Chapter 190: Chapter 190

Under the deliberate exposure by Xiao Chen, the Song family quickly found him and brought him to Jingzhou City.

This was Xiao Chen’s first encounter with Song Zhiming. With a smile on his lips and greying temples, Song Zhiming presented himself as a scholarly figure. Judging solely by his appearance, it was hard to associate him with a formidable figure.

Yet, in just two decades, he had elevated the Song family to be the foremost family in Jingzhou, ensuring that only the Song family’s voice was heard throughout the city. This was a stark reminder not to judge a book by its cover.

Now, despite having lost his own son, Song Zhiming could still muster a smile, which made Xiao Chen believe that this man was even more dangerous than Su Lin.

“Xiao Chen, I’m glad you could come. I’ve been waiting for your arrival in Jingzhou and have made arrangements. Have you eaten yet? Let’s talk over dinner.”

Xiao Chen nodded a bit stiffly and followed Song Zhiming to the dining room. The Song family’s residence was a testament to modern luxury, adorned with valuable paintings and handmade carpets.

However, Xiao Chen wasn’t in the mood to admire these luxuries; he was preoccupied with what Song Zhiming might ask him and how he should respond.

Surprisingly, Song Zhiming only engaged in small talk, inquiring about Xiao Chen’s master, Wang Yannian, among other things.

After dinner, Song Zhiming led Xiao Chen to the family’s inner shrine, where Song Juncheng’s body was laid out.

Approaching the body, Song Zhiming lifted a corner of the shroud, “Xiao Chen, you must know why I’ve called you here today, right?”

Xiao Chen nodded, expressing his apologies, “I’m sorry, Uncle Song. I asked Cheng to come with me, but he didn’t listen.”

Song Zhiming waved off the apology, “There’s no need to apologize. Cheng was spoiled by our family since childhood. I had sent him to Donghai hoping to toughen him up, not anticipating it would cost him his life.”

After revealing a flash of sharpness in his eyes, Song Zhiming’s resolve hardened. Su Lin must die, but so must Xiao Chen for abandoning Song Juncheng.

Of course, he wouldn’t act immediately. With Wang Yannian yet to make a move, Song Zhiming wouldn’t risk offending him. No one could withstand the wrath of a ‘human immortal,’ not even a house full of grandmasters.

“Uncle Song, my condolences.”

“Do I look like I’m mourning? Cheng’s death means I must seek vengeance to allow him to rest in peace. Xiao Chen, I’ve decided. Before Cheng’s seventh day death anniversary, I want Su Lin’s head delivered here. You’ll help your uncle, won’t you?”

Xiao Chen felt uneasy, almost as if Song Zhiming was speaking about him when mentioning Cheng, perhaps due to a misunderstanding, but it was deeply unsettling.

“Uncle Song, Su Lin is a grandmaster in ancient martial arts, not just any grandmaster, but one who practices ancient arts.”

“Ancient martial arts grandmaster, that explains why the Wu brothers couldn’t escape.”

“Continue.”

“Not only is Su Lin a grandmaster in ancient martial arts, but he’s also a grandmaster in regular martial arts. He possesses a unique needle technique…”

As Xiao Chen elaborated, Song Zhiming gained a deeper understanding of Su Lin. Admitting the truth in Xiao Chen’s words, Su Lin indeed stood out among the younger generation. Given time, he was bound to shine in Xia country. Unfortunately, he had made the fatal mistake of killing Song’s son.

“Su Lin’s network is also complex, involving connections with Donghai’s Li and Qin families…”

Hearing Xiao Chen’s thorough exposition, Song Zhiming’s intent to kill grew stronger. When Xiao Chen had sought his help, he hadn’t revealed as much, merely stating that Su Lin was a grandmaster, prompting Song Zhiming to send his son with two grandmasters to Donghai.

He had not expected Su Lin to be a true dragon. His family had been unwitting victims, with Song Juncheng’s death largely due to Xiao Chen’s failure to disclose Su Lin’s full capabilities.

Speculating whether Xiao Chen had manipulated him into confronting Su Lin, Song Zhiming resolved that even if Wang Yannian himself appeared, he would not spare Xiao Chen.

…

“Boss, Xiao Chen has been taken to the Song family.”

Seeing the message from Luo Sihai, Su Lin appreciated his decision to have Luo monitor the Song family. Ordinary people like Luo’s men were less likely to cause incidents.

“Su Lin, what’s up?”

