Chapter 28: Utterly Shameless
"Honey, why don't you go wait for me outside?"
Zhou Fan raised a hand, signaling for Chu Tianxiang to hold on. He already had a good idea what the news was about. He turned to Chu Yan with a smile.
"No. You're talking to Grandpa, why should I leave? Do you have some secret you don't want me to know?" Chu Yan shook her head decisively, as stubborn as a mule.
"Don't look at me. She's your wife. If a man can't even handle his own wife, he's a bit of a failure, isn't he?" Chu Tianxiang said with a meaningful smile when he saw Zhou Fan look his way.
"Grandpa, you're just trying to stir things up!" Chu Yan stomped her foot, a mix of embarrassment and anger on her face. Then, seeing Zhou Fan looking at her with a pitiful expression, she shot them both a helpless glare, tucked the will into her bag, and stormed out in a huff.
"Got her."
The moment Chu Yan closed the door, Zhou Fan smugly made a "gotcha" gesture, his expression as arrogant as could be. It was so over-the-top that even Chu Tianxiang couldn't help but laugh.
"The Gu Family of Jiang Province, one of the four great families, possesses a hundred-year-old Profound Spirit Grass. I hear this type of medicinal herb grows in extremely harsh environments. Forget a hundred years—even a ten-year-old specimen is rare. A hundred-year-old Profound Spirit Grass is said to be miraculous. As long as someone is still breathing, they say swallowing it will instantly restore them to full health and vigor."
After they both had a laugh, Chu Tianxiang's aged eyes locked onto Zhou Fan, a shrewd and calculating light glinting within them.
"You're not actually asking me to go steal it, are you? You know I'm a good person. I don't do things like that!"
Zhou Fan's face was a mask of shock. He shook his head repeatedly, his expression clearly saying, 'No way am I doing that!'
"That kid Fan's grandfather and I were sworn brothers who went through life and death together. When the old fellow was still alive, I would visit him almost every year to chat, reminisce, and keep our bond strong."
Chu Tianxiang didn't respond directly, speaking as if to himself. He took out a cigar, even offering one to Zhou Fan, all while wearing that same shrewd, calculating expression.
"Damn, that kid Fan is so unreliable. I'm gonna go beat him up the second I leave this place!" Zhou Fan couldn't help but curse. Chu Tianxiang's meaning was obvious: he was telling Zhou Fan that his identity was no secret, that Fan had already told him.
"No need to be so angry. The kid didn't say anything else. He only told me that if the Chu Family can maintain a good relationship with you, it will guarantee our family's security for a hundred years."
"He really overestimates me. I'm not even sure how many years I have left myself!" Zhou Fan was speechless. "Besides, I don't know anyone in this Gu Family. And Fan should have also told you that my current strength is limited!"
"The old Patriarch of the Gu Family, Gu Changkong, had three sons. The eldest died in his early years, leaving behind a daughter. Gu Changkong already doted on this young granddaughter, and his guilt over his eldest son's death only made him dote on her more. And this granddaughter currently works at Xiaoyan's company, Fenghua International. I hear she's even in your department."
Chu Tianxiang took a couple of puffs from his cigar, unconcerned by how shocking his words were.
Surname Gu, a girl, Fenghua International's sales department!
Gu Feifei!
Even with his steady mind, Zhou Fan couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath. His eyes narrowed as he stared at Chu Tianxiang.
'This old fox... does he know too much?'
'He's not just aware of matters in Nanjiang City; he even knows about the great families of Jiang Province!'
'It seems Chu Tianxiang isn't as simple as he appears!'
'If he's this capable, is it possible he really doesn't know about Chu Yifeng?'
In that instant, a flicker of killing intent flashed in Zhou Fan's eyes.
"No need to look at me like that. I have my own motives, too."
"Go on."
"If, one day, you recover your full strength and have the power to make your way into the Capital City, I hope you will help Xiaoyan and our Chu Family secure a place for ourselves there," Chu Tianxiang said slowly, his aged eyes filled with reminiscence. "Sixty years ago, the Chu Family was based in the Capital City. We weren't a great family, but we were still prominent. However, my father offended another family and was forced to flee the Capital City and settle here. I was just a teenager then, and I swore that if I ever had the power, I would fight my way back!"
"And that family is?"
"The Capital City Wang Family!"
'The Capital City Wang Family?'
Zhou Fan wasn't very familiar with the various powerful factions, so he'd never heard of them. But judging by Chu Tianxiang's expression, this Wang Family had to be a major power.
"I will try."
Zhou Fan only said those three words. After chatting with Chu Tianxiang for a few more moments, he walked out of the ancestral hall with a smile on his face, though inwardly he was cursing the old man's ancestors to hell and back.
'Is this old bastard even human?'
'How could he have the gall to ask me to do something like that?'
'Isn't he afraid that if Chu Yan finds out, she'll resent him for it?'
Shameless!
Utterly shameless!
And yet, despite himself, Zhou Fan felt a small flicker of anticipation at Chu Tianxiang's suggestion.