Chapter 4、The return of the gentleman

The head of the Chu family, Chu Xiaotian, had a military background. After decades of navigating the treacherous waters of the business world, he managed to build a billion-dollar empire, benefiting from the era's opportunities. For decades, he had maintained a commanding presence in the northern city, residing in the Phoenix Mountain Estate—a private garden that many in political and business circles found excessive.

The estate resembled an ancient royal residence, overlooking mountains, lakes, and rivers, surrounded by lush forests and bamboo groves. The interior was nothing short of magnificent. Pavilions and terraces were arranged at varying heights, connected by winding paths and scenic corridors. The craftsmanship of the carved beams and painted rafters was extraordinary, with covered walkways linking numerous courtyards, and the red-tiled roofs and green-glazed tiles added to the grandeur. The entire place exuded an air of opulence and extravagance, steeped in classical elegance. Even the half-human-sized blood jade peace amulet at the garden's entrance could easily be exchanged for a 300-square-meter luxury apartment in the city center.

Today was New Year's Day, a rare sunny day.

The estate's gates were wide open, with security guards standing on either side in perfect military posture, looking sharp and spirited. Before noon, luxury cars began arriving one after another. The security guards saluted each one respectfully, watching the cars drive up the mountain road before turning back to greet the next.

The reason for all this bustle was not just the New Year's celebration—it was also the wedding day of one of the Chu family's young masters.

Before long, a Skoda, emitting black smoke due to an oil burn, approached from a distance. The two security guards had just respectfully watched a Maybach ascend the mountain. When they turned back, they were shocked to see the unusual, rundown car right in front of them.

It was as if a dilapidated raft had suddenly appeared at a majestic naval port…

The security guard on the left couldn't hide his astonishment. He quickly rushed forward, waving the car to a stop with a stern expression. "What are you doing here?"

Inside the car, Chu Yuxuan looked like he hadn't slept. His hair was messy, and he wore a black trench coat with a roguish air. Lazily talking on the phone, he slowly rolled down the window.

"Xia Zhu, just how busy are you?" Chu Yuxuan yawned, speaking in a casual tone. "It's been days already."

On the other end of the line, Xia Zhu's voice was cold. "After New Year's… Ning and I were caught by paparazzi earlier, and I've been busy cooperating with the company to handle the situation these past two days."

Chu Yuxuan smiled faintly. "Isn't this perfect? We can wrap things up quickly—let's get our marriage certificate, you and Ning can get yours on the spot, and then post it online. Problem solved."

Announcing a celebrity marriage was akin to career suicide, and no one understood this better than Xia Zhu. Additionally, the company wouldn't let her, their cash cow, act recklessly. They had already issued several statements refuting the rumors, claiming that Xia Zhu and Gao Ning were just childhood friends.

"Don't worry, I'll divorce you after New Year's." Xia Zhu could sense Chu Yuxuan's impatience and the cold detachment in his voice, giving her the uncomfortable feeling that she was the one clinging to him. She sighed softly and said, "I know I've wronged you, Yuxuan. You should accept my compensation—the apartment…"

Before she could finish, Chu Yuxuan hung up. He had no interest in listening to her nonsense, and besides, the security guard had already lost his patience and was calling for backup on his walkie-talkie.

"Relax, I'm here to get married," Chu Yuxuan said with a strange smile.

After making up his mind, he had called Chu Zhiqing. Hearing that his son was coming back, Chu Zhiqing was naturally pleased, but he had one condition—Chu Yuxuan had to marry Jiangcheng's number one beauty.

Chu Yuxuan understood that this was likely another clichéd business marriage. Since he had other motives for returning to the Chu family, he didn't care much about the marriage and casually agreed.

He just didn't expect the marriage to come so quickly. He was still groggy from sleep early in the morning when Chu Zhiqing called, telling him to come home for a meal and to get married on the side… It was quite unexpected.

The problem was, while one side was rushing the marriage, the divorce on the other side wasn't finalized yet!

Regarding this, Chu Zhiqing assured him not to worry. Today's wedding was a private affair held at home, with no outsiders invited. Moreover, since his marriage to Xia Zhu was secret, no one would know.

After thinking it over, Chu Yuxuan didn't see any harm in it and hurried to the estate.

Now, upon hearing that he was here to get married, the security guard nearly burst out laughing. Trying to keep a straight face, he barked, "You're getting married? Are you still dreaming? Today is our young master's wedding day. Get out of here and stop blocking the way!"

Ignorance is bliss, and Chu Yuxuan didn't want to waste time arguing. He directly called Chu Zhiqing, "Old man, it seems I can't get in."

Moments later, the voice on the security guard's walkie-talkie said, "That's the young master! Let him in immediately!"

The security guard's face turned pale. His mind went blank for a moment before he forced a smile, respectfully letting the "raft" pass through, thinking to himself, "I'm probably going to lose my job…"

At the lakeside reception hall, the spacious living room was already filled with distinguished guests.

Given the Chu family's status in the business world, those invited were undoubtedly influential figures. High society has always been like this—ruthless and fickle, with interests at the forefront. Without power and background, not even dogs would look at you.

The middle-aged man with a commanding presence, chatting animatedly with his friends in the living room, was none other than Chu Zhiqing.

Today, he was dressed in a black suit, with his slicked-back hair shining brightly. The shallow "川" shape between his brows when he frowned gave him a somewhat Chow Yun-fat-like air, exuding authority and charisma.

Just as he was discussing a topic of great interest to everyone, Chu Zhiqing, teasingly taking a sip of his wine, heard a loud shout from the door: "Chu Zhiqing!"

Startled, he spat out his wine, coughing as he turned around, only to see his son. An unexpected smile of flattery appeared on his face, "Son, you're here!"

The crowd fell silent, casting curious glances at Chu Yuxuan.

This young master… was indeed quite unkempt and excessively low-key.

Chu Yuxuan's lips curled into a smile, ignoring the curious stares, as he walked toward his father. He casually picked up a vase, holding it upside down by the neck, and said with a menacing smile, "Chu Zhiqing, long time no see. Come, let your son show you some love!"

Chu Zhiqing couldn't help but shudder. He quickly dodged behind the sofa, pointing at his "rebellious" son with a forced smile, "Yuxuan, there are so many people here, give your father some face…"

"You shameless old man, you still care about face? Stand still and don't move!"

The father and son began a chase around the sofa. No one expected that this man, who was notorious for his ruthless tactics in the Jiangcheng business world, would have such a pathetic moment.

"Son, let's talk this over. Can we discuss this somewhere else?"

Chu Yuxuan slowly came to a stop, his gaze sweeping over the shocked faces of the guests before he sneered, "Fine, you pick the place. I want a one-on-one with you!"

"The study on the second floor… Let's go, let's go…" Chu Zhiqing said with a fawning smile, gesturing for him to lead the way.

Without further ado, Chu Yuxuan walked up, grabbed Chu Zhiqing's expensive tie that could equal a year's salary for an average person, and dragged him toward the staircase.

Holding onto the knot of his tie to avoid being strangled by his son, Chu Zhiqing apologized to the guests, "Everyone, my apologies. Please continue enjoying yourselves. I'm going to appease my ancestor for a bit. I'll be right back!"

Guests: …

Looking at this scene… are you sure you'll survive to come back?