Unknown Intrusion

Chapter 54 The boss is here
Someone was sent in to report that Wu Xiuyi was still accompanying Xu Cheng.

"My grandfather started with a farm, speculated on agricultural commodity futures, and eventually amassed a huge fortune and made many friends."

"After retiring, I would hold a banquet every month to entertain old friends who came to visit from all over the country. Over time, it turned into a club."

"However, in recent years, because we have always been promoting beef and cheese, we have unknowingly become a cheese enthusiasts club."

Xu Cheng nodded in agreement; this was indeed a way to expand one's network.

"The food here is indeed of higher quality than elsewhere, especially the cheese, which is exceptionally delicious and even surpasses what is rumored."

"Mr. Wu's business is so prosperous thanks to this banquet. It is not surprising that he has achieved such results after going to such great lengths to promote his products."

Xu Cheng spoke very sincerely.

"Flying Whale Flag also needs to improve its meals, and there are actually quite a few children. However, I can only make a recommendation for now, and we will increase the order depending on the situation."

Wu Xiuyi nodded repeatedly: "Thank you so much. I would be more than happy to receive your recommendation. To get orders, we will naturally rely on the flavor and quality."

After exchanging pleasantries and Wu Xiuyi's figure disappeared, Xu Cheng finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"What a hassle, I don't care about the flavor of the cheese at all."

However, as an official of the Flying Whale Banner, he still has the power to simply recommend and sample food.

He took out his pocket watch from his coat pocket and rallied his spirits.

"The time has come; I can finally pay my respects to Elder Wu."

Led by the maid, Xu Cheng arrived at the door of the study, which was located in a secluded place far from the banquet hall.

Through the study window, one can see the vast forest and wheat fields in the backyard of the mansion, all of which belong to the Wu family.

"Alas, my Xu family used to have one, but now, only one manor remains."

Xu Cheng was very envious, including Wu Xiuyi. He had the same carefree and elegant demeanor as Wu Xiuyi, who was busy with his family business.

After all, the Xu family has already been nominated for a knighthood.

But now, there's nothing left.

Xu Cheng felt a bitter taste in his mouth and wanted to know why.

Upon entering, Xu Cheng removed his hat and bowed. In the center of the room was a very comfortable sofa chair, on which an elderly man with white hair was lying.

"You've come..." The old man's voice was hoarse and weak, but he seemed to be in good spirits.

“I’m sorry, it’s not right to disturb the patient.” Xu Cheng walked towards the old man, bowed again, and then stopped. His voice was hesitant. “But, I heard from someone else that you know… about my grandfather before he passed away.”

A slight smile appeared on his withered, wrinkled face. The old man looked at him and fell into memories.

“You are very much like your grandfather. I only know so much about what happened back then… I will tell you what I know.”

"I am truly grateful that you agreed," Xu Cheng said sincerely.

"Your grandfather, Xu Jin, was very capable and talented." The old man seemed to recall: "He was also very good at seizing opportunities. As far as I know, he got in touch with a certain big shot in his early years."

"No wonder!"

Upon hearing his words, Xu Cheng's expression hardened; he was well aware of the power of the nobility.

My grandfather was originally just a farmer and a Flying Whale Flag cadre, but he rose to prominence in a short period of more than ten years, almost becoming the head of the Flying Whale Flag, serving as a city councilor, and even submitting the family crest to the council for review. There must have been some driving force behind this.

“Your grandfather was very good at making friends. Our Wu family club is still based on what your grandfather taught us. He was also generous and kind-hearted. But he had one major flaw: he was too trusting of his friends.”

"Or rather, they're too eager to expand their network."

"Could it be..."

Xu Cheng's facial muscles twitched, and he asked.

"He was deceived... He signed a guarantee for someone... But the other party was a human smuggler and organ trafficker, and it's said that he was also suspected of blood sacrifice!" At this point, the old man coughed violently. His illness seemed to have been rendered ineffective by medicine, and his phlegm was tinged with blood.

