97: Chapter 97 The纨绔子 (playboy) of the Zhao family in the capital

This man, known as A-Tai, was the only son of the Zhao Family of the Capital and a notorious playboy in the capital area—Zhao Lintai.

Zhao Lintai's parents were both diplomats stationed abroad, away from the country for years. Zhao Lintai was raised single-handedly by his grandfather, the true head of the Zhao Family of the Capital—Zhao Weiguo.

Although Zhao Weiguo was nearly ninety years old, he remained robust due to proper care.

He had participated in the founding war of the Huaxia Dragon Kingdom, killed countless enemies on the battlefield, and had even been a brother who went through life and death in the same trench as the head of the Southwest Si Family—Si Zhengxiong!

After the founding of the Huaxia Dragon Kingdom, Si Zhengxiong chose to go into business, henceforth leaving the imperial capital and returning to the southwestern border to guard the ancestral land of the Si Family, the Ten Thousand Mountains. Meanwhile, Zhao Weiguo chose to stay in the capital, continuing to pour his youth and blood into the Huaxia Dragon Kingdom.

Over the decades, Zhao Weiguo's footprints covered both military and political circles. His career path could be described as meteoric, his influence unrivaled for a time, and he single-handedly established the reputation of the Zhao Family of the Capital.

However, the old saying goes, 'Wealth does not pass three generations, power does not last ten years.' Since Zhao Weiguo retired from his post, Zhao Lintai's parents were also gradually marginalized, stationed abroad for long periods, far from the center of power of the Huaxia Dragon Kingdom. He had hoped that his only grandson could carry on the Legacy of the Family, but unfortunately, this grandson was an out-and-out playboy.

Therefore, when he heard this good-for-nothing grandson claim to have a career, Zhao Weiguo was instantly furious.

"You have a shitty career! Your parents told you to join the military, you refused. They told you to enter politics, you still refused... Tell me, with such good resources at home that you refuse to use, you insist on running some investment company, hanging out with those money-grubbing people all day—do you call that a career?" Zhao Weiguo reprimanded him sternly, looking as if he was disappointed that his grandson wouldn't live up to his potential.

Facing his grandfather's reprimand, Zhao Lintai did not get angry. Instead, he responded with a fawning smile, "Oh, my grandpa. I grew up with you. My parents don't know what I'm like, but can't you tell?" As he spoke, he pointed to his own face with an innocent expression, "Me? Join the military or enter politics? You touch your conscience and tell me, is your grandson that kind of material? If I were to join the military or enter politics, not to mention bringing shame to the Family, I would probably smear your old face too... Aren't you afraid that your lifelong reputation will be ruined by your grandson?"

Hearing this, Zhao Weiguo shook his head, sighed helplessly, and said, "You, you actually have some self-awareness. Sigh, it's also my fault for spoiling you since you were little. Honestly, sometimes I wonder if you are really of the Bloodline of our Zhao Family. Look at you, where is there even a hint of your grandfather's appearance when I was young!"

"Haha, Grandpa, how could I compare to you?" Zhao Lintai said fawningly, "You are a hero who fought his way out of the battlefield with real blades and guns. Although my dad never went to the battlefield, he also received strict military training since he was a child. 'A tiger father has no dog sons,' as they say. As for me, I can't carry anything on my shoulders or lift anything with my hands. If I were to join the military or enter politics, I'd probably be taken down by someone and wouldn't even know how I died. I've already thought it through. Look, with our Family's connections and relationships in both military and political circles, if I just make a little use of them and simply become a wealthy idler, isn't that pretty good..."

"Sigh, you, you..." Zhao Weiguo shook his head helplessly. After a moment, as if he thought of something, he said, "Oh right, speaking of being a wealthy idler, I just remembered. A few days ago, Si Zhengxiong gave me a call and talked about a lot of things from the past..."

"Si Zhengxiong? Is that the person from the Southwest Si Family you often mention?" Lintai feigned curiosity and asked.

"Disrespectful!" Zhao Weiguo scolded, stopping in his tracks. He looked at Zhao Lintai and said in a deep voice, "Is the name of Si Zhengxiong something you can address directly? You must call him Grandpa Si!" As he spoke, the old man stopped and seemed to be recalling the past.

