Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Not Giving Face
A favor from the Xu family was precious, yet Luo Chenggong was actually using it to have them mediate for Chen Xiao with Jiang Tiannan and seek his forgiveness? What a waste!
Luo Qingli hurriedly explained, "Grandpa Xu, Aunt Yanran, this has nothing to do with him. He only acted to protect me. Please donât blame him!"
Xu Yanran shook her head and smiled. "Qingli, donât make excuses for him. Heâs a good-for-nothing who canât even protect his own woman! I... I despise him!"
Elder Master Xu stared at Chen Xiao and said sternly, "If you want me to mediate for you, thatâs fine. But when we get there, you behave yourself. Keep your mouth shut and donât say anything stupid! Otherwise, even I wonât be able to save you!"
He looked down on Chen Xiao. The man was merely a live-in son-in-law with no real ability, yet he had caused such a huge disaster. Wasnât he just bringing trouble to the Luo Family? If it werenât for his intervention, Chen Xiao would have been done for this time.
"Thank you, Brother Xu!" Old Master Luo said gratefully, adopting a very humble tone.
Luo Qingli also took a deep breath. "Grandpa Xu, Aunt Yanran, weâll have to trouble you with this."
With the Xu Family stepping in, perhaps there was still a chance to turn things around. Chen Xiao had been granted a lifeline!
However, Chen Xiao was annoyed. He raised an eyebrow and said, "I donât need anyoneâs help."
He could handle Jiang Tiannan all by himself. Why should he have to put up with their attitude?
"Humph!" Xu Jianxiong was displeased. "Ungrateful brat! Iâm stepping in personally out of respect for Elder Luo. The least you could do is be grateful, but youâre still talking tough?"
Chen Xiao sneered. "Youâre only stepping in because you owe Old Master Luo a favor! Did I ask you for help?"
"You...!" Xu Jianxiongâs face darkened.
"Alright, alright!" Luo Qingli quickly placated him. "Chen Xiao, just listen... Donât let your grandfatherâs efforts go to waste."
Luo Chenggong also hastily urged Chen Xiao not to be so stubborn. Seeing their concerned expressions and realizing they meant well, Chen Xiao decided to hold his tongue.
Xu Jianxiong suppressed his anger and said arrogantly, "Letâs go. Follow me to Jianghai Gateâs headquarters. And a final warning: just stand quietly to the side and donât cause any more trouble!"
Chen Xiao couldnât be bothered to respond.
He might as well let them lead the way.
Xu Yanran was both puzzled and speechless. Logically, Luo Qingli wasnât the type to be driven by infatuation, so why would she choose such an arrogant and clueless pretty boy for a husband? However, she was confident that with her around, there would be no danger in going to see Jiang Tiannan. Besides, it was a good opportunity to get a measure of the man. After all, the mission she was currently on was related to him.
ăHalf an hour later, at the headquarters of Jianghai Gate.ă
Chen Xiao followed Xu Jianxiong and his daughter into the heavily guarded headquarters. The members of Jianghai Gate all wore grim expressions, their murderous intent palpable. The more Xu Jianxiong saw, the graver his expression became.
This isnât going to be easy to resolve!
If it werenât for the favor he owed Old Master Luo, a debt he had to repay, he never would have gotten involved. Adding to that was his daughterâs confidence that she could resolve the issue. Still, offending a desperate outlaw like Jiang Tiannan was no trivial matter.
Xu Yanran, on the other hand, was quite calm. With her level of strength, she had no reason to fear Jiang Tiannan. It was precisely because of her presence that Xu Jianxiong had dared to agree to Old Master Luoâs request.
Soon, they were ushered into a VIP room where the atmosphere was oppressively heavy. Chen Xiao sat down without saying a word.
Xu Yanran let out a derisive smile. "Whatâs the matter, kid? Are you so scared youâre speechless now?"
In her eyes, this guy was obviously terrified to the point his legs were shaking; he was just pretending to be composed.
Chen Xiao laughed. "Whatâs there to be scared of?"
To him, this so-called Local Tyrant was nothing but a paper tiger. During his time in the mountains, what kind of people hadnât he seen? Even the great clans of the Shenzhou Ancient Martial World meant nothing to him!
Xu Yanran scoffed, "Keep pretending. But with me here, you really donât need to be afraid."
The door to the VIP room suddenly burst open. Seven or eight men strode in with the confidence of tigers, followed by a stern-faced, middle-aged man. An intimidating aura washed over them, making the already stifling atmosphere feel deathly silent!
This middle-aged man was none other than Jiang Tiannan!
He wasnât burly or ferocious like Chen Xiao had imagined; rather, he possessed an air of refined elegance.
However, that was just a facade. Beneath that calm countenance, Chen Xiao could clearly sense a cold, venomous ruthlessness, like that of a viper.
Xu Jianxiong quickly stood up and greeted him politely, "Gate Master Jiang, itâs been a while!"
Jiang Tiannan nodded slightly, his tone unfriendly. "Elder Master Xu, to what do I owe the pleasure? And youâve even brought the man I want captured? Donât tell me... the Xu Family is also in need of that ten-million-dollar bounty?"
Xu Jianxiong was taken aback. He knew Jiang Tiannan was deliberately mocking him, since it was obvious to anyone with eyes that he was here to back Chen Xiao.
"Iâve heard there was a small misunderstanding between you and this young man, Gate Master Jiang," Xu Jianxiong said, clearing his throat. "So, I was hoping to act as a mediator. I hope youâll do me this small favor."
Jiang Tiannan smiled coldly. "Misunderstanding? He crippled my son. What misunderstanding could there possibly be? Elder Xu, out of respect for you as an elder, I wonât make an issue of your presence. The two of you can leave today, but this kid stays. Otherwise, donât blame me for not giving you face!
"Youâre getting on in years, and the Xu Family isnât what it used to be. You shouldnât go around backing people up so casually, lest... you bring trouble upon yourself!"