The night grew deeper, and guests began to arrive at the bar. However, Tang Shanbao was clearly preoccupied and kept the establishment closed.
It wasn't until the early hours of the morning that Xiao Yunlong and Liu Ruyan departed.
"Yunzi, listen to me. Tomorrow, at most, you'll visit your maternal grandfather again, and then you must return to Sucheng. Understand?" Tang Shanbao said as he saw them out. kuAiδugg
In fact, Tang Shanbao had been uneasy all along, worried that Master Shu from the West City District would bring people to retaliate.
Fortunately, it was already very late, and that stinky rat was probably too old and frail to act immediately, which relieved Tang Shanbao.
Xiao Yunlong didn't offer much explanation, merely nodding. "Alright, Sixth Uncle. I'll see Grandpa first thing tomorrow morning!"
Afterward, he held Liu Ruyan's hand and walked out of the bar. Since they had both drunk quite a bit, Liu Ruyan drove them back.
At Purple Cloud Villa, Jun Bufan and Liang Bendao were still awake, practicing martial arts in the underground training room.
Liang Bendao, in particular, seemed to feel that Jun Bufan was already a Grandmaster of Hua Jin, so he cultivated whenever he had the chance, appearing to be striving to break through to Grandmaster realm as soon as possible.
Xiao Yunlong simply smiled and shook his head, not paying them much attention. He and Liu Ruyan went straight up to the third-floor loft.
The night passed uneventfully. The next morning, as they were having breakfast, the imposing Fat Buddha came to visit.
Although the film crew had moved to the provincial capital of Jiangdong, as the major behind-the-scenes boss of the company, Buddha didn't need to come personally. His eagerness was not only because Xiao Yunlong had instructed him to send people to protect Liu Ruyan but also due to his own considerations.
With the continuous development of his influence over the years, Buddha had become the overlord of Sucheng's underworld. In other words, he had reached the pinnacle of power in Sucheng's underworld. Naturally, his gaze turned towards the provincial capital of Jiangdong.
However, Buddha also knew that Jiangdong provincial capital was not like the small place of Sucheng. The waters here were much deeper, with various forces entrenched. He had actually harbored thoughts of establishing a presence in the provincial capital two or three years ago. But Buddha also understood that without powerful connections, his influence in Sucheng would be insignificant.
Therefore, upon seeing Xiao Yunlong head to Jiangdong provincial capital, he immediately rushed over without hesitation, accompanied by Hong Shisan and Pan Wuzong.
It had to be said that this Fat Buddha was indeed the leader of Sucheng's underworld. His instincts were sharp. It was precisely by seizing the opportunity in time, or rather, by clinging to Xiao Yunlong's coattails again, that he could gradually open up the situation in Jiangdong. Of course, that was a story for another time.
"Mr. Xiao, I came to visit so early in the morning. I hope I haven't disturbed you and Miss Liu?" Buddha said, bowing his head subserviently upon entering. His attitude was even more respectful than before, even carrying a hint of awe, as he already knew about the incident where Liang Minghui and his son had knelt in the rain all night at the Liu family manor a few days prior.
"It's fine. We haven't prepared much breakfast, so I won't invite you to sit and eat with us," Xiao Yunlong said with a smile.
"No, no, Mr. Xiao, Miss Liu, please eat. We'll wait here," Buddha and Hong Shisan repeatedly replied with smiles.
Xiao Yunlong put down his chopsticks, glanced at him, and asked, "You came so early. Is there something you need?"
Buddha smiled. "Actually, there's nothing much. Firstly, the film crew arrives in the provincial capital today, and I was a bit worried, so I came to see. Secondly, Mr. Xiao is new to Jiangdong provincial capital and unfamiliar with the place. We wanted to come and ask if you have any needs or instructions."
As expected of someone who had been in the underworld for many years, this Fat Buddha spoke with impeccable discretion.
Xiao Yunlong naturally knew the thoughts of this Fat Buddha and Hong Shisan, but he didn't expose them. After all, "the clearest water has no fish."
Raising his eyebrows, Xiao Yunlong said, "You know, there is indeed something I need to trouble you with right now."
"Mr. Xiao, please just give the order!" Buddha cupped his hands, secretly rejoicing. He was most afraid that Mr. Xiao wouldn't trouble them.
