Chapter 378 - A Surprise Gift for a Visit (I)

It was the calm before the storm.

While Xiong Zhi's grand plans finally started to move forward to reality, Xiong De still had no idea of the storm that was brewing on his way. From the tensed mood on the night of the banquet, he was engulfed with the aftermath of the Zhou family's separation. Only today was he finally able to take a breather and calm himself down.

As usual, a package was sent to him through the secret channels.

His new attending butler, whom he acquired from the reputable butler family that he was familiar with, walked into the study room nervously.

Seeing the new face, Xiong De's rare peaceful mood was instantly swept away.

"G-good afternoon, Master. A package has arrived," the butler slightly stuttered out of nervousness, inwardly blaming himself for the gaffe. 

He had been working here since two days ago and it seemed that his new boss was not very pleased with him. The obvious dissatisfaction of his new master made him a bit nervous when directly interacting with him.

He was so excited when he first learned that he was chosen to serve the Xiong's family second branch. For a third rate butler family, being able to work for one of the legendary families was the greatest honor in life.

Not only could it bring fame and wealth, but even their status would rise. If their whole butler family could replace the famous Zhou family who worked for the legendary Xiongs since time immemorial, that would be even better.

The two families' dissolution of the treaty was great news and a large opportunity to some people.

"Bring it here."

Xiong De straightened his suit. The new butler was decently capable, but not comparable to his former butler. What made him upset was something else. Seeing this new face reminded him of how that former butler of his betrayed him. 

That guy assisted him in many of his businesses, public or private. That sc.u.mbag knew many of his routines and secrets. Xiong De might have not totally told the whole truth of his shady business, but the butler still knew most of them in detail. 

Now, the butler was gone from his side. He was like a walking bomb that could blow Xiong De's efforts to pieces if his enemies used him.

He could not let a huge threat like that live on. He already sent a few men to search for that traitor, but the Zhou family's security was impeccably tight. Even his other subordinates in the Zhou family turned their backs on him and chose their lowly family. 

Now, he was in the dark at where his butler was. This gave him a bit of a headache. He could only wish that none of his enemies would find him first.

"Master, it's here." 

Xiong De checked the contents of the package. After checking that everything was prepared and in proper condition, he ordered his butler to prepare the car.

In a few moments, the car left for the main Xiong Mansion.

****

Xiong De spent a lot of effort on his appearance. He was finally given a chance to step foot inside the mansion and meet Old Xiong personally after the banquet. 

His last visit here carrying a gift was a long time ago. He refrained from visiting too much in order to avoid suspicion.

Now, he could finally spend more time with the old man and probe further at the status of his health.

Because of the sudden big news that day and the uproar it caused, Xiong De did not have the time to check on Old Xiong's health and verify for himself. 

Today was his chance.

Xiong De was escorted by the servants inside Old Xiong's personal garden. He also took note of the fact that the servants seemed a bit unfamiliar as well.

They should not be from the Zhou family. At this thought, he felt a bit comforted somehow. From what he saw so far, it seemed that only Zhou Min had decisively stayed. There might still be others in places he did not see though.

From afar, he could see Old Xiong, with Butler Zhou Min standing quietly at the side. The back of the old man slightly hunched a bit but it did not lessen the dignified aura that the old man had acc.u.mulated for many years.

"Master Xiong. What a pleasant afternoon."

Xiong De stretched out a smile and greeted the old man.

Old Xiong stayed silent, treating him as nonexistent air. No matter how many times the main branch acted arrogantly over the second branch, Xiong De's arrogonce and pride heart could not get used to it. 

Humph, no matter, that position would be his soon enough. 

He excused himself and sat on the chair opposite of the old man. He secretly observed the old man's complexion. There was no sign of wan paleness, coughing, nor signs of being bedridden. 

Xiong De's face did not change, but he was already inwardly frowning.

"Master Xiong, I'm glad you accepted my request to visit. It's been a while since I last came here, I almost forgot my way. Thankfully, the new servants are here to help me out."

Old Xiong did not say anything, but Xiong De was already used to his silence.

"It seems that Master Xiong's new servants here are quite capable. They seem well adjusted although they should still be new here," he sighed. "I, myself, is still struggling to adjust to the new faces back at home. They really are not as capable as the previous attendants. Until now, I still haven't recovered. I was really surprised at the sudden separation of the Zhou family."

Xiong De tried to probe first about the sudden end of the treaty. Many of the Xiong family members could not accept the one-sided decision that the main family made that day. Their usual lives were turned upside down by this unimaginable farce.

"Why? Is something wrong? Do you have something to say about it?" Old Xiong finally looked at him. His cold voice matched his stern face.

Xiong De's eyes flashed. This was how the conversation must go. He wanted to take this chance to try to get his butler back.