Chapter 105: An Offer Impossible to Refuse

About half an hour later, there was a knock at the door.

A man walked in; it was Jiang Zhongtao. He wore a smile, but the sleek, composed air he once possessed was gone, replaced by an expression of fawning sycophancy.

"Mr. Cheng, you summoned me?" Jiang Zhongtao asked with a sheepish grin as he stepped into the room.

"Brother Jiang, you’ve come at the perfect time. I have something to tell you. Tomorrow, someone will come to find you and take you to meet a certain person. Just follow their instructions."

Jiang Zhongtao’s expression shifted, clearly betraying a hint of fear. "Mr. Cheng..."

"Don't be afraid, Brother Jiang. It's not someone from Jianghai City; they won't do anything to you. Rest assured," Cheng Jiangshan said with a light, reassuring laugh. Jiang Zhongtao’s features visibly relaxed.

"Don't be nervous. I am still waiting for you to return to Jianghai City and take control of the situation once again." Cheng Jiangshan smiled, providing Jiang Zhongtao with another dose of false confidence.

Jiang Zhongtao nodded and said, "Very well, I shall await your good news, Mr. Cheng."

With that, Jiang Zhongtao walked out, and the smile on Cheng Jiangshan’s face vanished in an instant.

***

The next morning, Xiao Ye rose early, got ready, and took Qin Xueer out. To make up for his absence over the past two days, he intended to take her shopping.

Qin Xueer was not a materialistic person; as long as she had what she needed, it was enough. Yet, faced with the dazzling array of jewelry in the display cases, she could not suppress the impulse in her heart. After all, everyone appreciates beauty, and Qin Xueer was no exception.

Her heart was inevitably stirred by the most brilliant necklace on display. The piece was crafted from gold, glowing with a radiant luster, and most importantly, it was set with a massive blue gemstone at its center. The combination made it look exceptionally elegant and luxurious.

The shop assistant, noticing the longing in Qin Xueer’s eyes, approached with a smile. "Miss, you have an excellent eye. This is a limited-edition necklace. There are only a few like it, not just in Jianghai City, but in the entire Jiangnan region. Why don't you try it on?"

Qin Xueer hesitated, looking back and forth, but eventually made up her mind. As the assistant retrieved the necklace from the cabinet, the intensity in her eyes grew.

"Miss, your mask is a bit in the way. Let me help you take it off so you can see how it looks when you try it on." The assistant was very enthusiastic, but at these words, Qin Xueer instinctively took a step back. The atmosphere between them turned awkward.

"Never mind, just try it on like this," Xiao Ye stepped in to smooth things over.

It had to be said, the necklace truly enhanced her appearance. Qin Xueer was dressed in casual attire today, which lacked flair, but the necklace elevated her entire aura to a new level. Xiao Ye stared at her and nodded with satisfaction.

"Sir, if you like this necklace, it can be yours for five hundred thousand," the assistant said.

Xiao Ye responded, but Qin Xueer frowned and spoke up immediately, "That's too expensive, let's forget it." They had just bought a house, and an expensive necklace like this was quite a burden. But to her surprise, Xiao Ye waved his hand to dismiss her concern.

Unable to dissuade him, Qin Xueer left the mall with the necklace in hand. They decided to walk to a place to eat and enjoy the night view of Jianghai City along the way.

As a third-tier city, Jianghai’s nightlife was remarkably prosperous. As the lights came on, the brilliant neon signs adorned the city, lending it a unique charm. Because of its proximity to the port, Jianghai appeared more vibrant than the average city. Xiao Ye felt a sense of wonder; he never expected to return and be by Qin Xueer’s side again.

Just then, his gaze was drawn to the crowd. An elderly man with white hair lay on the ground, delirious. A large crowd had gathered around, but they were merely onlookers; no one stepped forward to help. Xiao Ye sensed the man's breathing was shallow, suggesting a serious condition. If he wasn't treated soon, the situation might turn dire.

Driven by professional habit, Xiao Ye rushed into the crowd and took the old man's hand to check his pulse.

"This young man is so brave!" the onlookers exclaimed, some even recording with their phones.

Xiao Ye checked and felt the pulse was weak. Without hesitation, he repositioned himself and began performing CPR. His movements were steady and forceful—a technique taught to him by Xue Gui that was far more effective than standard methods.

His efforts paid off. Soon, the old man slowly regained consciousness. Upon seeing Xiao Ye, he grabbed his hand.

