Chapter 564: Chapter 564: I Will Make Qiao Xi the Target of Public Criticism

The old mansion of the Zhong Family stands majestic and solemn.

It looks very imposing.

The steward had advance knowledge of the situation and was waiting at the villa entrance to show them the way.

“Please come inside, esteemed guests. Today, Mr. Huang is performing acupuncture therapy on the Old Master to care for his health. He is in the living room, this way, please.”

The Zhong Family residence is very large.

The landscaping and arrangements are all very natural and exquisite.

The steward led them past the front building, and only then did they see the main building.

“It’s inside here, please.”

The steward’s etiquette was particularly meticulous.

Qiao Xi, holding Huo Xingzhou’s hand, walked forward, while Old Chen, carrying several valuable boxes, followed behind, his eyes occasionally flashing sharply, memorizing the layout of the area.

The Young Master had said that he could not come here every day in the future, and instructed him to take good care of the Young Madam.

The Zhong Family has good people, also those who seem kind but are ruthless, and even those who are cold-hearted and lack restraint.

The group walked along the exquisitely handmade vintage carpet to the living room.

With a soft voice, the steward reminded, “Old Master, the guests have arrived.”

The Old Master of Zhong Family dressed simply, wearing airy cotton clothes. Yet, his presence was extraordinary, not seeming like an ordinary person at all.

“Please take a seat,” the steward asked them to sit down and then inquired, “What would you two like to drink?”

“We will follow your arrangement; anything you prepare is fine.”

“Alright, then I’ll prepare a cup of tea for the both of you. Our Old Master has recently taken a liking to Dahongpao Tea; perhaps the guests would like to try it as well.”

The Dahongpao Tea of Zhong Family certainly isn’t ordinary; perhaps it comes from a thousand-year-old ancient tea tree, worth thousands of gold per ounce.

The fragrance of the tea pervades.

Assailing the senses.

Mr. Huang finished the acupuncture treatment and, putting the Golden Needles back into the needle case retrieved from Qiao Xi, said, “The Dahongpao Tea of Zhong Family is precious; these younger guests might squander your kindness. Keep your tea and drink it yourself.”

Old Master Zhong’s face displayed a slight smile: “It is a matter of etiquette to serve tea when receiving guests with gifts. I would not want it to spread that the Zhong Family lacks proper manners.”

“My disciple did not come here to exchange pleasantries with you. If it wasn’t for the agreement to spend a month every year for your health maintenance, I wouldn’t be here in the Imperial Capital at all. This year, it indeed feels murky and oppressive. Qiao Xi, let’s go!”

Mr. Huang seemed to be confrontational with everyone, he said, “I’m staying on the third floor, not the same floor as them. You should also not bring gifts in the future, just tell the steward to take you straight up to the third floor. There is also an elevator outside that can go directly to the third floor, which means fewer encounters with them.”

Qiao Xi tugged at the corner of her mouth and smiled slightly, not in a position to say much in front of the Old Master of Zhong Family.

She always felt that his gaze on her was full of scrutiny.

It was somewhat uncomfortable.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, Teacher.”

Following Mr. Huang’s cue, Qiao Xi left with him. Her gaze lingered on Huo Xingzhou.

Old Master Zhong slowly opened his mouth: “What? Both of you husband and wife are also planning to learn medical skills?”

His tone was unkind.

Huo Xingzhou sat on the sofa without moving, his voice carrying a bit of reassurance: “You go ahead, I’ll stay and chat with Old Master Zhong.”

Some things were not suitable to be discussed in front of Qiao Xi.

“Old Chen, follow her and give her a hand.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Upon hearing this, Old Chen didn’t hesitate and followed Qiao Xi upstairs.

The living room quieted down noticeably.

On a tea table covered with a silk cloth, two porcelain tea cups emitted a faintly fragrant aroma.

Old Master Zhong slowly adjusted his sleeves and looked at Huo Xingzhou, saying, “Daring to touch our Zhong Family’s cake, but not daring to drink our Zhong Family’s tea?”

“Hot tea scalds the mouth.”

