The Dongfang family’s power was unquestionably formidable. If Xiao Yufan truly eliminated Dongfang Haoran, it would surely plunge the Huizhang organization into endless conflicts…
Unless he could completely eradicate the Dongfang family, which was utterly unrealistic. Aside from the Dongfang family’s deeply entrenched networks within political and military circles, their business operations alone were far beyond what Huizhang could currently match.
“Letting Dongfang Haoran go… is not entirely impossible!”
Xiao Yufan deliberately paused mid-sentence, causing the old Dongfang patriarch’s heart to tighten. Only after Xiao Yufan’s words finally settled did the old man feel his heart slowly return to its place.
“What I say won’t be changed. Whatever conditions you set, I will try my best to fulfill them, as long as you spare Haoran…”
The old Dongfang patriarch clung desperately to this final lifeline, his eyes flashing with unusual intensity. As long as Dongfang Haoran remained unharmed, the Dongfang family wouldn’t fall into decline.
“Rest assured, Old Master. I’m actually very easy to satisfy. I won’t ask for anything unreasonable…”
As if seeing through the old man’s thoughts, Xiao Yufan’s eyebrows slightly lifted, his smile growing even broader. Yet anyone could see the sharp glint flickering momentarily in his eyes.
“I won’t ask for unreasonable terms? Even Xiao Shao probably doesn’t believe that himself…”
Hearing Xiao Yufan’s words, the old Dongfang patriarch countered with a question. He didn’t continue further; even if Xiao Yufan truly demanded unreasonable terms, what could he do? Could he really abandon his only grandson?
“If I’m not mistaken, part of the underground forces in the capital are controlled by the Dongfang family. I want to take over these forces…”
To the old Dongfang patriarch’s surprise, Xiao Yufan’s first condition was to take control of the criminal underworld. Wasn’t Dongfang Haoran’s downfall precisely because the family had failed to separate their criminal activities from legitimate business?
“I can agree to this, but the underground forces in the capital are extremely complex. I cannot guarantee what might happen in the future…”
“These concerns are unnecessary, Old Master Dongfang. Since I’m willing to take them over, I won’t fear anything. Of course, if anyone secretly tries to pull any tricks, I won’t mind making them disappear completely!”
Their conversation appeared calm on the surface yet concealed profound subtleties. The veiled threats within their words were understood only by the two of them. However, in this subtle confrontation, Xiao Yufan clearly held the upper hand.
“The Dongfang family has always been in business. These elements have always been detrimental with no benefits. Naturally, we won’t harbor any other intentions. Perhaps Xiao Shao is just being overly cautious…”
With a dry chuckle, the old Dongfang patriarch realized he had been completely dominated from the beginning by this young man, without even a hint of resistance. This feeling of helplessness hadn’t surfaced in many years. Truly, each generation produces its own talents.
“I certainly hope so. I wouldn’t want my next visit to the Dongfang estate to bring bloodshed and storm…”
“What other demands do you have? Please state them all at once. I’m sure Xiao Shao wouldn’t have come all this way for just this one condition!”
Under this blatant threat, the old Dongfang patriarch’s smile stiffened slightly, his weathered profile turning slightly pale. He hadn’t experienced such threats in many years.
“Secondly, I want to take over the Capital Club and its associated businesses. Thirdly, Dongfang Haoran must leave the business circles in Beijing. If I find any trace of him in the capital, you should know the consequences!”
Xiao Yufan swiftly announced the remaining two conditions, expecting resistance from the old patriarch, yet surprisingly, the latter remained unusually silent. After all, the businesses under the Capital Club involved far more than just money…
“Give me two days. I will settle everything and ensure Xiao Shao’s complete satisfaction!”
The atmosphere remained tense for a full five minutes before dissolving into a sigh. In this moment, the old Dongfang patriarch seemed to age decades, for as the leader of a family, one often had to consider far more than what appeared on the surface.
“I certainly hope so. Since Old Master agreed so readily, I won’t impose further. I hope you can keep your word, because I assure you, I won’t need to visit here again…”
Standing up, Xiao Yufan smiled with a touch of arrogance. Glancing at the old patriarch, he walked out of the estate. He casually picked up a stone fragment and shot it in two directions. Immediately, two cries of pain abruptly echoed from behind him.
“I’ve already said I hate it the most when people point guns at me…”
Shrugging slightly, Xiao Yufan murmured, not pausing as he continued walking. Behind him, the old Dongfang patriarch was stunned by this casual display, his eyes slightly dazed.
Just as Xiao Yufan disappeared from sight, Dongfang Yanran reappeared, accompanied by a middle-aged man pushing a wheelchair. Sitting in the wheelchair was none other than Dongfang Haoran.
“Father, letting him leave like this makes our Dongfang family seem too weak. If this gets out, where would our Dongfang family’s face go?”
Clearly, the middle-aged man still harbored resentment. Dongfang Haoran was his only son, now crippled and even if he recovered, there would likely be significant aftereffects. And that little bastard had even dared to strike him.
“Is your face more important than your life? Stop acting like a thoughtless brute all the time. You’re more trouble than help…”
In front of several people, the old Dongfang patriarch regained his usual authority. Thinking about his disappointing son caused him a headache. If his son had half of Dongfang Haoran’s wisdom, the entire Dongfang family wouldn’t have to rely solely on Dongfang Yanran and himself to hold things together.
Silenced and unable to retort, the middle-aged man dared not express any dissatisfaction. After all, the old patriarch had never been particularly pleased with him. Provoking his anger now would only invite trouble. The only pride he had was his capable son—but now, even that son had been ruined by someone else. How could he not be furious?
Meanwhile, Dongfang Haoran remained unusually quiet. This time, in his confrontation with Xiao Yufan, he had been utterly defeated. But this didn’t mean he had lost everything. His pale face made him appear particularly sinister. Never before had he tasted such a crushing defeat, and for the first time, he experienced the bitterness of failure.
Looking at Dongfang Haoran’s weakened state, the old patriarch couldn’t help feeling a pang of guilt, yet he could do nothing. Despite the Dongfang family’s considerable strength, he still lacked the confidence to confront the Situ family, even though the Situ family was currently fragmented…
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