Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The Xia Family got in touch with the Gu Family members who were planning to discuss the purchase of that plot of land. However, Xia Haolin suddenly received an express parcel that was sent to his mistress living in the small mansion in the Southern suburbs.
Ever since he received the call, Xia Haolin’s right eyelid had been twitching continuously, and he was overwhelmed with an ominous feeling.
Due to the fact that he had ended up with an illegitimate daughter after having an illicit affair with Xia Ruya’s mother, he had been very careful with his extramarital affairs. No one had found out about them at all even after several years.
Could it be that his affair had been exposed!?!
Xia Haolin broke out into cold sweat, and even his breathing became irregular.
The thought of his mistress’ identity made him feel hopeless. If the Xia Family were to find out about their affair, the Xia Family and Chen Family’s relationship would be over. He was afraid… that they might not even be able to continue being in-laws…
The Xia Family could not afford to lose their connection to the Chen Family yet.
Besides… now that they were in dire straits, they could not be involved in any scandals either. Otherwise, they would be in deep trouble.
Xia Haolin immediately drove to the mansion in the suburbs and got his hands on the parcel, after which he left immediately, not daring to stay another second longer.
Xia Haolin then returned to the Xia Family mansion and hurriedly scrambled back into the study.
After locking the door, he opened the parcel without hesitation, only to realize that it was no bigger than his palm. However, the smaller it was… the more dangerous and suspicious.
After opening the parcel, he opened the box and got a great shock at the instant he saw the photos. He quickly put the lid back on and checked if the door was locked. Still feeling worried, he quickly drew the curtains to make sure they were shut.
He then thumped himself down on the seat, feeling weak and sluggish.
He grabbed the photos and began looking through them, only to discover that they were largely explicit. His hands began to tremble and he broke out in cold sweat.
When he saw the last photo, he was greeted with the words—”If you don’t want others to find out, don’t do it in the first place!”
Fuming with anger, Xia Haolin trembled uncontrollably.
At this moment, his mobile phone began to ring, and the sound of his ringtone was amplified in the soundproof room. The silence of the background made the ringtone sound strangely dull and monotonous. His heart pounded and he whipped out his mobile phone.
The number displayed on the screen belonged to the overseas tycoon who had been discussing with him about that plot of land. After a moment of hesitation, he picked up.
The foreigner said, “Hey, Brother Xia! How have you been considering my offer to buy that plot of land? Brother… I shall be honest with you. I’m offering you a very high price, and I can guarantee that no one will be able to offer more than me!”
Xia Haolin hurriedly chuckled and said, “Mr. Li, I understand that you’ve been very interested in that plot of land that belongs to the Xia Family, but my Father has been the one in charge of that plot of land and I’m not allowed to intervene either. Look… we’ve been friends for so long. Since when have I ever let you down?”
The tycoon was extremely generous, and Xia Haolin could tell that he was an extremely affluent person. The price that he had offered was rather tempting as well. However, the Xia Family wanted to get acquainted with the Gu Family and hence, they had no choice but to turn Mr. Li down.
Mr. Li smiled and said, “Brother, don’t have me on! I heard that your family has been contacting the Gu Family rather frequently lately. You’re planning to sell the plot of land to them, aren’t you? You’re just trying to get close to them, huh?”
Xia Haolin was speechless, shocked to see how sharp Mr. Li was. He had actually guessed the Xia Family’s intentions.
Mr. Li sneered. “Brother! I’m not criticizing you, but your family is really shallow. The Gu Family is powerful and prestigious. You can’t just get close to them because you want to. As the saying goes, ‘Those who work in the same industry are rivals in business.’ Aren’t you afraid of offending the Gu Family by transitioning into a luxurious mall?
“Besides… I heard that the Gu Family is on close terms with the Wen Family. Look at the Ai Shang product launch this time. If it weren’t because of the Gu Family’s support, would the product launch have been so successful? Your family has offended the Wen Family because of Xia Ruya. If I’m not wrong, the Wen Family definitely has something to do with the failure of your family.”
Xia Haolin was dumbfounded, for he did not think of that at all.
Mr. Li continued, “What will you gain from selling your land to the Gu Family? They’re not that kindhearted and they’re no saints. Can you afford to offend the police and the triads? I’m afraid you might get yourself in trouble before you even reap any benefits.”
Suppressing his emotions, Xia Haolin said, “Thank you for your reminder, Mr. Li. However… it’s really not up to me to decide who to sell the land to…”
Xia Haolin found his words to have made sense, and he felt that he ought to give the matter some thought before coming to a decision. Lots of people had their eyes on that plot of land too, and they could find other buyers even if they did not sell it to the Gu Family.
Mr. Li chuckled and said, “Brother Xia, stop giving me these excuses. You didn’t act like this when you drank with me and flirted with women.”
Xia Haolin grew flustered and forced himself to stay calm. “Mr. Li, don’t say that. Like what they always say, even if a business deal fails, we should still keep things platonic!”
Mr. Li’s laughter became sinister and he said, “Brother Xia, don’t embarrass yourself. How’s that mistress you’ve been keeping in that mansion in the Southern suburbs? I gave you a ton of sex toys a few days ago. How’s it going… do you enjoy them? Is your mistress still alive?”
Dumbfounded, Xia Haolin stared at the photos and said in a shaky voice, “Were… were you the one who sent those photos?”
Mr. Li guffawed and exclaimed, “The photos are great, aren’t they!?! I’ve never taken photos of the women I fool around with. Was it thrilling?”
A sullen expression formed on Xia Haolin’s face and he hollered. “Goddamn it!”
He did not expect Mr. Li to be so despicable as to use these photos to threaten him into compliance.
Mr. Li laughed smugly and exclaimed, “Brother Xia, don’t get angry! I just want to buy your family’s land. I’m not interested in exposing your secret. Men… can understand the needs of other men…”
Xia Haolin took a deep breath and got a grip on his emotions. “Why should I believe you?”
Since Mr. Li could threaten him with those photos, there was nothing else he wouldn’t do.
Mr. Li exclaimed, “Hey! Brother Xia, I’m very sincere. We’ve been friends for so long. Why would I harm you?”
Xia Haolin gritted his teeth in anger and thought to himself, He won’t harm me? Who’s the one threatening me now, then? But… now that things have come to this, there’s no way I can turn him down at all. Since others had evidence against him, he would forever be at someone else’s mercy.
Mr. Li continued to ramble on and on.
Xia Haolin said angrily, “Fine, we shall meet at Jiayuan Club tonight.”
