Realm of the Night God

Chapter 68: Wu Xiaoxiao

The Wu Family owes its vast fortune to the patriarch, who started from scratch, gradually building the family empire to what it is today. It's said that during his most destitute times, he sustained himself by running a market stall. Who could have imagined that a penniless peddler from back then would now command such a colossal business empire?

In Lecheng, the patriarch of the Wu Family is legendary. However, now in his seventies, although still robust, he lacks the vigor of his youth. He has stepped back from the forefront, leaving the management of all affairs to his eldest son.

Master Wu has two sons: the eldest and the second.

The eldest, now forty-five, has inherited his father's talent and, with the solid foundation laid by Master Wu, efficiently manages the family business. Under his stewardship, the business thrives, reminiscent of the glory days of Master Wu.

In contrast, the second son is quite profligate. At thirty, he indulges in a life of luxury and troublemaking, leveraging the family's wealth and influence to swagger through Lecheng. Few dare to provoke or challenge him.

Among the Wu Family members present, Master Wu and his two sons are there, yet they seem oblivious to the purpose of Yang Haoran and Guanhai's visit today, their attention elsewhere.

Yang Haoran intended to inquire from Guanhai about certain matters, but seeing Guanhai equally bewildered, he realized the situation was awkward. Guanhai evidently had no idea what was happening either.

The atmosphere in the hall is tense, everyone preoccupied with their own thoughts, their expressions grim. Yang Haoran, amidst this atmosphere, feels equally uncomfortable.

Just as Yang Haoran prepares to excuse himself to the restroom to speak with Guanhai, the steward appears.

A woman walks ahead of the steward, who follows respectfully. Her appearance immediately captures everyone's attention.

She's young, around twenty, standing at about 1.7 meters tall, similar in height to Xu Meijing. Her skin is fair and delicate, akin to a baby's, radiating a healthy glow from proper care.

While her height and skin are impeccable, her physique is astonishing—a hefty ball-like figure, seemingly inflated, waddling like a penguin, causing the ground to tremble beneath her.

Yang Haoran's lips twitch involuntarily. The woman approaching appears to weigh at least two hundred catties; if she fell into the sea, she could cause a tsunami.

"Wu Xiaoxiao, come here to Grandpa."

Before Yang Haoran could speculate on her identity, Master Wu speaks, his typically stern face breaking into a smile upon seeing her.

"Wu Xiaoxiao? Is she Wu Xiaoxiao? The young miss of the Wu Family?"

Yang Haoran's mind churns with tumultuous thoughts. He glances at Guanhai, who coincidentally meets his gaze.

Yang Haoran thumbs-up at Guanhai, expressing admiration. Guanhai's expression, however, is priceless. He wants to explain to Yang Haoran, but it seems Yang Haoran has already decided they have an ambiguous relationship, leaving no room for explanations. Guanhai turns away.

"Wu Xiaoxiao… Wu Xiaoxiao…"

Yang Haoran silently repeats the name, his expression incredulous. Judging from the name, he expected Wu Xiaoxiao to be petite and delicate. The reality, however, defies his expectations. Aside from her facial features appearing small due to the flesh pressing them together, there's nothing small about her.

Even more astonishing is Guanhai's ambiguous relationship with Wu Xiaoxiao. It sparks a desire in Yang Haoran to reassess Guanhai.

Master Wu speaks again, and Wu Xiaoxiao's plump face lights up with a smile. Calling out "Grandpa," she trots over, causing noticeable vibrations on the ground.

Despite her increased weight, Wu Xiaoxiao's voice remains melodious. With such a voice, she could win over many fans without showing her face.

Seemingly aware of her heavyweight status, Wu Xiaoxiao refrains from acting coquettishly and throwing herself into her grandfather's arms. Had she done so, she might have caused Master Wu a heart attack.

"Your friend has arrived; make sure to entertain them properly. Grandpa still has important guests to attend to."

Master Wu pinches Wu Xiaoxiao's chubby cheeks affectionately, then looks toward the direction where Guanhai and Yang Haoran are seated, instructing Wu Xiaoxiao.

Wu Xiaoxiao followed Master Wu's gaze and spotted Guanhai. With a smile, she called out "Brother Guanhai," then glanced at Yang Haoran beside Guanhai. Although she didn't know Yang Haoran, she nodded politely, acknowledging his presence.

Yang Haoran naturally understood Master Wu's words. He inferred that Wu Xiaoxiao was to escort them out since they were her friends. Meanwhile, the family had other esteemed guests to attend to.

