The sight of the completely renovated Bowang Pavilion left Liu Piaoxu momentarily stunned.
However, a faint smile soon graced her lips. "I didn't expect Mr. Ye to possess such talent. I'm very curious to see what's inside."
The smile that bloomed on her face, much like a lotus emerging from water, instantly captivated Ye Fan.
If he hadn't experienced Liu Piaoxu's alluring charms before, Ye Fan might have succumbed to her spell.
Stepping through the grand doors of Bowang Pavilion, Ye Fan found the interior adorned in a classic, elegant style. A stark contrast to its previous modern decor, this time, Ye Fan had meticulously designed the interior according to traditional Chinese aesthetics.
Several antique shelves were laden with old artifacts, remnants from the Tiancheng Antiques shop. While not many of them were particularly valuable, they were better than nothing.
Around the room, traditional Grand Tutor chairs were complemented by low tea tables.
All the teacups and teapots were personally selected by Ye Fan. The tea table in front of the main seats was a double-layered piece made of huanghuali wood, and the tea set atop it was crafted from Song dynasty porcelain, exuding an air of opulence.
This renovation brought a spark of light to Liu Piaoxu's eyes.
She hadn't anticipated that Ye Fan possessed such capabilities.
The decor here was both noble and simple, yet undeniably graceful.
Even the seating had undergone special treatment, ensuring guests would be fully at ease.
Every detail showcased a sense of refinement.
Turning to look at Ye Fan, Liu Piaoxu's gaze grew more complex.
"What? Not satisfied?"
Seeing Liu Piaoxu's scrutinizing look, Ye Fan asked with a light smile.
To his surprise, Liu Piaoxu shook her head. "I thought I had seen through you, but now I realize I don't understand you at all. You've hidden yourself too well."
In the past, Liu Piaoxu would never have spoken such words to anyone.
After all, she was the eldest daughter of the Liu family, holding a position of immense importance.
Furthermore, with her own abilities, there was truly no one who warranted such praise.
But ever since meeting Ye Fan, everything had changed.
"Thank you for the compliment."
Ye Fan smiled, then entered with Shen Bao. The three of them took their seats, and a waiter promptly brought out the tea.
"I've transferred Bowang Pavilion, along with nearly thirty percent of the Liu family's assets, to your name. However, I retain a majority stake in each of these properties. Future profits will be distributed according to our respective shares."
Seeing Ye Fan's calm demeanor, Liu Piaoxu couldn't help but feel a jolt of surprise. "You're just giving me such a significant portion of this vast enterprise?"
Even with her experience of grand occasions, Liu Piaoxu was still taken aback by Ye Fan's magnanimous gesture.
Ye Fan shrugged indifferently. "Since we've decided to cooperate, I naturally need to show my sincerity. I wonder, Miss Liu, are you satisfied with this sincerity?"
Satisfied? She was more than satisfied.
Yet, her expression remained impassive, even carrying a hint of frost.
"If I were to become the head of the Liu family, all of this would rightfully belong to me. Now, you've taken more than half of it. Ye Fan, your schemes run incredibly deep."
Shaking her head in resignation, Liu Piaoxu's wariness of Ye Fan grew.
This man, if he were an ally, it would be acceptable. But if he were to become an adversary, he would be truly terrifying.
"He who wishes to wear the crown must bear its weight. Miss Liu, if you only desire to receive without being prepared to give, you will likely end up with nothing."
These words served as a warning to Liu Piaoxu.
If she only sought to gain and was unwilling to contribute, Ye Fan had many ways to ensure she lost everything.
With a sigh, Liu Piaoxu said no more.
Seeing her expression, Ye Fan smiled and then spoke, "Currently, the Liu family harbors immense hatred for you and me. At the treasure appraisal convention, they will undoubtedly employ every means at their disposal. Therefore, you must be prepared, especially against Liu Yuan. While he may not possess deep cunning, his schemes are insidiously effective once he sets his mind to them. If he finds an opportunity, we could be in serious trouble."
Ye Fan's concerns were not unfounded; individuals like Liu Yuan were exceedingly treacherous.
Liu Piaoxu narrowed her eyes, a flicker of coldness flashing in their depths. "Liu Yuan? I will make sure he regrets his actions."
Clearly, Liu Piaoxu was thoroughly infuriated by Liu Yuan's behavior.
Ye Fan nodded in satisfaction; this was the outcome he desired.
Without lingering further, Ye Fan departed with Shen Bao.
The next morning.
At Boguzhai, Liu Cheng's legs were broken, and four of his ribs were fractured.
When he was rescued, he was on the verge of death.
Fortunately, Dr. Hao was present and managed to pull him back from the brink.
"How is he?"
Ye Fan asked in a deep voice as he watched Dr. Hao emerge from the inner chamber with a stern expression.
To his surprise, Dr. Hao shot him a glare. "Are you questioning my medical skills?"
This was Dr. Hao's specialty, and Ye Fan's question was bound to irk him.
Ye Fan quickly offered an apologetic smile. "How would I dare to question you? This person is crucial to me, and I cannot afford for him to have an accident."
Liu Cheng, while not as capable as Liu Piaoxu, was still a disciple heavily cultivated by the Liu family.
Now that Liu Piaoxu had allied with him, if Liu Cheng could also be brought to his side, many subsequent matters would be much easier to handle.
Pouring himself a cup of tea, Dr. Hao spoke with mild annoyance, "The young man's internal injuries are no longer critical. However, with broken bones and torn tendons, even with my best healing medications, it will take at least a week for him to regain freedom of movement. During this time, his recovery will depend on how you supplement his nutrition."
Knowing Dr. Hao's temperament, Ye Fan dared not say more. After offering his thanks, he entered the inner chamber.
Liu Cheng lay weakly on the bed, his face pale. Seeing Ye Fan enter, he struggled to turn his head.
"What? Have you come to mock me?"
Liu Cheng's voice was weak, and even speaking seemed to drain him.
Ye Fan's lips curved into a faint smile as he pulled up a chair and sat by the bedside.
"Since you lost the bet to me, your life has been mine. Therefore, seeing you in danger, I naturally wouldn't stand idly by."
His expression was calm, as if saving Liu Cheng was no great matter to Ye Fan.
"Anything that belongs to me, Ye Fan, no one is to touch without my permission, and that includes you. Moreover, while you are arrogant, even a bit presumptuous, you do possess some strength. If that weren't the case, I wouldn't have gone to such lengths to save you and treat your injuries."
He and Liu Cheng didn't have much interaction, so Ye Fan's purpose was simple: Liu Cheng was still useful.
Ye Fan's words were undoubtedly hurtful, but in this situation, speaking so directly was the best approach.
If Ye Fan had shown concern and tenderness, it would only have made Liu Cheng feel uncomfortable.
Instead, stating his intentions so plainly would make it easier for Liu Cheng to accept.
Indeed, upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Liu Cheng let out a cold laugh. "Speak, what do you want me to do? I am merely a discarded piece by the Liu family now, and you, Ye Fan, have swept across thirty percent of the Liu family's assets in just a few days. With such formidable capabilities, do you still need me?"
Although Liu Cheng's words carried a hint of displeasure, they were also truthful.