Volume One, Chapter 13: The Yun Family’s Opportunity

Yun Xueyan’s face was filled with utter shock as she exclaimed, “Grandfather, did you say the Huang family? One of the four great families?”

Old Master Yun nodded and replied, “That’s right.”

Yun Xueyan could hardly believe it. “How could this be? The Huang family’s power was immense—how could not a single one survive? Is there some hidden truth behind this?”

“But regardless of whether there is or isn’t, the fall of the Huang family is a tremendous opportunity for our Yun family. Although the Huangs rose to prominence through martial prowess, their business holdings are substantial. Now that they’re gone, the other major families will surely fight over their assets. This gives us a chance to breathe, and if possible, we might even annex some of the Huang family’s property.”

She quickly added, “Grandfather, have your breakfast. Chu Ming and I will head to the company now.”

Old Master Yun didn’t stop her but instead reminded her, “Xueyan, don’t act rashly. Many eyes are coveting the Huang family’s assets. Don’t make any large moves unless you’re absolutely certain, or it may backfire.”

Yun Xueyan nodded. “I understand, Grandfather.”

With that, Chu Ming and Yun Xueyan left the Yun residence together.

As Chu Ming drove Yun Xueyan toward the Yun Group, he glanced over and asked, “Xueyan, which of the Huang family’s assets do you plan to take over first?”

“There’s a piece of land under their name in a prime location. If possible, I’d like to secure that first,” Yun Xueyan replied. “There’s a major auction tonight, and according to the original listing, that parcel is up for bid. But now that the Huang family is gone, it’s uncertain if the auction will still proceed as planned.”

As she spoke, she turned to look at Chu Ming, who was driving. “Would you like to come to the auction with me tonight?”

Chu Ming shook his head slightly. “No, I’m not interested in auctions. You go ahead. After I drop you at the company, I have something else to take care of.”

Yun Xueyan said, “Alright, you handle your business.”

Immediately, she took out her phone and called her secretary.

Once the call connected, she instructed, “Xiao Hu, head to the office now. I’ll be there in about ten minutes. Tonight’s auction is crucial—nothing can go wrong. Since the Fu family is hosting, there’s likely more than just the Huang family’s land on the block. Be prepared.”

After she ended the call, Chu Ming’s voice sounded.

“The Fu family you mentioned—who are they?”

Yun Xueyan answered casually, “The Fu family? They’re an old family in Donghai. Although they’ve shifted most of their assets out of the city, their power still eclipses that of our four great families. It’s just that they’ve kept a low profile here for over a decade, so their name isn’t as prominent as ours.”

“This auction is organized by the Fu family. With their influence, no one dares disrespect them.”

Chu Ming nodded. “In that case, I’m actually a bit interested in tonight’s auction.”

“I’ll pick you up this evening, and we’ll attend the auction together,” he added.

Yun Xueyan didn’t think much of it and agreed directly, “Alright, I’ll wait for you at the office.”

Soon after, Chu Ming dropped Yun Xueyan at the Yun Group and then drove to the Tiger Hall.

Inside the Tiger Hall, Lin Baohu dismissed all his subordinates and respectfully invited Chu Ming to the main seat.

Lin Baohu spoke cautiously, “Young Master, about the Huang family…”

Chu Ming raised a hand to interrupt, “The matter with the Huang family wasn’t enough for me to intervene personally. You handled it well.”

The extermination of the Huang family was indeed his doing—partly to clear obstacles for the Tiger Hall’s expansion in Donghai, and also to win Chu Ming’s favor.

But Chu Ming’s personal visit today made Lin Baohu uneasy.

However, hearing Chu Ming’s words, Lin Baohu couldn’t help but feel relieved.

He quickly smiled and said, “If not for Young Master’s intervention in dealing with the Huang family’s head, the Tiger Hall alone would have struggled to wipe them out.”

Chu Ming said, “Alright, I’m not here to listen to your flattery.”

At that, Lin Baohu immediately wiped the smile from his face.

Chu Ming paused for a moment, then asked, “Have you found any leads on that man named Fu?”

Lin Baohu responded at once, “I’ve found some. He may be connected to the old Fu family. The Fus cultivated their roots in Donghai for years. Although they relocated their wealth, their influence here still far surpasses that of the four great families. But with only a surname, it’s difficult to confirm if he’s truly one of them.”

Chu Ming nodded slightly. “Focus your investigation on the Fu family. You have until nightfall—I want to see every detail about them before dark.”

Lin Baohu dared not delay. “Yes, Young Master.”

By dusk, a pile of documents on the Fu family was placed before Chu Ming.

After memorizing the details about the Fu family members, Chu Ming left the Tiger Hall.

By the time he returned to the Yun Group to pick up Yun Xueyan, the sky had already darkened.

At the Donghai Grand Hotel, Chu Ming and Yun Xueyan, guided by a staff member, arrived at the eighth floor.

Just as they were about to enter and sign in, Chen Mingyue stepped out of a nearby elevator.

The moment she saw Chu Ming and Yun Xueyan together, Chen Mingyue stopped in her tracks.

At the same time, Yun Xueyan and Chu Ming also noticed her.

Seeing Chu Ming with Yun Xueyan, Chen Mingyue couldn’t help but sneer. “Chu Ming, I never thought you’d be so suited to living off women. Thrown out by the Chen family one day, clinging to the Yun family the next. I never realized you were so adept at leeching off others.”

Chu Ming shot her a cold look. “Chen Mingyue, there’s nothing between us anymore. I suggest you don’t make a fool of yourself.”

Chen Mingyue scoffed, “As if I’d want anything to do with you. You’re just a man who lives off others—do you think people are lining up to be with you? I just can’t figure out what sweet talk you used to fool the entire Yun family.”

“I hear Old Master Yun announced you and Yun Xueyan will marry next month? Impressive—fooling the old man and marrying the most capable member of the Yun family.”

Before Chu Ming could respond, Yun Xueyan cut in, “Chen Mingyue, I suggest you watch your mouth. If you can’t, I’d be happy to help you keep it shut.”