Chapter 96: Nanrong Gang

Little Hua watched Ling Chen leave with reluctance, then sat down on a chair, her face unhappy as she pouted and said, "Old man, why did you let big brother go?"

"He has his own affairs to attend to; I can’t restrict his freedom. What’s the matter, have you taken a liking to him?"

Little Hua’s pretty face flushed red as she retorted, "Nonsense! Who said I liked him? I’m just worried about Sister Xiaozhu. That Nanrong Wanqing, I’ve seen her, she’s not a bit inferior to Sister Xiaozhu. If they are together day and night, affection will grow over time. Then what will Xiaozhu do?"

"People haven’t even started anything, so why are you worrying unnecessarily? I actually think it’s you who has taken a liking to Ling Chen. Come to think of it, you’ve reached the age for love, so it’s quite normal to have feelings of spring."

Hearing this, Little Hua immediately became displeased. With her hands on her hips, she complained, "Old man, are you implying that I’m old? Let me tell you, I am seven years old this year, and I’ll still be seven tomorrow, the year after next, and the years after that... I’ll always be seven. If you dare to mention age to me again, believe it or not, I’ll pluck out every single one of your whiskers."

He Ziyun begged for mercy, "Alright, alright, you’re the boss, I won’t bring it up again."

After leaving Qingyun Martial Arts Hall, Ling Chen drove the classic muscle car and arrived at Wealthy Manor No. 118.

Nanrong Hao had been waiting at the entrance for a while already. Seeing Ling Chen getting out of the car, Nanrong Hao immediately scurried over and took the luggage with eagerness.

"Chen, I’ve been hoping and waiting; finally, I’ve awaited your return."

"Why didn’t you go to class today?"

"Chen, you’re back; why would I still go to class? Besides, the teachers are used to my absences already."

Ling Chen put on a stern face and said, "From tomorrow onwards, you better go to school and be honest. If I find out you’ve skipped classes, you’ll see how I’ll deal with you."

"This… isn’t… Chen, you don’t understand, I just can’t sit still at school, and the lessons the teachers give are all Greek to me."

"That’s your problem. In short, you better study properly in the future. If the school reports that you’re not engaging actively in class or failing your grades, then don’t even think about learning another move from me."

Ling Chen hadn’t forgotten Nanrong Wanqing’s request; his purpose for returning was to ensure Nanrong Wanqing’s safety and also to change Nanrong Hao. Nanrong Hao was accustomed to laziness; only by demanding strictly could he gradually change.

"Don’t, Chen," Nanrong Hao wore a long face, thinking to himself that he hadn’t offended Ling Chen, wondering why he had suddenly changed his demeanor upon returning.

"Enough talk, it’s only three o’clock in the afternoon, hurry up and go to school. You’re not allowed to come back before classes are over." Finishing his words, and leaving behind a helpless Nanrong Hao, Ling Chen went straight into the house.

Back in his room, it was the same as before, clean and spotless.

Just after tidying up, Liu Kun appeared at the bedroom door.

"Mr. Ling, the master has asked for you to come over."

"Alright, I’ll be right there."

Led by Liu Kun, Ling Chen came to the bedroom on the second floor of the main house. As he entered, he saw Nanrong Yong sitting on a single sofa, facing the window. After some time of recuperation, Nanrong Yong’s health had improved noticeably; his complexion was ruddy and his breathing stable.

"Old master, you wanted to see me?"

Nanrong Yong warmly gestured with a smile, "Ling Chen, come, have a seat. Liu Kun, go make a cup of tea for Ling Chen."

"There’s no need for such courtesy, old master."

"Eh, you can’t say that. You are not only an employee of the Nanrong Family but also a valued guest. I’m aware of last night’s incident; it’s thanks to your presence that Wanqing managed to escape disaster. Considering that you’ve saved Wanqing twice now, no amount of courtesy towards you would be considered excessive."

In the meantime, Liu Kun had already placed the tea in front of him.

"Liu Kun, you can go now; I have something to discuss with Ling Chen alone."

"Yes." Liu Kun nodded, turned, and walked out, closing the door behind him.

Once he left, Nanrong Yong’s smile gradually faded, and he spoke gravely, "Ling Chen, you must have been wondering who would target Wanqing."

Ling Chen felt a movement in his heart, "Old master, by saying this, could it be that you know who the instigator is behind the curtain?"

"Indeed, I’ve always known, but I haven’t told Wanqing."

"Why is that?"

"It’s a grudge between our generation; there’s no need to let Wanqing know. I thought that person would confront me directly, but he turned out to be colder and more ruthless than I imagined; not even sparing my granddaughter." As he spoke, a fiery anger rose in Nanrong Yong’s eyes, his fists clenched tightly.

Ling Chen, puzzled, said, "Old master, the Nanrong family’s lineage isn’t just limited to Nanrong Wanqing; there’s also Nanrong Hao. Why doesn’t that person target Nanrong Hao?"

"Because the one currently in charge of Hongyu Group is Wanqing, and Nanrong Hao is weak and useless; that person doesn’t consider him a threat. His goal is for me to watch helplessly as the business empire I’ve built crumble to pieces. That’s why he hasn’t targeted me directly."

"Old master, if it’s convenient for you, why not tell me the identity of that person? Perhaps I can…"

"Find the mastermind and put an end to all this?" Nanrong Yong took over, his face revealing a bitter smile, "If it were that easy, why would I need to hire someone for Wanqing’s protection? For decades, I’ve never stopped looking for him, but that man has vanished without a trace."

"Old master, you have your methods, and I have mine. The person you can’t find may not be unreachable for me." Ling Chen’s tone exuded confidence. His resources were unlike those of Nanrong Yong; unless that man was backed by a considerable power able to erase all his footsteps completely, otherwise, Ling Chen felt confident about having a seventy percent chance of locating him.

After some contemplation, Nanrong Yong nodded, "Alright, since you are confident, let’s give it a try. But you must promise me that you will not disclose this man’s name to Wanqing, not just her, but to no one in the Nanrong family."

"No problem, however…" Ling Chen laughed awkwardly, "Old master, as you know, these kinds of affairs require funds to operate, so…"

"As long as you say it, no matter the cost."

Tsk, wealthy people sure are different.

Ling Chen sighed inwardly and asked, "Old master, what’s the name of that man?"

"That man’s name is…" Nanrong Yong opened his mouth slightly, his gaze flickering, seemingly still wrestling with the decision. After more than ten seconds, his eyes suddenly firmed up, looking directly into Ling Chen’s, "The man’s name is Nanrong Gang."

"Nanrong Gang?"

Ling Chen’s expression changed slightly. Another person with a compound surname, sharing the same surname as the Nanrong family. Could it be… the one wanting to kill Nanrong Wanqing was also a member of the Nanrong family?