After a while, he spoke slowly about the past: "I remember when I turned sixty, Si Zhengxiong brought his son from the Southwest specifically to celebrate my birthday. It was at that birthday banquet that your parents announced they were pregnant with you. I had intended to announce it in front of everyone to make myself happy. But unexpectedly, Si Zhengxiong's son proposed on the spot that the Si Family and the Zhao Family should become in-laws. You know, Si Zhengxiong and I were comrades who went through life and death. On the battlefield, he even saved my life. Since his son proposed it, I naturally didn't refuse and agreed on the spot. At that time, Si Zhengxiong only had one grandson and wanted another granddaughter to make a complete pair, a son and a daughter. So, I betrothed you to his granddaughter, who wasn't even born yet. I thought that after so many years, Si Zhengxiong would have long forgotten the betrothal agreement, but I didn't expect him to still remember. Just a few days ago, Si Zhengxiong called and said he hoped you would go to the Southwest Si Family to meet if you have time. He said he originally wanted to come to the capital to see you in person, but his health seems to have problems, and it's not convenient for him to travel far. So, I agreed to this on your behalf."

"Uh... Grandpa, why did you agree for me... I don't even know what his granddaughter looks like. Besides, what era is this? Still playing with those betrothal agreements? This arranged marriage is illegal, it won't do..." Zhao Lintai looked helpless.

"Get lost!" Zhao Weiguo glared at Zhao Lintai, "I am arranging the marriage, so what? If you have the ability, call the police and have me arrested!"

"Hey, Grandpa, you're being a bit unreasonable... Besides, what if that girl is rough and ugly? Our Zhao Family's excellent genes would be wasted... I'm doing this for the sake of our Zhao Family..." Zhao Lintai said, spreading his hands with an innocent look.

"Hahaha, it doesn't matter." Zhao Weiguo shook his head with a smile, "I attended the wedding of Si Zhengxiong's son, and I saw his daughter-in-law at the wedding. Although she wasn't drop-dead gorgeous, she was a girl who was pleasant to look at. I imagine the daughter she gave birth to must be a beauty. Moreover, I heard that Si Zhengxiong's eldest grandson has no intention of managing the Family's business, and Si Zhengxiong favors his granddaughter more. Although the Southwest Si Family does not hold positions in the military or political Domain now, the Family's business is quite large, with industries all over various sectors. It would not be an exaggeration to say that they are wealthy enough to rival a nation. Moreover, the Southwest Si Family is also an Ancient Martial Arts Families. You don't want to join the military or enter politics, right? If you can marry into the Si Family and get their help, it will be beneficial for your future development. Plus, Si Zhengxiong is advanced in age, and the hidden injuries he sustained from practicing martial arts when he was young are probably becoming hard to suppress..."

"Grandpa, are you saying that Grandpa Si is...?" Lintai pointed to the sky, a flash of cunning in his eyes.

Zhao Weiguo sighed helplessly: "Yes. Those who practice martial arts all have some hidden injuries to some degree. You can't see them when they are young, but when they get old, there will always be a day when their bodies can't hold up. I'm afraid he is reaching the end of his time, otherwise he wouldn't have suddenly proposed that you go to the Southwest Si Family to meet... Perhaps, he just wants to see this future grandson-in-law before he leaves... It just so happens that you said you are going to Magic City tomorrow. After you finish your business, take a trip to the Southwest. My current status makes it inconvenient for me to travel around, and your parents are not in the country. It's perfect for you to go see Si Zhengxiong for me, and by the way, meet your future wife. If you think she's good, then set the marriage as soon as possible!"

"Grandpa, I understand. I'll check my schedule this week and find time to go to the Southwest Si Family to meet Grandpa Si."

"Hmm, when you go to the Si Family, remember to keep your temper in check!" Zhao Weiguo warned, not feeling at ease.

"I'll remember, Grandpa. Don't worry about such a small matter, I'll definitely handle it well!"

"Sigh, can I not worry? Your parents are not in the country, and you are the only seedling left in our Zhao Family. I'm counting on you to expand our Zhao Family so I can hold a great-grandson soon..." Zhao Weiguo sighed.

"Haha, Grandpa, there will be such a day. You can rest assured..." Lintai patted his chest, promising.

"I hope you don't make your old man wait too long..." Zhao Weiguo smiled, a glimmer of relief and expectation in his eyes.

Afterwards, after Lintai helped his grandfather back into the room, he waited for a moment before exiting the room, gently closing the door, and coming to the front courtyard.

At this moment, in the corner of the front courtyard gate, a man in black appeared silently. His figure was like a ghost in the night, silently arriving at Lintai's side, and he bowed slightly to him: "Boss."

Lintai's eyes became sharp at this moment. His entire temperament underwent a heaven-shaking change, as if he had changed into a different person. His expression changed from the previous uninhibited playboy to one of dignity that commands respect without anger.

He curled his lips into a cold smile and asked the man in black in a deep voice: "Is everything arranged in Magic City?"