C7 Return to the Lan Family

Old Master Gu took his place at the head of the table and gestured to the seat beside him, "Mingfeng, come and sit here."

The implication was clear, and the crowd's varied expressions reflected their internal struggles. Despite any reluctance, they kept their feelings to themselves.

Gu Mingfeng moved to the indicated seat and passed a cup of tea to Old Master Gu before inquiring, "Grandfather, what do you know about the situation with the Lan Family?"

As soon as Gu Mingfeng spoke, the others also began to pepper him with questions, driven by concerns about their finances. The commotion nearly drove the old man to his wit's end. Slamming his teacup down, he scolded, "What's the rush? It's the Lan Family that's in trouble, not ours. Why is everyone here more agitated than the Lan Family themselves?"

Chastened by Old Master Gu's reprimand, the room fell silent.

The elder stroked his beard thoughtfully before speaking again, "The Lan Family is keeping tight-lipped; we can't get any information at the moment. It's rumored that there was an accident with her plane on the way back from abroad. There were no fewer than a hundred people on board, and none survived."

"None?" A subtle flicker of emotion passed through Gu Mingfeng's eyes.

Old Master Gu confirmed with a nod, "Yes, and once the funeral is over, the future of the Lan Family will likely be set in stone. We need to send someone to attend. Discuss amongst yourselves who will go."

Reluctance rippled through the crowd. With the situation still murky, visiting the Lan Family seemed like an uncomfortable endeavor. They would rather enjoy their comfort at home.

Old Master Gu's frown deepened as he surveyed the group, his gaze settling on Gu Mingfeng. "Mingfeng, it seems you'll need to make the trip. Besides, I've arranged a marriage for you with the Lan Family, and it's time you met your intended."

He sighed softly, reflecting on his hopes for his grandson. He had always believed that Lan Wu, the Patriarch of the Lan Family, was the only match for his grandson. Yet, every time he mentioned it, he was dismissed as an old man with improper thoughts.

If only Lan Wu had been allied with the Gu Family through marriage, she might never have been on that ill-fated flight.

"Yes, Grandfather!" Gu Mingfeng nodded with grave sincerity.

The other descendants of the Gu family cast furtive glances at the disfigured side of Gu Mingfeng's face, barely concealing their smirks. With such a visage, which woman from the Lan Family would dare to marry him?

Despite its outwardly cordial facade, the Gu family was rife with fierce internal strife for power and position.

Marrying into another family could tip the scales in one's favor, and this was precisely the path the Old Master Gu had laid out to ensure Gu Mingfeng's smooth succession.

"Grandfather, I want to come too!" Lin Qingwan suddenly emerged, clinging to the old man's arm with a flattering smile, "I've never visited the Lan Family either. Since Second Brother is going, I'd like to tag along for the excitement."

"Qingwan!" Gu Mingfeng's voice was stern, "I'm going to the Lan Family on official business, not for leisure."

Lin Qingwan scoffed, "I overheard Grandfather. You're off to meet your betrothed at the Lan Family. I want to meet my future sister-in-law too!"

Before Gu Mingfeng could interject, the Old Master Gu casually gestured, "If the young lady wishes to have some fun, then take her along. It's far better than moping around at home."

Lin Qingwan was already aware of Gu Mingfeng's intended. In her previous life, she had been the Patriarch of the Lan Family, and the bride-to-be was her own cousin, Lan Yan.

She had consented to the match, seeing the alliance as beneficial for both families. Besides, Lan Yan was known for her capricious and headstrong nature, having caused her fair share of scandals for the Lan Family. Lin Qingwan had long been eager to send her packing.

After two days adrift at sea, Gu Mingfeng and Lin Qingwan arrived at the Lan Family estate in the afternoon.

The island was a stronghold of the Lan Family's enterprises, with skyscrapers dotting the landscape and a network of roads bustling with traffic—a testament to the prosperity of a first-class metropolis.

Lin Qingwan gazed at her surroundings, a touch of wistfulness in her eyes. This empire was the fruit of her own labor, yet it was no longer hers.

The Lan Family had been informed of their arrival in advance. A top-of-the-line luxury car awaited at the port, flanked by two rows of men in black suits. The Lan Family's venerable butler emerged from the vehicle. At first sight of Gu Mingfeng's marred face, he showed a flicker of surprise but quickly regained his composure, bowing slightly, "Second Young Master Gu, our family is in the midst of mourning for the late Patriarch. I regret that I can only offer you a humble welcome. Please accept our apologies."

Former Patriarch?

Lin Qingwan overheard this and a cold smirk played on her lips. It appeared that the Lan Family had swiftly appointed a new patriarch in such a short span of time.

Her recent plane accident, she mused, was likely not without ties to this new leader.

Gu Mingfeng and Lin Qingwan approached the opulent vehicle dispatched by the Lan Family. The men in black suits flanking them were visibly taken aback by the sight of Gu Mingfeng's marred visage.

Yet, they only allowed a flicker of surprise to pass through their eyes before a palpable aura of menace emanated from Gu Mingfeng, his gaze harboring an oppressive force that seemed capable of annihilation. The men's hearts skipped a beat, and they quickly averted their eyes, shrouded in trepidation.