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Half an hour later, sunlight streamed gently through the vintage glass windows of the Liang estate, casting warm glows on the old oak furniture.
In the spacious sitting room, Su Meilin sat beside Old Master Liang, her delicate hand wrapped around his arm as she leaned closer, pouting softly.
"Grandpa Liang… I really didn't mean to forget," she said in a sugary tone, her eyes blinking innocently. "It's just that I had so many things to handle these past few days… I completely lost track of time. I'm really sorry."
She blinked her large eyes innocently, her lips pursed in a soft pout, acting as if she were a wronged child.
Old master Liang looked at her before his face relaxed, and he let out a soft chuckle.
"Alright then," he said with a sigh, "but next time, don't forget to inform me about such an important matter. Your grandfather and I... we've been through life and death together. Business, the battlefield... we've walked it all side by side. We're like brothers."
Su Meilin smiled brightly and nodded, carefully hiding the sly glint in her eyes. "Of course, Grandpa. How could I ever forget?"
Old Master Liang rose slowly to his feet, still steady for his age, and adjusted his long tunic. "Let's go, then."
She stood up immediately, ready to help him walk. But just as he reached for his cane, he paused and returned to his seat with a thoughtful frown.
"What is it, Grandpa?" Meilin asked softly, her hand still supporting his arm.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. "Let's call that stubborn boy. He should accompany us."
Her heart skipped a beat.
Liang Yexuan?
She tried to keep her excitement under control as her heart started beating faster. Her hands, still gently holding Old Master Liang's arm, slightly tightened their grip.
"Grandpa Liang, maybe Yexuan is busy... Won't we be disturbing him?" she said shyly, her voice laced with concern and a hint of bashfulness.
Old Master Liang scoffed. "Disturbing? Nonsense. What else does he have to do that's more important than accompanying his family?"
She lowered her gaze demurely. "Okay then..."
Her thoughts were spinning. She hadn't seen Liang Yexuan for sometime.
He was always distant, cold… elusive. But now, she might see him again.
And if they were seen together? Her lips curled slightly at the thought.
Her upcoming product needed all the publicity it could get.
Liang Yexuan's presence was not just powerful—it was influential.
It could boost it tremendously.
She imagined the headlines: Heir of Liang Family Attends Launch with Su Meilin…
It was bound to skyrocket.
Mo Yuwei's smug face flashed in her mind, and Su Meilin clenched her teeth subtly.
She would finally surpass that arrogant woman.
One ring.
Two rings.
Old Master Liang's brows furrowed.
On the third ring, the call was answered.
"Where are you?" he barked gruffly.
Liang Yexuan's voice came through, cool and curt. "I'm busy. Why?"
Old Master Liang's face hardened. "Come home now."
"I'm busy." came the curt response.
"Busy? I told you to come home. Now." Old Master Liang barked.
"I'll come later," he said. "I have something to deal with first."
"Always something to deal with. One day that temper of yours will—"
But the line cut off.
Old Master Liang stared at the phone screen in disbelief. "He… hung up?" he muttered.
"He hung up!" the old man said again, louder this time, his tone filled with indignation. "This brat—!"
Su Meilin's heart sank slightly.
He's not coming?
However, she quickly reached for his hand. "Grandpa, please calm down. Don't get angry. It's okay. Let's go together. Maybe he really is tied up with work."
Su Meilin put on a soft smile, but inside, she was fuming.
A pity… It would've been perfect if Yexuan joined them. But then again, being seen with Old Master Liang was no less valuable.
After all, appearing close to one's future in-laws in public had its own power.
The Liang family's patriarch favoring her so openly... it was almost better.
She gently patted the old man's hand.
—
But there was something else gnawing at her heart.
Fear.
Eric and William had not contacted her again since that day.
She had half-suspected her grandfather's sudden collapse today had something to do with them... but she couldn't be sure.
The name "Obsidian Fangs" still made her shudder.
The Obsidian Fangs... she never should have crossed them.
Her assistant's investigation had unearthed terrifying truths. The organization was rumored to be buried deep in the underworld.
Ruthless. Invisible. Untouchable.
They called their origin region Ashantiya, a land in the heart of the mysterious continent to the south, cloaked in legend and warfare.
Ashantiya was a place whispered about in elite circles, where power reigned and mercy was weakness.
Twenty years ago, they vanished mysteriously, and the world thought they were no more.
But five years ago, they rose again—this time more daring, more vicious, and untouchable.
Stories whispered of cities brought to silence, entire companies collapsing overnight, bodies vanishing without a trace.
And she… had provoked them.
Why did she even entertain Eric and William that night?
If only she'd said no. If only she hadn't been so arrogant.
Now, she feared for her life.
No... there was only one shield she had left.
Liang Yexuan.
Even though she wasn't sure.
But it was better than nothing.
She needed him. Badly.
Even if he didn't love her.
Even if he never would.
She closed her eyes briefly, composing herself.
If she was seen beside him long enough, even Obsidian Fangs might pause.
She exhaled slowly.
Liang Yexuan was cold, yes—but powerful. Respected. Feared even.
And right now, that was exactly what she needed.
Maybe... just maybe... if she hadn't been so reckless...
But there was no time for regret.
She brushed her hair behind her ear and smiled at Old Master Liang.
"Shall we go?"
He gave one last look at his phone before nodding.
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