After a pause, Guan Yi said seriously, "The most important task of the head of a family is to protect his family and ensure its healthy development. He cannot rely on opportunism."
Hearing her serious tone, Chen Xu couldn't help but think that this girl would also take over a large family in the future, and she carried a heavy family mission on her shoulders. This stirred up Chen Xu's affection, and he couldn't help but kiss her on the cheek, saying seriously, "I understand. Don't worry, as long as I'm here, the family will definitely become the most powerful family in the world."
Guan Yi smiled sweetly. Recently, Chen Xu had given her family many benefits. Everyone knew that these benefits would never be given for free under normal circumstances, but Chen Xu had given them to her family so generously, which left those in the family who opposed their relationship speechless. Everyone was initially worried that the woman, being outgoing, might change her surname after marrying such a man. However, Old Master Guan was quite open-minded. At the family meeting, he said, "With the technology SMMH possesses, they don't need our family at all. Their rise is only a matter of time, and no one can stop it... Also, if you insist on not letting Xiao Yi be with Chen Xu, then when he comes to forcibly take her away, who can stop him? Even if he doesn't come to forcibly take her away... then the family will forever lose such a partner with immense potential. Although I don't want my daughter's marriage to become a political bargaining chip, thinking about it carefully, this is probably how marriages in our family have all gone. Fortunately, my daughter is wonderful. She not only found her love but also added such a strong ally to the family. If anyone still has objections, go talk to that kid on Tongchi Island."
Who dares to talk to Chen Xu?
The young people in the family who had all sorts of ideas about Guan Yi’s appearance and identity didn’t dare to do it. That guy was now a powerful figure with great authority. Even the two major organizations, Tarot and X, couldn’t do anything to him. What were they, the collateral branches with no right to inherit, compared to him?
So Guan Yi was now filled with sweetness, because her family had clearly stated they would not object, and all her previous concerns were gone. Thinking back to how she had known Chen Xu, she had initially approached this young man with a playful attitude, then discovered she had truly fallen in love with him. However, due to family opposition, she knew she couldn't marry him, which is why she hesitated, leaving Chen Xu wavering in his feelings. But later, she discovered he was already qualified enough to propose to her. Just as she was overjoyed, her father's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over her head—Chen Xu and SMMH already had the power to take over the Guan family; if she married him, would she expect the entire family to be her dowry?
Unexpectedly, things have taken a turn for the better. Chen Xu's strength has reached a level that even his family dares not offend easily. How could this not make the girl overjoyed?
Having gone through so many twists and turns, Guan Yi no longer has any other thoughts. As for Chen Xu, if before he was just an ordinary student, and the phrase "wanting more after getting something" was used to describe him as a womanizer, then now, in his current position, he has entered the less than 1% of the world's population who are beyond the reach of the law. So, Guan Yi has accepted his feelings for other girls.
Moreover, Chen Xu isn't the kind of womanizer. If she were a guy in a long-distance relationship, she probably wouldn't be able to resist a girl like Gao Xiaojie... And then there's Zhan Jing.
Well, there probably won't be a fourth one. If it's just three... I'd be reluctant, but I could accept it if I had to.
Because Guan Yi himself knew that if he were in Guan Yi's shoes, this choice would be far too difficult and too ruthless.
Chen Xu had no idea what Guan Yi was thinking, because at that moment his phone suddenly rang. He looked at the number and saw it was his boss, Wu Yuan. Well, Wu Yuan was still in school, but he had already been internally selected as a member of S Company. It was time for his internship at school, and Wu Yuan was currently interning at S Company... of course, at S Company's branch in Hexie City, because his boss couldn't bear to let his little sister Bixuan go to Shanghai alone.
Because Chen Xu has been too busy lately, the brothers haven't been in touch for a while. I wonder if the eldest brother would be so shocked if he knew Lao Dong's identity that his glasses would fall off.
Once the call connected, Chen Xu laughed loudly, "Boss, guess where I am right now?"
The eldest brother's anxious voice came from the other end of the phone: "Third brother, something's happened to Lao Dong!"
…………
Chapter 387 Unexpected Event (Part 1)
Seeing Chen Xu hurriedly hang up the phone with an extremely serious expression, Guan Yi couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? What happened?"
