Chapter 135

Chapter 135: A Fatal Favor

Zhou Nan’s status as an illegitimate child, even after being acknowledged by the Zhou family, meant he had no chance of inheriting the family. This was why the legitimate Zhou heirs, like Zhou Zhiqing and Zhou Jianzhang, merely despised him rather than seeking to kill him outright.

But what if Zhou Nan became eligible for the Zhou family’s inheritance?

In that case, Zhou Jianzhang and Zhou Nan’s relationship would instantly turn into a life-or-death rivalry.

Qin Xian had also heard that the Zhou family’s matriarch was far from a gentle or forgiving woman.

Sometimes, killing someone didn’t require doing it yourself.

With this thought in mind, Qin Xian smiled faintly and offered Zhou Nan a few kind and encouraging words.

Zhou Nan’s heart warmed at this unexpected kindness, feeling both astonished and flattered.

Since arriving in the Imperial Capital, Qin Xian was the first person to treat him with genuine friendliness.

And not just anyone—this was Qin Xian, the eldest son of the Qin family, a top-tier figure in the Empire’s aristocracy! Yet, deep down, Zhou Nan felt a twinge of guilt.

After all, he still planned to copy Qin Xian’s talents and skills. However, this guilt quickly faded. Zhou Nan rationalized his actions by telling himself that copying Qin Xian’s abilities wasn’t theft or plunder.

Qin Xian would still be the SSS-ranked Oracle Knight—he wouldn’t lose anything.

Reassured by his own reasoning, Zhou Nan’s regret shifted to frustration.

He had been so close to completing the copying process earlier. Just a few more seconds of contact, and he would have succeeded!

But he couldn’t force another handshake. Qin Xian was no fool, and such a move would surely arouse his suspicion.

Meanwhile, Zhou Zhiqing’s expression shifted dramatically as she watched Qin Xian’s interaction with Zhou Nan.

She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Why would Qin Xian show such appreciation for Zhou Nan, an illegitimate child?

Zhou Nan wasn’t even remarkable—he had only awakened an A-rank profession, a level that was utterly unimpressive among noble heirs.

Why him?

Her shock quickly turned into jealousy as she glared at Zhou Nan. Why did Zhou Nan get Qin Xian’s favor? Why not her?

Though she and Qin Xian were acquaintances, their relationship barely extended beyond a polite exchange of greetings. Like many noblewomen, Zhou Zhiqing secretly admired Qin Xian and harbored feelings for him.

Now, seeing Qin Xian’s appreciation for Zhou Nan, her jealousy turned into a deep-seated resentment.

But her anger wasn’t directed at Qin Xian. It was all aimed at Zhou Nan.

The other onlookers also took note of Qin Xian’s attitude toward Zhou Nan, their expressions growing solemn.

Previously, they had dismissed Zhou Nan as a sideshow, not someone worth taking seriously.

But now, it seemed they would have to reevaluate their stance.

After conversing with Zhou Nan for a while, Qin Xian nodded and handed him a slip of paper. “This is my personal contact number. If you ever need anything, feel free to reach out to me.”

The room grew quieter.

Qin Xian giving Zhou Nan his personal contact information was a significant gesture. At their level, leaving contact information wasn’t just a formality—it signaled a deeper acknowledgment.

If Qin Xian hadn’t provided his contact, Zhou Nan’s value would have remained fleeting. Qin Xian might forget about him in a few days, leaving Zhou Nan unable to approach him again.

But now, with Qin Xian’s contact, Zhou Nan was someone Qin Xian had remembered and recognized.

Anyone targeting Zhou Nan in the future would have to think twice about provoking the Qin family.

Zhou Zhiqing’s face turned pale. This time, there was no jealousy or resentment—only deep-seated alarm.

As the Zhou family’s eldest daughter, Zhou Zhiqing had been raised with the rigorous education of an aristocrat. She quickly grasped the implications of Qin Xian’s gesture.

If Zhou Nan had Qin Xian’s favor, he could no longer be dismissed as a worthless illegitimate child. Would Zhou Nan dare to claim the Zhou family’s inheritance?

For the first time, Zhou Zhiqing felt a surge of genuine killing intent toward Zhou Nan. Before, she had merely regarded Zhou Nan as an embarrassment to the family.

Now, he was a threat—one that had to be eliminated. She clenched her fists, her thoughts racing. This news had to be reported to her brother and mother immediately.

Zhou Family Estate, Imperial Capital

Deep within the Zhou family’s luxurious compound, a serene villa stood amidst the manicured gardens.

On the balcony, a poised middle-aged woman trimmed a floral arrangement with calm precision.

Despite the marks of age on her face, her beauty remained evident, hinting at her once-striking appearance.

This was Ji Lanyue, matriarch of the Zhou family and mother to Zhou Jianzhang and Zhou Zhiqing.

Ji Lanyue hailed from the prestigious Ji family, a lineage as powerful as the Zhou family itself.

The Ji family boasted numerous high-ranking officials and, 200 years ago, had even produced a legendary powerhouse. Though that powerhouse had long since passed, the family’s influence persisted.

The current Ji family patriarch, a level-69 professional, served as Vice Speaker of the Imperial Parliament.

Even Zhou Xingkong, the formidable head of the Zhou family, treated Ji Lanyue with due respect.

“Madam,” a maid hurried into the room, interrupting Ji Lanyue’s tranquility. “Miss Zhiqing has sent word… it’s about Young Master Nan.”

The mention of Zhou Nan immediately wiped the calm from Ji Lanyue’s face, replacing it with a look of deep disgust.

“What Young Master Nan?” Ji Lanyue snapped, her voice tinged with fury. “He’s nothing more than a bastard, the spawn of a wretched woman!”

Since the day Zhou Nan was brought into the Zhou family, Ji Lanyue had harbored nothing but seething resentment.

Among the Empire’s elite, it was common for powerful men to have mistresses and illegitimate children. But bringing one of those children into the family home? That was unprecedented—and an affront to Ji Lanyue’s dignity.

Zhou Nan’s presence had made Ji Lanyue the laughingstock of the Imperial Capital’s aristocratic circles. To her, Zhou Nan’s existence was an unbearable humiliation.