CHAPTER 281: TALKS FALL THROUGH, SU LIN COMPROMISES

After hearing Xiao Feiyu's introduction, Xiao Chenggong's eyes lit up with interest. He had to admit that since high school, Su Lin seemed to have been on an unstoppable rise, reaching remarkable heights in less than a year, and clashing with powerful family interests at just eighteen.

His trajectory was truly unique in all of Xia Country. Especially considering that these were not ordinary families, but Su Lin was managing to gain the upper hand. Such individuals were incredibly rare.

Finding someone like Su Lin was once in a blue moon, and Xiao Chenggong realized that the conflict between Xiao Feiyu and Su Lin was irreconcilable. Challenging someone like Su Lin, who was formidable personally, had a powerful background, and whose women were equally formidable, was indeed a monumental task.

After a long silence, Xiao Chenggong finally asked Xiao Feiyu, “So, little monkey, getting involved with such a person is a massive problem. Do you have any specific strategies in mind?”

Xiao Feiyu nodded, “Grandfather, there's something I'd like to ask of you.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Xiao Feiyu organized his thoughts before speaking, “Grandfather, I've thought this through. I'd like you to negotiate with the Ma family from Yangcheng. I know you have some connections in the capital that might help smooth things over with Ma Junjie.”

“Although the Ma family has other heirs, the current family head built up their empire from scratch; he wouldn’t hand it over to just anyone. I’m sure they’d be open to an alliance.”

"Yangcheng's Ma family? They're wealthy but lack substance. They're still not stable. Can they really pull it off?" Xiao Chenggong frowned.

The Ma family of Yangcheng had only risen in the past few decades. Despite being the top family there, they lacked the depth that many century-old families had. For example, most established families developed their own martial artists or nurtured talent from within the family.

In contrast, the Ma family mostly relied on external martial artists, which had its disadvantages. Some were only there to leech off the family and would be the first to flee in times of crisis.

The Ma family was well aware of this but had no choice but to sustain these martial artists, lest they defect and tarnish the family's reputation by spreading rumors. Therefore, Xiao Chenggong doubted the wisdom of partnering with the Ma family.

Xiao Feiyu smiled, “Whether they can pull it off or not, the Ma family remains an excellent choice, and they are sure to agree. Having suffered such a great loss, with the current heir incarcerated, what do you think you would do if you were in his place, Grandfather?”

With that, Xiao Chenggong understood the appeal of the strategy. He nodded, “That does seem like a good approach. Although I'm getting on in years, since I'm here, I should contribute something before leaving.”

Xiao Feiyu looked concerned at his grandfather, “Grandfather, are you sure you're up for this? If you're not feeling well, let Xiao Qian handle this trip.”

Xiao Chenggong shook his head, “The Ma family's young head is a talented individual. If Xiao Qian goes, they might agree superficially but won't commit deeply. If I go, they will see the seriousness of our intentions and our sincerity will be clear.”

"Besides, don't underestimate an old man like me just because of a few injuries. I can still handle twenty young men if needed."

Xiao Feiyu had no doubts about that. Xiao Chenggong might have been weakened by a sneak attack and appeared frail, but he was not someone to be underestimated.

"These plans need to be set in motion without delay. Tomorrow, I will head to Yangcheng, and then to the capital for a few days. Little monkey, make sure to keep me informed about any major actions during this time," Xiao Chenggong instructed sternly.

Xiao Feiyu nodded, “Don't worry, Grandfather, I'll keep you updated.”

“Very good.”

Meanwhile, Su Lin had just learned about Xiao Chenggong's secret arrival in Donghai from Bai Qikun. Hanging up the phone, Su Lin said with a hint of amusement, “I didn't expect that Xiao Feiyu would draw out the Xiao family's heavy hitter. It seems the final showdown is about to begin.”

Lin Xiaowan, somewhat worried, said, “This old man Xiao is a truly formidable figure. Su Lin, we might be at a disadvantage if we confront them directly. Should I discuss this with my father?”

Su Lin looked at her and replied, “Xiaowan, you know the situation of your family. It looks impressive, a typical blend of business and politics, but when compared to these martial families, there's a significant gap, especially in terms of combat prowess. Even if you tell uncle, what could he really do?”

Lin Xiaowan laughed, “Su Lin, you're underestimating my dad and our family. Have you forgotten about Aunt Su? We have our own strengths in the Lin family, and we've been standing strong in Donghai for a reason.”

Lin Xiaowan knew Su Lin didn't mean any disrespect; he just wanted to keep her family out of danger. But she also wanted him to understand that they've been a part of this for a long time and that the Lin family had implicitly accepted their alliance by not taking her back from Su Lin's side.

“I...” Su Lin started but was interrupted by Lin Xiaowan's stare, “Alright, I've underestimated your dad a bit. But think about it, your family hasn't pulled you out of this situation yet, which means they're tacitly letting us handle it our way.”

"That's right. And since Xiao Feiyu is bringing in so much external pressure, how can I just stand by and watch? If you're not willing to let me help, I'll start to doubt whether you truly love me," Lin Xiaowan half-jokingly protested.

Seeing Lin Xiaowan so determined, Su Lin embraced her warmly, “Do what you think is best. Once this matter with Xiao Feiyu is settled, I think things will calm down. Since he wants to play big, let's play big with him.”

Lin Xiaowan's face lit up with a bright smile, and she gave Su Lin a quick peck on the cheek, “That's more like it. I don't want to live in fear and be unable to help. I want to stand by your side.”

Although she is half a head shorter than Su Lin, the light in her eyes can't be covered at all. The temperament she exudes from her whole body is like poison to Su Lin, which is addictive.

“Xiaowan, I've never felt that you were a burden to me,” Su Lin confessed.

“I know,” Lin Xiaowan murmured as she nestled into his shoulder.

With a decisive gesture, Su Lin scooped Lin Xiaowan into his arms and headed toward the resting room. Just then, the voice of Xia Shiyou echoed from the doorway.

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“Su Lin, the receptionist just called. The Liu siblings from the Liu family are here to see you.”