"Sir, don't be nervous. I'm performing CPR on you. Do you remember fainting just now?" Xiao Ye tried to converse with him to check his mental state. He also noticed that although the old man was dressed simply, there was a distinctive air of authority about him.

The old man caught his breath and stood up. Seeing that he was fine, the crowd dispersed.

"Thank you, young man. If it weren't for you, these old bones of mine would have been left here," the old man said, clearly moved, his hand still gripping Xiao Ye's arm.

"It was just some common knowledge, nothing worth mentioning," Xiao Ye replied with a calm smile.

At that moment, Qin Xueer appeared. Xiao Ye had been in such a hurry that he had momentarily forgotten all about her.

"Xiao Ye, are you okay?" Qin Xueer asked with concern.

"I'm fine. You drive home first; I'll take the old gentleman to the hospital for a check-up," Xiao Ye said, moving to help the man up.

To his surprise, the man waved him off and flagged down a taxi. "I'm not going to the hospital. Just take me home."

Xiao Ye was puzzled by this, but seeing the look in the old man's eyes, he didn't protest. They got into the taxi, and the old man began to chat.

"Sigh, I'm old, and it's normal to have ailments. I'm just worn out!" The old man spoke with a dejected tone, like a child who had done something wrong.

Xiao Ye pondered quietly. The man was quite elderly, yet his speech was very intimate. Most importantly, why did he refuse to go to the hospital? Filled with questions, Xiao Ye chatted with him for the duration of the ride, until the taxi stopped in front of a villa.

"Come on, young man. If you don't mind, come inside and have a seat." The old man insisted. Since Xiao Ye still had his own questions, he followed him into the villa.

The house was large, though the furniture was quite modest. The old man brought out a teacup and brewed some tea for Xiao Ye.

"Young man, may I ask your name?"

"Xiao Ye."

"Xiao Ye? What is your relationship to the Xiao family?"

"That is my family," Xiao Ye said with a smile, taking a sip of water.

The old man froze, his expression instantly turning sorrowful. "I never imagined you were a descendant of the Xiao family. I..."

"It seems our paths were destined to cross after all," the man, Mr. Liu, said, picking up his cup. "Xiao Ye, I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you to come here."

Xiao Ye nodded, waiting for an explanation.

"The doctors have given me a death sentence for this illness. If I faint one more time, I’ll essentially be ready for a burial shroud. But you saved me."

Xiao Ye’s expression grew strange; he hadn't expected such a situation.

"This is a hereditary family illness. I’ve seen countless doctors, but none could cure it. I’ve just been lucky to survive to this age."

"Mr. Liu, I think I understand what you mean, but it really was just a coincidence." Xiao Ye instinctively wanted to decline; this was something he truly couldn't help with.

"You have your reservations, and I have mine. After all these years, I have an excellent eye for people. Your gaze is profound and calculating, yet you harbor no malice. You have no interest in wealth or fame, am I right?" The old man smiled, a fox-like craftiness flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry, whether you can help me or not, I will offer you a condition you cannot refuse."

Xiao Ye felt helpless. Perhaps this old man was an old acquaintance of the Xiao family, and he didn't want to burn bridges or end things on a sour note.

Just then, a voice came from upstairs. "Grandpa, didn't I tell you not to wander off? If you want to go out next time, just say so; why go out by yourself?"

A woman with a seductive figure and revealing clothes walked down the stairs. Xiao Ye was surprised; she was quite attractive, but her attire was surprisingly casual.

"Xia, you've come at just the right time. This is Xiao Ye. Despite his youth, he is my savior."

Liu Xia looked at Xiao Ye with a confused expression. At first glance, she seemed like an ordinary person, but upon closer observation, Xiao Ye noticed a shadow on her lungs—even more severe than the old man's.

"Are you lacking manners? Staring at people the moment you meet?" Liu Xia scolded, her face flushing. At first, she had found him quite handsome, with his refined features and dashing demeanor, but his gaze toward her chest had instantly destroyed any favorable impression.

Mr. Liu knew Xiao Ye was examining her condition, so he quickly said, "Don't speak like that. He surely has his reasons. He is my savior, so show some respect!"

"What kind of way is that to examine someone? He's just a lecher," Liu Xia remarked with dissatisfaction.

Xiao Ye was momentarily at a loss for words; he had only been curious.

"Xiao Ye, my granddaughter may have inherited my temper, but she is a good person. You'll see as you get to know each other," the old man said with a smile before heading to the kitchen.

Xiao Ye felt unprecedentedly awkward. Liu Xia was watching him with a wary gaze, as if he might do something inappropriate at any moment.