Chapter 198 - 197: The Bai Family’s Pretense

Words : 1459 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 198: Chapter 197: The Bai Family’s Pretense The elder’s knife work was brisk and decisive, completely belying his age, as each of the two men’s hands lost a finger. Blood splattered across the table, assaulting the onlookers’ eyes. Such a gory scene was not witnessed by everyone; there were even people who couldn’t bring themselves to kill a chicken, much less watch a finger being severed. "Take them to get bandaged up. From now on, you shall not seek any benefits under the name of the Xiao Family!" The elder declared coldly as he severed their fingers without even blinking, and naturally, someone dragged the two away. Mrs. Xiao could never bring herself to cut off someone’s finger, so even with her formidable capabilities, when it was time to be ruthless, she found herself unable to go through with it, only causing her enemies to grow increasingly bold. Just like the Emperor’s Skill dictates, benevolence must be balanced with awe; kindness and decisiveness are both crucial in keeping one’s ministers and enemies in check and in inspiring loyalty among one’s faithful followers. "Young man, not bad, you didn’t even flinch when I used the knife." The elder handed the knife to the teenager, smiling at Lin Tian as he spoke. "With Great Uncle’s steady hand, there was nothing to worry about." What Lin Tian said was true; the old man’s hand was steady as he wielded the knife. After all, if he wasn’t afraid of guns, why would he fear a knife? "Hahaha..." The elder laughed heartily, stroking his white beard and declaring loudly, "You called me Great Uncle? Very good, very good. Manxue, Manxuan, you two aren’t getting any younger. I think this young man is quite suitable. If either of you is willing, I might as well matchmake for you. How about that?" Wow, he’s more direct than the young people these days. Who says elders are conservative? If Lin Tian were to comment, would this seem conservative to him? Modern young people are all hesitant about love; that’s what conservative is! But Lin Tian had thick enough skin not to be embarrassed. It would be even better if he could marry both sisters—that’s a real blessing! However, the Xiao sisters were too embarrassed to speak, faced with such a personal matter in front of so many clan members. Of course, the two maidens blushed with shyness. Mrs. Xiao stepped in and said, "Great Uncle, young people nowadays value love through their own choice. We, as adults, can’t be concerned with their affairs to such an extent." "Sigh, don’t think I’m joking. Before coming here, I had heard about this young man, Lin Tian; he’s quite good. Don’t blame me for being nosy, but for the Xiao Group, the rest of us outsiders can only watch from a distance. Eventually, it’s up to you and your daughter to run the business. If there were another man who’s decisive in killing, to help you out, I think it would be much easier for you and would benefit the group too," the elder said with a sigh, full of earnest concern. Mrs. Xiao was fully aware of these principles and knew her own shortcomings, but such matters were not easily resolved. To find a man capable and responsible, who isn’t just after the Xiao Family’s wealth or their beauty, and who is also suitable, who knows if such a man even exists in the world. "Alright, I’m getting old and rambling a bit. My niece by marriage, we’ve wronged you in the Xiao Family. If there’s someone you fancy, consider it for your own sake as well. You’ve done enough for the Xiao Family," the elder said softly to Mrs. Xiao, before shaking his head and walking out the door. Mrs. Xiao, too, was seldom so embarrassed. "Great Uncle, won’t you stay a few more days before you leave?" Xiao Manxue asked sincerely. "No need, your grandfather was the only one I got along with. I visit his shrine every day to talk to him; it’s become a habit," the elder replied, as he left the Xiao Family home with the assistance of the boy. With the elder’s departure, the meeting dispersed, everyone went their separate ways, and Elder Han arranged for some Gambling Stone Masters, thinking that with Mrs. Xiao’s kindness, she would likely give them a way out. In the end, only Lin Tian and the three women of the Xiao Family remained in the hall. The sisters hung their heads, their faces flushed with embarrassment. Oddly enough, Mrs. Xiao’s face also showed a hint of red. Lin Tian wondered to himself, it made sense for the daughters to be blushing since they had just been paired off with him by the elder, but why on earth was Mrs. Xiao blushing? "Er, I’m heading up first; make yourselves at home." Lin Tian felt the atmosphere was strange, so he took the lead in going upstairs. Just a few steps up, he distinctly heard the trio of mother and daughters exhale in relief. Women’s thoughts are indeed peculiar. Returning to his familiar big bed, Lin Tian felt this was still the best place. Despite the luxury of hotels, they lacked a certain feeling. Even though he had been out for only three days, Lin Tian had experienced quite a few things, their excitement even surpassing the events of his past eighteen years. However, he still intended to take the college entrance exam; it was one of his wishes, and Lin Tian was not going to give up. With the exam date drawing closer, he pulled his thoughts back, picked up a book, and continued to review. Lin Tian was supposed to go to school that afternoon, but Xiao Manxuan said that she had already requested leave, so he might as well go tomorrow instead. Reviewing could be the same anywhere; if one has discipline, studying at home works just as well as school, but without it, school wouldn’t be effective either. At four o’clock in the afternoon, while Lin Tian was still reading, Xiao Manxuan knocked on his door. "Lin Tian, we have visitors; let’s go downstairs." the little girl urged. "Aren’t your mom and sister at home? What does their visitor have to do with me?" Lin Tian was puzzled. He was, at best, a bodyguard, not tasked with receiving guests. However, the little girl didn’t explain and pulled Lin Tian downstairs. By this time, Mrs. Xiao and the Miss were already seated in the living room. Although the bloodstains on the long table had been cleaned up, Lin Tian still smelled blood—a zombie is highly sensitive to the scent of blood. Just as he was about to ask who the visitor was, several people had already entered from outside. The Bai Family? Leading the way was Bai Zhengchu, followed by the brothers Bai Yuanhao and Bai Yuze, with two middle-aged men that Lin Tian didn’t recognize. With Bai Zhengchu himself coming, were the Bai Family here to show force or to fight? These few people would hardly suffice if it were for the latter. Lin Tian just sat on the sofa, not bothering to get up to greet them. Since pretenses were already discarded, why bother with those empty formalities? If there was something to say, say it; if there was a fight to be had, let’s get on with it—how much simpler and straightforward that would be. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Xiao," Bai Zhengchu greeted with a bow as he entered. His son Bai Yuanhao and grandson Bai Yuze followed suit, their demeanor very friendly. Even when Bai Yuze and Bai Yufeng saw Lin Tian, they showed no signs of resentment. Their behavior left Lin Tian unsure of their purpose for visiting. But as the saying goes, anything out of the ordinary is suspicious, and he didn’t believe they meant well. Otherwise, with Bai Yuze’s resentment, how could he speak so politely? "Old Bai personally visiting, what important matters do we owe the pleasure?" Mrs. Xiao didn’t beat around the bush. After inviting them to sit, she went straight to the point. "Mrs. Xiao is straightforward, so I won’t mince words. Today, I have brought two culprits to face you," said Bai Zhengchu seriously. He then waved his hand and the two middle-aged men at the back stepped forward. "What does this mean?" Mrs. Xiao asked, frowning. Bai Zhengchu sincerely said, "I heard the Xiao Family acquired a batch of problematic jadeite raw stones. As longtime collaborators and friends, the Bai Family has a responsibility to investigate this matter thoroughly and give an explanation to the Xiao Family. You two scoundrels, tell us what you’ve done!" This content is taken from free web novel.com

Chapter 198 - 197: The Bai Family’s Pretense

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