Ye Fan's expression gradually turned grim as he looked up at the Grand Elder.
Seeing Ye Fan's demeanor, the Grand Elder was taken aback, asking Ye Fan with a puzzled look, "Brother Ye, what is it?"
Just moments ago, they were laughing and chatting, so why did Ye Fan's expression suddenly change so drastically?
Ye Fan sighed, "Grand Elder, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."
Ye Fan's expression was serious, and his tone carried a hint of solemnity.
The Grand Elder was stunned again. He knew Ye Fan well; if it wasn't something important, he wouldn't have such an expression.
However, they had gone through hardships together and understood each other too well.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were inseparable.
He smiled slightly and said, "Just say whatever is on your mind. Between us, there's no need for any reservations."
The Grand Elder meant it sincerely.
Hearing the Grand Elder say that, Ye Fan nodded.
"Grand Elder, the counterfeit factory I shut down this time was an industry of the Heavenly King's Manor placed within the Feng family. Moreover, I had an unpleasant encounter with the Heavenly King's Manor at the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion before. Therefore, my opponents now are not only the Feng family but also the Heavenly King's Manor. If I were to go to war with the Heavenly King's Manor, how would you choose, Grand Elder?"
The Feng family was, after all, a force within the Heavenly King's Manor. If Ye Fan were to fight the Heavenly King's Manor, the Wang family, caught in the middle, would naturally find it difficult to act.
But Ye Fan had to be clear about the Grand Elder's choice.
After all, this was no small matter; it was a gamble with his life.
Ye Fan had already experienced the terror of the Heavenly King's Manor. Whether it was the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion or Mr. Bai, anyone else would probably not dare to confront them. Yet, Ye Fan had already placed himself on their opposing side, and a confrontation was unavoidable.
As expected, upon hearing Ye Fan's words, the Grand Elder's expression turned grim, and he frowned.
This was indeed a difficult choice.
As a member of the Heavenly King's Manor, the Grand Elder was too aware of its power.
With Ye Fan's current strength, if he were to confront the Heavenly King's Manor head-on, there would be no possibility of victory.
If the Grand Elder chose Ye Fan, it would be tantamount to gambling the entire Wang family on a single throw.
But if he chose the Heavenly King's Manor, perhaps the Wang family would lose an excellent opportunity for rise.
Comparing the two, no matter which choice was made, it carried immense risk.
Ye Fan did not rush the Grand Elder, but quietly sipped his tea.
This was a decision that anyone would find difficult to make.
After a while, the Grand Elder suddenly smiled, and the wrinkles on his aged face gradually smoothed out.
"Ye Fan, my Wang family has stood in Jiangnan City for over a hundred years, but in these hundred years, we have only managed to establish a foothold in Jiangnan City. Do you know why?"
Ye Fan smiled but said nothing.
"It is precisely because the ancestors of the Wang family have always adhered to a strict rule: know when to stop, do not take risks."
"It is this ancestral rule that has confined the Wang family to this small place, Jiangnan City, and they have never dared to expand outwards. This is because the people of the Wang family fear death, fearing that they might lose what they already have."
"I am already over sixty years old, and my remaining days are few. In my lifetime, I have only one wish, and that is to see the Wang family leave Jiangnan City, even if it's just to extend our influence to Hangcheng."
The Grand Elder's gaze became increasingly profound, and even his cheeks were tinged with a hint of coldness.
Ye Fan watched the Grand Elder quietly, remaining silent.
He had already understood the Grand Elder's words and was clear about his choice.
"Originally, I thought I would never have such an opportunity in my life, because Jiangnan City is currently managed like an impenetrable fortress. The City Lord's Mansion, the Antiques Association, and the Heavenly King's Manor – these three powers mutually restrain each other. None of them can make a move to grow stronger. Therefore, I had given up."
The Grand Elder laughed self-mockingly.
"But meeting you again ignited the hope in my heart. You, kid, have the means, the ability, and also the courage and meticulousness. In just half a month, you made the Feng family the target of public criticism. Therefore, I want to take a gamble. If this gamble succeeds, the Wang family can become the number one family in Jiangnan City and even extend our influence to other regions."
The Grand Elder's eyes were fixed on Ye Fan.
Having spoken his mind, the Grand Elder felt immensely relieved.
Ye Fan nodded, but still with a smile, "But what if the gamble fails? Will the Wang family's century-old foundation be wasted?"
The Grand Elder smiled and shook his head, "Even if the gamble fails, the descendants of the Wang family will still have opportunities to rise. Is that not how things are in the world? It is a cycle. If they have the ability, they can undoubtedly restore the family's glory. If they lack the ability, even if you give them mountains of gold, they will eventually squander it. Rather than that, it's better to let them know the hardships of life now."
"Good, you are truly worthy of being called the Grand Elder. I admire you."
The Grand Elder's words earned Ye Fan's heartfelt admiration.
Only a wise person in a great family could ensure its long-term development.
"In that case, I wish us great success."
Ye Fan picked up his teacup, made a toast to the Grand Elder, and then drank the tea in one gulp.
The Grand Elder smiled and also finished his tea.
"To be honest, City Lord Li has already issued an order for me to take over the position of Captain of the Enforcement Team. Furthermore, the current captain of the Enforcement Team, Lu Liang, has a good relationship with me. The successful elimination of the Feng family's counterfeit factory this time was due to Lu Liang's involvement."
Only now did Ye Fan completely trust the Grand Elder.
Ye Fan's words once again stunned the Grand Elder.
He had been wondering earlier where Ye Fan, a newcomer, got the power to destroy that counterfeit factory.
He had also heard about the Feng family's counterfeit factory. Although it was a small factory, it had many thugs protecting it precisely to prevent anyone from causing trouble.
And the fact that Ye Fan had so easily eliminated those people was truly baffling.
Now, he finally understood. It was because of Lu Liang.
The Grand Elder knew Lu Liang; he was the second-in-command in Jiangnan City, second only to City Lord Li. He never expected that Lu Liang had such a close relationship with Ye Fan. This was truly shocking.
After a long while, the Grand Elder sighed deeply.
"Brother Ye, to be frank, you are the most unfathomable person I have ever met. From the first time I saw you, I couldn't see through you. Now, after knowing you for so long, I thought I understood you well, but it seems I still haven't truly seen you. You have brought me too many surprises."
Ye Fan simply smiled slightly at the Grand Elder's reaction.
He had always preferred to keep himself hidden.
Moreover, although they had formed an alliance before, they hadn't reached a point of complete trust. He would naturally not be foolish enough to reveal all his cards.
"You flatter me, Grand Elder. I am merely an appraiser."
With a smile, Ye Fan feigned humility.
"You? An appraiser?"