Su Lin pocketed his phone, “Nothing much, just got a message from Luo Sihai. Xiao Chen has arrived at the Song family’s place.”

“Um? Luo Sihai, how did he know?”

“I asked him to have someone keep an eye out. Xiaowan, I’ll be stepping out for a bit, you guys keep up with your cultivation at home.”

Hearing Su Lin’s instruction, Lin Xiaowan nodded. After Su Lin mentioned the Song family situation yesterday, both women stayed in and focused on their cultivation.

With the aid of Jiao Pill, their cultivation was advancing rapidly, and they were close to breaking through to the master level. Su Lin was very pleased with this progress, as reaching the master realm would give them a sliver of self-protection.

“Are you going to the Qin family?”

Su Lin shook his head, “I’ll go see Ziyu first, then head to the Qin family with her.”

Lin Xiaowan chuckled, “Su Lin, you really can turn decay into magic. I heard that the Qin and Li families have always been at odds, but your appearance has actually led them to cooperate.”

Su Lin smiled, “There are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. This has always been the case with these large families. In the coming years, Donghai will definitely become the center of the country’s storm. Xiaowan, you should be prepared.”

Lin Xiaowan nodded, “I know, with 4G technology, smart phones, and new energy vehicles all based in Donghai, those big families will surely make their moves.”

“Hehe, let them come. As long as they don’t provoke me, it’s fine.”

Lin Xiaowan glared at Su Lin, “Don’t always think about fighting and killing. You’re only eighteen, having too many enemies isn’t good.”

“Mm-hmm, the wife’s teaching is correct.”

“Go on, then. The sooner you go, the sooner you’ll return.”

Su Lin left and drove towards the Li Corporation.

At the Li Corporation’s CEO’s office, Li Ziyu was hosting a visitor from Modu.

“Jiang Ruoxi, you’re not managing your business in Modu, what brings you to Donghai?”

The woman in front of her was Li Ziyu’s college roommate and best friend.

Jiang Ruoxi looked troubled, “Ziyu, you have no idea what my life in the capital is like. I came to Donghai on my own initiative, and I have some good news for you – I’ll be staying in Donghai for the long term.”

“Why will you be in Donghai for the long term?” Li Ziyu asked, puzzled.

Jiang Ruoxi smiled, “What else could it be? I don’t believe you haven’t heard about the new energy vehicles and smart phones.”

Li Ziyu was surprised, then asked, “Is your Jiang family from Modu also planning to get involved and take a slice of the pie?”

“It’s a normal business cooperation. Our Jiang family has always been a leader in the electronics and manufacturing industries. Isn’t it logical for us to cooperate with Su Zhenguo?” Jiang Ruoxi responded.

Li Ziyu nodded, “True, but you didn’t need to come for that. Your family’s business is so extensive, wouldn’t it have been enough to send a few managers?”

“Hehe, nothing escapes your eyes. Of course, there’s a second reason I came to Donghai – to avoid someone.”

“Is it that Xiao Feiyu? If it were me facing such a good man, I would have married him a long time ago.”

Jiang Ruoxi sighed, “I know Xiao Feiyu’s feelings for me, but I just don’t like him. There’s no spark. I told him in college I wasn’t interested, but he keeps pursuing me. Just a few days ago, my great-grandfather agreed to an arranged marriage with the Xiao family, and it’s driving me crazy.”

“What’s wrong with Xiao Feiyu? He’s the top bachelor in Modu, deeply in love with you, never messing around, tall, handsome… What kind of man do you like?”

Jiang Ruoxi thought for a moment, “I like mysterious, powerful, and domineering men.”

Li Ziyu thought of Su Lin, who indeed met all of Jiang Ruoxi’s criteria, but unfortunately, he was a “sea king” (playboy).

“Enough about Xiao Feiyu, Ziyu, it’s my first time in Donghai, you have to treat me to a feast.”

“That’s a given. I’ll take you out for dinner tonight to welcome you!”

“Great!”

Meanwhile, as Su Lin was driving, he suddenly heard the system’s voice.

[Ding! Detected the heroine of a villain’s story. Would you like to receive information? Upon receiving, you will inevitably oppose the protagonist.].

“Villain protagonist? Isn’t that me?”

[Note, there can be multiple villains in the world, including those holding the protagonist’s script, like you. However, with this system, a second villain protagonist is not allowed in this world.].

“Ha… System, you’re quite domineering, but I like it.”

“Accept!”

[Ding! Transferring information from “The Super Rich and Handsome Villain”…].[Ding! Transfer complete. Would you like to read it?].