The maid gently patted his back, and the servant immediately poured him a glass of water and handed it to him. The old man took the glass with trembling fingers and then said, "You should know in your heart... your grandfather has no way to defend himself..."

"To say that one is truly innocent, completely uninvolved, and completely unaware, is impossible."

"However, the fact that you are still alive and well, and that the Xu family has preserved their last ancestral property, shows that your family has indeed not been too deeply involved."

Xu Cheng fell silent, recalling the old man in the temple, and speaking of which, it was his maternal grandfather's reprimand.

"Degeneration, degeneration, do you understand?"

So that's how it is," Xu Cheng understood with a touch of melancholy.

"So, the friend who betrayed him should still be around, right?"

"This answer..." the old man gasped for breath, "Brother Xu actually did me a great favor, I can tell you..."

"Thank you!" Xu Cheng didn't ask why he hadn't been told before. He said with a serious expression, "Wu Xiuyi and I hit it off immediately. I promised you that I would treat him as a friend and I will never break my promise."

"Good, good, it really looks like it!" the old man murmured, as if a face was superimposed on his own. He waved his hand and said, "Come closer, I'll tell you!"

Even at home, the elderly are very cautious.

Without hesitation, Xu Cheng approached and listened to the whispers.

"So that's how it is, it was the boss..." After a moment, Xu Cheng murmured after hearing the account, his heart still heavy despite having expected it: "Grandfather... was too hasty... it was Grandfather who made the mistake."

"But if it weren't for him, my family might not have ended up like this."

The boss is an enemy. No, strictly speaking, the boss was just a pawn back then. It was someone else—someone with more power—who actually made the move.

Nobles?
Realizing this, Xu Cheng's heart sank as heavily as lead.

The young man from the Su family didn't lie, but the truth was so heavy to bear. Fortunately, he had already made preparations before this trip...

A slightly hurried footstep came down the corridor, followed by a knock. Then the door opened, and the person's gaze swept across the room before settling on Xu Cheng.

“Mr. Xu, you’re still here!” The man standing at the door was Wu Xiuyi, the heir of this generation.

"What is it?" Old Master Wu asked, frowning.

"The person you mentioned has arrived!" Wu Xiuyi looked at his grandfather, then turned to Xu Cheng: "He's at the manor, and he brought people with him!"

Although no name was mentioned, Xu Cheng already understood... the boss had found out.

Xu Cheng's eyes turned cold, realizing how closely he was being monitored; even going out was noticed.

However, it's easy to understand why the boss would try to frame the Xu family first, take the blame, and then use his status as a friend and benefactor of his grandfather to make him feel grateful—it's impossible not to be wary.

“I was worried that Mr. Xu might encounter something bad if he met him, so I asked Xiuyi to keep an eye on things beforehand.”

The old man spoke calmly, a cold smile appearing on his face: "Don't worry... he won't dare to cause trouble while staying at my house."

"...But you have to be careful when you go back." The old man also reminded Xu Cheng: "Take advantage of this time and leave through the side door."

"Thank you for your kindness." Xu Cheng said calmly, his heart pounding. He clenched his fists, then slowly relaxed them again.

“But there’s no need.” He slowly straightened up and nodded slightly apologetically. “Before I came to visit, I had thought about it… that this might be the outcome.”

"Now I finally understand."

"He's here, perfect timing, I also have something I want to say to him."

Don't underestimate the Xu family and the Flying Whale Banner. Especially the Flying Whale Banner, which is a fishing guild with considerable power. Even nobles would find it difficult to control them.

　On the new book chart, monthly tickets and following the reader's progress are the most important. Monthly tickets are limited, so please use them according to your means. Following the reader's progress is controllable; try to follow the reader's progress every day and don't let the book sit idle. Also, please use any recommendation tickets you have; don't save them up. Thank you!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)