Chapter 176: Chapter 176

As Xiao Chen and his group’s elevator door closed, Song Juncheng gritted his teeth, “We’re going up too.”

Xiao Chen nodded in agreement, having gained entry to the event thanks to Song Juncheng, he naturally decided to stick with him.

“Xiao Chen, give me a detailed run-down on this Su Lin,” Song Juncheng commanded.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen didn’t dismiss Song Juncheng outright anymore. Though Song appeared arrogant, he became cautious when it mattered.

Considering Song Juncheng’s father was the head of the Song family, one of the most prestigious families in Jingzhou City, Xiao Chen had no illusions about Song’s competence.

Initially, Xiao Chen underestimated Su Lin, thinking no significant figure could come from Zhongjiang City.

However, his caution rose when he saw the stunning beauties surrounding Su Lin, all of whom seemed captivated by him. A man’s strength can often be gauged by the caliber of women around him; beautiful and talented women indicate a man of substance.

The two men took another elevator.

Exiting the elevator, Su Lin encountered Qin Deshu and Su Zhenguo chatting happily. Qin Deshu was surprised to see Su Lin accompanied by so many beautiful women, especially Li Ziyu among them, and Lin Xiaowan, whose distinguished air hinted at an extraordinary background.

“Grandpa…”

“Dad~!”

Qin Deshu nodded in acknowledgment, “Xiaoyue, make sure you take good care of your friends.”

Qin Jiuyue cheerfully agreed.

Su Zhenguo, however, was less amused, giving Su Lin a stern look. Despite their infrequent meetings, he was deeply concerned for his only son and was well aware of most matters concerning Su Lin, especially the women around him.

“Now that the auction is over, don’t leave right away; I need to talk to you,” Su Lin told his father.

Su Zhenguo was momentarily taken aback before chiding him with a smile, “You’re even making plans for your old man now, huh? I’ll wait for you in the tea house downstairs.”

Su Lin nodded, deciding to entrust the Tesla and smartphone blueprints to Su Zhenguo for further development. With the women in his life beginning their cultivation journey, their attention couldn’t be solely focused on work, making Su Zhen Guo the ideal person to handle these projects.

“Dad, you discuss your matters; we’ll head to the private room.”

Su Zhen Guo nodded and then proceeded to another private room with Qin Deshu.

Su Lin noticed they were headed to VIP room 1. The advancements in 4G technology had already elevated Su Zhenguo’s status significantly; he wondered what would happen once Tesla and Apple’s technologies were introduced.

As they entered the room, Xiao Chen and Song Juncheng emerged from a nearby elevator. Spotting Su Lin and his companions, Song Juncheng, wanting to get back at Su Lin for ignoring him earlier, approached Lin Xiaowan with a gentlemanly smile.

Before he could speak, Lin Xiaowan clung to Su Lin’s arm and complained, “Su Lin, it smells bad here, let’s go~~.”

Song Juncheng’s smile froze, and with a cold snort, he continued forward, with Xiao Chen hurriedly following.

Seizing the opportunity, Su Lin patted Xiao Chen on the shoulder, “You should find a new backer; this one’s not the brightest.”

Xiao Chen, filled with rage yet ultimately silent, followed Song Juncheng.

Su Lin’s face bore a faint smile, his eyes sparkling with surprise. He had just successfully pilfered the life-saving pill, the Seven Revolutions Resurrection Pill, given to Xiao Chen by Wang Yannian. This pill was a treasure for healing, capable of significantly improving the condition of anyone, martial artist or not, on the brink of death, ensuring rapid recovery.

The fact that Xiao Chen had been as resilient as a cockroach, bouncing back from near death, was all thanks to this pill from Wang Yannian.

“Su Lin, you seem quite pleased with yourself. What’s making you smile so brightly?”

Su Lin looked at Li Ziyu, feigning ignorance, “Am I smiling?”

Li Ziyu nodded, “Though it’s subtle, I can tell. I’ve read books on microexpressions.”

Su Lin was baffled, “Being too smart isn’t always a good thing,” he remarked.

Li Ziyu, unfazed, retorted, “Is it because being too smart makes it harder to deceive?”

Su Lin glanced at Lin Xiaowan and Zhao Yanyan, “Do you think they’re foolish?”

Li Ziyu shook her head.

“See, each of them is clever, yet I’ve managed to win them over,” Su Lin said cheerfully.

Li Ziyu rolled her eyes at him, “Aren’t you afraid they’ll fight over you with so many women around?”

Su Lin looked at Li Ziyu with a smile, “So, would you fight with them?”

“Of course not…” Li Ziyu suddenly realized what Su Lin meant and gave him a coy look. However, her gaze didn’t carry much of a threat; it was more like coquettishness between lovers.

