Chapter 784 - 785
Hearing the rebuke, Gao Wude’s expression darkened. At his level of status, it seemed no one had ever scolded him like this before. Now that someone was, he was immediately and deeply irritated.
"Who’s the damn coward skulking in the shadows? Show yourself!" Gao Wude spun around and cursed.
"Gao Wude, it’s been a while," Elder Shen said, arriving with his men, his voice laced with anger. "Your temper seems to have grown. Do you think you can bully an old man like me whenever you please?"
The moment Gao Wude saw Elder Shen, his face became even more unsightly, flushing red then turning deathly pale.
"I-I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was you, Uncle Shen," Gao Wude stammered, his expression sour.
Even facing Elder Shen, I can’t push my luck. His status is too high. Besides, the Shen Family has been developing steadily. While they’re not quite on par with us, the difference is negligible. Falling out with them would be disastrous for the Gao Family, too!
"Heh, apologizing? Gao Wude, you’ve become outrageously arrogant lately," Elder Shen said, his tone icy as he stared down his rival. "So you want to swallow the Lin Family whole? Who gave you that courage? Your family’s old master?
"Let me lay it on the line for you right here, right now. The Shen Family fully supports the Lin Family. If you dare to cross this line, the Shen Family will fight you to the bitter end, even if it means we both suffer catastrophic losses! At worst, I’ll stake my old life on it!"
In an instant, Gao Wude’s face was a mask of utter fury. "Uncle Shen, are you certain you want to do this?!" he demanded, his expression fluctuating wildly.
He’d never expected Elder Shen to show up, much less say something so absolute!
"Of course, I am very certain. The Shen Family stands with the Lin Family. Gao Wude, this is the Shen Family’s decision," Elder Shen stated forcefully.
Hearing this, Gao Wude’s expression grew even more troubled.
He didn’t actually want a fight to the death with the Shen Family. The Gao Family would suffer heavy losses as well. But with Elder Shen’s declaration, he was cornered.
After a moment’s thought, Gao Wude sneered. "Alright, I’ll give you face today, Uncle Shen. However, you had better think this through. The Zheng Family will be allying with us, and your Shen Family alone is no match for our combined strength. When that time comes, you’ll be trapped with no way out. It will be too late to back down then, so I suggest you consider your next move very carefully!"
"Heh. Gao Wude, you little brat, are you threatening me?" Elder Shen asked with a cold laugh.
"I wouldn’t dare threaten you, Uncle Shen," Gao Wude said quickly. "I’m merely stating the facts."
"Is that so? Then let me state another fact for you," Elder Shen countered. "Even if you join forces with the Zheng Family, these old bones of mine are more than willing to take you on!"
"Good," Gao Wude sneered, nodding. "I hope you don’t regret this, Uncle Shen. We’re leaving!"
With a wave to his men, he turned to go. With Elder Shen here, there’s nothing I can do anyway. There’s no point in staying.
"Grandfather Shen, thank you," Lin Kuang said, approaching Elder Shen and bowing deeply, his voice filled with gratitude.
"Uncle Shen, thank you so much," Lin Guodong added, also coming over to bow.
"Alright, both of you, get up," Elder Shen said with a smile. "Why be so formal with an old man like me? Get up, get up."
Hearing his words, Lin Guodong and Lin Kuang straightened up.
"I imagine my appearance will give the Gao Family pause," Elder Shen said thoughtfully, looking at the father and son. "They will certainly seek an alliance with the Zheng Family now. I doubt the Gao Family would dare face a war of mutual destruction with me on their own. After all, that would just leave the Zheng Family waiting to swoop in and reap the benefits, which is the last thing the Gao Family wants to see happen. As for whether the Zheng Family will agree immediately, I can’t say. They’ll have to negotiate how to divide the spoils, and if they can’t reach a reasonable agreement, it could drag on for a few days."
Having lived as long as he had, what hadn’t Elder Shen seen? He could read a situation like this in an instant.
"It’s alright. We still have the Wang Family," Lin Kuang said. "Even if they form an alliance, they won’t be able to do much."
Elder Shen nodded, but his expression grew serious. "If all four of our families make a move, the higher-ups will not sit by and watch. What they want is balance, not chaos. The final outcome will depend on them. I hope you both understand this."
Hearing this, Lin Guodong and Lin Kuang were deeply shaken, their eyes wide with shock. The father and son nodded. "Yes, Uncle Shen, we understand."
"Good, as long as you understand. The Wang Family and I will certainly fight for the best possible outcome for you, but it’s hard to say right now how much we can achieve. You need to be mentally prepared."
Lin Guodong and Lin Kuang nodded again, understanding that the final decision lay with the powers that be.
Perhaps this whole turmoil was orchestrated to weaken the great families. It wasn’t impossible! The thought sent another shock through Lin Guodong and Lin Kuang. They exchanged a look but said nothing more.
"Well, I should be heading back," Elder Shen said, his tone turning grave. "The next couple of days will likely be quiet. But that will just be the calm before the storm." With that solemn warning, he turned and left.
Lin Guodong and Lin Kuang personally escorted him to the main gate. The two then returned to the office.
"Lin Kuang, you should go home. There’s nothing more for you to do here. I’ll stay and handle a few things," Lin Guodong said.
"Alright, Father," Lin Kuang nodded. "But please be careful. I’m worried those people might try to harm you."
"Don’t worry," Lin Guodong said, rubbing his temples. "They wouldn’t dare. At least, not within the military district, unless they’re completely insane."
Lin Kuang nodded. He’s right. If something happened to Father inside the military district, the fallout would be immense. No one would be foolish enough to try that. With that thought, Lin Kuang finally left, his mind at ease.
He drove his car back to his home.
When Lin Kuang returned, he found his women sitting in the courtyard, looking bored and restless. They had all been terribly worried about him. The moment his figure appeared, their anxious hearts instantly relaxed.