"Where are we going to eat? Big Brother, can you take me with you? I haven't eaten yet!"
"Sure, wait here. I'll get the car."
Su Chen nodded thoughtfully. He soon arrived in his new Buick Regal. "Get in," he said.
Yunlong, settling into the car, pursed his lips. "Big Brother, isn't this car a bit… modest? In Jianghai, you drove a BMW. Now, in Yandu, it's a Buick?"
Su Chen smiled slightly. "A car is just transportation. Why buy something expensive?" He pressed the accelerator, the car smoothly accelerating.
Yunlong countered, "It's about appearances, Big Brother. A car is a man's image. If your car isn't impressive, how will others respect you?"
Su Chen replied, "Yunlong, remember, those who rely on houses, cars, watches, or women to project an image are insecure. True confidence comes from inner strength. Even in rags, a truly strong man stands tall."
Yunlong's body stiffened. "Big Brother, I'll remember that!"
"Good," Su Chen said indifferently, lighting a cigarette and rolling down the window.
After a moment, Yunlong announced, "Big Brother, I left the Yun Family today."
Su Chen glanced at him, understanding. He simply instructed, "Call home more often. Your father isn't getting any younger."
"I know," Yunlong replied, his mood somber. After a pause, he asked, "Big Brother, where are we eating?"
Su Chen flicked his finished cigarette into a nearby trash can. "The Pei Family."
Yunlong's initial soft, "Oh," quickly changed to a startled, "Big Brother, what did you say? The Pei Family? You mean that Pei Family?" His voice trembled, disbelief etched on his face.
Su Chen smiled, turning to Yunlong. "How many Pei Families are there in Yandu?"
Yunlong was dumbfounded. The Pei Family! An entity beyond his wildest dreams! Rumors of the Wu and Situ families arranging a marriage had already created unrest among the city's elite, and the Situ Family held the lowest rank among Yandu's great families. Yet, here he was, a guest at the Pei Family—second only to the Shen Family in prestige! It felt surreal.
A wave of excitement washed over him. Leaving his family to follow his Big Brother was the wisest decision he’d ever made. Without his Big Brother, this opportunity would be impossible.
Forty minutes later, the car stopped before a grand mansion. Stepping out, Yunlong whispered, "This is the Pei Family estate…"
The gate swung open, revealing a dozen people, led by a spirited old man. "Haha! Mr. Su, I've been waiting! It's my pleasure to have you here!" The old man boomed, his voice vibrant. The others offered polite smiles. Su Chen responded with a cool, authoritative nod.
Yunlong's worldview shifted again. He'd assumed his Big Brother had a connection with a junior member of the Pei Family. This was far beyond that—a lavish reception!
As Su Chen introduced him, Yunlong's eyes nearly bulged. The entire Pei Family, including the old master himself, had come to greet his Big Brother! Who exactly was his Big Brother?
Even the Pei Family members, aside from the old master and Pei Man, were puzzled by the old master's deference. The old master, however, understood. Su Chen, the "Ghost Doctor" and former Chief Instructor of the Eighth Brigade, deserved this reception. While the old master downplayed Su Chen's former military role, he highly valued his medical skills, recalling a critical incident at Yandu International Hospital. Life, after all, was invaluable. Without Su Chen's medical expertise, he wouldn't have personally greeted them. The old master, a pragmatist like any leader of a great family, recognized Su Chen's worth.
Su Chen understood the old master's reasoning but felt little connection to these families. He needed to investigate past events, however, necessitating close engagement.
"Mr. Su, and your friend, please come in," the old master's eldest son invited warmly.
They entered the Pei Family's expansive courtyard. Yunlong explored the grounds, noting the understated elegance. Centuries of history resonated in every brick and tree. Compared to the Jiangnan families, the Pei Family's heritage was unmatched.