WHOOSH!!
A luxury sedan sped down the highway.
Behind the wheel of the luxury car sat a beautiful woman in sunglasses, her long hair pinned up high, revealing a delicate, fair face.
Beside her was a man with a well-proportioned build and handsome features, wearing a black casual T-shirt.
"I never thought your Nanjiang Zhou Clan had members outside of Nanjiang."
Lin Heng, sitting in the passenger seat, asked the woman in sunglasses, Zhou Zhiyao.
"Yes, his situation is a bit special. He's not actually from our branch of the family, but my granduncle's grandson.
My grandfather's family was poor when he was young. He and his two brothers made a living foraging from the sea. They made enemies and were attacked one day while at sea. The three of them jumped into the ocean to escape and got caught in a current. My great-granduncle unfortunately drowned, while my granduncle was separated from my grandfather. To escape their enemies, my grandfather changed his name, fled to Nanjiang, and lost all contact with him.
Those were years of constant turmoil, so there was no way to find him. It wasn't until recent years, when our Zhou Clan's shipping business grew, that we were able to use our connections to find his descendants. Unfortunately, of my granduncle's line, only my cousin remains."
Zhou Zhiyao said with a sigh.
"So that's how it is."
Lin Heng sighed and nodded, his thoughts seemingly drifting back to that chaotic era Zhou Zhiyao described.
"My cousin is a bit... different. Perhaps because his parents died when he was young, he's rather stubborn and eccentric. Even after our families reconnected, he doesn't seem to want much to do with our branch. He doesn't want our concern or financial support, either. He only makes a trip to Nanjiang once a year for Grandfather's birthday banquet.
But even though he has a strange personality, he's quite capable. He became a lecturer at Wuhai University at a young age, all through his own efforts. He may not be fabulously wealthy or on a fast track to success, but you could say he has a successful career."
Zhou Zhiyao said with a smile.
"From what you're saying, it's true. Losing his parents young, with no one to help or guide him, he struggled all on his own. To get where he is today at such a young age… he's practically one of society's elites. I'm actually quite interested in meeting him."
An interested look appeared on Lin Heng's face.
"Ha, you'll probably be disappointed. My cousin is cold as ice and has a 'stay away from me' vibe. It's a struggle even for me to talk to him. He has his own career now and is living a good life, so we don't really want to disturb him. But this time is different. You know how the Jingchen Group operates. This is our Zhou Clan's first time taking our shipping business overseas. With a deal this big, there's no telling what kind of tricks they'll pull."
"So, just in case, we came here to insist that my cousin come stay in Nanjiang for a few days, at least until your master settles things once and for all. But knowing my cousin's personality, I doubt he'll agree so easily. That's why I might have to trouble you to… get your hands dirty."
Zhou Zhiyao said, looking at Lin Heng.
"You want me to do *that*? That's a good way to make an enemy. I thought I was coming here to make a friend."
Lin Heng said with a hint of resignation.
"I have no choice. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I'll explain and apologize to him afterward. Once this is all over, I'll treat you to a great meal."
Zhou Zhiyao said with a light laugh.
"Alright, when Miss Zhou asks for something, how can I refuse? By the way, what's your cousin's name?"
Lin Heng asked with a shrug.
"Zhou Yuanjue."
...
...
RING RING RING!!
Having just finished a simple meditation in his bedroom, Zhou Yuanjue heard his phone ring again.
'Why is so much happening today?'
Seeing the name "Zhou Zhiyao" on the screen, Zhou Yuanjue frowned.
"Hello? What is it?"
Zhou Yuanjue answered the phone and asked bluntly.
"Cousin, your big sister doesn't like hearing that. Can't I just call to see how you're doing...?"
Zhou Zhiyao's voice came through the phone, but before she could finish, Zhou Yuanjue hung up.
"Damn it, he hung up on me again... That guy! You saw that, right? He's so infuriating!!"
Outside Zhou Yuanjue's small villa, Zhou Zhiyao, still in the luxury car, was cut off mid-sentence. Listening to the dial tone, her face twitched, and she looked like she was about to lose it.
"Er... he certainly has a strong personality..."
Lin Heng said with a dry cough, a polite but awkward smile on his face.
"That guy... Later, you can help me teach him a lesson!"
Zhou Zhiyao said, her pretty face stern. Nevertheless, she redialed Zhou Yuanjue's number.
After a few rings, the call connected again.
"This is important! I'm at your gate! Come out!"
After barking out those words, Zhou Zhiyao hung up without waiting for a reply.
On the other end, listening to the dial tone, Zhou Yuanjue nodded.
'That's more like it. Why not just get straight to the point? Beating around the bush is a complete waste of time.'
He changed into a half-sleeve shirt, covering the nearly healed, scabbed-over bullet wound, and walked out of the villa.
Opening the door, he saw Zhou Zhiyao and Lin Heng waiting for him in front of a car.
"So, you came all the way to my house. What's the matter?"
Zhou Yuanjue glanced at Lin Heng, who was leaning against the car, then spoke to Zhou Zhiyao.
"I know your personality, so I'll get straight to the point. I came here on Grandfather's orders. Our group is currently competing with another major corporation for an overseas partnership. Our opponent's tactics are rather despicable, and Grandfather is worried they might try to get to us through you. So, he wants you to go to Nanjiang and stay for a few days, until this is all over."
Zhou Zhiyao said to Zhou Yuanjue with a solemn expression.
"If that's what this is about, you don't need to worry. Just make sure you all stay safe."
Zhou Yuanjue said, shaking his head.
"Yuan Jue, this is different from before. There's real, significant danger. You're a teacher. You deal with mainstream society, where everything is civil and any grievances are handled within the system and its framework. You might not understand the darker side of society. When driven by profit, there are often no rules. Those people are capable of anything."
Zhou Zhiyao said with a frown.
"I know you mean well, but it's really not necessary to go to all this trouble. I have my own plans for the time being. Let's just leave it at that. Thank you for making the trip."
Zhou Yuanjue shook his head and turned to walk back to the villa. 'If even I'm in danger, then the entire Zhou Clan is truly finished. At that point, it wouldn't matter where I was.'
Zhou Zhiyao gave Lin Heng a helpless look. Lin Heng shrugged, straightened up, took two steps forward, and reached out to grab Zhou Yuanjue's shoulder.
"Friend, your cousin is just looking out for you. It's wise to listen to advice. You'd better come with us."