The next morning, at the Zheng estate.
The sky had just cleared, and since it was still early, the air was thick with mist and a touch of dampness.
Inside the Zheng family’s main hall, Zheng Liancheng and the others were already seated. The front doors stood wide open, and Zheng Liancheng sat with his eyes closed, his face solemn and contemplative.
Old Master Zheng occupied the seat of honor. Beside him stood Bi Mohai with hands clasped behind his back, while on the other side, Daoist Master Lu—invited down from Mount Wutai—sat leisurely in a grand armchair, swaying and looking utterly relaxed, showing no hint of anxiety.
"When the Qi family arrives later, Fuyi, whatever you do, don’t say anything reckless," Pan Gong whispered, glancing nervously at Zheng Fuyi beside him, worried his daughter would cause trouble. "By the way, your master and senior brother—are they coming too?"
Pan Gong remembered this detail. Last night, he had specially sought out Zheng Fuyi to discuss it, mainly hoping she could invite Master Yan to come.
As long as Master Yan could help the Zheng family through this crisis—even if he didn’t do much, just showed up—Pan Gong’s branch would have a much stronger footing in the family after today.
"Senior brother said he’ll bring Master."
Zheng Fuyi nodded, a trace of worry on her face.
Zheng Qiuchan carried a pot of tea, pouring drinks for everyone. Her expression was calm, showing none of the anxiety over the Qi family's imminent arrival. When she reached Zheng Hanshan and poured him a cup, he glanced at her and quietly said, "Qiuchan, later go to your aunt and get that boy’s phone number. Make sure he doesn’t show up here."
"Since he has already shed blood, no matter how bad things get today, it has nothing to do with him."
Speaking of this, Hans Zheng paused, glanced at Master Luke sitting there, then at Leon Zheng beside him, and smiled slightly: "Big brother, you’re playing the villain here, shouldn’t you say something?"
Leon Zheng, eyes closed, snorted, treating it as if he hadn’t heard, letting the words blow past him.
He hesitated, opened his eyes, and looked at Zheng Jiayun, who was accompanied by Zheng Caiyun. His expression was complicated, but his words remained cold as always: "Qiuchan, do as your father says."
"Anything could happen today. That kid... if one survives, so be it."
He waved his hand and closed his eyes again.
But since Zheng Qiuchan was sitting close, she couldn’t help but hear Leon Zheng’s faint sigh.
"Okay."
Zheng Qiuchan responded, walked over to Zheng Jiayun, spoke a few words, and Zheng Jiayun gave her a phone number.
"But whatever you do, don’t mention what’s about to happen here on the phone. Otherwise, knowing his temperament, he’ll definitely rush over."
On the other end, Evan Lin’s voice was cool and distant, with a hint of aloofness.
"Hi, I’m your..." Zheng Qiuchan hesitated, not sure how to introduce herself, and had to change tack: "Your mom has something going on right now. She asked me to check if you’ve gotten in the car back to Minghai, if you forgot anything, or if you need anything."
Zheng Qiuchan kept her tone as gentle as possible, worried she’d annoy Evan on the other end.
To this so-called little brother, Zheng Qiuchan mostly just felt protective. She figured that after all these years in Whitewood County, he’d probably had a rough time, and even after coming to the Zheng family with Joy Zheng, he’d been forced to cut his own wrist—no way he wasn’t hurt inside.
Thinking about all that, her voice got even softer.
"I haven’t left. I’ll be coming to the Zheng estate soon."
"Before I arrive, please look after my mom."
Evan’s tone was calm as ever. Zheng Qiuchan was startled, and just as she was about to say more, the line went dead—he’d hung up.
"He really is one strange kid."
Zheng Qiuchan stared at her phone for a long moment, frowning, then shook her head. That was it—she’d decided, no matter what, she had to stop Evan from coming into the Zheng main hall.
If the Qi family sees Evan Lin, his future will be full of danger.
Zheng Qiuchan put away her phone and had just stepped outside when she heard the roar of vehicles from beyond the Zheng family hall. Soon, Old Sun’s raspy voice echoed from outside into the hall.
"Old Master Zhu has arrived!"
Old Sun’s voice was loud and trembling.
Upon hearing this, Xu Ping, who had been gossiping and complaining, immediately stopped talking. Leon Zheng and Hans Zheng both turned to look outside, while Old Master George Zheng rose slowly to greet Old Master Zhu, nodding in acknowledgment.
"Old Zheng, it’s been a long time."
Old Master Zhu stepped forward, smiling.
"Thank you for your concern, Old Zhu," Old Master George Zheng nodded and smiled, but his eyes lingered on Yvonne Zhu behind Old Master Zhu.
This time, the Zhu family brought five people: besides Yvonne Zhu and Old Master Zhu, there were Rowan Zhu, Victor Zhu, and Henry Zhu.
Victor Zhu and Henry Zhu were just there to watch the show.
Yesterday at Phoenix Mountain, Evan Lin offended the Qi family's second young master again. Today, they're hoping to see the Qi family catch Evan Lin and give him a beating.
"Old Zhu, your granddaughter has grown so much—she’s getting prettier every year."
Old Master George Zheng looked at Yvonne Zhu and sighed.
Pan Gong and Zheng Caiyun had different expressions. Faye Zheng unconsciously clenched her fist when she saw Yvonne Zhu; her cheek still hurt from being slapped.
"Hello, Grandpa Zheng. I came with my grandfather today to apologize to you and Faye for my reckless actions a few days ago," Yvonne Zhu said gently, bowing slightly.
Old Master George Zheng didn’t say much, but the Zheng family matriarch sitting beside him couldn’t help asking: "Yvonne, is my grandson still at your place?"
"He’s a good kid—he hasn’t bullied you, has he? If he has, just let me know."
The Keene family elders looked at the empty seat, their expressions unreadable.
Old Master Zhu’s smile faded a little.
He didn’t say anything else, just glanced at Old Master George Zheng.
Old Master George Zheng smiled and said, "He’s on his way. Young people these days, always running late."
Old Master Zhu just nodded.
Old Master George Zheng turned to the Keene family elders. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
The Keene family elders nodded, but didn’t say a word.
The atmosphere in the hall grew tense.
Everyone was waiting for Evan Lin to arrive.
Even the servants outside the hall were whispering among themselves, all curious about what would happen next.