Xiong Family Villa — PM1:00 On the mountain road leading to the Xiong family villa, cars of various origins lined up, all in black. Bodyguards from different factions, not qualified to enter, stayed in their cars. Si Yan and Ye Ye brought over twenty people, all elite from Ao Hua Lou. The villa’s entrance was draped in black and white, with black armband-wearing bodyguards guarding the sides, controlling the flow of vehicles and people. Ye Ye and Si Yan, dressed in black, were allowed to bring only four bodyguards inside, so most of their men waited outside the villa. One of the bodyguards carried a wreath made of yellow chrysanthemums. From the main gate to the villa’s main hall, various elegiac couplets and wreaths lined the path. The guide, upon hearing they were representatives from Aohualou, respectfully took the wreath and led them into the main hall. “Guests arriving—Aohualou representatives—” the emcee announced loudly. Ye Ye and Si Yan stepped in together. The once splendid hall had been transformed into a solemn mourning hall, with a photo of Uncle Xiong from his recent birthday celebration hanging in the center… Ye Ye felt a twinge of sadness in his eyes… A man in his prime, just like that, ruined by a villain… He couldn’t help but tear up, fortunately, he was wearing black sunglasses. Si Yan sensed Ye Ye trembling slightly beside him and supported her lower back, whispering, “Since we’re here, hold back your tears! Otherwise, all our efforts will be for nothing!” “I know! Don’t worry!” Ye Ye clenched her fist tightly and whispered back.
—————— Amidst the mourning music — “Offer incense—” the emcee said, and the underlings on both sides handed incense to Si Yan and Ye Ye. Ye Ye took the opportunity to glance at Aunt Xiong’s position, surprised to see her with a vacant stare, being supported weakly by someone. Meanwhile, several unfamiliar young people, bearing the title of Uncle Xiong’s confidants, were kneeling in place of the family to greet the guests. On both sides of the guest seating, early arrivals and various leaders from the Roma branch of the Qianye Gate were seated. “Bow once…” Ye Ye and Si Yan, along with their bodyguards, bowed respectfully—Uncle Xiong, rest assured, I will avenge you! “Bow twice…” “The man standing next to Aunt Xiong on the right, named Ma Likun, is Uncle Xiong’s top general, the manager of the branch,” Si Yan whispered. “Bow three times…” “Something’s off with Aunt Xiong!” Ye Ye whispered. “Family members respond to the bow…” The two walked to where the ‘family members’ were, and these stand-ins bowed in return… Si Yan, supporting Ye Ye’s elbow, approached where Ma Likun and Aunt Xiong were. Si Yan said, “Manager Ma, Madam Xiong, please accept our condolences!” “Thank you for your concern, Manager Si!” Ma Likun’s usually expressionless face showed traces of grief, nodding slightly, his demeanor humble and heavy. “What’s wrong with Madam Xiong?” Si Yan asked with feigned concern, “Is she ill?” Ye Ye remained silent, watching Si Yan interact, her eyes behind the sunglasses continuously observing. “Ah… Brother Xiong died suddenly from a heart attack… His wife… she turned grey overnight from grief, now she’s somewhat disoriented, needing support to sit… Sigh…” “What about the children? Why hasn’t any of them come?” Si Yan asked. “They left just last night… so, the kids are still on their way back!” Each response was reasonable. “Such a tragedy, Uncle Xiong was a role model for us juniors. His untimely death at such a young age is truly regrettable!” Si Yan spoke sincerely, yet he kept a close watch on Ma Likun’s expression. “Yes, yes! My brother, he was always in good health, no one could have anticipated this…” Ma Likun showed no extra emotion, patiently responding to Si Yan’s questions, which he saw as quite normal for mourners to ask. “Manager Ma, please attend to your duties, we’ll manage on our own!” Si Yan, unable to discern anything further, didn’t press on. “Very well, please make yourselves comfortable! Apologies for any oversight!” With a glance at Ye Ye beside Si Yan, Ma Likun turned to greet other guests.
—————— Si Yan and Ye Ye chose a quiet spot to sit. “Ye Ye, do you feel something’s not right?” Si Yan whispered. “Yes, Aunt Xiong was fine when she talked to me earlier, she wouldn’t suddenly act this way!” Ye Ye said. “Maybe she’s been drugged!” Si Yan, familiar with such underhanded tactics, understood. “Drugged? Won’t that be dangerous?” Ye Ye began to worry. “It must have happened after she spoke with you, but seeing she can still sit, though weak and disoriented, it probably isn’t a strong poison. Besides, if the dose was too high, how would the mastermind extract the formula from her? So, the effect must be temporary, there should be an antidote!” Resource Bear Production —- Provider of million-level bundled resources zybear.taobao.com “Yes, Si Yan, I have a feeling that Ma Likun is suspicious!” Ye Ye said. “Of course, the one stepping up to take charge in this situation, if not the mastermind, must be an accomplice!” Si Yan analyzed. “Ding dong—” Ye Ye’s phone received a message, and upon checking it, her expression grew even more serious. She quickly typed a response, then looked up at Si Yan— “Si Yan, what do you think if I were to take control now?” Ye Ye half-jokingly said. “Don’t be impulsive!” Si Yan quickly said. “No, Si Yan, I need to take control to buy time for my father and brothers!” “What’s happened?” Si Yan sensed Ye Ye’s words were related to the message, urgently asking. “My father and brothers’ plane encountered a storm mid-flight, forced to land at an airport. They can’t take off until the storm passes. They won’t arrive until at least tomorrow morning!” “What bad luck!” Si Yan whispered, “What do you plan to do?” “I want to regain control!” Ye Ye said, removing her sunglasses: “Don’t worry, the daughter of Ye Xingfeng doesn’t fight battles she can’t win! If necessary, I’ll use Interpol!” “Alright, I’m all in too. As long as I, Si Yan, am here, I’ll ensure your safety!” Si Yan said righteously. “Thank you! Si Yan!” Ye Ye said, putting on a Bluetooth headset and calling Qiu Yu: “Qiu, my father and brothers might arrive tomorrow, I can’t wait. I need to act now. Have your brother help, send Interpol to the vicinity of the villa. If anything goes wrong, help me stabilize the situation!” “Okay, don’t worry, my brother and I will be there immediately!” Qiu Yu said. “Thank you!” “By the way, keep the phone line open, send me the audio of any suspicious individuals, I can analyze it to help you find the ‘mastermind’ behind this!” Qiu Yu said. “Perfect, Qiu! This will increase my chances!” Once she finds this ‘mastermind’, she can control him, using him as leverage to negotiate for Shao Gang’s release. After all, the enemy doesn’t know that she’s already aware of all the internal dealings! This gives her an advantage! “Yes, Ye Ye, you need to be careful too!” “I will, please bring Shao Yi and Shao Ran here, but make sure they are accompanied by reliable people!” Ye Ye said; she had no choice, this was a high-stakes gamble, betting on herself and the Xiong siblings, she could not afford to lose! “Okay, twenty minutes!” —————— After organizing her thoughts and making simple arrangements with Si Yan, Ye Ye strode towards the podium, with Si Yan and two bodyguards following closely.
The other two bodyguards, at Si Yan’s signal, quietly approached Aunt Xiong’s direction, ready to rescue her at any moment. After taking the microphone from the host, Ye Ye blew into it, testing the sound, then—
“Everyone, everyone!”
Successfully capturing everyone’s attention, all eyes turned to this beautiful yet solemn girl, waiting in astonishment for what she would say next. A flash of alarm crossed Ma Likun’s eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and approached Ye Ye, only to be intercepted by Si Yan.
