640: Chapter 640 The Chu Family's Predicament!

Dust filled the air, and debris flew in all directions.

The entire courtyard looked as if it had been plowed by a cannonball, a scene of complete devastation.

A massive crater several meters in diameter had blasted into the bluestone ground, with cracks spreading like spiderwebs in every direction until they reached the base of the walls.

And on the ground, a dozen or so corpses lay scattered in various positions.

After a long while.

Chu Niubi, clutching a shard of a door panel, shuddered and snapped out of his daze.

"Mas... Master, you... you're way too fierce, aren't you?"

Ye Chen expressionlessly patted the dust off his trouser legs and said calmly, "Let's go. This place is ruined. Let those Japanese deal with it themselves."

After saying that.

He put his hands in his pockets, turned around, and walked out the main gate.

Chu Niubi was stunned for a second before suddenly coming to his senses. He dropped the door fragment and scurried after him.

"Master! Wait for me!"

He chased out the gate in a few quick strides. Running too fast, he nearly tripped over the threshold and stumbled for a couple of steps before regaining his balance.

Ye Chen didn't look back and continued walking forward.

Chu Niubi jogged behind him, glancing back at the courtyard.

That once-grand three-entry traditional residence now had its gates gone and its walls collapsed. The courtyard was filled with dust, looking like it had just endured a massive earthquake.

The corners of his mouth twitched several times.

Good heavens...

When the landlord asks later, who's going to pay for this?

Forget it, there are no witnesses left anyway.

Besides, just as Master said, let the Japanese deal with the headache.

After all...

They were the ones who rented it, weren't they?

The two of them walked out of the Hutong one after the other and reached the edge of Houhai.

Chu Niubi opened the door of the sports car, and Ye Chen bent down to get in.

He circled to the driver's seat, started the engine, and merged into the traffic.

It was quiet inside the car for a while.

Chu Niubi gripped the steering wheel with both hands, hesitating several times before finally speaking up.

"Master, why don't you come back to the Chu family with me?"

Ye Chen looked at him in surprise. "What's wrong?"

Chu Niubi gave a sheepish grin and scratched his head, a rare look of embarrassment on his face.

"My dad wants to thank you properly."

"You know, if it weren't for you, our Chu family couldn't have become one of the Five Great Families of the Capital."

"He's always wanted to thank you in person, but there hasn't been a chance until now."

"Since you're in the capital today, if you don't go, he'll definitely break my legs when I get back."

Ye Chen thought for a moment and nodded. "Fine, let's go then."

Chu Niubi's eyes instantly lit up.

"Got it! Master, sit tight!"

He slammed on the gas, and the sports car let out a low roar, darting forward like an arrow from a bow.

Ye Chen leaned back in his seat, watching the street scenery blur past the window, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.

This kid is quite filial.

...

Chu family villa, living room.

Chu Shixiong was wearing a navy blue Zhongshan suit, sitting upright on the sofa.

Beside him sat several core members of the Chu family, all sitting in a formal and disciplined manner.

On the coffee table was some fine Wuyi Mountain Da Hong Pao, the tea fragrance curling into the air.

At the living room entrance, the butler poked his head out to look outside, his face full of anxiety.

"Master, why hasn't the young master returned yet?"

Chu Shixiong picked up his teacup and took a small sip, his expression calm. "What's the rush? He'll come back when it's time."

He knew Niubi went to find Ye Chen.

With Ye Chen there, there shouldn't be any problems...

Of course.

He wasn't actually as composed as he appeared; he was also a bit worried.

After all.

Ever since Ye Chen helped them seize the Sima Family's assets, he hadn't contacted the Chu family again...

Who knew what he was thinking?

However.

Right then...

"Vroom—Roar!"

The roar of a sports car engine approached from a distance and came to a sudden halt at the villa entrance.

The butler's back straightened instantly as he shouted at the top of his lungs, "Master! The young master is back!"

Chu Shixiong put down his teacup, stood up, straightened his collar, and strode toward the door.

The core members of the Chu family behind him also hurriedly stood up and followed closely.

Just as the group reached the door, they saw Chu Niubi happily push the door open and walk in.

"Dad! I've brought Master!"

He stepped aside, bowing like a servant, and made a "please" gesture toward the outside.

Everyone's eyes simultaneously turned toward the door.

Ye Chen then walked in.

He looked like an ordinary young man—so ordinary that he wouldn't stand out in a crowd.

But those who knew him understood just how terrifying this "ordinary" young man truly was.

Chu Shixiong's gaze fell on Ye Chen, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

Gratitude, awe, and a hint of some indefinable emotion.

He took a deep breath and strode forward to meet him.