Seeing Li Ziyu in front of him, Su Lin pondered. If not for seeing her affection rating nearing 90, he wouldn’t have known just how deep Li Ziyu’s feelings for him had become. Perhaps it was time to seize an opportunity?

Su Lin shook his head, deciding to deal with Xiao Chen first. As for Li Ziyu and Qin Jiuyue, there was no rush; things could progress slowly. He wasn’t in a hurry, having two women at home and another at the company.

This gradual progression and natural development were what Su Lin preferred.

“What are you thinking about? Let’s go in,” Li Ziyu nudged Su Lin gently. She suspected Su Lin was up to no good and thus interrupted his thoughts.

Returning to reality, Su Lin followed Li Ziyu into the private room. Upon entering, he was struck by the size of the Treasure Pavilion auction house. The room had an open window offering a clear view of the hall and auction stage.

“Sit down, everyone. I’ll get someone to bring some food in and find out who that person with Xiao Chen is,” Qin Jiuyue said, and the others nodded in agreement.

“Xiaoyue, don’t stir up trouble. Those two young men are not ordinary; they’re martially capable,” Su Lin warned her quietly.

He knew Qin Jiuyue too well; she might just go looking for trouble. Not blatantly, of course, but by finding ways to make them embarrass themselves or cause a scene. Su Lin thought Qin Jiuyue was still too young; people like Xiao Chen and Song Juncheng, you either leave them be or take them down completely.

“I’m not stupid; I wouldn’t cause trouble,” Qin Jiuyue pouted.

Seeing her reaction, Su Lin nodded, “Then off you go.”

Qin Jiuyue, not pleased with being treated like a child, huffed and then left the room.

A few minutes later, Qin Jiuyue returned, somewhat anxious, “Su…Su Lin, I found out who that guy is.”

Su Lin handed her a glass of water, “What’s the rush? The sky isn’t falling. Take your time.”

After taking a few sips, Qin Jiuyue began, “That arrogant guy is from the Song family of Jingzhou, the family’s young master named Song Juncheng. He came to Donghai looking for someone. As for Xiao Chen, it seems the Song family owes his master a favor, so they’re protecting him.”

“The Song family of Jingzhou? The one led by Song Zhiming?” Su Lin asked curiously.

Qin Jiuyue was surprised, “How did you know?”

Su Lin shrugged, “The Song family of Jingzhou is quite famous, isn’t it? Is there a problem with me knowing?”

“Not many people know about Song Zhiming,” Li Ziyu commented.

By now, Su Lin had figured out who the middle-aged man who rescued Zhong Xincheng was. Song Zhigang, the second elder of the Song family, was once a man of great talent but lost in a power struggle to Song Zhiming.

In the original story, Xiao Chen first met Song Zhigang and then helped him fight the Song family, eventually helping Song Zhigang rise to power. Now, this guy had somehow connected with Song Zhiming. Didn’t he know Song Zhigang had just saved him? How could he betray him so quickly?

“Ziyu, do you remember the middle-aged man who took Xiao Chen away from me?” Su Lin asked.

Li Ziyu nodded, “I remember… Does he have something to do with the Song family?”

Su Lin nodded, “He’s Song Zhigang, Song Zhiming’s brother, and Song Juncheng’s uncle.”

“So it’s him.” Li Ziyu had heard about the Song family’s power struggle, which had been intense and involved many families from the south. Ultimately, the elder brother, Song Zhiming, won the family leader’s position with superior tactics.

“Is he here looking for Song Zhigang?” Li Ziyu quickly connected the dots.

Su Lin confirmed, “Exactly, and it’s likely with ill intent. Given Song Zhiming’s ruthless nature, he’s probably aiming to eliminate Song Zhigang.”

Li Ziyu wasn’t surprised by this kind of intra-family power struggle for the throne; she had almost killed Li Weifeng herself.

“Xiao Chen really is despicable, selling out the man who saved his life,” Li Ziyu said disdainfully. She began to feel fortunate for not marrying Xiao Chen. Living with such a villain would have made her life miserable.

“What’s going on, Sister Ziyu? I’m totally lost,” said Xia Shiyu.

Li Ziyu looked at Su Lin, unsure whether to share these details with Xia Shiyu and Zhao Yanyan, who were relatively naive about these matters.

Su Lin simply stated, “They’ll have to face these things sooner or later. Go ahead and tell them, Ziyu.”

So, Li Ziyu began to recount her cooperation with Su Lin in detail, leaving the women, especially Zhao Yanyan and Xia Shiyu, in stunned silence. They had not expected Su Lin’s life in Donghai to be so tumultuous and intriguing.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiaowan was lost in thought.