Chapter 68: Wu Xiaoxiao

Chapter 68: Wu Xiaoxiao

The Wu Family owes its vast fortune to the patriarch, who started from scratch, gradually building the family empire to what it is today. It's said that during his most destitute times, he sustained himself by running a market stall. Who could have imagined that a penniless peddler from back then would now command such a colossal business empire?

In Lecheng, the patriarch of the Wu Family is legendary. However, now in his seventies, although still robust, he lacks the vigor of his youth. He has stepped back from the forefront, leaving the management of all affairs to his eldest son.

Master Wu has two sons: the eldest and the second.

The eldest, now forty-five, has inherited his father's talent and, with the solid foundation laid by Master Wu, efficiently manages the family business. Under his stewardship, the business thrives, reminiscent of the glory days of Master Wu.

In contrast, the second son is quite profligate. At thirty, he indulges in a life of luxury and troublemaking, leveraging the family's wealth and influence to swagger through Lecheng. Few dare to provoke or challenge him.

Among the Wu Family members present, Master Wu and his two sons are there, yet they seem oblivious to the purpose of Yang Haoran and Guanhai's visit today, their attention elsewhere.

Yang Haoran intended to inquire from Guanhai about certain matters, but seeing Guanhai equally bewildered, he realized the situation was awkward. Guanhai evidently had no idea what was happening either.

The atmosphere in the hall is tense, everyone preoccupied with their own thoughts, their expressions grim. Yang Haoran, amidst this atmosphere, feels equally uncomfortable.

Just as Yang Haoran prepares to excuse himself to the restroom to speak with Guanhai, the steward appears.

A woman walks ahead of the steward, who follows respectfully. Her appearance immediately captures everyone's attention.

She's young, around twenty, standing at about 1.7 meters tall, similar in height to Xu Meijing. Her skin is fair and delicate, akin to a baby's, radiating a healthy glow from proper care.

While her height and skin are impeccable, her physique is astonishing—a hefty ball-like figure, seemingly inflated, waddling like a penguin, causing the ground to tremble beneath her.

Yang Haoran's lips twitch involuntarily. The woman approaching appears to weigh at least two hundred catties; if she fell into the sea, she could cause a tsunami.

"Wu Xiaoxiao, come here to Grandpa."

Before Yang Haoran could speculate on her identity, Master Wu speaks, his typically stern face breaking into a smile upon seeing her.

"Wu Xiaoxiao? Is she Wu Xiaoxiao? The young miss of the Wu Family?"

Yang Haoran's mind churns with tumultuous thoughts. He glances at Guanhai, who coincidentally meets his gaze.

Yang Haoran thumbs-up at Guanhai, expressing admiration. Guanhai's expression, however, is priceless. He wants to explain to Yang Haoran, but it seems Yang Haoran has already decided they have an ambiguous relationship, leaving no room for explanations. Guanhai turns away.

"Wu Xiaoxiao... Wu Xiaoxiao..."

"Xiaoxiao is only twenty years old. How can you expect a young girl to understand? You're thirty, yet I have to worry about you. How dare you criticize others?" Master Wu's voice was stern, reprimanding.

"I..."

Second son Wu wanted to say something, but another glare from Master Wu silenced him, and he grunted in displeasure, shutting his mouth.

In this household, or rather, in the entire Lecheng, Second son Wu feared no one except Master Wu. He genuinely feared Master Wu; while he might argue back occasionally, when Master Wu was truly angry, Second son Wu dared not speak.

From the current situation, it's evident that Master Wu indeed doted on Wu Xiaoxiao. Through their conversation, Yang Haoran gleaned that the strange occurrences in the Wu Family were likely related to Wu Xiaoxiao.

"Xiaoxiao, you weren't joking, were you? Do your two friends really have the capabilities in this regard?" Master Wu asked seriously, no longer as amiable as before.

Wu Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously, then pointed at Yang Haoran, saying, "My friend here is capable. He can definitely handle the troubles in our family."

Wu Xiaoxiao directed her words to Yang Haoran, not Guanhai, indicating that Guanhai had already briefed Wu Xiaoxiao about Yang Haoran before accepting this business.

Seeing Wu Xiaoxiao mentioning him, Yang Haoran stood up, politely smiling at Master Wu. He had intended to introduce himself properly, showcase his abilities, and perhaps perform a little trickery to ensure Master Wu, such an influential figure, would trust him, at least not underestimate him like now.

However, before he could speak, Master Wu's phone rang. Seeing this, Yang Haoran closed his mouth, swallowing his words.

Apologizing with a smile, Master Wu answered the call.

After a few brief words, Master Wu hung up, visibly excited. He hastily urged the others out of the living room, seeming to go meet some important figure.

As they left, only three remained in the hall: Yang Haoran, Guanhai, and Wu Xiaoxiao.

Wu Xiaoxiao looked embarrassed, then smiled apologetically at Yang Haoran and Guanhai. "I'm sorry, I didn't tell others the main reason I invited you here, so they all thought you were guests I invited. I apologize for the oversight."

Wu Xiaoxiao displayed good manners. Despite her family's wealth, she didn't exude arrogance, instead giving off a friendly vibe.

Yang Haoran and Guanhai quickly reassured her that it was fine. They understood that everyone thought that way, and as two grown men, they didn't mind.

"Xiaoxiao, didn't your family invite distinguished guests today? If it's inconvenient, we can come another day," Guanhai suggested.

"No, no, no, don't leave. Like you, they're here to help with the recent strange incidents in my family. But they were invited by Grandpa, while you were invited by me, so the treatment is a bit..." Although Wu Xiaoxiao didn't finish her sentence, Yang Haoran and Guanhai understood.

"Don't go, please, I beg you. I've been so scared lately," Wu Xiaoxiao pleaded anxiously, afraid that Yang Haoran and Guanhai would leave. She looked pitiful.