Not long afterward, Tang Hecai rushed into the study with a grim expression.
"Dad, Zhou Zheng got away! Our men only found his car. It's like he vanished into thin air—we can't find a trace of him."
Tang Xiachuan slammed the desk with a loud bang, making everything on it shake.
"That old fox! We can't just let him get away with this! Hecai, send more people immediately. Even if you have to turn the entire city upside down, find him!"
"Yes, Dad! I'll arrange it right away."
Jiang Ning stepped forward and comforted him.
"Master Tang, please don't let this anger ruin your health. What's done is done. Just consider it an expensive lesson. From now on, be extra careful when buying antiques."
Tang Xiachuan took several deep breaths before finally suppressing his rage. Looking gratefully at Jiang Ning, he said,
"Master Jiang, thank goodness you warned me."
Jiang Ning smiled modestly.
"I only know a little about appraising antiques. I was simply lucky enough to help."
Hearing him say he only knew "a little," Tang Xiachuan couldn't help smiling bitterly.
The way Jiang Ning had exposed the counterfeit antiques and explained everything so clearly was obviously at an expert level. Calling it "knowing a little" was probably another example of a true master's humility.
He then said,
"Master Jiang, you've done me a tremendous favor today. I, Tang Xiachuan, will remember it. Hecai, take Master Jiang to the guest room so he can rest."
Tang Hecai nodded.
"Master Jiang, this way please."
Jiang Ning followed him out of the study and toward the guest room.
...
...
Before they knew it, the sun had set behind the western mountains, and a crescent moon rose into the night sky.
At the Tang Family Hotel in Kyoto, inside the private Heaven Suite, Tang Xiachuan, Tang Hecai, and Jiang Ning were seated around a dining table.
With an unhappy expression, Tang Xiachuan asked,
"Hecai, did you notify your second brother Helong and your third brother Hetiger?"
Tang Hecai sighed helplessly.
"I did, Dad. I reminded both of them this morning. I don't know what they're busy with—they still haven't shown up."
Tang Xiachuan's face reddened with anger.
"Forget about them! Those two useless brats! Start serving the food. We're not waiting anymore!"
He had a constant headache over his three sons.
His eldest son was at least passable, but the other two had been spoiled beyond repair.
They spent every day eating, drinking, and having fun, never doing anything productive.
The second son had no intention of getting married and lived like a carefree playboy.
Even the eldest son would probably have turned out the same if Tang Xiachuan hadn't kept a close eye on him. Though more responsible now, he still loved showing off, putting on airs, and flaunting his status.
Especially after becoming the company's president, he had become even more full of himself.
Tang Hecai quickly replied,
"Yes, Dad. I'll have them serve the dishes."
He snapped his fingers.
The four waitresses immediately stepped forward. The head waitress smiled professionally and asked,
"President Tang, what are your instructions?"
Tang Hecai waved impatiently.
"Start serving."
"Certainly."
The head waitress bowed before leaving to arrange the meal.
Just then—
Bang!
Without even knocking, the private room door was pushed open.
Tang Helong swaggered inside with one arm wrapped around the waist of a young woman in a cheongsam, grinning as he spoke.
"Haha, Dad! What's the occasion? Why suddenly organize a family dinner?"
Seeing his second son's carefree and dissolute appearance, Tang Xiachuan frowned.
"Helong, where have you been all day?"
Tang Helong answered nonchalantly,
"I've been busy! I took Xiaolin shopping at Imperial Trade Mall. She wanted a few bags from Coway and Sweet Hermes. Xiaolin, show Dad what you bought. Aren't they beautiful?"
Tang Xiachuan was so angry he nearly slapped him.
However, with Jiang Ning present, he could only suppress his temper and shouted,
"You little brat! Didn't you see Master Jiang is here? Hurry up and greet him!"
Only then did Tang Helong turn toward Jiang Ning.
"Haha, so you're the famous Master Jiang my dad keeps talking about. I watched your livestream before. Wearing that mask was no fun."
"Tonight's second half is on me. I'll make sure you have the time of your life."
"Master Jiang, do you prefer one girl... or two at once?"
"Ahem!"
Tang Xiachuan coughed loudly to cut him off.
"Helong! What nonsense are you talking about? Stop embarrassing yourself!"
"Where's your third brother?"
He hurriedly changed the subject.
He knew his second son all too well.
If he let him continue talking, who knew what Jiang Ning would think of the Tang family? It would be utterly humiliating.
At this moment, Tang Xiachuan deeply regretted hosting this dinner.
He should never have introduced Jiang Ning to these disappointing sons.
Tang Helong shrugged.
"How should I know? Maybe he went to his father-in-law's place with his wife. Third Brother has been really diligent lately."
Tang Xiachuan frowned.
"Diligent how?"
Tang Helong chuckled.
"Ever since you went to Cangnan City, Third Brother's hardly been home. He's practically living with the Wang family."
Tang Xiachuan's brows furrowed even deeper.
His third son was an honest man, but unfortunately he'd fallen head over heels for the Wang family's daughter.
They were already married, but he was completely henpecked and obeyed his wife in everything.
Several business deals that should have gone to the Tang Group had instead been redirected to the Wang Group at higher prices.
Fortunately, the major business decisions were still controlled by Tang Xiachuan and the board of directors.
Otherwise, if Tang Hetiger had more authority, the Tang Group would already be in serious trouble.
Tang Xiachuan sighed helplessly.
"You children... I really don't know what to say anymore."
"Let's eat."
His mood had already hit rock bottom.
Earlier that day, he had discovered that his treasured antique collection consisted entirely of fakes.
Now, even the family dinner had turned into another disappointment.
He had no appetite whatsoever.
Just as everyone was about to pick up their chopsticks—
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," Tang Hecai called.
The door opened.
Tang Hetiger entered with his wife, Wang Jinchai, standing beside him before the couple walked into the private room.
-----------------------
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(End of Chapter)