60: No remains, be on guard.

The host and guests took their seats, and the banquet officially began. Dishes were served in a continuous stream, each one perfect in color, aroma, and taste, clearly the work of a master chef.

Steamed spotted grouper, with tender, fresh meat.

Matsutake mushroom stewed with fish maw, rich and mellow broth.

There were even several rare ingredients that Lu Yuan couldn't name but could feel contained faint Source Power fluctuations.

The atmosphere seemed harmonious.

Yao Tianxiao raised his glass from time to time, chatting and laughing with Lu Yuan about the local customs of Jiangcheng and curious anecdotes from the card Master world.

Mother Yao sat beside Yao Xiao, graceful and composed, a gentle smile always on her face.

She occasionally asked Lu Yuan some questions.

"Student Lu Yuan must have excellent grades at school, right? It's not easy to get into Qing Teng's Honor Class."

"Yao Xiao said you cultivated step by step on your own? Your elders must be very proud of you."

"What are your plans for the future? Have you thought about which big city you'll develop in after graduation?"

The questions seemed casual and homely, like an elder's concern for a junior.

Lu Yuan responded appropriately to each, leaving no room for error.

His grades were decent, and his luck was good.

His parents were ordinary people who worried a lot about him.

He hadn't thought too far into the future, preferring to take each step as it came.

He didn't reveal too much about himself, especially regarding the origin of his gold card, dismissing it all as card gambling, though he wasn't lying; that was indeed the truth.

Yao Xiao quietly ate, occasionally looking up at Lu Yuan, then at her mother. She seemed to understand her mother's intentions, her small face slightly red, and she gently kicked her mother's foot.

Mother Yao gave her daughter a chiding look and stopped asking too many questions about Lu Yuan's family affairs.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Yao Tianxiao put down his crystal wine glass, which made a crisp clinking sound as it touched the table.

The atmosphere at the dining table subtly shifted.

He wiped his mouth with a napkin, his gaze falling on Lu Yuan, his tone casual.

"Young Friend Lu, there's been some progress regarding the trouble you encountered last time."

Lu Yuan's heart stirred, knowing the main topic had arrived.

He put down his chopsticks and looked at Yao Tianxiao.

"That Fierce Tiger from the Axe Gang, not knowing his place, dared to show his face in Jiangcheng even after being injured."

"My people 'dealt with' him easily."

"Not a trace left."

These four words were spoken lightly but carried a hint of ruthlessness.

A Fourth-Rank Elite Card Master, the leader of the Axe Gang, had simply vanished without a sound.

This was the power of the Yao Family in Jiangcheng.

Lu Yuan's gaze lowered slightly.

This was the style of a prominent family: terrifyingly efficient and astonishingly ruthless in their methods.

When Yao Xiao heard the words "not a trace left," her small hand trembled slightly, but she quickly regained her composure, clearly familiar with her family's way of doing things.

"However," Yao Tianxiao's tone shifted, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

"That Cao Yun from Guotianjiang is much more cunning than Fierce Tiger."

"Despite such serious injuries, she still managed to escape."

"The latest intelligence," Yao Tianxiao lit a cigarette and took a puff.

"She's hiding in the Lin Family's estate."

Indeed!

Lu Yuan's heart tightened.

His worst fear had come true.

Cao Yun's escape meant she would surely tell whoever sheltered her everything that happened at the abandoned factory, especially the news that he possessed two gold cards.

And that person was Lin Haige.

The card Association President, Lin Dong's father, and the Yao Family's business rival.

"That woman, Cao Yun, would have said anything to save her life."

"Especially the news of your two gold cards; for someone like Lin Haige, the temptation is too great."

"The Lin Family... is probably already targeting you now."

The air seemed to freeze for a moment, leaving only the rising smoke.

Yao Xiao couldn't help but look at Lu Yuan. Although the Lin Family's power in Jiangcheng was not as great as the Yao Family's, they were a deeply rooted old family, and their actions were always domineering.

Being targeted by Lin Haige was definitely not a good thing.

Mother Yao, who had been silent, now put down her silver fork.

She looked at Lu Yuan, her gaze carrying a hint of warning.

"The Lin Family always acts unscrupulously; for profit, they will do anything."

"Student Lu Yuan, you possess a great treasure, and now that they know about it, you must be extremely careful in your future actions."

It was both a reminder and an observation of Lu Yuan's reaction.

If Lu Yuan showed panic or eagerness to seek the Yao Family's protection at this moment, his standing in the hearts of Yao Tianxiao and his wife would likely be greatly diminished.

Lu Yuan met Mother Yao's scrutinizing gaze, his expression calm as usual. He nodded, his tone sincere.

"Thank you, Mr. Yao and Madam, for the reminder."

"I will be careful."

There was no hint of panic, much less fear.

This composure and steadiness, far beyond his age, made both Yao Tianxiao and Mother Yao nod secretly.

This young man's temperament was indeed extraordinary.

The sharpness on Yao Tianxiao's face faded, replaced by a smile, carrying a sense of reassurance.

"Although the Lin Family is troublesome, they can't cause too much trouble in Jiangcheng."

"Young Friend Lu is now a friend of my Yao Family. If they want to touch you, they'll have to weigh their own strength first."

These words implicitly expressed a desire for protection, further drawing the two parties closer.

Having lived two lives, Lu Yuan naturally understood the meaning behind them.

He thanked them again, saying nothing more.

Relying on others was ultimately not as good as relying on oneself.

The atmosphere of the banquet became somewhat heavy due to the shadow of the unwelcome guest, the Lin Family.

The threat had been made clear, and protection had been offered.

The conversation naturally turned to the core purpose of today's meeting.

Yao Tianxiao put down his teacup, his gaze burning as he looked at Lu Yuan, with a hint of expectation.

"Young Friend Lu, we've eaten enough."

"How about we move to the living room and discuss business?"

...