"Mr. Ye!"

"Since we last parted, I've always wanted to thank you in person, but I never had the chance."

"It is an honor for the entire Chu family that you could visit us today!"

Ye Chen smiled and withdrew his hand. "Mr. Chu, you're being too polite."

Chu Shixiong hurriedly stepped aside and made a "please" gesture.

"Mr. Ye, please, come inside!"

"I've had a modest banquet prepared. It's a small token of my respect; I hope you won't mind."

Ye Chen nodded and walked toward the living room.

Chu Shixiong stayed half a step behind him, bowing slightly, keeping his posture very humble.

The core members of the Chu family behind them all held their breath, even making sure to lighten their footsteps.

None of them were fools.

They all understood very well.

The Chu family was where it was today all because of Ye Chen!

Chu Niubi followed at the very back. Seeing his father's respectful manner, he couldn't help but grin.

Hehe.

Master really is awesome.

To be able to make his own father bow his head like this!

The group entered the living room.

The dining table was already covered with dishes, steaming hot and filled with aroma.

Steamed Leopard Coral Grouper, Braised Sea Cucumber with Scallions, Braised Goose Web in Abalone Sauce, Roasted Suckling Pig...

Every dish was the work of a top chef in the capital, exquisitely plated and perfect in color, aroma, and taste.

Chu Shixiong invited Ye Chen to take the seat of honor while he sat to the side, personally picking up the wine pot to pour Ye Chen a glass.

"Mr. Ye, I toast to you with this glass."

He held the glass with both hands, his expression solemn.

"If it weren't for you, my Chu family wouldn't be here today."

"I'll finish this glass; please drink as you wish."

After speaking, he tilted his head back and drained the glass in one gulp.

Ye Chen picked up his wine glass, took a small sip, and set it down.

"Mr. Chu, there's no need for such polite words."

"Since Chu Niubi calls me 'Master,' I won't just stand by and watch when it comes to the Chu family's affairs."

Chu Shixiong's eyes reddened slightly, and he gave a heavy nod.

"With those words from you, Mr. Ye, I can rest easy."

He put down his glass and took a deep breath, as if he had made a firm decision.

"Mr. Ye, actually, besides thanking you, I invited you here because there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Ye Chen picked up some food with his chopsticks and said calmly, "Speak."

Chu Shixiong glanced at Chu Niubi beside him, then back at Ye Chen, his voice becoming a bit more solemn.

"I want Niubi to formally take you as his master."

"With a grand banquet!"

Ye Chen didn't respond.

He just looked straight at Chu Shixiong.

Those eyes were as calm as water and as deep as an abyss, as if they could see right through a person.

Being stared at like that made Chu Shixiong's heart race, and the hairs on his back stood on end.

He subconsciously swallowed. "Mr... Mr. Ye, what's wrong?"

Ye Chen looked at him and suddenly smiled.

"Mr. Chu, are you trying to use my identity to announce to the world that the Chu family has a backer?"

As the words fell.

The air in the living room seemed to freeze.

Chu Shixiong's expression changed drastically, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over him from head to toe.

The core members of the Chu family behind him turned pale, bowing their heads and not even daring to breathe loudly.

Chu Niubi, sitting to the side, also had the smile freeze on his face.

They never expected...

That Ye Chen would be so direct!

Chu Shixiong was about to explain, but...

Ye Chen waved his hand, his tone still flat. "You don't need to deny it. You know in your heart whether it's true or not."

Chu Shixiong's expression completely crumbled, followed by a bitter smile.

"Mr. Ye, I really can't hide anything from you."

"It's true."

"Ever since the Chu family became one of the Five Great Families of the Capital, too many people have been watching us, both openly and in secret."

"The other four families all have backgrounds in the Kunlun Ruins, but my Chu family has nothing."

"On the surface, they are polite, but behind our backs, they are all waiting to see the Chu family become a laughingstock."

"Some have even said that the Chu family is just a flash in the pan and will be knocked back to its original state before long."

He looked up at Ye Chen, his eyes slightly red.

"I won't hide it from you; the current Chu family is truly besieged on all sides."

"The Chu family needs a backer, a backer who can make everyone shut up."

"And you..."

He took a deep breath. "You are the only person my Chu family can count on."

Chu Niubi sat to the side, listening to his father's words, his heart aching as if pricked by needles.

His father never bowed his head easily.

For him to speak like this now, the pressure must have reached its limit.

Otherwise...

He would never have resorted to such a tactic!

He gritted his teeth and bowed deeply to Ye Chen.

"Master!"

"My dad isn't trying to use you; he just wants the Chu family to survive!"

"I... I apologize to you!"