The landline in the living room rang.
Chu Junyu and Nangong Yichen exchanged a glance, as if they could guess who was calling.
Nangong Yehen's gaze darkened. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and picked up the receiver.
"Nangong Manor." The four words came out cold and devoid of warmth.
If his two little treasures could guess who was calling, how could he not?
But precisely because he had guessed, his tone and attitude were chillingly cold.
"Master Nangong, I apologize for the abrupt visit and the intrusion."
On the other end of the line, Gong Liye's voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, warm and polite.
Nangong Yehen curled his lips into a cold smile. "I've heard you've come to T City on business. I was just thinking of inviting you to a meal."
"I was thinking the same. Master Nangong, why not make it today? There's no time like the present."
Nangong Yehen gave a faint smile. "You set the time and place, Master Gong."
"I've heard Nangong Manor is an impressive estate. I wonder if I might have the pleasure of visiting."
"You are most welcome!"
After hanging up, Chu Junyu stepped forward. "Dad, you could have put it off a few days."
Nangong Yehen smiled at him. "Gong Liye is not someone to be trifled with. We can't afford to offend him. If I delayed, he'd only grow more suspicious."
Since he couldn't find any information through outside hospitals, it was only natural for Gong Liye to come knocking.
"If he finds out that you were the one trying to steal the hanging pearl, he'll definitely scheme against you behind your back. If anything happens to you, he could seize the opportunity to take over T City and P City, controlling the economies of the three major cities. Then he wouldn't just be the king of K City—he'd be the king of the entire Wu Kingdom," Chu Junyu said.
Nangong Yehen ruffled his hair. "Your analysis is spot on."
He wasn't necessarily bound to lose to Gong Liye, but he wouldn't be foolish enough to confront him head-on.
Though Gong Liye was only the king of K City, controlling its economy, K City alone accounted for half of the entire Wu Kingdom's economy. It was the capital—a major city!
Thus, Gong Liye was a formidable figure with immense ambition.
Of course, he wouldn't dare to clash directly with Nangong Yehen either.
Both knew full well that a direct confrontation would lead to mutual destruction.
Without absolute certainty, it was best for them to coexist peacefully.
Otherwise, when both sides were weakened, a third party could swoop in and reap the benefits—like the fisherman who catches the clam and the snipe.
Men like Nangong Yehen and Gong Liye were far too clever to let someone else gain an easy advantage.
"When he arrives, we must treat him well."
Nangong Yichen, who rarely spoke, raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at Nangong Yehen as he spoke, his expression thoughtful.
"Of course we'll treat him well. Let your Lingzhi handle the ingredients for the dishes," Nangong Yehen said, looking at them.
**
The dishes were exceptionally lavish and extravagant, like a full imperial banquet.
All the ingredients were prepared by Chu Lingzhi, with several chefs handling the cooking.
Lobster, abalone, sardines, small yellow croaker, and a variety of vegetables and fruits...
Nangong Yehen had injuries, and certain seasonings were off-limits. Chu Lingzhi had informed the chefs.
No dish was to include seasonings that would affect Nangong Yehen's recovery.
Chu Lingzhi also told Nangong Yehen which foods he should avoid.
During the meal, he just had to be mindful.
At noon, a line of expensive, luxurious black sedans drove into Nangong Manor, a grand spectacle.
The cars parked in a row in front of the villa where Nangong Yehen lived.
The door of the second car's driver's side opened, and a burly black-clad bodyguard stepped out. He walked around, opened the rear door, and stood respectfully, waiting for his master to alight.
A gleaming black leather shoe appeared.