Ye Qiu noticed Elder Xu’s stern expression, the solemn looks on Xu Zhiming and his wife, and the tension in Xu Changjin’s eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Ye Qiu asked, sensing something amiss.
“Something’s happened…” Xu Zhiming began, but Elder Xu cut in, “Changjin’s uncle is missing.”
What? Ye Qiu was surprised; he’d never heard Xu Changjin had an uncle.
Elder Xu explained, “Changjin’s grandmother passed away early. Later, I developed feelings for my secretary. To pressure me into marriage, she didn’t tell me she was pregnant until after the child was born.”
Ye Qiu mentally gave Elder Xu a thumbs-up.
Impressive, old man! So, it’s a case of ‘work with the secretary when there’s work, and when there’s none…’
Elder Xu continued, “I didn’t want to marry her, so she left with the child.”
“A few years later, she died of illness.”
“I wanted to bring my son home, but he hated me, refused to return, and rejected my support, treating me like an enemy.”
“Years have passed, and he’s grown up.”
“He’s done well for himself, making it big in the entertainment industry without my help, becoming a household name.”
“His name is Jin Changxu. Have you heard of him?”
Ye Qiu nodded, “Yes, quite handsome.”
Not long ago, he’d seen Lin Jingzhi watching a Korean drama with Jin Changxu as the lead.
Elder Xu said, “Though Changxu never acknowledged me as his father and took his mother’s surname, I’ve kept tabs on him. I just learned he’s gone missing.”
Ye Qiu asked, “Elder Xu, what do you mean by ‘missing’?”
Elder Xu said gravely, “I suspect Changxu has been kidnapped.”
Kidnapped? Ye Qiu immediately thought of War God’s call.
Could it be Zhang Zihao’s doing?
Ye Qiu asked, “Elder Xu, how many people in Korea know about your relationship with Jin Changxu?”
Elder Xu replied, “A couple of years ago, some gossip news speculated that Changxu is my illegitimate son. As he’s a celebrity, I didn’t confirm it publicly to protect his career.”
Xu Zhiming said, “Father, I think we should call the police and let them handle it.”
Elder Xu shook his head, “Not yet. If Changxu was kidnapped, they’ll likely demand a ransom, and that’ll give us a lead on his whereabouts…”
At that moment, Xu Zhiming’s phone rang.
“This is Xu Zhiming,” he answered, listened briefly, then put it on speaker, saying, “Father, it’s for you.”
“Who’s calling?” Elder Xu asked.
Xu Zhiming said, “I don’t know, they’re speaking Chinese.”
A man’s voice came through, “I’m looking for Xu Yuanzheng. Put him on.”
Elder Xu said, “This is Xu Yuanzheng.”
The man replied, “Hello, Mr. Xu, I’m Zhang Zihao.”
Ye Qiu’s brow twitched.
Zhang Zihao calling now? Definitely not good news.
Elder Xu, puzzled, said, “Zhang Zihao?”
Zhang Zihao laughed, “Though we’ve never met, Mr. Xu, as a top tycoon in Korea, you must’ve heard of my exploits. I’ve kidnapped several Hong Kong business magnates.”
Elder Xu recalled the name, showing no trace of panic, and asked, “Mr. Zhang, what’s the purpose of your call?”
Zhang Zihao chuckled, “Jin Changxu is your son, right? He’s in my hands.”
Elder Xu remained calm, “You’re not just calling to tell me that, are you? What are your demands? Speak plainly.”
Zhang Zihao said, “To show my sincerity, I’d like to come to your home to discuss in person. Are you open to that, Mr. Xu?”
Elder Xu was taken aback.
Not only had Zhang Zihao kidnapped his son, but he also wanted to meet face-to-face at his home? The audacity!
Ye Qiu was equally surprised.
He’d never met such a bold kidnapper.
Elder Xu paused briefly, then said, “Of course, you’re welcome. When will you arrive, Mr. Zhang? I’m at your disposal.”
Zhang Zihao replied, “I’m already on my way, I’ll be there soon. You know the rules, right?”
Elder Xu assured, “Rest easy, as long as you don’t harm Changxu, I guarantee I won’t call the police.”
“Good, see you soon.”
The call ended.
Xu Zhiming fumed, “This Zhang Zihao is too arrogant. Father, I’ll arrange bodyguards to grab him when he arrives.”
Elder Xu shook his head, “Changxu is still in his hands, don’t act rashly.”
“What if Zhang Zihao comes and harms you?” Xu Zhiming said, “I’ve heard this guy doesn’t care for martial world ethics. He’s a vile scoundrel.”
“Father, should I call the police?”
Elder Xu stopped him, “I said I wouldn’t call the police, and I keep my word.”
“Don’t worry, Zhang Zihao won’t hurt me. He’s only after money.”
“Let’s go to the entrance to greet this infamous Hong Kong bandit.”
Xu Zhiming was still uneasy, “Dad, I’ll call a few bodyguards to protect you.”
Ye Qiu said, “Uncle Xu, no need for bodyguards. With me here, Zhang Zihao won’t hurt anyone.”
“You?” Xu Zhiming looked at Ye Qiu skeptically, as if to say, *Can you handle it?*
“Uncle Xu, have you forgotten? I have natural-born strength. If Zhang Zihao tries anything, I’ll knock him out with one punch,” Ye Qiu said, waving his fist.
Xu Zhiming remained concerned, “What if he has a gun?”
“Zhiming, why are you so timid? He’s just a bandit, is there need for such worry?” Elder Xu scolded, then led the way outside.
Ye Qiu quickly followed.
As they reached the entrance, a black Mercedes stopped in front of them.
The door opened.
A man in his forties, dressed in a casual suit, stepped out.
He approached Elder Xu, smiling, “Hello, Mr. Xu, I’m Zhang Zihao.”
This guy is Zhang Zihao? Ye Qiu sized him up: about 1.7 meters tall, short-cropped hair, dark skin, with a five-centimetre scar by his eye—a clear tough guy.
“Damn, War God’s looking for you, and you show up right in front of me? You’re asking for trouble,” Ye Qiu thought, secretly pleased.
“Welcome to my home, Mr. Zhang,” Elder Xu said with a smile.
“Mr. Xu, please have any police in your house come out,” Zhang Zihao said, testing if Elder Xu had called the authorities.
Elder Xu smiled, “I’ve been in business my whole life. I don’t have much special success, but one principle I hold is keeping my word. If you don’t believe me, Mr. Zhang, I can show you around my home.”
Zhang Zihao studied Elder Xu, then nodded, “Alright!”
Elder Xu led Zhang Zihao into the villa, even opening every room’s door to show his sincerity.
No police were present.
Zhang Zihao, satisfied, said, “Mr. Xu, your integrity is admirable.”
Elder Xu replied, “Mr. Zhang, can we talk now?”
“Of course.”
They all sat in the living room.
But just as Zhang Zihao settled in, the villa’s doorbell suddenly rang.