“Let’s talk as we walk!” Chen Xu frowned and checked his watch. This action startled Guan Yi… because while others might not know what this watch was, she knew very well! This watch was their infrasound weapon. Seeing Chen Xu adjust the energy frequency to the unconscious setting, Guan Yi immediately sensed that something serious had happened; Chen Xu was about to attack someone!
Guan Yi was extremely intelligent. She knew that Chen Xu wouldn't hide anything from her. His current demeanor wasn't an attempt to keep her in suspense; he genuinely had something to say and didn't have time to explain. Being as clever as she was, she naturally wouldn't press him for details. Instead, she switched her watch to the unconscious mode and followed Chen Xu out the door.
As soon as they arrived in the hotel lobby, the bodyguards immediately surrounded them. The one in the lead had a black tiger's head tattooed on his shoulder—the same tiger that Chen Xu had secretly knocked unconscious and hypnotized for questioning, though he himself was unaware of it—and this guy politely said, "Mr. Chen, Ms. Guan, may I ask what brings you here?"
"Take me to your Dong family's ancestral hall, immediately!" Chen Xu's voice was icy cold, leaving no room for negotiation.
The expressions on everyone's faces changed... The ancestral hall of the Dong family was the core of the Dong family. The orders they had received were to follow and protect Chen Xu and his companion wherever they went, but they were not told that they could go to the ancestral hall.
Once they arrived at the ancestral hall, it would be time for a formal meeting with the head of the Dong family. However, it seemed that something had happened to the family these past two days, and they had been left waiting there.
Black Tiger looked troubled and said, "This is a bit difficult, but please wait a moment while I make a phone call to ask."
Chen Xu glared at her, ready to make a move, but Guan Yi gently pulled his hand back. Guan Yi shook her head slightly, and Chen Xu understood her meaning: no matter how tight the schedule, they should avoid conflict if possible. What's wrong with waiting for a phone call?
Chen Xu nodded coldly. The black tiger walked to the door, took out his phone, and after talking for a while, he came back with a wry smile and said, "Sorry, you two, something happened in the clan..." Before he could finish speaking, Chen Xu suddenly grabbed his arm and, with a clean and swift grappling move, subdued him.
Black Tiger was a well-known henchman of the Dong family, but he never expected that Chen Xu would attack him before he could even finish speaking. Moreover, he had previously underestimated Chen Xu, such a weak and frail young man, and was completely unprepared, only to be taken down by Chen Xu in one fell swoop!
At this, Black Tiger's companions immediately shouted, and one of them tried to pull out a gun from his pocket, but was stopped by the others.
"I don't want to waste any more words," Chen Xu exuded a cold aura. He currently held immense power, commanding the Ironclad Lion, and countless people pleaded for an audience with him. This environment naturally fostered the commanding presence of a superior. He coldly surveyed the crowd, all trusted henchmen of the Dong family, yet none dared to meet his gaze.
"Since your request is not allowed, then do it my way." Chen Xu said coldly, "Lead the way. To the Dong Family Ancestral Hall. If I knew the way, I wouldn't need you to do this."
Seeing that the others were still hesitating, Chen Xu raised his hand and chopped down a large vase that was decorating the hotel entrance!
The vase was more than five meters away from Chen Xu when it shattered and collapsed with a "boom" after Chen Xu chopped it down!
Everyone in the hotel was drawn by the noise, staring blankly at the shattered vase by the door… There was no one near the vase! But the Dong family members broke out in a cold sweat… What was that? A splitting palm strike?!
Can a single palm strike shatter a vase from five meters away? Is that even possible?!
Of course, Guan Yi secretly chuckled to himself. Chen Xu was establishing his authority. Sound waves can shatter glass through vibration, let alone using infrasound weapons to attack a vase. However, looking at Chen Xu's stern face and expert demeanor, Guan Yi really felt that her man had great acting potential.
Chen Xu placed his hand on the black tiger's head and said, "I don't want to be your enemy, and I know you have difficulties, but human lives are at stake. If you have offended me, I will personally serve you tea and apologize once this matter is over."
The Dong family members knew that it was just a polite gesture, but they were powerless to do anything about it, so they could only look to the subdued Black Tiger for help.
