In the room, watching their old father being helped away by Kong Nanchao, the brothers Han Zongshu, Han Zongyi, and Han Zongren exchanged glances, seeing a hint of gravity in each other's eyes.
"Does any of you know what secrets Dad's safe is hiding?" Han Zongren of the second branch of the Han family asked subconsciously.
"Who the hell knows!" Han Zongshu and Han Zongyi shook their heads instinctively. The old man held a霸主 (bàzhǔ - overlord) level position in the Han family. Forget about the safe in the room, even his private estate, Purple Ling Manor, was a forbidden zone. Usually, even his sons needed to make an appointment to enter, otherwise, the consequences of trespassing were severe. The three brothers had all learned painful lessons in this regard, so the secrets of the old man's safe were even more out of the question.
"There is one person who definitely knows the old man's secrets..." Han Zongyi suddenly lowered his voice. This remark startled the other two, and they subconsciously looked towards the inner room.
"Third brother, you mean Uncle Kong..." Han Zongyi nodded, "Besides him, no one understands the old man better. If we want to uncover the old man's secrets, the only way is through Uncle Kong." Han Zongshu and Han Zongren's eyes flickered.
"But how can we get Uncle Kong to speak? He's always been so tight-lipped..."
"This is something we three brothers need to ponder carefully. The situation is serious now, and we must find a way to understand the hidden matters. Only then can we face those people."
While the three brothers were discussing in low voices, in the inner room, Han Guangyao had just finished taking his medicine with Kong Nanchao's help and lay on the bed.
"Nanchao, what should I do?" Han Guangyao asked, his face full of worry. He had lived for eighty years, but he had never felt as distressed as he had in the past two days. He felt like his vital weakness was held by others, making him restless, like a thorn in his flesh, profoundly uncomfortable. He had always been the one holding others' weaknesses, never imagining that the roles would be reversed. It was truly a bitch.
"Master, I am also very worried about this matter and cannot think of a good solution," Kong Nanchao sighed. "Confessing is not an option, but if those people really release those photos, it will be catastrophic." Han Guangyao sighed deeply, "Alas, if I had known there would be such big trouble, why did I take those photos out of sheer boredom? It's purely digging my own grave!"
"Master!" Kong Nanchao said, "Actually, you don't need to be so worried. In my opinion, even if those people release those photos, so what? Someone has to believe it." "Your picture isn't in those photos; they're just a few pictures. They won't be able to find any other evidence to prove you are the protagonist in the photos."
Han Guangyao's eyes lit up, but then quickly dimmed, "But the problem is, once these photos are released, how can I face my three sons? They will definitely become suspicious..."
Kong Nanchao said, "Suspicion is inevitable, but no matter what, you are their father. What does it matter if they suspect? Do they intend to do anything to you?" Han Guangyao fell silent, not speaking for a long time. Suddenly, he looked up, staring intently at Kong Nanchao. His gaze was chilling, making Kong Nanchao shiver, "Master, why are you looking at me like that..."
"Nanchao, when did you start following me?" Han Guangyao asked. "Master, I started following you when I was five. You are three years older than me, and I have followed you for a full seventy-two years now," Kong Nanchao replied. "Seventy-two years, that's almost a lifetime. We started as two young lads and are now two old men on the verge of death," Han Guangyao's tone was filled with emotion. "We've walked this path together. Although we're not biological brothers, we're closer than brothers. I'm not a good person; I've even touched my daughters-in-law, but I've never harbored any ill intentions towards any of your family members." "Your sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters are all developing well abroad."
Kong Nanchao cupped his fists and bowed, "All of this is thanks to Master's care. Otherwise, people of our humble status would never have dared to dream of such wealth, let alone achieve anything!" Han Guangyao's expression was complex, "We are brothers for life. Along the way, we've taken bullets for each other, shared the same pants, endured hardships together, and shared prosperity." "I originally thought we would spend the rest of our lives like this, and life would be acceptable. I never expected such a situation to arise at the very end." "If... I mean, if this matter truly reaches a desperate point, can you step forward and shield me from this calamity once more?" Han Guangyao asked, his gaze fixed on Kong Nanchao.
Kong Nanchao's thin body trembled slightly. Having followed Han Guangyao for so many years, he understood the meaning behind his words. This was asking him to take the blame. Only he was most suitable in the entire Han family. Because only he could freely enter and exit Han Guangyao's places, only he knew the safe's password, and many other things could be easily accessed.
"If Master needs it, I will naturally not shirk my responsibility!" However, after a hesitation of a fraction of a second, Kong Nanchao quickly gave his answer. "But this matter needs to be discussed with others first, otherwise..." Hearing Kong Nanchao agree, Han Guangyao's spirit lifted, and he sat up from the bed.
"You can rest assured about those two women. I will speak with them in advance and arrange everything." "It's only you I feel sorry for, Nanchao. You're so old, and after a lifetime of wisdom, you have to lose it all at this critical juncture..." Kong Nanchao smiled nonchalantly, "Master, I'm seventy-seven this year. How many more years do I have to live?" "To be able to help Master share such a great calamity in my final years is my duty and my lifelong mission. I am willing..." Han Guangyao tightly clasped Kong Nanchao's hand, "I don't regret having you as a brother in this life!" Saying this, he took a deep breath, got out of bed, and a powerful aura suddenly emanated from him, as if the once omnipotent Han Guangyao had returned.
"Those lowly ants think that by joining forces and holding a few photos, they can do as they please and dictate terms to my Han family!" Han Guangyao stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out the window at the overcast, drizzling weather. At this moment, thunder rumbled, and lightning snaked across the sky. The dazzling flashes illuminated Han Guangyao's entire face, making it appear incredibly deep and fearful.
"They don't realize that ants are still ants, a bunch of insignificant pawns. I can make them die however I wish!" "Nanchao, prepare the car! Let's go and visit some of our old friends..." Kong Nanchao, seeing that his master had quickly regained his familiar demeanor and aura, was overjoyed. He quickly responded with an "Aye!" and ran out.