Chapter Twenty-Three: A Baffling Retreat

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The Prodigal Son Without Pop-ups
Chapter Twenty-Three: The Strange Retreat

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In this country, firearms are nowhere near as freely available as abroad. Occasionally, the sound of a gunshot might ring out, but it never causes much surprise. Even gangs that have grown sizable would never dare use guns recklessly, because once guns are involved, the nature of the matter changes, and the authorities will crack down without mercy.

Xiao Tianci grew up here with his mother. As a child, he was mischievous and often got into scuffles, but this was the first time he had ever heard gunfire.

This was no hallucination—because moments later, the explosions and gunshots grew even fiercer. Though he had no experience with such things, he could sense that a fierce battle was underway.

“What’s happening? Why are there gunshots?” Xiao Tianci wondered, anxiously glancing at Tian Ni. She too looked surprised, gazing in the direction of the gunfire, but she showed no fear or panic. Xiao Tianci felt a slight relief.

“Nier, stay here and don’t move. I’m going to see what’s happening…” The gunfire outside grew more intense, clearer and louder. Anyone with a shred of wit could deduce that the battle had broken out near the villa.

“Tian…” After speaking to Tian Ni, Xiao Tianci quickly rose and headed downstairs. Tian Ni turned, wanting to call after him to be careful, but the words of concern stopped on her lips. She could only watch as his figure disappeared.

“Chief Steward…” Xiao Tianci almost shouted.

“Master, is there something you need?” No sooner had his words left his mouth than a voice sounded behind him.

Startled, Xiao Tianci managed an “Mm…” and quickly turned to find Chief Steward Lin Jian standing behind him, just as he had for most of the past few days.

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“When…when did you get behind me?” Xiao Tianci felt that this chief steward was far too uncanny. He had just come downstairs—how had Lin Jian gotten behind him without him noticing?

The chief steward replied calmly, “Actually, I’ve been standing by the stairs all along. Master, you came down in a hurry and didn’t look to the side. When you came down, I simply followed behind.”

Recalling Lin Jian’s words, Xiao Tianci realized that was indeed the case. Outside, the gunshots and explosions became even more intense, reminding Xiao Tianci of his purpose for coming downstairs.

“Right, what’s happening outside? It sounds like gunfire—what’s going on?” As he spoke, Xiao Tianci looked up. In the pitch-black night, the darkness outside was now broken by flashes from explosions. In the distance, several spots seemed to be ablaze.

Chief Steward Lin Jian also gazed outside, observing the growing light and fire, and listening to the increasingly close sounds. He seemed mildly surprised. “Oh, since when did they become so formidable?”

Xiao Tianci was already furious—who wouldn’t be, having their wedding night ruined by such chaos? And in the midst of gunfire and explosions, no less. Though he managed to keep his composure, he had never experienced anything like this and was somewhat unnerved. Hearing Lin Jian’s words, he realized that the chief steward must know what was happening—perhaps he had known all along.

That thought made Xiao Tianci’s anger flare. He demanded, “What do you mean by that? Did you know they were coming? Why didn’t you tell me? Explain what’s going on!”

In pure business negotiations, the most important thing is to remain calm and never lose your temper. No matter what calculations run through your mind, your face must always bear a smile. Seeing Xiao Tianci’s current demeanor, Chief Steward Lin Jian was slightly pleased, thinking, “Yes, this is the aura befitting the head of the Xiao family. Though the young master hasn’t been tempered by hardship, when he gets angry, he really does remind me of the old master.”

Xiao Tianci had no idea his outburst was actually being applauded and celebrated in someone’s heart. If he knew, who could say whether he’d faint from rage.

On the surface, Chief Steward Lin Jian remained calm. “Master, this matter is rather complicated—it’s not something that can be explained in a moment.”

By now, the gunfire, explosions, and fires outside were clearly visible. Xiao Tianci suppressed his anger and looked out, saying, “Then tell me what’s happening right now.” He pointed outside. “What is all this?”

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Chief Steward Lin Jian replied in an utterly ordinary manner, “All these people are here for you, Master.” He sighed softly, “They really are like cockroaches—so tenacious, hard to wipe out.”

Xiao Tianci sized up Chief Steward Lin Jian, his tone growing increasingly dissatisfied. “You seem to know quite a lot!”

Of course, Lin Jian understood exactly what Xiao Tianci meant, but he remained calm. “These are all things a chief steward must know.” He glanced again at the battle approaching the villa, checked the time, then turned to Xiao Tianci and said, “Master, it seems the enemy has deployed far more people than I anticipated. Their progress is much faster than I expected. We must retreat immediately.”

“Deployed more…anticipated…” Hearing this, Xiao Tianci finally understood that Chief Steward Lin Jian not only knew about the matter but had long been prepared. Everything seemed to be unfolding according to his plan. Xiao Tianci looked at Lin Jian again, and now his heart was full of questions—along with growing suspicion. Just how much was hidden behind the ever-gentlemanly mask of the chief steward of the Xiao family?

“Master, for your safety and the lady’s, we must withdraw for now.”

“Hmph…” Xiao Tianci shot Lin Jian an unhappy glance and snorted coldly. At that moment, he recalled Xu Guowei’s similar suspicions. Could it be that this chief steward, younger than himself, had his own schemes…?

His own safety was one thing; now his bride was still upstairs. Xiao Tianci, worried for Tian Ni, shot Lin Jian a cold look and went upstairs to bring her down, following Lin Jian in retreat. As for who those people were, why they had come, where they were retreating to—Xiao Tianci had no time to ask.

They had barely gotten outside and walked a short distance when the battle erupted around the villa. Why were such battles possible in the country? Why were there no police…no military? Why…? Leading Tian Ni carefully upstairs, and following Chief Steward Lin Jian with dozens of guards, they departed swiftly, Xiao Tianci’s mind now filled with a hundred thousand questions.