Black Tiger was also incredibly shocked. A palm strike that cuts through the air? Was it really a palm strike that cuts through the air? If it was, then he had nothing to say about being subdued. Feeling a sharp pain in his restrained arm, Black Tiger knew Chen Xu was forcing him to make a statement. With his life hanging in the balance, what could he do? Black Tiger could only sigh and say, "Alright, I'll take you there."
As soon as he finished speaking, his restrained arm was released, and Chen Xu clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Brother Black Tiger, please forgive my rudeness. It's an emergency, we'll go right away."
Seeing Chen Xu's straightforwardness, Black Tiger was speechless for a moment. The group got into the car outside the hotel. Black Tiger was going to sit in the driver's seat, but Chen Xu invited him to sit in the passenger seat: "I'll drive. Brother Black Tiger, you just need to tell me the directions."
Watching Guan Yi quickly fasten his seatbelt in the back, Black Tiger, somewhat bewildered, had just pointed to a direction when he heard a loud roar of the engine. Then, he pulled back, and the car sped off at breakneck speed!
Heavens have mercy! Black Tiger, a thug known for his bravery and ruthlessness, has done black market racing before, even in the city. But that was always at night, when no one was around. Unlike now, drifting in broad daylight on a busy street!
Isn't he afraid of someone getting killed?!
Watching the speedometer needle rapidly slash to 140, Black Tiger broke out in a cold sweat. Only then did he frantically fasten his seatbelt... At that moment, he finally understood why Chen Xu hadn't let him be the driver. If it were him, he certainly wouldn't dare to speed at 140 on this busy road!
Chen Xu was risking his life, oblivious to the sirens blaring behind him. Of course, Chen Xu knew his situation was urgent, and every second counted. But acting like this was far too dangerous; a mishap could result in death, especially with Guan Yi in the car. How could he dare to take such a risk?
Chen Xu is now getting Xiao Min working. All the traffic within a kilometer radius is under Xiao Min's surveillance. Which road to choose, how to drive, how to overtake, all of this information reaches his brain after Xiao Min's feedback.
This move was certainly risky, but Guan Yi trusted Chen Xu, and Chen Xu trusted Xiao Min... As for Hei Hu, this fearless man was now sweating profusely as he watched cars speeding past him.
The Dong family ancestral hall is located in western Bangkok, on the outskirts of the city. Fortunately, the hotel that Old Dong had arranged was not far from the Dong family's residence; otherwise, even with Chen Xu's frantic efforts, he wouldn't have been able to arrive in twenty minutes.
This is a small village, still retaining a certain ancient atmosphere. Chen Xu knew that although large families like this had modernized, many old traditions had not been abandoned. For example, this ancestral hall was the most sacred place in the family... holding the power of life and death over all the family members!
Chen Xu stormed into the village, causing chaos as soon as he entered… This was no ordinary village; it was a sacred place for a prominent Chinese family in Southeast Asia. Despite its outward appearance, it resembled a typical village, but at this moment, countless important figures were present. As Chen Xu rampaged through the village, he immediately saw numerous people pulling out guns… there were even snipers setting up their rifles in the houses and on the rooftops!
Chen Xu was anxious; how could he not be?!
What the boss just relayed was Lao Dong's distress signal!
Although the eldest brother is usually a bit dull, he still showed the demeanor of a leader at crucial moments, conveying Lao Dong's words without missing a single one.
So that's what happened... Just three days ago, on the day Old Dong suddenly lost contact, something extraordinary happened in the Chinese family in Southeast Asia.
For an outstanding member of the family like Dong Qingjie, regardless of whether he becomes the head of the family in the future, his marriage is not something he can decide for himself. Especially if he were to become the head of the family, his marriage would be even less of a choice.
Old Dong had a fiancée, a year younger than him, who was also from a prominent family in Southeast Asia, the direct descendant of the Li family. This marriage had been arranged when he was very young.
But here's the problem: when Lao Dong was studying in Hexie City and following his family's ridiculous rules, he met a girl named Xiao Lin while working at a KTV. Chen Xu and Guan Yi had also met her before—the time they ran into Lao Dong at the KTV. However, Chen Xu hadn't paid any attention at the time, while Guan Yi, being observant and knowing Dong Qingjie's identity, whispered a warning to him before leaving.
