Chapter 39: No Need to Hold Back

A chill radiated from Nangong Ao’s body, causing the temperature in the study to plummet several degrees and making the air thin and frigid. Jiang Mohe frowned slightly—was this the true power of the Nangong family’s master? Many feared the Jiang family of the North City, but the Nangong family was the one the Jiangs dreaded even more.

The world only knew of the Nangong family’s immense wealth, but few understood what had truly built their fortune, and even fewer were aware of the reasons others found them so formidable. On one hand, the Nangong family had deliberately concealed themselves for nearly a century. On the other, they possessed absolute strength to protect their secrets. That was why, upon returning to the country, Jiang Mohe chose to remain with the Nangong family—only they had the power to shelter him.

He and Nangong Ao each took what they needed from the arrangement.

“Should everything be eliminated, or do you wish to keep some?” Jiang Mohe asked.

“There’s no need to show any mercy,” Nangong Ao replied, unlocking his phone and instructing Bai Luomei on the other end, “Luomei, work with Cang Yu and finish the matter from last time.”

Cang Yu was Jiang Mohe’s codename during his time as a mercenary in K Country.

Bai Luomei, standing in a suite on the twenty-ninth floor of Di Hong Tower, pressed her heel onto a pale arm beneath her, replying calmly, “Understood.” Hanging up, she kicked aside the wailing man at her feet and flashed a gentle smile at the two shivering security guards kneeling before her. “You’re lucky today. I have other matters to attend to. I hope by tomorrow you’ll have decided how to talk to me.”

The two guards glanced at the man who’d just been interrogated and nodded vigorously.

Meanwhile, having given his orders, Nangong Ao watched as Jiang Mohe opened the door and stepped out of the study. He glanced sideways at Su Cha, then strode downstairs.

Su Cha snorted coldly. Let’s see how arrogant you can be in the future!

Cui Hao looked at the mess inside, sighed, and resignedly began gathering the scattered documents from the floor. Carefully, he asked, “Boss, for lunch…”

He wanted to suggest having lunch at the manor.

Nangong Ao didn’t answer, simply stood and left.

Helpless, Cui Hao followed. Looks like he’d be skipping another meal!

Downstairs, Aunt Rong approached eagerly. “Young Master, lunch will be ready soon, shall I—”

Nangong Ao waved her off, his gaze falling on Xianyu Qing, who was sitting on the living room sofa. He walked toward her.

“Were you frightened last night?” he asked.

Xianyu Qing stood, shaking her head. “I was fine.”

She had wanted to say she was grateful for Jiang Mohe’s help, but recalling his warning not to reveal anything, she held her tongue.

Nangong Ao had many matters to attend to and soon took his leave. Aunt Rong sighed, “The young master will be busy for several days before returning home again!”

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Cui Hao drove Nangong Ao to Angel Hospital to visit Lady Xi and several elders. Upon arrival, Xi Junle was there as well.

After some brief courtesies, Lady Xi repeatedly praised Xianyu Qing and said she hoped Xianyu Qing would accompany the Nangong matron to a future gathering.

Once pleasantries were exchanged, Nangong Ao and Xi Junle retired to a private lounge to discuss the previous night’s events.

Concerning the compromised security staff at Di Hong Tower, Nangong Ao offered his apologies. Nonetheless, he raised a question: “I heard that last night’s auction wasn’t supposed to include your grandmother’s gown. Would you care to explain?”

The “Violet Starry Sky” gown was a rare treasure. If it were to be auctioned, the hotel should have been notified in advance to provide heightened security. Yet the Xi family brought it without warning, making it the primary target for the black-clad intruders.

“Apologies, we didn’t consider all aspects,” Xi Junle replied.

Nangong Ao was clearly dissatisfied. “The Xi family is hardly new to organizing charity events.”

Such an excuse was flimsy.

After a moment’s thought, Xi Junle revealed the truth. A few days prior, the Xi family had received a letter specifying a demand for the “Violet Starry Sky” gown. The elder recognized the insignia—it belonged to Qisu Pavilion, a criminal organization based in war-torn K Country with influence spanning the globe.

Three years ago, after Nangong Ao killed the Pavilion’s former master, their power waned and they lay low for some time. Rumor had it the new leader had changed tactics, abandoning kidnappings and brazen thefts for advance warnings by letter, followed by covert operations to secure their objectives. Though their methods softened, their success rate remained unchanged.

Fearing the gown might bring disaster, the Xi patriarch decided to auction it at the charity ball, hoping to rid the family of misfortune. Unexpectedly, they attracted more covetous eyes, resulting in a brazen theft attempt.

Though Nangong Ao was displeased at the Xi family’s recklessness, he also understood. Against Qisu Pavilion, bloodshed was inevitable, and the scholarly Xi family was powerless to resist, leaving them no better option.

“What will you do now?” Nangong Ao asked.

Xi Junle replied, “I thought about donating it to the Imperial City Museum, but I fear that would only endanger more innocent people.”

Would auctioning it not have the same effect? Nangong Ao pondered for a moment. “If your family trusts me, I can introduce you to Pross.”

Pross was the international business tycoon who’d once been kidnapped by Qisu Pavilion alongside Nangong Ao. Since escaping, Pross had worked hard to unite international forces to eradicate Qisu Pavilion once and for all.

Letting him handle this seemed a wise choice.

Xi Junle agreed at once. “Thank you, I’ll discuss it with my grandfather.”

With their business concluded, Nangong Ao returned to ZR Group.

Back in the hospital room, Lady Xi said to Xi Junle, “I’d like to invite the Nangong matron to our family dinner next weekend. Go home and remind Butler Qi to make arrangements.”

Xi Junle was puzzled. “The doctor said your ankle needs more rest. Why the rush?”

Lady Xi clicked her tongue. “It’s just a sprain. Besides, it’s only a meal, nothing strenuous.”

Knowing she wished to thank Xianyu Qing, Xi Junle advised, “I’ll pay a visit in a few days to express our gratitude. You shouldn’t overexert yourself.”

Lady Xi pouted. “You’re always so busy. If I wait for you to have time, who knows how long it’ll be?”

Though the Xi family’s status meant Xi Junle needn’t work, he loved his music career, and the old patriarch supported him. Lady Xi, reluctant as she was to see her son out in public, could not stop him.

Despite the many social opportunities in the music world, Xi Junle was reserved and disliked mingling. Of course, with the Xi family’s standing, only those truly worthy would do.

Thus, Lady Xi could not help but worry.

“You’re already twenty-five, and you’ve never had a girlfriend. I’m embarrassed to attend my friends’ tea parties!” she chided.

Xi Junle was momentarily speechless.