"You are all involved in the underworld. Do you know about Master Shu from the West City District of Jiangdong?" Xiao Yunlong asked.
Hong Shisan and Pan Wuzong looked bewildered, clearly their status was not high enough for this level of information.
Buddha frowned slightly and replied, "Replying to Mr. Xiao, I have heard of Master Shu from the West City District of Jiangdong, but I'm not familiar with him and have no acquaintance. I only know that he is ruthless, greedy, and lustful, and a tough character in Jiangdong's underworld."
Mr. Xiao nodded. "Fat Buddha, for the next few days, send people to keep a close eye on a bar called Bar K on Bar Street. It would be best to send someone to track the bar owner."
"No problem, Mr. Xiao. I wonder if this bar owner is that Master Shu?" Buddha asked.
"No, the bar owner is my Sixth Uncle. He offended that stinky rat, and the other party probably won't let it go."
"I understand, Mr. Xiao. However, if the other party makes a move, our current numbers might not be enough. How about I directly call over the forces from Sucheng?"
Buddha couldn't help but feel excited at this thought, wondering if this was the case, then he could quickly establish a foothold in Jiangdong.
"No need. You just need to send people to watch from the shadows. If the other party makes any moves, contact me immediately. That stinky rat is said to have the support of the Jiangdong Pavilion behind him. Your current forces are probably not enough to even get their attention," Xiao Yunlong said.
Buddha's expression changed drastically upon hearing the words "Jiangdong Pavilion." Even Hong Shisan and Pan Wuzong exchanged glances.
They were all involved in the underworld and obviously knew about the Jiangdong Pavilion. That was the behemoth, or rather, the overlord of the underworld forces in Jiangdong, the true overlord!
Even figures like Master Shu were not ranked within the Jiangdong Pavilion.
"If you have nothing else, you may go. Also, Fat Buddha, keep an eye on the film crew!" Xiao Yunlong waved his hand.
"Alright, Mr. Xiao. We'll take our leave then!" Buddha and the other two cupped their hands and left the villa.
Only then did Liang Bendao step forward and say, "Mr. Xiao, you could have let me handle such matters, and I guarantee I would do a better job than them."
Xiao Yunlong smiled faintly. "It's better for you to get involved less in these underworld matters. Go and prepare. You'll be coming with me later."
"Yes!" Liang Bendao cupped his hands and retreated.
After breakfast, seeing that it was still early, Liu Ruyan practiced in the underground training room for over two hours until Tang Shanbao called to urge them.
"Hello, Yunzi, are you still in the provincial capital? Hurry over. I've prepared a family dinner. Your eldest aunt and eldest cousin are unwilling to go to a big hotel, so I have to prepare it at home. Speaking of which, it's been a long time since our whole family has gathered. It's also a welcome feast for you. After that, you must return to Sucheng immediately!"
Tang Shanbao paused and then asked, "By the way, do you need me to send someone to pick you up?"
"No need, Sixth Uncle. We'll be right there!" Xiao Yunlong smiled and shook his head.
Although his Sixth Uncle lacked education and appeared rough in his demeanor and speech, he had a good heart and was loyal.
In fact, his maternal grandfather's family had been quite good before. When he escaped from Chuan City under the pursuit of the Wu family, he had largely relied on his eldest uncle's covert mediation.
It was a pity that his eldest uncle was already...
And his eldest cousin, who used to tutor him with his homework when he was young, was the most talented among the children. Unfortunately, he had now become disabled.
The old villa of the Tang family was very lively today. As soon as they got out of the car, they could hear bursts of noise from inside, indicating a large number of people.
Xiao Yunlong held Liu Ruyan's hand and walked in, with Liang Bendao and Jun Bufan following behind, looking like bodyguards.
In the courtyard, Grandpa was still lying on the rattan chair, tilting his head to look at the old man in front. However, today, a middle-aged man was sitting upright beside Grandpa.
The middle-aged man wore a Zhongshan suit, his expression serious, and he was looking down at a newspaper. He was Xiao Yunlong's third uncle, Tang Tianbao!
Grandpa had a total of six children: three sons and three daughters. The eldest uncle was the eldest son, Xiao Yunlong's mother was the second, and below her was the third uncle, Tang Tianbao.
