Chapter 421: Well-Played Deception
Chapter 421: Well-Played Deception
December 13, 2024
Gao Ling, who had previously nodded and bowed respectfully, suddenly became stern.
"Hmph!"
The leader of the group had anticipated this situation and took out a thin piece of paper from his briefcase.
At the top, the word "Notice" was boldly printed.
Below it were several lines of small text, and at the bottom, a bright red seal was stamped.
"Take a good look. This is the Patriarch's order. Dare you disobey?"
"The Patriarch's order?"
Gao Ling took the notice from the man's hand.
The thin piece of paper felt as heavy as ten thousand pounds at this moment.
He widened his eyes, carefully reading every word. After reading it once, he read it again and again.
As for the final seal, he only glanced at it, as no one would dare to forge such a thing. After all, it was easy to verify its authenticity by asking someone later.
"Still not done reading?"
The leader of the group asked impatiently. "Do you want to call the Eldest Young Master to confirm? Let me tell you, it's useless. He's already locked up in the confinement room and won't be let out until the Patriarch calms down."
"How, how could this be?"
If he hadn't tried to contact him earlier, Gao Ling wouldn't have believed it at this moment, but now, he was wavering.
The men exchanged glances, and one of them spoke up, "It was that Jiang Cheng who did this to him."
"Jiang Cheng did this?"
Gao Ling was shocked.
"That guy is also a cunning and despicable person. He took advantage of going out with the Eldest Young Master and knocked him out. When the Patriarch found out, he was furious, thinking that Jiang Cheng had disgraced the family. So, he locked him up and even confiscated all his property. Now do you understand? If you cooperate with us, it'll be easier for everyone."
"Wh, what did you say?"
Gao Ling felt like his entire worldview was being turned upside down.
"What do you mean? Wasn't I clear enough just now? If you don't believe me, you'll find out in a couple of days." The man replied irritably.
If it weren't for the need to hand over the task, they would have asked him to pack up and leave already.
Gao Ling's lips trembled.
From the expressions of the men before him, they didn't seem to be lying.
He lowered his head again and looked at the notice in his hand.
So, was Changlin really tricked by Jiang Cheng? But how was that possible?
Forget about Changlin; even he, if he wanted to deal with Jiang Cheng, could do it effortlessly. How could he be outsmarted by the latter?
Moreover, the latter was so timid.
In his eyes, Jiang Cheng was just an honest alchemist, easy to bully.
Usually, when he talked to Jiang Cheng, he would call him 'little brother' affectionately. In reality, it was all an act, allowing the latter to feel at ease and be content as a money-making machine.
"It seems you're still in shock." One of the men glanced at him and said, "That kid is indeed despicable, but he's good at keeping his cool. He's deceived all of you."
"Indeed, even the Eldest Young Master was fooled. I heard that the news has spread to many families, and they're all ridiculing us behind our backs. No wonder the Patriarch is so angry."
"I heard that the Eldest Young Master's treasure was also taken."
"Shh!" The man beside him quickly interrupted his companion and turned to Gao Ling, urging, "Alright, if you have any questions, you can ask around after you go back. We don't have time to wait for you. Hand over the notice and let's go."
Gao Ling had no choice but to comply, even though his mind was still in a daze.
Were they all deceived by Jiang Cheng?
"Then, did Jiang Cheng run away?"
Thinking of this, he hurriedly asked, his heart filled with a mix of humiliation and resentment.
"Are you stupid? Of course, he ran away. The entire family is searching for him. The Patriarch has even issued a bounty notice. Anyone who knows his whereabouts and can confirm it will receive a reward of ten million. If you capture him alive, you'll get a reward of one hundred million!"
Gao Ling's head spun.
"Hahaha, well played! Well played indeed!"
Upon hearing the woman's story, Gu Changjun excitedly slapped the table and exclaimed with delight.
"Mother, it seems that not killing that Jiang kid back then was the right choice. If we had killed him, we wouldn't have this opportunity now."
"Indeed."
A smile spread across Bai Yan's face, unable to contain her joy.
As soon as she received the news, she immediately called Gu Changjun, which spoke volumes.
"That Gu Changlin kid has been locked up in the confinement room for reflection. He won't be coming out for at least a few months. Even if he does, the chances of him competing with us again are slim. Everyone knows about this, and they're all disappointed in him, including your father."
"He's always been an ambitious but incompetent person, relying on the family's support to act like he's something special."
Gu Changjun's face was filled with disdain.
"Jun'er, you can talk like this in front of me, but not outside. Do you understand? Especially not in front of Father."
"Don't worry, Mother. I'm not stupid." Gu Changjun huffed.
"Good."
Bai Yan smiled and nodded. "Actually, this matter isn't as simple as it seems. It's not just about being deceived and losing face outside. It's not enough to make your father this angry."
"Oh? Mother, why is Father so furious?"
Gu Changjun's eyes widened in surprise.
"I can't say."
Bai Yan smiled and shook her head.
"Ah, Mother."
Gu Changjun stepped forward and hugged Bai Yan's right arm, acting like a child seeking attention and shaking her gently.
"Mother, I understand about others, but why are you keeping it a secret from me? If this gets out, others might think I'm not your biological son."
"What nonsense are you talking about? Do you want a spanking?" Bai Yan feigned anger and raised her left hand as if to strike him.
"Mother, I was just joking with you. Please, tell me? I promise I won't tell anyone. I'll keep it a secret." Gu Changjun pleaded repeatedly.
After several minutes of coaxing, Bai Yan couldn't help but laugh and say, "Alright, alright, I'll tell you, but you must not tell anyone else. Understand?"
"Don't worry, Mother. I'll keep it buried deep inside." Gu Changjun said, then urged her to continue.
Bai Yan didn't rush to speak. Instead, she used her psychic energy to scan the surroundings, ensuring no one was eavesdropping. She leaned close to his ear and whispered a few words.
"What! Did Gu Changlin lose...?"
"Shh!"
Bai Yan quickly stopped him. "Keep your voice down. Do you want others to hear?"
"Mother, did Gu Changlin really lose that thing?" Gu Changjun was both shocked and delighted.
"Yes. Otherwise, Father wouldn't be this furious. When he found out, he even had the thought of killing him, but someone stopped him."
Bai Yan explained.
It was clear that she knew so many details because one of the people present was her informant.
"What a pity. We should've slapped him to death right then and there." Gu Changjun sighed.
"It doesn't make much difference."
Bai Yan smiled and said, "If we can get that thing back, it's fine. If not, whether he can stay in the family is questionable. So, your becoming the family head is almost certain. Just remember to stay humble and low-key in your actions from now on. Also, don't tell anyone about what just happened, understand?"
"Mother, you can rest assured." Gu Changjun promised.
(End of Chapter)
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