Huo Xingzhou said calmly as he looked at him.

Old Master Zhong’s eyes, crinkled with wrinkles, narrowed slightly. His voice was slightly hoarse yet vigorous, “You fear the tea might scald your mouth, yet you don’t fear the waters of the Imperial Capital drowning you?”

“We people of Haicheng, born with water in our fate, don’t drown in water. Not to mention the waves and tides of the Xiang Family haven’t drowned me…”

If Haicheng had no water, how could it be called Haicheng.

The likes of Xiang Hai, Xiang Tao, Xiang Huai, Xiang Ze in the Xiang Family, their names are water, yet none managed to drown him!

Adventurers love storms and are best at fishing in troubled waters.

Huo Xingzhou’s tone was unhurried and composed, his demeanor neither servile nor overbearing. He showed respect for the elder but did not compromise his own dignity.

“You really don’t say pleasant things.”

“You are also very blunt when you speak.”

Old Master Zhong changed his position and slowly began peeling a sugared mandarin from the fruit plate.

“Originally, it was me who brought Zhong Yi back from Haicheng, his father and elder brother knew nothing about his past experiences. I gave them a father-son DNA test, making Zhong Yi become a member of the Zhong Family.”

He spoke casually, “I initially only wanted him to continue the Zhong family lineage, but I didn’t expect that boy to have some abilities. However, if he still wants to scheme for a country girl, I will have to make him a tool with no value, just like his father, Zhong Hongfei.”

The mission is to continue the lineage for the Zhong Family.

Huo Xingzhou asked with his hands clasped, “What is the purpose of telling me all this, old sir?”

Old Master Zhong snorted coldly, “Do you think I am unaware of what you do behind my back? If there is a next time, I will make that girl a target of public criticism!”

Once the past between Qiao Xi and Zhong Yi is exposed, how much malice and scheming will Qiao Xi face.

From the Lu Family.

And from Zhong Lingxiao.

As well as some minor forces.

Huo Xingzhou’s smile gradually faded, “Old sir punishes the younger generation poorly, starting to bully my wife. Relying on your age to throw your weight around is not befitting the business tycoon who once dazzled the Imperial Capital. You should take care of Zhong Yi!”

Old Master Zhong slowly spoke, “The Acupuncture Convention is my bottom line. If you plan anything with Zhong Yi again, you need to ask whether I agree.”

The old man carried a commanding air; he wasn’t joking.

He stared at Huo Xingzhou, asserting, “If you wish to enter the Imperial Capital, you cannot climb up by stepping on the Zhong Family. Otherwise, I will make you lose both your wealth and reputation. This is the first time you’ve come here, and I hope it is also the last time I see you at the Zhong Family.”

He usually had a high regard for such aggressive and intelligent young people, but under the condition that they wouldn’t cause losses to the Zhong Family.

Huo Xingzhou and Zhong Yi joining forces had angered the old master!

Zhong Yi is a person too deeply attached to feelings! Ultimately, he fears he might be destroyed by his emotions!

Huo Xingzhou calmly swept his gaze across him and said, “Okay, I just hope you keep your own promise and don’t harm my wife at all.”

Old Master Zhong stood up and said, “I’m tired, you may do as you please.”

At his age, his vigor wasn’t as good as before. Seeing spirited young people made him feel a mix of emotions and envy, as people never like to admit aging.

After Old Master Zhong left, Huo Xingzhou sat alone in the living room, sipping tea.

But the Zhong Family was very lively today.

Soon, another elegantly dressed man and woman arrived.

The butler respectfully addressed, “Eldest Young Master.”

It turned out to be Zhong Lingxiao, the elder brother of Zhong Yi from the Zhong Family.

“Where’s Old Master? I have something to report.” Zhong Lingxiao didn’t bother to greet the guest in the house, perhaps deliberately ignoring Huo Xingzhou. After all, Huo Xingzhou and Zhong Yi are business partners in Haicheng.

The joy on his brow was undeniable, and the way he held the slender woman by his side was even more intimate.

Huo Xingzhou sipped tea indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the woman.

Very familiar.