The fourth aunt, ranked fourth, had married into Jiangdong provincial capital. It was precisely because of the fourth aunt's reception in Jiangdong that Grandpa's family had escaped from Chuan City to here more than eight months ago. It was said that the fourth aunt had married into a wealthy family in Jiangdong at that time, but Xiao Yunlong was not entirely sure about the details.
The fifth aunt married abroad and rarely returned. Xiao Yunlong had only met her once when he was a child. The youngest, the sixth uncle Tang Shanbao, was the last.
Third Uncle Tang Tianbao probably heard the commotion and looked up, glancing at Xiao Yunlong, who was walking in from outside. However, he didn't greet him and continued reading the newspaper, his face still serious, his eyes cold.
Xiao Yunlong, who was about to greet him, was stunned by this. The situation became somewhat awkward.
Given Xiao Yunlong's status, he could have completely ignored the situation. However, he felt a sense of guilt towards his maternal grandfather's family.
He smiled and stepped forward, saying, "Third Uncle, it's been many years. How have you been?"
Tang Tianbao didn't look up, only snorted, "Thanks to you, it's already a blessing that I'm not dead."
Even with Xiao Yunlong's extensive experience, he was at a loss for words at this moment, and the atmosphere became extremely awkward.
Fortunately, at this moment, Sixth Uncle Tang Shanbao came out from inside and said with annoyance, "Third Brother, what are you saying? Our family is finally reunited today. Can you stop putting on that grumpy face?"
Tang Tianbao still didn't look up and coldly questioned, "Family reunion? Eldest Brother, Second Sister, and Mother, all three are gone. How can this family be reunited?"
"That's all in the past. Can you stop dwelling on it? Besides, we can't blame Yunlong entirely for this matter, can we? You're better at business than I am. You should understand these family disputes and feuds better than I do?" Tang Shanbao retorted in a deep voice.
Tang Tianbao ignored Tang Shanbao, suddenly put down his newspaper, looked up, and stared at Xiao Yunlong with stern, icy eyes. He said word by word, "For your mother's sake, I won't pursue past matters. But I heard that last night at Sixth Uncle's bar, you beat up Master Shu's subordinate, is that true?"
Before Xiao Yunlong could speak, Tang Shanbao immediately explained, "Third Brother, you don't need to look at Yunlong like that. Yunzi acted to help me last night."
"I know he acted to help you. If it weren't for that reason, I would have already had him thrown out!"
Tang Tianbao then stood up abruptly and snorted, "It's not wrong to act righteously and help others, but before you act, please weigh your own capabilities. That Master Shu is the boss of the West City District. Can we afford to offend him? Xiao, our Tang family has already been harmed by you once. Now that we have finally managed to stabilize ourselves a bit in Jiangdong, do you intend to bring disaster upon us a second time?"
Xiao Yunlong felt a pang of discomfort in his heart. He shrugged and said, "Third Uncle, don't worry. I'll handle the matter concerning Master Shu from the West City District."
"You'll handle it?"
Tang Tianbao laughed, throwing his head back and roaring with laughter, his laughter filled with mockery. "Sixth Uncle said you're now a live-in son-in-law to the Liu family in Sucheng, right? Tell me, you're already relying on marrying into a family for a living, so how can you handle it?"
"That rat from the West City District has the backing of the Jiangdong Pavilion. Not only can we not afford to provoke them now, but even the wealthy family your Fourth Aunt married into in Jiangdong doesn't dare to easily provoke the Jiangdong Pavilion. Yet you dare to say you can handle it. You're truly boastful!"
"I have only one thing to say. For your grandfather's and your mother's sake, I won't drive you away. After this meal, you get out immediately and never come back!"
Tang Tianbao roared, then flicked his hand and turned to walk inside.
Xiao Yunlong could only force a smile but didn't offer any defense or rebuttal. Regardless, these were his relatives, and they had helped him wholeheartedly in the past.
Tang Shanbao shrugged. "Yunzi, don't take it to heart. Your Third Uncle is just like this. Let's ignore him!"
"It's alright, Sixth Uncle. I won't take it to heart. You go ahead and be busy. I'll talk to Grandpa!"
Xiao Yunlong smiled and sat down, holding Grandpa's withered hand and began to feel his pulse.