Chapter Twenty-Four: Terrorists

The chilling snort from Xiao Tianci and the look of suspicion and distrust in his eyes were not lost on Chief Steward Lin Jian. He fully understood what they meant. Yet, he chose not to explain, nor did he need to—time would prove everything.

A few days prior, Xiao Tianci had not yet officially received his inheritance. There was much left unsaid; he had merely begun making arrangements in secret. Now, he realized it was time for the new, young master to learn more.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” Tian Ni had asked Xiao Tianci the third time since they had set out, unsure of how to answer her. As they left the villa, the group retreated toward the back mountain. Xiao Tianci knew every blade of grass and tree on this hill, but it was nighttime, and with no lighting, the path was treacherous.

He did his best to comfort her, telling her he would explain everything once they reached a safe place. Inwardly, he lamented—he didn’t know what was happening himself.

Gunshots rang out, sometimes close, sometimes distant, as though chasing them, yet always maintaining a certain distance. It was in such chaos that Xiao Tianci’s keen mind observed what others would not: the gunfire seemed deliberately spaced, as if the whole skirmish was being guided by someone. He was certain Chief Steward Lin Jian was involved.

Though he had his suspicions, Xiao Tianci said nothing. The hill wasn’t high—planted forests from recent years made the terrain manageable. Before long, they reached the foot of the mountain.

Suddenly, blinding military searchlights flickered on, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. The Xiao family’s guards, trained to the highest standard, formed a defensive ring around Xiao Tianci and Tian Ni. Tian Ni, overwhelmed by the night’s bewildering events and blinded by the sudden lights, cried out in fear.

Xiao Tianci pulled her into his arms. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”

He was at a loss himself—who were these people? He couldn’t see clearly, but their numbers and organization were intimidating. From the moment they’d descended the mountain until the searchlights snapped on, not a sound had betrayed the presence of the other side. Who were they?

The answer came soon enough. The searchlights shifted away, no longer focused directly on them. A man, flanked by several others, strode forward.

Xiao Tianci looked up, faintly making out the uniform—a military officer, and a major general at that. Perplexed, he watched as Lin Jian stepped forward and exchanged a few words with the officer.

Lin Jian then led the man toward Xiao Tianci. The guards parted to make way, weapons at the ready, but unwavering in their composure; not even the heavily armed soldiers could cow them in the least.

The major general snapped a salute. Though Xiao Tianci had little experience with the military, he returned the gesture—if only out of instinct. After the salute, they shook hands.

He had met many important figures in recent days, and was almost numb to it. Lin Jian introduced the officer: “Master, this is Major General Lü Weiguo, deputy commander of the military district and head of the counter-terrorism unit.”

“Mr. Xiao, rest assured, your safety is our utmost priority. We are taking over the situation here. Please, allow us to escort you to a safe place to rest. We will keep you informed of any developments.”

Xiao Tianci was lost in thought but nodded silently, following the escort to a waiting military helicopter, which whisked them away to the military district.

There was a facility prepared for high-ranking guests—hardly uncomfortable. He first saw to Tian Ni’s needs; after the day’s ordeals, she had many questions, but for now, he urged her to change clothes and bathe, promising to explain everything afterward.

Once she was settled, Xiao Tianci went to another room, where Chief Steward Lin Jian awaited him, as calm and composed as ever.

“Speak, Chief Lin. What on earth is happening?” Before Lin Jian could reply, Xiao Tianci scoffed, “You certainly arranged everything well!”

“Master, I knew about this matter long ago, but it’s not as you imagine. I did not arrange this. In fact—”

Xiao Tianci raised his hand, his demeanor transformed—this, Lin Jian thought, was the true Xiao Tianci.

“First, remember this: don’t call me ‘Master’ anymore. Do I look that old to you?”

Lin Jian remained unruffled. “The head of the Xiao family must always be addressed as ‘Master’ by his household. It is tradition.”

Xiao Tianci’s irritation deepened; to hear this handsome, idol-like man sermonize about family rules like some ancient scholar was maddening.

“What era do you think this is? We’re all young people here. Don’t make it sound like we’ve gone back two centuries.” His tone softened, but remained firm. “And as head of the Xiao family, my word is law. I forbid it. No more.”

“My apologies, Master. Unless there is an extraordinary situation, matters of management and etiquette in the inner household are decided by myself and the other sixteen stewards.”

His composure was infuriating—so polite, so unyielding, so faultlessly proper that Xiao Tianci could barely stay angry. Inwardly, he fumed: “Is this all a performance? Is Lin Jian loyal or treacherous? Is he principled or scheming? I’ve clearly underestimated the complexity of things. The family is down to just me—being the last Xiao left doesn’t mean I can do whatever I wish. No, I must uncover everything, one step at a time. If anyone wants to play games with me, I’ll beat them at their own game.”

Straightening in his seat, Xiao Tianci’s gaze grew steely as he stared at Lin Jian. “Now, I order you: stop calling me ‘Master.’ This is not a negotiation. It’s an order.”

“Yes, sir.”

The satisfaction was immense—almost intoxicating. Yet Xiao Tianci couldn’t help thinking, “Why do these people insist on talking this way?” With that settled, he pressed on, “Now, tell me—what happened tonight? Who was involved, and why? Tell me everything you know.”

“Yes, sir,” Lin Jian replied crisply. Xiao Tianci waited, but after a full ten seconds of silence, Lin Jian finally spoke, “Then… how should I address you now?”

Xiao Tianci nearly fainted.