Chapter 25: Wails of Sorrow

"What the hell are you up to now?" Zhang Han cursed, then turned around and was taken aback. "Did you leave some of your men outside just now?"

The big man glanced back as well. "No, everyone is here. Could it be that the master sent more people?"

"Impossible," Zhang Han shook his head. "I've brought everyone. This little grove doesn't need that many people."

"So it seems this Hong Yu really does have backup? Hah, at most a live-in son-in-law like him could only call in some shady friends or small-time thugs." Zhang Han sneered, then shouted over his shoulder, "Stop right there! The Zhang family of Fengzhou is handling business here—if you don't want to die, get lost!"

"Over here, over here—damn it, finally found them!"

"The Zhang family of Fengzhou? This could be tricky."

"Tricky or not, it doesn't matter. Boss gave the order—nothing can happen to Hong Yu."

Zhang Han froze. He thought his warning would scare them off, but instead, their footsteps quickened, as if they weren't afraid at all.

He represented the Zhang family now—the local overlords of Fengzhou. Who were these country bumpkins that dared offend the Zhangs?

"Phew—"

Thank god, they're finally here.

If they had taken any longer, I wouldn't have been able to hold on.

Hearing the commotion, Hong Yu exhaled in relief.

But Zhang Han and his men, seeing that the opposing group was about the same size as theirs, suddenly looked unsettled.

No one expected that this useless live-in son-in-law, Hong Yu, could actually call in so many people.

And in such a short time too—no small feat if he didn't have some real connections.

After a pause, Zhang Han stepped forward and said, "Who's your boss? I'll say it again: this is Zhang family business. If you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of it."

A trusted aide moved out from among the newcomers, glanced around, and only relaxed when he saw Hong Yu in the tree.

He smiled, "I know you—Zhang Han, right?"

"And you are?" Zhang Han asked.

The aide's expression hardened. "I'm Li Fei. Yong sent me."

Zhang Han was stunned. "Yong? Which Yong? Could it be..."

"Exactly the one you're thinking of," Li Fei said sternly. "I advise you to let this go. Lucky for you, Hong Yu isn't hurt—otherwise, there'd be no avoiding a fight."

"Is this really necessary? Over a live-in son-in-law?"

"It is. Very necessary." Li Fei, no spoiled rich kid like Zhang Han, nodded and barked, "You have three seconds. If you don't leave, we'll make you."

Zhang Han's face darkened.

Just moments ago, his men had given Hong Yu three seconds to decide. Now, so soon after, he was being threatened the same way?

But who was Hong Yu compared to Zhang Han?

No way he would accept the same fate!

From his perch in the tree, Hong Yu saw Li Fei's move and silently gave him a thumbs-up in his heart.

To use their own tactics against them was deeply satisfying, but he still didn't dare come down. He was the target here—if he climbed down, who knew if Zhang Han would order his men to go all out.

He noticed Zhang Han and his thugs still clutching stones.

"Damn it!" Zhang Han spat. If Li Fei hadn't been one of Chen Dayong's men, he might have risked a fight.

He hesitated, then said, "Can you give me a moment to make a phone call? I need to ask my father."

"Still need your dad? What are you, three?" Li Fei scoffed. "Time's up. Are you leaving or not? Your men won't be able to handle us."

Looking at Li Fei's group, all eager and ready, then at his own, who didn't even dare climb a tree, Zhang Han knew the truth.

Just as Zhang Han was about to retreat, more people arrived.

"Over here, hurry up!"

Zhang Han waved, thinking his father had sent reinforcements.

"Who the hell are you?" the tattooed leader of the newcomers asked, giving Zhang Han a look of utter disdain before turning to greet Li Fei. "Xiao Fei, where is he? Yong sounded desperate when he called me."

Li Fei pointed at the tree, "Over there. You're quick."

"Of course. This is my turf," Bai Third grinned, then frowned at Hong Yu. "Is that him? Looks as timid as a quail."

"Careful what you say," Li Fei warned, knowing he couldn't reveal Hong Yu's real identity. "He's very close to Yong. Watch your mouth."

"Another case of nepotism? That's what I hate most," Bai Third snorted. "I say what I want in front of Yong—and this kid, I..."

"Shut up!" Before Bai Third could finish, Li Fei strode over and whispered in Hong Yu's ear, "Mr. Hong, please don't mind Bai Third—he means well. Besides, you don't want your identity exposed, do you?"

Hong Yu nodded. "I won't mind, but he should learn to watch his tongue, or it'll get him in trouble sooner or later."

Li Fei breathed a sigh of relief, while Bai Third looked annoyed but didn't dare speak further—Li Fei had a higher standing with Chen Dayong.

Zhang Han's face was grim. "What do you mean by this? Don't forget you're just a live-in son-in-law."

"Does being a live-in son-in-law mean I have no rights?" Hong Yu sneered, then glanced at Li Fei. "What are you waiting for? Must I invite you personally?"

Li Fei quickly denied it, shot Bai Third a look, and barked, "Do it! Don't let a single one get away!"

"You really dare? I represent the Zhang family!"

"Are you declaring war on the Zhangs? Did you get Chen Dayong's approval?" Zhang Han cried.

"No need to ask," Li Fei replied coldly. "Take your beating quietly, or fight back if you want to die."

Chaos erupted. Hong Yu quickly moved aside.

Watching Li Fei's men demolish Zhang Han's group, Hong Yu chuckled and sat down—it had been a long day.

But soon, he stood up again.

Careful to avoid the melee, he kicked a few people aside and grabbed Li Fei. "Enough. Drive me home now."

"But... Mr. Hong, don't you want to teach Zhang Han a lesson?" Li Fei asked, pointing at Zhang Han, who was being restrained.

"No need. I already smashed his brother's family jewels. Honestly, it's understandable he wanted revenge. Just rough him up a bit—don't go too far."

Shaking his head, Hong Yu insisted, "Just take me home. I have something to do."

Li Fei dared not argue, so he and a few others escorted Hong Yu out of the grove and drove him home.

"Mr. Hong, the Zhangs might get desperate. For your safety, I'll keep watch here," Li Fei said before leaving.

Hong Yu nodded and hurried inside.

"Who's there?" Chen Lan called from the sofa, standing up when she heard the door.

Seeing Hong Yu, she immediately exploded, "How dare you come back! Do you even know what you've done? You idiot, you've doomed our whole Lin family! You bastard—"

"Wait! How are you back? Weren't you supposed to be trapped?"

Clearly, Chen Lan knew something.

Ignoring her, Hong Yu scanned the living room and asked urgently, "Where's Xiaoyu? Is she back?"

"None of your business! Get out of here!" Chen Lan yelled. "Anyone who gets close to you is doomed. I'm begging you, don't drag Xiaoyu down with you!"

Hong Yu paid her no mind and headed straight for Lin Shuyu's room.

"Hey! Are you deaf? Stop right there!" Chen Lan shouted, but by the time she reached the door, Hong Yu was already inside.

"Darling!!"

Seeing Lin Shuyu curled up in the bathtub in her pajamas, Hong Yu let out a heart-wrenching cry.

Lin Shuyu—

She had slit her wrists.