Chapter 130
Xu Ke’s gaze swept over Yun Rulan’s face. He gently rubbed Yun Rulan’s hand, a faint smile slowly spreading across his otherwise expressionless face, but his eyes were like pools of icy spring water, devoid of any warmth, as a desire for destruction rose within him.
A woman who truly wants to end her life through starvation, how could she still think of putting on perfume for herself? Her pallid complexion might not appear unusual at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a sense of unnaturalness. When I looked at her face, although it appeared haggard and sorrowful, her heart was racing. Under these clearly abnormal circumstances, what could be hidden beneath it all?
The beast within Xu Ke licked its sharp fangs. This pair of grandparents caused him and Lin Mengyao to lose everything overnight. If he didn’t extract some sort of revenge, it would truly be inhuman of him.
With this thought, Xu Ke’s expression softened, as if the previous expression had been merely a momentary illusion for Yun Rulan. “You’re too old for these childish hunger strike antics. Don’t you realize how worried your grandfather must be about you?” Xu Ke’s voice still held a hint of coldness, but it was significantly softer than before.
“Yes, it’s all my fault, alright? Just call me immature. You might as well let me starve to death, that way I won’t be a bother to anyone, nor will I continue to sadden my grandfather.” Yun Rulan’s eyes filled with tears, deliberately turning her head to let Xu Ke see the still-unhealed scars scratched by Li Lihua’s nails. “I shouldn’t be alive; I should just die to settle everything once and for all.”
Without warning, Yun Rulan spoke these words and then fainted into Xu Ke’s arms. Xu Ke looked at the unconscious Yun Rulan, a mocking smile appearing in his eyes.
“Miss Yun has fainted. Quickly, call a doctor.” Xu Ke supported Yun Rulan’s weight with one hand, his expression serious as he looked at the old master of the Yun family, exuding a sense of urgency that made it difficult for him to discern its authenticity.
“My poor, dear granddaughter. Why are you all standing around? Get the doctor immediately.” The old master of the Yun family said, tapping his cane forcefully.
The servants received the order and rushed out. Xu Ke’s eyes paused on the phone in the room but he did not speak.
“Please, Mr. Xu, would you mind placing my unworthy granddaughter on the bed so she can lie down comfortably?” The old master of the Yun family wiped the corners of his eyes, looking slightly tired as he spoke.
Xu Ke nodded, dragging her to the bed, and yet Xu Ke’s composure left everyone at a loss for words.
Xu Ke and the old master of the Yun family sat on the sofa in silence, the atmosphere eerily quiet. At that moment, a young man in casual clothes was pushed in and began examining Yun Rulan, only standing up after a considerable amount of time.
“It’s nothing serious, she’s just a bit weak from hunger. Give her a couple of glucose drips and feed her something light once she wakes up, and she’ll recover.” The young doctor finished diagnosing and left without further word.
“The family doctor has a bit of a temperament, but his medical skills are quite good. Thank you again for coming over today, otherwise, I truly wouldn’t have known what to do,” said the old master of the Yun family, his hand trembling slightly as he leaned on his cane, his eyes reddening.
“Although this wasn’t my intention, it ultimately arose because of me. If the Yun family needs any help, just let me know, I won’t refuse if I’m able to assist.” Xu Ke couldn’t be bothered to continue with mind games. Before the other’s trap was even fully laid, Xu Ke had already opened a way out for himself and leapt in.
“How could I possibly accept this? She’s acted of her own free will, blaming no one else. That you have such kind intentions already consoles me greatly.” Everything seemed too easy, making the old master of the Yun family hesitant, a troubled expression appearing on his face.
“No matter what, things have come to this pass partly because of me, and if I don’t do something to make amends, I won’t be able to be at peace with myself.” The crafty old fox, Yun Family’s head, maintained his cautious stance at this moment, wanting to observe for longer. However, Xu Ke left him no chance to withdraw, showing a trace of remorse on his face.
If Xu Ke had openly shown remorse, the old master might have wanted to observe further, but Xu Ke hid his regret beneath a calm exterior, so much so that if the old master hadn’t been observant, he would have missed it. Now, with things having developed to this stage, the old master’s mind was finally at ease.
“Since we’ve spoken this far, I won’t hold back any longer. The Yun Family does, in fact, have something we need your help with, dear nephew.” The old master of the Yun family no longer addressed Xu Ke as “Mr.” but instead called him nephew, closing the distance between them. Seeing that Xu Ke did not object to this title and even adopted a posture suggesting he was all ears, the old master’s expression improved considerably.
“Our Yun family’s business in Luocheng has reached its peak these past two years with no more room for growth. We wish to move to a new place to develop further. We want to expand into Shangjing, but forgive me, nephew, for saying it. After all these years, we are still barely scraping into the lowest circle there. I heard from Elder Jin that you came from Shangjing; you surely know more about Shangjing than us outsiders. Could you lend us a hand?” The old master of the Yun family said.
“No problem.” Xu Ke readily agreed, seeing the relieved expression on the old master’s face, Xu Ke also smiled, as the two scheming individuals buried their calculations deep within their hearts, maintaining the facade of calm waters.
“But this matter will not be resolved overnight; it may take some time due to the exclusivity of Shangjing’s circles, as I’m sure you’re aware.” Xu Ke said.
Though he did not explicitly rush things, each word he spoke carried an implicit plea for urgency. Xu Ke drew a faint cold smile from within but kept his exterior unruffled, “I’ll handle it as soon as possible, but how long it will actually take is beyond my control.”
“It’s heartening enough that you have the intention, dear nephew,” said the old master of the Yun family with a smile.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xu Ke excused himself. As soon as he stepped out the gates of the Yun Family Mansion, his demeanor turned grim.
To think they’d try to plot against me—let’s see if they have the ability! Xu Ke snorted coldly and drove away.