Chapter 82: A Conversation with the Old Master

Chapter 82: A Conversation with the Old Patriarch

At some point, the holographic screen before the desk had vanished completely—perhaps at the very instant when Xin Yan lifted his head.

Their eyes met. Liu Shaoyu felt a little uneasy under Xin Yan’s gaze, but this kind of pressure, exerted through eye contact, was hardly effective against him. After all, Xin Yan was just a businessman, even if he was the greatest in the entire Federation. Liu Shaoyu, on the other hand, was a soldier—a true warrior who had faced enemies on the battlefield.

He steadied his nerves, smiled faintly, and replied in an even tone, “I wonder what brings the old patriarch to summon me?”

Xin Yan’s eyes showed more appreciation. Truly, this young man had some mettle. Not even Xin Qingyi’s father, at the same age, dared breathe loudly under the old man's gaze. This form of oppressive aura was, in essence, a release of brain waves that pressed upon one’s mental senses. Yet Liu Shaoyu’s body had undergone countless enhancements; his mental fortitude was not something Xin Yan could subdue.

“I heard from Wang Weifu that you brought back a sizable amount of ice ore from the Desolate Star Region?” Xin Yan’s smile returned, and he spoke in a relaxed manner.

“Yes, I suppose I was lucky,” Liu Shaoyu answered cautiously. “I happened to find an ice ore deposit—there was some inside.”

“You needn’t be nervous. What you discovered belongs to you. Our Xin family are businessmen. Since you and Wang Weifu have already negotiated, we’ll purchase at market price.” Xin Yan observed Liu Shaoyu’s careful demeanor, thinking he was intimidated, though he understood—anyone faced with such wealth would act prudently.

From Xin Yan’s perspective, it was already impressive that Liu Shaoyu remained so composed with such riches in his possession.

Liu Shaoyu realized he had been misunderstood, but didn’t bother clarifying. The truth he wished to conceal was far more significant than mere apprehension.

“Without Qingyi’s prior exploration, I never would have found those resources. In fact, I brought the ice ore back on her behalf,” Liu Shaoyu said gravely, watching Xin Yan’s reaction.

As expected, Xin Yan’s smile didn’t fade, but the meaning behind it seemed to shift drastically.

“Perhaps I never should have agreed to let her go,” the old man murmured, a hint of regret in his voice.

The implication of those words struck Liu Shaoyu. If she hadn’t gone, he wouldn’t be sitting here now.

“What’s done is done. You needn’t blame yourself,” Liu Shaoyu replied earnestly, his sincerity almost comical to Xin Yan, whose opinion of the young man shifted once more.

This boy was rather shameless, Xin Yan thought. He’d meant to imply that Xin Qingyi’s predicament was due to Liu Shaoyu, but the latter seemed oblivious and simply played along.

Having fallen into his own trap, Xin Yan realized he had to change his approach. Liu Shaoyu’s answer brought him a moment of clarity—this was not merely a junior in business, nor his own child, nor a rival. This was the man his granddaughter favored, who willingly endured the family’s wandering spirit because of her.

His granddaughter had always been decisive, able to select the best from many choices; even if she wasn’t yet exceptional, she would surely become so in time. It was a talent. For Liu Shaoyu, Xin Yan felt it necessary to speak openly, and the young man’s authenticity only encouraged him. The usual tricks and schemes of the business world seemed irrelevant in conversation with him.

“I know what you want to say, and I know what you want to ask. There’s no need to probe. Qingyi is my only granddaughter, the heir to the Xin family. The protection and love I have for her are beyond your comprehension,” Xin Yan said in one breath, leaving Liu Shaoyu momentarily speechless.

“Then why did she fall into such peril this time?” Liu Shaoyu pressed, his gaze unwavering. This was his true concern.

Xin Yan felt unsettled under Liu Shaoyu’s sharp stare, wondering how someone so young could have such piercing eyes.

“Hmph. Who would have thought those old fools would abandon all sense of shame?” Xin Yan’s tone chilled.

Only then did Liu Shaoyu look away, silently confirming that Xin Yan was not ignorant of these matters.

“So you knew about this beforehand?” Liu Shaoyu asked.

“Though they acted secretly, after so many years there are always ways to learn a little,” the old patriarch replied slowly.

Hearing this, Liu Shaoyu was certain of his suspicions—this affair was far from simple.

“This was supposed to be a quarrel among us old men, but I never expected you to become involved,” Xin Yan said, almost to himself, his gaze dimming.

Perhaps recalling the past, he remembered how, many years ago, another elder had said something similar to him.

Retribution breeds retribution—these grudges had accumulated over countless generations.

Xin Yan’s words left Liu Shaoyu unable to respond. At present, he was still an outsider to these matters. Yet, since it concerned Xin Qingyi, he could not stand idly by.

“What can I do now?” Liu Shaoyu asked.

Xin Yan did not answer immediately, but pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. “I never expected, after all these years, you’d be drawn in as well.” For some reason, Liu Shaoyu felt the old man before him was less a formidable patriarch today, and more a sentimental elder.

The feeling was oddly comforting, and it seemed that Xin Yan’s words referred to something much deeper than his journey to the Desolate Star Region.

A sudden suspicion flickered in Liu Shaoyu’s mind—uncertain, yet plausible.

“Is Master Wang involved as well?” With a faint idea, Liu Shaoyu did not fully reveal his thoughts, but asked from another angle.

Xin Yan’s expression grew complex at Liu Shaoyu’s question, as though he’d sensed something.

“It’s not just the Wang family, but your friend Long’s family too,” Xin Yan replied.

The atmosphere shifted subtly. Neither knew how much the other understood, but each was certain the other knew something.

Thus, the two fell into a quiet stalemate—an old man and a young one, locked in a silent contest.

Then, a knock at the door broke the calm.

A Note to Readers:
It’s late again today; I’ve returned to Beijing for various affairs—gatherings, driving lessons, and so on. Updates are a bit unstable, but I promise not to stop. My neck is twisted and typing is painful, but I’ll persist. All I can do is weakly ask: please bookmark!