Unexpectedly, Guan Yi's warning had no effect at all. Although the girl named Xiaolin was not stunningly beautiful, she was gentle and lovely, which suited Lao Dong's taste perfectly. Moreover, the girl came from a poor family and had experienced some hardships while working outside. She was not spoiled like ordinary girls and could accept Lao Dong's penny-pinching attitude.
Although Dong Qingjie knew in his heart that he and Xiaolin had no future, Cupid, that little devil, was unstoppable once he appeared. Over time, Old Dong and Xiaolin actually fell in love, and their love was intense and passionate. Old Dong, after all, was the most promising heir to the Dong family patriarch, so he had a certain amount of guts. This time, his brother Chen Xu had shone brightly, and Old Dong had helped him at a crucial moment, which boosted his status in the Dong family. So, taking advantage of this momentum, Old Dong simply brought Xiaolin back as well. Although he didn't explicitly say he wanted to break off the engagement with the Li family, everyone knew what he was thinking.
Although the Li family was not the most influential of the four major Chinese families in Europe, there were still some connections between the two families. While their influence in Southeast Asia was not as great as the Dong family's, it was still considerable. Therefore, this marriage was a sign of further consolidation between the two families.
Such political marriages are not uncommon in large families.
Old Dong had his own plans. Since such marriage alliances were so common, he figured missing one wouldn't be a big deal. He could simply offer the Li family some compensation. His position was currently at its zenith; he was practically designated as the next head of the Dong family. With the support of the elders and the powerful ally Chen Xu, he could easily refuse a political marriage. The Li family might be unhappy, but they wouldn't have much to say… After all, facing the powerful Dong family and Tongchi Island, a marriage was really nothing.
However, Lao Dong's plan was very ambitious, but he never expected that such a huge accident would happen!
Chapter 388 Unexpected Event (Part 2)
That night, after he had settled Xiaolin in, he was summoned by the head of the family when the Miss Li actually came to Xiaolin's door!
To be honest, Miss Li is top-notch in looks, figure, and wealth. As for any feelings she might have for Old Dong, that's pure nonsense. It was a political marriage; what feelings could there be? They hadn't even met more than a few times.
However, since Old Dong had revealed his intention to break off the engagement, even if the Li family had to accept it obediently, Miss Li could not accept it.
Unlike the Dong family, the Li family didn't have the custom of sending their children to ordinary people for experience, and Miss Li didn't possess Guan Yi's refined manners. People gossiped about her, saying she'd let her easy target slip away. With Tongchi Island rising in power, it was a foregone conclusion that Dong Qingjie, who had gone out to gain experience, would become the family head. Moreover, it was even possible that, with the help of his staunch brothers on Tongchi Island, he could elevate the Dong family, and even the entire Southeast Asian Chinese community, to unprecedented heights, becoming a peerless leader!
At this point, that guy actually called off the engagement?!
The young lady of the Li family was furious and insisted on seeing what kind of wicked monster the "vixen" who stole her fiancé was.
Women's jealousy is terrifying.
Old Dong could have foreseen this, but he trusted Xiaolin. This gentle girl knew how much pressure she was under and was willing to suffer some injustice for it.
Unexpectedly, while he was talking with his father, the current head of the Dong family, news suddenly arrived!
Xiaolin stabbed Miss Li with a dagger, hitting a vital spot!
This really stunned Old Dong.
He rushed to the scene and found the room filled with blood. Xiaolin seemed to be in great shock, sitting in the corner with a blood-stained dagger in her hand. Miss Li had already been sent to the emergency room.
This is a huge disaster!
Because to anyone else, it would seem that Xiaolin had stabbed Miss Li and was still in shock from the ordeal.
In a fit of rage, the old patriarch of the Dong family locked Xiaolin up. Old Dong, for pleading for her life, was also punished by being confined to the ancestral hall to reflect on his actions, with all his communication devices confiscated and forbidden from contacting anyone.
For the past three days, Lao Dong has been extremely anxious, like an ant on a hot pan, but he has no way to contact the outside world, so he is completely helpless.
There had been good news: Miss Li, though unconscious, had passed the critical period after emergency treatment, which relieved him... As long as she wasn't dead, everything was fine. But just an hour ago, news suddenly came that Miss Li's condition had worsened, and she couldn't be saved...
