Yvonne Zhu drove the car back to the Zhu estate.
Along the way, she kept sneaking glances at Evan Lin sitting beside her.
Evan’s calm, indifferent look made it hard to connect him with the Master Lin from Seacrest who just slaughtered Butcher Tu on Phoenix Mountain.
In the car, Evan received a phone call.
The caller was Joy Zheng.
Evan had assumed Joy was calling to persuade him to return to the Zheng family—after all, she always said the Zheng matriarch still tried her best to protect him.
He planned to brush her off with a couple of polite excuses, but after asking what he was up to, Joy immediately started hinting that he should go back to Minghai.
"I called Auntie Lu, and she’d love to have you spend New Year at their place. Lynn’s got plenty of study problems to ask you about. If you’re free, buy a high-speed train ticket for tonight."
"When you get there, remember to say hi to Auntie Lu for me."
Joy’s tone was gentle. But when Evan asked what was going on, she didn’t explain—she just hung up.
"What's up?"
Yvonne noticed Evan frowning—a rare flicker of emotion on his face—and immediately asked.
"Is something about to happen with the Oceanport Zheng family these days?"
Evan glanced at Yvonne.
Yvonne’s eyes darted away for a moment.
Last night, Old Master Zhu had already said the Zhu clan would send people to the Zheng estate.
To witness the final outcome of the feud between the Keene and Zheng families.
Yvonne knew this, but since Old Master Zhu hadn’t given permission, she didn’t dare to say anything.
While Yvonne was still hesitating, the car drove into the Zhu compound.
As soon as they parked, Rowan Zhu—who’d been waiting in the garage—walked up and knocked on the window.
"Uncle?"
Seeing Rowan Zhu standing there, Yvonne looked confused.
"The old master wants you both to meet him in the main hall."
Rowan’s tone was cold. After speaking, he glanced at Evan, his face full of disdain, then turned and left without another word.
Evan got out of the car. Yvonne walked beside him, head down, lost in thought.
When they entered the main hall, Old Master Zhu sat above, while Bryce Gu quietly sipped his drink below, looking a bit worried.
Rowan Zhu entered and respectfully said, "Old Master, I’ve brought them."
After speaking, he sat down off to the side.
"Grandpa..."
Yvonne was about to speak, but Old Master Zhu waved her aside. "Yvonne, step back for now. I have a few things to ask the young man you brought home."
Hearing Old Master Zhu’s words, Yvonne’s expression changed slightly. She glanced worriedly at Evan.
"It’s fine,"
Evan shook his head, also curious what Old Master Zhu wanted to say.
"Your name is Evan Lin?"
Old Master Zhu looked at Evan standing in the hall and spoke slowly.
"Yes."
Evan nodded.
"Did Yvonne have a good time with you today?"
"It was okay."
Hearing Evan’s bland answer, Rowan Zhu raised his brows. "‘It was okay’? Our Zhu family’s heiress spends a day with you and all you can say is ‘it was okay’? You’re a tough one to please!"
"Rowan!"
Rowan had barely finished before Old Master Zhu cut him off with a sharp word.
Rowan didn’t bother to argue and stayed silent.
Old Master Zhu gave Evan a long, searching look. "I just heard that you raced on Phoenix Mountain and beat Keene No. 2?"
"And not only did you win—you made him roll down the mountain?"
Old Master Zhu’s tone was slow but carried the weight and pride of a true family patriarch.
"A bet’s a bet. He lost, so he had to accept it. If you’re not as good as someone else, that’s how it is."
Evan nodded, meeting Old Master Zhu’s gaze without backing down at all.
His attitude made Yvonne break out in a cold sweat inside, and even Bryce Gu could only sigh quietly.
"Well said! A bet’s a bet!"
Old Master Zhu’s eyes were sharp as he stared at Evan, but instead of getting angry, he smiled. "Young man, I admire your spirit. If you’re not a little wild when you’re young, what’s the point? I was just as bold at your age."
"But do you realize the person you made roll down the mountain is from the Keene family?"
Old Master Zhu gave Evan a long, amused look.
"So what if he’s from the Keene family? Losing is losing."
Evan looked at Old Master Zhu, his voice cold. "If you have something to say, just say it. You’re old enough—don’t beat around the bush. I don’t have time for your nonsense."
"You!"
Rowan Zhu was furious at Evan’s words and slammed the table, jumping to his feet.
But before he could erupt, Old Master Zhu gestured for Rowan to sit down.
He turned to Evan and nodded slightly. "Seems I was a bit long-winded."
"Then I’ll keep it short."
Old Master Zhu looked at Evan. "Yesterday, Yvonne barged into the Zheng estate to get you out. I had no objections. Yvonne is the child I love most—unless she makes a truly unforgivable mistake, I’ll always take her side."
"That’s exactly why, when she crashed through the Zheng estate gates yesterday and brought trouble to the Zhu clan, then lied to me that you’re Master Lin from Seacrest to keep me from getting angry—I can forgive all of it, and let it go."
As Old Master Zhu spoke, his gaze stayed fixed on Evan.
"Grandpa, that’s not true—he really is..."
Yvonne suddenly stood up, wanting to explain.
"Sit down!"
Rowan Zhu snapped coldly, glaring at Yvonne.
Old Master Zhu also waved her off. Yvonne looked at Bryce Gu, only to see him give a helpless smile.
Earlier today, Bryce Gu had tried his best to vouch that Evan was indeed Master Lin from Seacrest. But no matter how hard he argued, Old Master Zhu just thought he was covering for Yvonne and didn’t take it seriously. With Rowan fanning the flames, Evan’s identity became even harder to believe.
Now Bryce Gu could only hope Old Master Zhu’s decision wouldn’t completely enrage Master Lin from Seacrest. Otherwise, even if he stepped forward, Bryce doubted he could match Master Lin’s strength.
"If you were just an ordinary guy—no money, no status—but decent enough, and Yvonne liked you, then fine. Even if you were a beggar, I’d bear any burden for Yvonne and let you marry her."
"But as far as I know, you’re actually the root cause of the feud between the Zheng and Keene families over ten years ago."
"Now, with the feud about to be resolved, you being pulled out by Yvonne drags the Zhu clan into it—and that’s exactly what I don’t want to see."
"Do you understand what I’m saying?"
Old Master Zhu’s voice was calm, his gaze fixed directly on Evan.