If I don't try to seize it, he is only fifty years old and can remain family head for another thirty to fifty years. I don't want to wait that long, nor do I want him to live that long."
A faint, almost imperceptible curve appeared on Ye Xiaotian's lips. He knew that Xu the Second would definitely encounter some trouble after returning.
After a moment of thought, he had an idea.
"What you need to do now is hide yourself well. Do not get yourself into trouble, and do not reveal your ambitions in front of your father. Otherwise, even I cannot help you from afar."
"Moreover, I advise you not to have any ulterior motives. It is very likely that your father is waiting for you to take the bait. Do not give him an excuse to act against you, or you will surely die."
"If you truly cannot overcome this hurdle, you can ask me for help. I will personally come over during our next transaction."
After speaking, he hung up the phone.
In his heart, he had already guessed what had happened in the Xu family. He truly couldn't imagine how the people of the Xu family thought. Even with immense profits, they shouldn't have thrown away familial affection.
Such a life was extremely incomplete.
At this moment, Chu Nianxue had just finished her meal. She looked at Ye Xiaotian, "Who were you talking to on the phone? Why aren't you on that platform yet?"
Ye Xiaotian smiled mischievously, "It was a beautiful lady."
Chu Nianxue paused slightly, then seeing the teasing in Ye Xiaotian's eyes, she let out a soft huff, "Then go and be with your beautiful lady. You are not allowed in my room tonight."
"Don't do that, wife!" Ye Xiaotian quickly chased after her, a bright smile on his face, "I was just calling Young Master Xu the Second. Someone from their family wanted to invite you to a banquet before."
"You refused then. Have they sent another invitation?"
Chu Nianxue nodded, "This afternoon, they brought up the matter again, saying that we would definitely achieve good cooperation in the future. The Xu family's conduct is not very good."
"I never considered cooperating with them; it would be like seeking benefits from a tiger."
Ye Xiaotian smiled and said, "Wife, can you agree to it directly now? I will attend the banquet then."
"Actually, the batch of antiques sent over before came from the Xu family."
"Regardless of their conduct, if they want to gain benefits from me, they must have the ability to do so. If they lack the ability and still want to make a move, then they can only become stepping stones."