Chapter Thirty: Sinister Intentions!

Originally, everyone thought that once Lu Million appeared, everything would be resolved smoothly. After all, Lu Million was not only a wealthy businessman, but his influence reached across various industries. He had dealings with all kinds of powerful departments, and it was no exaggeration to call him a living, breathing network of high society connections.

However, when this middle-aged man burst in, kicking the door open with a tempestuous energy that seemed unafraid of upending heaven itself, and strode straight to the center of the gathering, everyone drew in a sharp breath.

For this man was none other than Xia Yuan’s father, the true master of the Xia family.

Xia Qinghai.

“Wasn’t it said that the old master of the Xia family was gravely ill and had only a few days left to live?”

“Are you looking to die? Didn’t you see how vigorous and lively the old master looks? That so-called critical illness was probably just an excuse for him to rest for a while!”

Seeing Xia Qinghai with their own eyes, the crowd erupted in whispers and speculation. Some even claimed that a miraculous physician had intervened, snatching the dying Xia Qinghai back from the clutches of death itself.

“Old Master, what brings you here?” Lu Million, instantly deflated like a punctured balloon, put on a fawning smile.

“Don’t try to fool me. Tell me, on what basis do you, Lu Million, dare to call yourself the richest man in River City?” Xia Qinghai, known for his fierce and forthright temper, pointed at Lu Million and berated him without mercy.

“It’s just an empty title, nothing more…” Lu Million was drenched in cold sweat.

The reason he dared claim the title of River City’s richest man was largely due to the widespread rumor that Xia Qinghai was terminally ill and on the verge of death. Once Xia Qinghai died, Xia Xuan of the Xia family lacked the clout to take charge, and Xia Yuan was not yet qualified to shoulder the family’s burdens. Even a giant like the Xia family would need time to recover and regroup. Moreover, the Xia family was about to leave River City for a world tour of exhibitions. This, naturally, was Lu Million’s chance to shine above them all.

But now, not only was Xia Qinghai alive, he was thriving—leaving Lu Million without a leg to stand on. As for Lu Million’s so-called connections, they meant nothing before the Xia family.

Yet Lu Million could not fathom why the old master would suddenly appear at this moment to hold him accountable.

After his tirade, Xia Qinghai tidied his appearance and turned with respect toward Qin Mu, who stood to the side.

“Mr. Qin, don’t be afraid of this dog who bullies others with his influence,” he said. “My Xia family will stand behind you, come wind or rain!”

At these words, the crowd’s confusion finally cleared. The old master had come to support Qin Mu! But it also raised deeper questions in everyone’s minds. Who exactly was Qin Mu, that Xia Qinghai would go to such lengths for him, even daring stand against the entire Jiang Alliance? After all, the two sides had always minded their own business.

Qin Mu gave a slight nod. Even if Xia Qinghai had not stepped forward, Qin Mu would not have needed to give Lu Million any deference. But with the Xia family now backing him, his authority was all the more formidable.

“This… this…” Yang Long stared in shock, glancing around for help, but who would dare speak up for him now?

“What do you want?! Give us a straight answer!” he cried out from beneath the heel of Qin Mu’s military boot, unable to bear the pressure any longer.

“I thought Zhou Dongchen would have made it clear to you,” Qin Mu replied calmly. “I said long ago, every family that took part in that affair—someone must pay with their life for her sake.”

His words, delivered with tranquil indifference, exploded like a bomb in the ears of certain people, sending a shockwave through the crowd.

“Young man, don’t think that just because you speak so arrogantly, you can act without consequences and sweep aside all of River City!” someone shouted. “Within the Jiang Alliance, I’m merely lower-middle tier. The real figures at the top of the pyramid are people you could never hope to provoke, not in this lifetime!”

One by one, the families who had been involved—even Tang Hao from the Tang family—began to close ranks. With their lives at stake, nothing else mattered.

“Oh? Is that so?” Qin Mu’s gaze lifted.

“Do you think those so-called figures at the top of the pyramid don’t already know exactly what’s happening here?” He lifted his head, eyes meeting a surveillance camera in the corner.

Somewhere behind that lens, an invisible audience felt a chill run down their spines.

“Don’t worry. You can hide all you like. I will uncover the truth, one by one, and come to your very doors to demand justice for her!”

With that, Qin Mu suddenly lifted his foot and kicked Yang Long, sending him flying into the wall and crashing directly into the words “Celebration,” smashing the entire sign of the Jiang Alliance to pieces.

“Three months from now, on the anniversary of her death, I want you all to go to her grave and pay your respects with incense and offerings.”

With those final words, Qin Mu turned and left.

Xia Qinghai, who had come to support him, shook his head with a cold laugh and departed as well.

For a long time, the hall remained silent before anyone dared to stir again.

“That boy is far too arrogant!”

“He actually wants us to pay respects to that woman’s grave? Utterly absurd!”

Only after Qin Mu had gone did they regain their tongues, but the bravado of the past twenty years was gone. Instead, each heart was filled with unease and dread.

Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night in River City.

…

Qin Mu returned to Swallow Garden Estate.

When the elevator doors opened, as if replaying the scene from a few days ago, Luo Shui was once again standing outside his door, hesitant to go inside.

But this time, she was alone.

She stood forlornly in front of his door, and the moment she saw Qin Mu, it was as if she had seen her savior.