Chapter 324: Chapter 0324: Leave No Hidden Dangers for Oneself Chapter 324: Chapter 0324: Leave No Hidden Dangers for Oneself As soon as Sheng Yunwen finished speaking, Sheng Xueqian’s contained tears immediately fell.

Old Master Sheng glared angrily, bellowing:
“Sheng Yunwen, are you still human? Brawling? Do you call this brawling?”

Gently, the old master lifted the gauze on Sheng Xueqian’s forehead, and the startling wound made even Sheng Yunwen frown.

Honestly, if it had been his darling daughter whose face had been damaged, he would have been relentless too.

“It wasn’t intentional on Xueqin’s part either. The transfer is of great significance, and she has always been competitive, so she lost her restraint for a moment. Dad, please don’t hold it against her.”

Old Master Sheng’s anger was already flaring, and the more reasonable and concessionary Sheng Xueqian acted, the more he resented Sheng Xueqin’s arrogance and domineering behavior.

“It’s not about me holding a grudge now, nor is it about Xueqian taking issue. We have to accommodate your daughter now!

Today she struck the Chen Family’s son, and even though that lad is an illegitimate child, the Chens dote on him deeply. Now look, the boy is hospitalized and refuses to settle privately. What do you expect me to do?”

The study was in an uproar, all caused by Old Master Sheng’s temper. Even in the small study next door, some noise could be heard, making Sheng Yunwu feel somewhat embarrassed.

“Tingxiao, sorry to be putting you through this spectacle.”

“No need for formality, Uncle, we are all family here.”

Huo Tingxiao surprisingly made polite conversation, which took Sheng Yunwu aback.

“Tingxiao, what kind of cooperation are you looking for this time? Is it… that new plot of land?”

“No, it’s with Jiancheng’s Phase Three project. I don’t know if Uncle is interested.”

Phase Three? Sheng Yunwu’s expression became subtly complicated.

His situation was somewhat awkward at the moment; major projects were still out of his reach, having just assumed his new role, and he needed to make an impact.

The olive branch Huo Tingxiao extended at this time was indeed timely, yet the project was already in its third phase, with profits looking unremarkable.

A true conundrum–indifferent to have yet reluctant to discard.

“May I consider it for a bit?”

“Of course, cooperation should definitely be mutual for the best outcome.”

Huo Tingxiao then listened to the commotion in the next room and asked as if it were an off-handed remark:
“I didn’t expect Xueqin to be so foolish. It’s not surprising that Grandpa Sheng is losing his temper.”

At once, Sheng Yunwu grew wary, his gaze toward Huo Tingxiao darkening with suspicion.

“Ah, that child is just too proud and arrogant; she can’t accept her own failure. I can understand that, after all, over the years, our father and daughter’s position in the group has always been…
If it weren’t for Grandpa Sheng, I really wouldn’t want to deal with these affairs. I’d just be an honest board member, collecting dividends every year without any worries. How nice that would be.

But now I’m not permitted to think like this. I’ve been forced into a corner and have no choice but to listen to Grandpa Sheng.”

Huo Tingxiao found Sheng Yunwu’s words laughable. Not wanting to rise in rank? Was it his choice not to rise in rank within the Sheng Family?

“What Uncle says is true. Xueqin’s strong character has led to this… It’s lamentable, yet expected.”

The words ‘expected’ caused Sheng Yunwu to freeze.

“What do you mean ‘expected’?”

“Nothing, I… There are some things that shouldn’t be said by me.”

Huo Tingxiao was never one to speak more than necessary, so for him to inadvertently slip today meant the issue was serious.

Sheng Yunwu’s eyes darted around.

“Tingxiao, we will have many more opportunities to cooperate in the future. Our two families have always been close, and there are things you can tell me, Uncle, that won’t burden you.”

Seeing the other party take the bait, Huo Tingxiao could only feign difficulty.

“This matter is ultimately Xueqin’s private affair… I fear it would negatively affect her reputation, so…”

“What’s wrong with Xueqin? I’ve always been worried about her, fearing she might get into trouble. My big brother just spoils the children. It’s because of that, Xueqin ended up where she is today… Sigh, Tingxiao, I’m truly concerned about Xueqin. Of course, if you’re not comfortable, then never mind.”

Though his words were modest, his expression betrayed his honesty, his eyes revealing the tension clearly, as he obviously waited for Huo Tingxiao to speak.

Huo Tingxiao pursed his lips, subtly indicating that Sheng Xueqin’s days abroad hadn’t been very good.

As to how they hadn’t been good, he wouldn’t specify, but a cunning person like Sheng Yunwu could naturally tell that something needed to be done.

He could simply hire a private investigator to thoroughly check what Sheng Xueqin had been up to these years.

“It is our negligence. It’s not easy for Xueqin to be alone abroad, and she might not easily adapt to many things after returning to the country. We should have cared for her more.

Alas, this time, having injured the Chen Family’s son to the point of bleeding profusely, we have no idea whether the other party will easily forgive or not. If this truly leaves a criminal record, then…

Tingxiao, can you see if you could help? At least don’t let Xueqin bear such a disgraceful record. You were childhood sweethearts, growing up together, you… please help her.”

This earnest plea was so touching it might bring a listener to tears.

“Uncle, rest assured, I will try my best to help in any way I can. Xueqin is also my sister, just like Xueqian. I won’t stand by and do nothing.”

A smile stiffened on Sheng Yunwu’s face, as he inwardly hoped that Huo Tingxiao would mind his own business.

“Then I’ll trouble you.”

“No problem.”

After Huo Tingxiao left, he added fuel to the fire, but in a silent and unnoticed way.

Sheng Yunwen didn’t gain any advantage in front of the old master either and was utterly dejected.

The night at Maple Forest Garden.

Mu Lan noticed that Huo Tingxiao was in exceptionally high spirits.

“What’s wrong? Did you find money? You seem so happy.”

“Indeed, happier than finding money.”

Huo Tingxiao didn’t explain further, but the smile on the corner of his mouth was unmistakable.

Sheng Xueqin must now be trying every means to get out. Whether Huo Tingyang would lend a hand remained to be seen.

But at least, Sheng Yunwu could be pulled to his side.

Getting a step ahead of Pei Zhao also saved the trouble of him coveting what shouldn’t be coveted.

“The Sheng Family has undergone a change of fortune.”

With just a few words, Mu Lan immediately grasped the situation.

“Sheng Xueqin has been marginalized? So soon?”

“The old master of the Sheng Family has always been ruthless and decisive; even with his own granddaughter, he remains the same.

Some aspects of him are similar to my grandfather; the family often comes before everything else.”

Speaking these words, Huo Tingxiao’s gaze grew distant.

Mu Lan knew he was thinking of Huo Shiwen.

“Huo Tingxiao, don’t be sad, it’s all in the past.

So what’s your plan? Are you going to add fuel to the fire?

Do you want to help Sheng Xueqian ascend to power? She’s so young, can she handle it?”

Huo Tingxiao knew what Mu Lan was worried about and said:
“Don’t worry, because she has her father, and you don’t know how ambitious he is. At this time, just adding fuel to the fire will be enough.

Sheng Xueqin is already on her last legs and there’s no need to worry about her, but I’m thinking about if she has external support, then what? The current situation is that we don’t know who the external support might be.

There’s been no news from Pei Zhao’s side either, but we can’t be careless, we still need to be prepared for the future.

I’m now taking the initiative to avoid leaving vulnerabilities for myself.”