288— They Sent A Calling Card

Li Qianye started to speak, "You see, the Gao family is the most affluent family in the Capital. Their assets are valued in the trillions, but their influence is probably worth more than that.

"The current family head is the first son, but he has an older sister and two other brothers. Above them is their Uncle, the previous head's younger brother. I don't know the details, but there have been rumors. We just fear that such a place would be more complicated than what you're used to."

Curious, Pei Yueran asked, "Rumors? What kind?"

"Well, for one, that they were involved in shady dealings for many years and have ties to the underworld. For another, that at the time of succession, there were problems between the siblings, with each person trying to snatch the position. The current head allegedly got it because he had the backing of his wife's family."

There was also the talk of the patriarch keeping mistresses outside, one of whom was pregnant for him, but he didn't say anything about that.

Li Qianye knew even more than Pei Yueran, but no one questioned how he got to know. He called them rumors, but knowing how meticulous he was in confirming information, they knew it was most likely all true.

Pei Yueran nodded, "I guess you're right Dad. I've only been in touch with Madam Gao and her son, and they mentioned something about these "shady dealings " you speak of."

"Oh my, Ran'er." Zhang Heying wasn't liking the sound of this more and more. If all she said was true and they had really lost her at birth due to some foul play, then it would even be more dangerous.

"It's fine Mum. Once we return from the banquet, I would probably not go back there unless there's something really important. Nothing has to change."

Zhang Heying nodded, but everyone knew that she was just being optimistic. The mere fact that she was going to reconnect with her roots meant that everything had changed.

"Chuanmo ah, make sure you pay more attention. Protect your wife." Zhang Heying made it sound like she was going into the lion's den, but she couldn't be blamed.

Although she was currently living a wonderful life with her husband, she knew of countless aristocratic families that weren't even as wealthy as the Gao family, yet were filled with snakes and scorpions and lots of unmentionable filth.

Li Chuanmo chose that time to speak, "Mother, Father, please rest assured. Yueran is my wife, and I'll do my best to make sure she comes to no harm."

With his assurance, Zhang Heying relaxed a bit. She knew that this son of hers had more connections than he let on at normal times, so she hoped he would be able handle any problems that might arise.

"Good. If you need our help in any way, let me know." This was from Li Qianye.

Pei Yueran felt very grateful for their care.

"Thanks Dad, Mum."

Zhang Heying waved it off, "It's nothing Ran'er. Although we have painted such a grim picture, nothing has happened yet, we just want you to be aware so that nothing would catch you by surprise, that's all.

"Don't worry about anything, all you need to do is to turn on your superior air and awe them into submission. Anyway, you're a bonafide heiress." Zhang Heying even had the mind to joke, making Pei Yueran smile.

Having said what they came to say, both of them left some time afterwards. Zhang Heying and Li Qianye escorted them outside, Li Qianye's hands hugging his wife's shoulders.

As they waved at the rapidly disappearing car, Zhang Heying said, "Old Man, I hope we're just being unnecessarily paranoid. Ran'er is too good a child to be embroiled in that hot mess that is the Capital."

Li Qianye rubbed her arms, "It's no use worrying about anything now. What we can do for now is to arm ourselves with knowledge and begin to prepare for any eventualities."

Zhang Heying nodded, "You're right."

On getting home, Pei Yueran went to the smaller study to do some work. She felt immersing herself in serious business would take her mind off the disturbing thoughts she was currently having.

Because she was about to convince herself that it wasn't too late to change her mind and call off the whole thing.

Li Chuanmo went to the ground study to give her some space, but also to wrap up his work for the day.

Once he finished, he remained seated, lost in thought. It was unknown what he was thinking, but his face was impassive.

The harsh ringing of the phone brought some life into the silent office. Immediately he accepted it, Gao Tinghua's voice streamed out.

"Chairman Li, there's a problem."

"What?"

"We just received a card in our mailbox. I've sent you the pictures."

Swiftly downloading both images, he saw the card Gao Tinghua was talking about. It looked like the kind of decorative cards used by high society to make formal calling cards, but this one was all black, giving it a peculiar strangeness.

What was even more chilling was the message it contained.

Scrawled in incredibly beautiful calligraphy were the words, "It seemed that you forgot to invite us to your 34-year-old daughter's belated full moon ceremony. But no worries, we'll show up bright and early. Expect us."

The more he stared, the colder his face became. This was clearly a blatant threat against his wife.

"When did you receive this?"

His voice almost sent chills down Gao Tinghua's spine, but it strangely made him feel at ease. He looked at his wristwatch.

"About fifteen minutes ago."

"Did you check your CCTV cameras? Any suspicious persons?"

"We checked, but there was no one."

"Send all footage over the last 48 hours from every accessible camera to me."

"I'll get on it."

"What's the security like at your house currently?"

"The usual— family guards and ex-military." That much was amazing and would never be found at an average family, but seeing how easily someone came in to deliver such a conspicuous mail without being seen, Gao Tinghua's usual pride was nowhere to be found.

"And for the banquet?"

"We contacted the best security company in the Capital, in addition to what we already have. Do we need to bring in more?"

"No need, I'll handle the rest. Just cooperate with the people I send over." Beefing up the security in an ostentatious manner would not do them any good, since those they were up against seemed to be masters of stealth.

"Alright."