Insider Information

The Hu family's gain was the Lin family's loss.

"Father, are you worried about the Hu family situation?" Zuri placed the tray on the coffee table and sat on the sofa.

Just mentioning this made Aaron resentful towards Zuri. If it weren't for her, he could have been profiting alongside the Hu family instead of becoming a laughingstock. Everyone who had mocked the Hu family was now ridiculing him for his lack of foresight.

"Yes. Your father has become a joke."

Zuri could hear the blame in his voice but pretended not to notice. She calmly said, "The Hu family's comeback wasn't easy. They must have paid a huge price. That piece of land might bring in three billion, but at least seventy to eighty percent of that profit will go to others. The Hu family is just earning a pittance for their efforts. It's not worth your concern."

Among all the things he had heard in the past few days, this was the only statement that pleased Aaron.

He laughed heartily, "You see things more clearly than anyone else."

"It's not my insight; I'm just repeating what Leo said."

Upon hearing that this information came from Leo, Aaron took it as the absolute truth. The Hu family was indeed working hard for someone else's benefit. This realization cheered Aaron up.

"What do you need from me?" Aaron asked warmly.

"I heard some news about the Harbor area. It's about to be developed. If you can secure that land, the Lin family could become the wealthiest in Oceanic City, making the Hu family irrelevant."

"The Harbor area?" Aaron's eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"Very likely," Zuri confirmed.

Aaron assumed this tip came from Leo. Otherwise, how could his daughter know about it when no one else did? Only someone with Leo's connections could get such information so quickly.

Far away in another part of the city, Leo was completely unaware that he was being used as a scapegoat once again.

Aaron's worries vanished, and he focused entirely on the Harbor area, a prime spot for hotels, theme parks, or luxury villas.

"Zuri, you really are your father's lucky star," Aaron said, smiling. He couldn't help but think of his disappointing son. "If your brother had your skills, I could hand the company over to him."

A glint flashed in Zuri's eyes. She played along, "If you want to train him, why not involve him in this project? We have the advantage now, and there's plenty of room to maneuver. You can guide him and build his experience for when he joins the company."

Aaron laughed, feeling gratified. "Zuri, would you like to join in?"

"I'm still young. My studies come first."

Zuri placed the coffee on the table. "Try my coffee."

Aaron took a sip, pleased. "Not bad."

"Wait, you have a white hair. Let me get it for you."

"Alright."

Zuri stepped forward and plucked a hair from his head, discreetly hiding it in her hand.

She stepped back and smiled. "I won't disturb your work any longer."

"Alright, go rest. Feel free to go out if you want."

"Okay."

Zuri left the study and returned to her room, placing the two hairs in a sealed plastic bag. She looked at the bags thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, the internet was abuzz with news of Owen and Xiao Yun being attacked by a criminal and hospitalized, with the hospital surrounded by media.

Owen was stuck in the hotel, unable to leave.

Isaac, sitting on the sofa, glanced at his hand. "Post an update tonight to reassure your fans."

"You decide."

Owen fiddled with his phone, repeatedly tapping it. He had sent Zuri over a dozen messages with no response. Her expression when she left told him something significant had happened, and he was worried.

Isaac noticed Owen's relentless tapping and his forehead veins pulsed with irritation. "Owen, what are you doing?"

"Private time. None of your business!"

Isaac was nearly driven to rage. This kid was really testing his patience.

Lying in bed, Zuri picked up her phone, which had died and automatically shut off. As it charged, countless messages flooded in, most from Owen. She first reassured Farida and Azura, briefly explaining Owen's situation before reading Owen's messages.

Owen: [Zuri, you left in a hurry earlier. I didn't get a chance to thank you. You saved my hand today.]

Owen: [You're my lifesaver. If you have any wishes, I can help make them come true.]

Owen: [You don't have to tell me now. Take your time.]

Owen: [Remember, we're friends. If you need help, let me know. I might not solve everything, but it's good to have an extra person. I promise to keep your secrets.]

Reading through Owen's messages and seeing his concern warmed Zuri's heart. He expected nothing in return, yet his warmth was something she had never experienced before. Whether it was Azura, Leo, or Owen, they were her most precious gains in this life.

She cherished this bond and didn't want it to fade away. Zuri sent a simple message.

Zuri: [I'm fine. I'll let you know if I need anything. Rest well. It's not good for your recovery to stay up late. Goodnight.]

Owen read her message repeatedly, frowning. This girl had many thoughts for her age. Sometimes, her gaze felt strangely familiar, almost like... his second brother. Yes, that's it. When she stared at him coldly, her eyes were very much like his second brother's.

The next day, Zuri left home with her bag, took a taxi to the city center, and then another to the paternity testing center. She handed over the bags containing her hair and that of the Lin couple to the nurse.

"How long will it take for the results?"

The nurse handed her a form, glanced at her, and then continued writing. "It usually takes three to seven business days. If you're in a hurry, you can expedite it and get the results in eight hours for an additional fee."

"Expedite it."

The nurse amended the form, printed a new one, and handed it to her. "Confirm it and then pay the fee. We don't accept credit cards."