The City’s Strongest Son-in-law Chapter 1204 - 1203: The Gu Family’s Future

"How is your grandfather doing these days? Is he in good health?" Su Changfeng inquired.

"He’s quite well, but ever since you departed, he hasn’t seemed as spirited," Qing’er responded, a hint of displeasure coloring her tone.

Su Changfeng let out a soft chuckle. "What are you saying? Grandpa isn’t a child. Does it truly matter to you if he’s lively or not?"

"Oh, and by the way, brother, there’s something else I absolutely must tell you," Qing’er said, casting a furtive glance at Zhenhua.

Su Changfeng, understanding her hesitation, suggested, "Very well, let’s take a stroll outside together."

"Okay," Qing’er agreed, taking Su Changfeng’s hand. She walked close beside him, and anyone unaware of their relationship might have mistaken them for a couple.

Once they were away from the villa, Su Changfeng probed, "What is it that you feel you must conceal from Zhenhua?"

"Brother, have you heard any of the recent gossip from Jiang City?" Qing’er asked.

"No, as you know, I’ve only just returned," Su Changfeng replied.

"Recently, whispers have been circulating that my sister was out indulging recklessly while you were away, and that’s why she fell ill. You have no idea the stir this has caused," Qing’er explained.

Upon hearing this, a murderous glare flickered in Su Changfeng’s eyes. Someone dared to tarnish Han Xue’s reputation in such a manner, and they hailed from Jiang City? Did they court their own demise?

"So you already know who is responsible?" Su Changfeng inquired.

"Yes, they were Shen Donglin and Shen Siwen. They orchestrated this entire malicious scheme," Qing’er stated indignantly. The mere thought of them made her blood boil; a hundred deaths would not suffice to atone for smearing Han Xue’s name.

Su Changfeng let out a cold sneer. He had initially believed that after all the previous conflicts, they would have learned their lesson and ceased causing trouble. Considering his influence in Jiang City, what could they possibly do against him?

Yet, he had never anticipated they would be so audacious as to target Han Xue. It appeared they were in dire need of a stern lesson to finally mend their ways.

"I understand. I will handle this matter personally," Su Changfeng declared.

Qing’er playfully stuck out her tongue. She hadn't expected Su Changfeng to return so soon, and had already enlisted Zhu Lie to deal with the troublemakers.

"Actually, brother, I’ve already instructed Zhu Lie to deal with them thoroughly," Qing’er admitted with a hint of guilt, looking at Su Changfeng.

Thoroughly dealt with?

Su Changfeng’s brow furrowed. It was no wonder Qing’er had wished to speak with him away from Zhenhua. After all, Donglin and Siwen were Zhenhua’s younger relatives. If Zhenhua were to discover this, he would likely feel quite disheartened.

However, the situation had already transpired, and he couldn’t fault Qing’er. Furthermore, Donglin and Siwen had brought this misfortune entirely upon themselves.

"No need to worry. Since it’s already been taken care of, let’s just leave it at that," Su Changfeng said.

Seeing that Su Changfeng was not upset, Qing’er breathed a sigh of relief. But his subsequent words caused a flicker of unease to resurface.

"I always perceived you as a simple and innocent girl, but it seems you possess a rather decisive nature when it comes to taking action!" Su Changfeng remarked.

Qing’er pouted slightly. "Brother, I was simply overcome with anger. How dare they spread such vile rumors about my sister! If I hadn’t retaliated, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep peacefully."

"I’m not criticizing you; I’m commending you," Su Changfeng replied with a smile.

"Commending me?" Qing’er looked a little perplexed, not quite feeling as though she was being praised.

Su Changfeng placed a hand on Qing’er’s shoulder. "You are the sole heir of the Gu Family. Though you are a daughter, the future of the Gu Family ultimately rests upon your shoulders. The more capable you prove yourself to be, the brighter the Gu Family’s future will become. I am indeed praising you."

"Brother, what are you saying? It’s not as if we lack other relatives," Qing’er protested softly.

"The Gu Family is your grandfather’s life’s work. Which other relatives could possibly compare to you? Your grandfather likely entrusted the future of the Gu Family to you long ago," Su Changfeng stated.

Qing’er fell unusually silent upon hearing this. She had never previously considered the future of the Gu Family in relation to herself, especially since she was merely a girl.

"Brother, are you speaking the truth? Would my grandfather truly entrust the Gu Family to me?" Qing’er asked, her voice filled with a mix of doubt and hope.

"He dedicated so much effort to building it. If he were to hand it over to someone else, do you believe he would be willing?" Su Changfeng replied with a gentle smile.

Qing’er found his reasoning sound and nodded with newfound resolve. "Brother, if Grandpa truly chooses me, I vow not to let him down."

"Since you’ve made such a promise, come along with me," Su Changfeng said.

"Brother, I had actually planned to introduce someone to you. He is currently waiting just outside the villa," Qing’er mentioned.

"You little rascal; it seems you didn’t just come to visit Han Xue, you had other intentions!" Su Changfeng chuckled.

Facing Su Changfeng, Qing’er felt no need to play coy or employ any tricks. She stated plainly, "My primary reason for coming was to see my sister. Introducing someone was merely an added benefit. If you do not wish to meet him, I will have him leave at once."

"Since you’ve brought him along, we shall meet him," Su Changfeng decided.

After giving instructions, Su Changfeng retreated to ensure no one would disturb Han Xue, regardless of any noises or events originating from the chamber.

Beyond the confines of the Immortal Mist Mountain Villa District.

Cheng Hao’s anticipation grew as he waited outside. Qing’er had unexpectedly brought him to this location, stating he would meet Su Changfeng, a prospect that filled him with considerable unease. After all, Su Changfeng had ascended to become a prominent figure in Jiang City. How could anyone remain composed when facing such an individual?

The Cheng Family, within Jiang City's landscape, could barely manage to enter the periphery of the influential circles. Cheng Hao was acutely aware that these true powerhouses would likely pay no heed to an obscure family like the Chengs.

Yet, due to Qing’er, he was now granted an audience with someone of Su Changfeng's stature – an opportunity he wouldn't have dared to even contemplate previously.

Upon observing Su Changfeng and Qing’er approaching, Cheng Hao was seized by a wave of nervousness, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists to quell his rising anxiety.

"Brother, this is Cheng Hao. Were it not for his intervention, the defamatory rumors surrounding my sister would not have been so swiftly dispelled," Qing’er explained proactively.

Cheng Hao found himself swallowing hard, his heart pounding as if it might escape his chest.

"Brother... Brother Ye," Cheng Hao stammered, his gaze fixed downwards, unable to meet Su Changfeng’s eyes.

In reality, Qing’er had already provided Su Changfeng with a comprehensive account of the preceding events prior to their arrival. He was fully apprised of the methods Cheng Hao employed to extract information from Shen Siwen.

It had to be acknowledged, Cheng Hao's approach was remarkably effective, not only succeeding in extracting the desired intelligence from Shen Siwen but also subjecting her to a devastating downfall from her previous status.

However, this unfortunate turn of events was entirely of Shen Siwen's own making. Had she contented herself with a modest life, eschewing aspirations of marrying into wealth, she would never have fallen prey to Cheng Hao’s machinations.

"There's no need for such apprehension. Do I appear particularly fearsome?" Su Changfeng inquired with a gentle smile.

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