Now everyone in the Li family is demanding an explanation from the Dong family and wants Xiaolin executed on the spot!
This really worried Lao Dong... Luckily, one of Lao Dong's uncles took pity on him and gave him his phone, but it didn't have Chen Xu's private number on it. In a moment of inspiration, Lao Dong called back to the dorm. Fortunately, his eldest brother was there at the time and didn't have time to find Chen Xu either. Lao Dong quickly explained what had happened and told his brother to ask Chen Xu for help!
That's why Chen Xu rushed over in his car. When he arrived at the ancestral hall, he saw hundreds of people standing densely packed in front of it, with several noblewomen crying and wailing. They must have been members of the Li family.
Old Dong was kneeling in the crowd. Behind him, a girl with a pale face and vacant eyes was hiding, only instinctively leaning against him.
"Stop!"
Chen Xu's car had already attracted the attention of the village. As soon as he got out, dozens of guns were pointed at him. Chen Xu grabbed Guan Yi and shouted, "Stop! I am Chen Xu from Tongchi Island, and she is Guan Yi, the future head of the housekeeper's family. The four major Chinese families have always been closely connected. Why don't you put down your guns?!"
Upon hearing these two names, many people hesitated for a moment, and the women's cries ceased. At this moment, an aged voice came from the ancestral hall: "Put down your guns! The island lord of Tongchi Island and the future head of the family, Steward, have arrived. How can you be so unruly?" With the voice, an old man in a gray robe led the way out of the ancestral hall, cupped his hands towards the two men, and said: "I am Dong Tianxing. I dare not not welcome you two. However, our Dong family has a major matter to attend to. So please rest for half a day. Once our Dong family has settled this matter, we will naturally apologize and welcome you back."
This man was none other than Dong Qingjie's father, Dong Tianxing, the current head of the Dong family. Having already met Guan Yi's father, Chen Xu couldn't help but be surprised when he saw Old Master Dong's father. Since Guan Yi and Dong Qingjie were roughly the same age, their fathers' ages couldn't be too far apart. Old Master Guan was only in his fifties, and despite his high position, he was very well-maintained. Having spent a lot of time in the West, he had also picked up some Western habits. Dressed in a suit and tie, his hair slicked back, he looked only in his forties due to his excellent appearance, exuding an air of authority.
This old man, Dong Tianxing, had white hair and a white beard. Wearing this retro long gown, he looked like one of those elderly people from the Republican era on TV. He was at least sixty years old, and his demeanor was quite ancient. However, surprisingly, he didn't seem out of place or out of place.
Chen Xu and Old Dong, who was kneeling on the ground, exchanged a glance. Chen Xu saw gratitude, unease, and anxiety in Old Dong's eyes. The two brothers looked at each other, and everything was understood without words.
Guan Yi had met Old Master Dong when she was a child. The saying that the four great families were closely related was not just a saying, so she immediately stepped forward and bowed: "Niece greets Uncle Dong. Uncle Dong, you are still so healthy and vigorous."
Normally, such flattery would have elicited a hearty laugh from the old man, but now, with a gloomy expression, he forced a smile upon hearing this: "Guan girl is growing more and more beautiful. This young man is so lucky, unlike me. Humph. Guan girl, you and your lover should leave now. I know why you're here, but such matters are not for outsiders to interfere with. Murder, then one must pay with one's life!"
Guan Yi panicked. Although she didn't know what had happened, the saying "a life for a life" clearly involved a death. At this moment, Dong Qingjie, who was kneeling on the ground, shouted, "Father, it can't be like this! Xiaolin is kind-hearted. She wouldn't even kill a chicken. How could she possibly kill Miss Li? There must be some hidden misunderstanding!"
"A misunderstanding?!" Before Old Master Dong could speak, a middle-aged man next to him stepped forward angrily, saying, "My daughter went to see this little vixen you brought. There were only the two of them in the room. Then the people outside heard screams and rushed in, only to find this vixen holding a knife! My daughter, my daughter was covered in blood! Old Master Dong, you must seek justice for the Li family! So many relatives are watching! This vixen must be killed! Otherwise, my Li family, even if it means our destruction, will fight to get justice for my daughter!"