Chapter 86: The Zhou Family's Banquet

"Master, do you really think that man can cure Keming's eyes?" After carrying her brother back to his room, Xia Yubing returned to the living room and looked at Zhong Jianguo with concern.

"At first, I didn't believe it," Zhong Jianguo replied thoughtfully, "but after seeing his acupuncture techniques, I'm about seventy to eighty percent convinced. Coupled with his profound internal martial arts, there's a good chance."

"What should we do, then? He's the target for the job," Xia Yubing asked again.

"Let's drop it. This man must have a powerful background; it's best not to provoke him," Zhong Jianguo decided after a long silence.

Hearing this, Xia Yubing exhaled deeply. Truthfully, she didn't want to harm the person treating her brother's eyes. After a moment, she remembered something else. "There's just one thing—I promised him something."

"What is it?"

"I agreed to kill someone for him, as compensation for attacking him," Xia Yubing said.

"Who?"

"He wants me to deal with the person who hired the assassin to kill him. He said I should wait until he finds out who it is," Xia Yubing explained.

Zhong Jianguo nodded. "It's just one person. When the time comes, let me handle it."

"I made the promise—I'll do it myself," Xia Yubing insisted.

Zhong Jianguo shook his head. "You should lie low for now. Something's off lately; the number of assassination jobs has increased sharply. I have a bad feeling."

"What's wrong?" Xia Yubing asked, frowning.

"I suspect our handler is issuing assignments outside the organization," Zhong Jianguo replied.

Xia Yubing didn't grasp the severity of the problem. "Is that really serious?"

"Very serious. The organization might conduct an internal purge—we could all become targets for cleaning. From now on, replace all previous contact methods. I bought you a new phone; my number is already in it. Dispose of your old phone—remove the battery and wipe it clean. Stay hidden for a while," Zhong Jianguo said, handing her a classic Nokia phone with long standby time.

Xia Yubing nodded, took the phone, and asked, "Master, are you leaving town again?"

"I need to go. If you run into danger, go to this address; it's a safe house I've prepared," Zhong Jianguo said, scribbling an address and handing it over.

Xia Yubing silently memorized the address, then tore up the paper and threw it in the trash.

...

When Lu Feng returned to Ink Fragrance Residence, Su Daoan scrutinized him and lowered his voice. "You disappeared all day—where were you? No danger, I hope?"

Su Daoan was still worried about Lu Feng being attacked by assassins.

Lu Feng shook his head. "Nothing serious. You're so tense—something happened?"

Su Daoan's expression grew grave. "I've heard rumors—two major syndicates are investigating you. I wonder if it's related to the recent attack."

"Who's looking into me?" Lu Feng asked, frowning.

"New East Society and Bamboo Green Gang. New East Society is one of the three big syndicates in Yangcheng, based in Haizhu District, very powerful and absolutely not to be crossed. Bamboo Green Gang is also formidable, dominating Baiyun District. Both are investigating you, so be careful when you go out," Su Daoan cautioned.

"I have no conflict with either. Why would they investigate me?" Lu Feng asked in confusion.

"Bigmouth Owl wanted to switch to Bamboo Green Gang before, so maybe that's why they're checking you. As for New East Society, I don't know. They look clean on the surface, only legitimate business," Su Daoan replied.

"Got it. I'll be careful," Lu Feng agreed.

"By the way, the Zhou family has invited you to dinner. It's very formal—they sent an invitation and will send a car to pick you up," Su Daoan said, placing a red invitation on the table before Lu Feng.

These bright red invitations are usually used for weddings. Lu Feng opened it curiously—no wedding or birth; it was signed by Old Master Zhou. It seemed he had recovered from illness, and the Zhou family was hosting a banquet in gratitude.

Su Daoan added, "They've invited me, Xiaoyu, and Xiaoqing as well. We should go—the Zhou family is important for us and Yun'an. Remember those two cops who tried to hit you at the station? They've been fired and are under investigation, thanks to the Zhou family's suggestion."

Lu Feng noticed Su Daoan was in high spirits, so he decided to dampen his mood. "You shouldn't get too close to the Zhou family—they're in turmoil."

"Turmoil? What do you mean?" Su Daoan asked.

Lu Feng leaned in and whispered, "Sorcery."

"Old Master Zhou's illness..." Su Daoan began, then stopped.

Lu Feng nodded. "So it's best to be cautious."

Su Daoan frowned, lost in thought. Great families always face internal strife, and when their elder is on the brink, fragmentation follows until someone steps up to hold the clan together.

Of course, even in decline, a camel is bigger than a horse. The Zhou family remains a giant in Yangcheng, their word still law.

...

Su Daoan was sidetracked by Lu Feng's words. After a while, he remembered the main issue and waved Lu Feng over. "The Zhou family sent a formal invitation, so we need to dress properly. Xiaoyu and Xiaoqing are picking out clothes now. Want to join them? Xiaoyu has good taste—let her help you."

"Is it really necessary to be so formal?" Lu Feng complained.

"It is!" Su Daoan replied firmly.

"Fine. Where are they?"

"I don't know which shop they went to. I'll have Assistant Chen drive you over," Su Daoan said.

"Isn't Assistant Chen actually your chauffeur?" Lu Feng muttered.

Assistant Chen, holding the keys, looked embarrassed. "I really am the chairman's assistant. Driving is just one part of my job."

"Not the main part?" Lu Feng said as he opened the car door.

"Young Master Feng, you're so amusing," Assistant Chen smiled.

...

At the Wei Yun flagship store, Su Muyu and Su Muqing were picking out clothes.

Wei Yun isn't an overseas luxury brand but a domestic label specializing in qipao—modern, stylish versions that blend elegance with freshness.

Su Muyu isn't fond of international brands; they're almost everywhere now.

Qipao, especially with fashionable elements, are truly beautiful.

"Sis, this looks gorgeous! You'd be stunning in it," Su Muqing exclaimed, pointing excitedly at a porcelain-blue qipao.

Su Muyu liked it as well—its understated elegance appealed to her. She beckoned a sales assistant over, "May I try this one on?"

The assistant glanced at the dress and hesitated. "This qipao was made to order for another customer..."