061. Befriending Liu Ye

These words shattered the final line of defense in the hearts of those men. Hesitating no longer, they dropped their weapons one by one and looked toward Liu Ye.

Shortly after, the men outside flooded into the room, subduing the entire group and dragging them away. Third Brother was likewise neutralized by Liu Ye’s bodyguard and brought before Liu Ye himself.

"Third Brother, do you have anything left to say?" Liu Ye asked slowly.

Third Brother replied with a blank expression, "It is simply the fate of the defeated."

The muscles on Liu Ye’s face twitched.

This adopted son was the child of his late sworn brother. Having no biological heirs of his own, he had deep down regarded him as his successor. He never expected things to come to this.

Liu Ye remained silent for a long time. After a considerable pause, he said, "Everything I own would eventually be yours. Why were you in such a hurry?"

Hearing this, Third Brother shook his head and said, "Dad, my men and I could no longer wait. You never made a final decision on whether the successor would be Second Brother or me. It’s inevitable for people to let their minds wander. Now that I have fallen, this might be for the best—Second Brother won't have to worry anymore."

Lin Shan noticed that Liu Ye’s complexion suddenly darkened. Although many people were watching, no one dared to deal with Third Brother without authorization since Liu Ye remained silent.

After a long while, Liu Ye finally spoke, "Old Wu, take him away and keep a close eye on him."

Old Wu was Liu Ye's bodyguard. Upon hearing this, he quickly responded, "Yes, Boss."

With that, he escorted Third Brother out of the room.

At that moment, an anxious voice echoed from outside.

"Dad!"

Lin Shan turned his head to see a tall, slender middle-aged man rushing in. Looking to be in his thirties, the man’s eyes welled up with tears the moment he saw Liu Ye was safe and sound. He dropped to his knees before Liu Ye and cried, "Dad, it’s such a relief that you’re alright! I found out about the despicable thing Third Brother was planning and rushed right over. That ungrateful beast!"

Looking at his second son, Liu Ye’s eyes revealed a deeply complicated mixture of emotions. He said, "I am fine. You must be busy—go back to your work."

Second Brother hesitated for a moment before pleading, "Dad, let me stay here and keep you company."

Liu Ye smiled faintly and replied, "I have seen plenty of storms in my life. What, do you think I would be frightened out of my wits? Go on."

Seeing this, Second Brother had no choice but to stand up. "Alright, Dad..."

Shortly after, he slowly departed.

Once Second Brother had gone, a profound look of exhaustion washed over Liu Ye’s face. He waved his hand and said, "All of you, step outside."

Hearing this, everyone filed out of the private dining room. Zhang Zhi and Lin Shan exchanged glances and prepared to leave as well. Originally, Lin Shan had wanted to discuss the blacksmith with Liu Ye, but given how events had unfolded, it was clearly inappropriate to bring it up now. He could always find another opportunity to pay a visit in the future.

However, just as the two of them reached the doorway, Liu Ye called out, "Brother Lin, Fatty, don’t rush off just yet. Stay a while longer and keep this old man company."

Since Liu Ye had put it that way, Lin Shan and Zhang Zhi had no choice but to remain.

Only the three of them were left in the spacious room.

Fortunately, the bodyguard Old Wu returned shortly. Liu Ye asked, "Did Third Brother say anything?"

Old Wu shook his head.

Liu Ye let out a soft sigh and suddenly murmured, "Just now, Second Brother lingered so long probably because he wanted to see how I would deal with Third Brother. He must have been secretly hoping for Third Brother to die."

Lin Shan and Zhang Zhi remained completely silent. This concerned the internal power struggles of Liu Ye’s faction, and as outsiders, it was not their place to comment.

After saying this, Liu Ye chuckled softly and turned to Lin Shan. "Brother Lin, you must have seen a joke today."

Lin Shan shook his head. "Brother Liu, when a family and enterprise are as vast as yours, complications are bound to arise. Try to look at the bright side."

Liu Ye sighed with emotion. "Indeed. Preserving oneself is the most important thing of all. Brother Lin, thank you truly today. If not for you, I certainly would have died right here. As I said before, the thirty million will be paid in full, without a single penny missing. From now on, you are my savior. No matter what the matter may be, I, Liu Ye, will accomplish it for you."

This was a weight promise indeed.

The sum of thirty million was undeniably tempting to Lin Shan.

However, he quickly thought of the situation involving Xiao Qiang.

If he were to take the entire thirty million, Liu Ye would not refuse. Yet, doing so would cheapen their bond, turning it completely into a cold transaction.

If he genuinely wished to befriend Liu Ye, he could not accept the entire thirty million.

With this in mind, Lin Shan spoke up, "Brother Liu, I consider you a friend. If you speak this way, it makes me feel like a hired gun doing a job for money."

Liu Ye gave Lin Shan a deep, penetrating look.

Naturally, he understood Lin Shan's underlying meaning.

"This young man is truly extraordinary. Thirty million, and he can walk away from it just like that—such composure is something I didn't possess at his age. Coupled with his martial prowess, he is definitely a man worth befriending deeply..."

Liu Ye nodded and laughed heartily, "Ah, very well! It was this old brother of mine who was muddle-headed. Brother, since that is how you feel, I will gift you ten million as tea money. I hope you won't refuse this."

Knowing when to stop while ahead, Lin Shan nodded and said, "Then I thank you sincerely, Big Brother."

A jovial atmosphere instantly filled the private room, and the look Old Wu cast toward Lin Shan gained a trace of warmth.

Liu Ye declared, "I am truly delighted to have made your acquaintance today, Brother. Tomorrow at noon, don't go anywhere else—we will dine right here."

Lin Shan replied, "I would be honored."

Liu Ye hurriedly stood up, walked to the entrance, and instructed the waiter, "Go and prepare a banquet with the finest food and wine. Tomorrow at noon, I shall drink to my heart's content with my newly acquainted brother."

The waiter nodded and hurried away with small steps.

Feeling that the timing was now appropriate, Lin Shan brought up his agenda. "Brother, there is actually a matter I need to trouble you with."

With a grand wave of his hand, Liu Ye said, "Speak freely."

Lin Shan smiled and said, "Brother, I happen to have an interest in ancient sabers, swords, and armor. I heard that you know some craftsmen capable of forging such items, and I was hoping you could introduce me to them."

Liu Ye chuckled upon hearing this. "Is that all? I thought it was something major. Back a couple of years ago, I also had an interest in these things and hired a few people, claiming they used ancient techniques. I'm still providing for those fellows even now. I will give them a heads-up, and you can simply go visit them whenever you have time."

With that, Liu Ye made a phone call right in front of Lin Shan and subsequently handed the craftsmen's contact information over to him.

This also resolved a matter that had been on Lin Shan's mind.

Afterward, the men chatted idly in the private room until late into the night, when Lin Shan finally returned to his guest room.

The guest rooms at Liu Ye's estate were built to the highest standards of luxury hotels, appearing extremely lavish.

Lin Shan entered the room, preparing to undress and take a shower. However, as he stepped into the bedroom, he was met with the sight of a young, beautiful woman lying atop his large bed. She was covered only by a single quilt draped across her lower abdomen and intimate areas, leaving her upper body and smooth, fair, slender legs exposed.

Lin Shan froze in astonishment.

A hint of coy shyness appeared on the woman's face as she spoke, "President Lin, Fourth Master sent me to keep you company."