While some might have taken offense at such remarks, Yang Haoran remained composed. He neither spoke nor showed any intention of leaving immediately, instead offering a smile to Wu Xiaoxiao.

Understanding her grandfather's implied directive, Wu Xiaoxiao diverted her gaze from Yang Haoran and addressed Master Wu.

"Grandpa, I know I've caused a big mess this time. But don't worry, I got myself into this trouble, and I can handle it. These two are the friends I've invited to help with our family's issues," Wu Xiaoxiao spoke up.

Upon hearing Wu Xiaoxiao's words, the expressions of the Wu Family members, including Master Wu, changed. They all turned their attention once again to Yang Haoran and Guanhai.

"Don't be silly, Xiaoxiao. Take your friends and go have fun. You can go wherever you like, and if you need more pocket money, Mom will give you some," Wu Xiaoxiao's mother said, her gaze briefly meeting Yang Haoran and Guanhai before she turned back to Wu Xiaoxiao.

"Mom! I'm serious! These two really are here to help with our family's troubles! I'm not lying to you! I want to help too! You have to believe me!" Wu Xiaoxiao quickly interjected.

"Help us? You just came back a few days ago and already caused chaos at home. You call that helping? Don't stir up trouble," Second son Wu retorted sarcastically, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, his impatience evident.

"You have no right to criticize others. Manage yourself first," Master Wu scolded Second son Wu sternly.

Only Master Wu dared to speak to Second son Wu like this. Rebuked by his own father, Second son Wu appeared resentful.

"Dad, Xiaoxiao has been spoiled by you all. You also bear a great responsibility for what's happening at home. If you hadn't pampered her so much since childhood, she wouldn't dare to do anything like this now," Second son Wu retorted, visibly disgruntled.

"Xiaoxiao is only twenty years old. How can you expect a young girl to understand? You're thirty, yet I have to worry about you. How dare you criticize others?" Master Wu's voice was stern, reprimanding.

"I…"

Second son Wu wanted to say something, but another glare from Master Wu silenced him, and he grunted in displeasure, shutting his mouth.

In this household, or rather, in the entire Lecheng, Second son Wu feared no one except Master Wu. He genuinely feared Master Wu; while he might argue back occasionally, when Master Wu was truly angry, Second son Wu dared not speak.

From the current situation, it's evident that Master Wu indeed doted on Wu Xiaoxiao. Through their conversation, Yang Haoran gleaned that the strange occurrences in the Wu Family were likely related to Wu Xiaoxiao.

"Xiaoxiao, you weren't joking, were you? Do your two friends really have the capabilities in this regard?" Master Wu asked seriously, no longer as amiable as before.

Wu Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously, then pointed at Yang Haoran, saying, "My friend here is capable. He can definitely handle the troubles in our family."

Wu Xiaoxiao directed her words to Yang Haoran, not Guanhai, indicating that Guanhai had already briefed Wu Xiaoxiao about Yang Haoran before accepting this business.

Seeing Wu Xiaoxiao mentioning him, Yang Haoran stood up, politely smiling at Master Wu. He had intended to introduce himself properly, showcase his abilities, and perhaps perform a little trickery to ensure Master Wu, such an influential figure, would trust him, at least not underestimate him like now.

However, before he could speak, Master Wu's phone rang. Seeing this, Yang Haoran closed his mouth, swallowing his words.

Apologizing with a smile, Master Wu answered the call.

After a few brief words, Master Wu hung up, visibly excited. He hastily urged the others out of the living room, seeming to go meet some important figure.

As they left, only three remained in the hall: Yang Haoran, Guanhai, and Wu Xiaoxiao.

Wu Xiaoxiao looked embarrassed, then smiled apologetically at Yang Haoran and Guanhai. "I'm sorry, I didn't tell others the main reason I invited you here, so they all thought you were guests I invited. I apologize for the oversight."

Wu Xiaoxiao displayed good manners. Despite her family's wealth, she didn't exude arrogance, instead giving off a friendly vibe.

Yang Haoran and Guanhai quickly reassured her that it was fine. They understood that everyone thought that way, and as two grown men, they didn't mind.

"Xiaoxiao, didn't your family invite distinguished guests today? If it's inconvenient, we can come another day," Guanhai suggested.

"No, no, no, don't leave. Like you, they're here to help with the recent strange incidents in my family. But they were invited by Grandpa, while you were invited by me, so the treatment is a bit…" Although Wu Xiaoxiao didn't finish her sentence, Yang Haoran and Guanhai understood.

"Don't go, please, I beg you. I've been so scared lately," Wu Xiaoxiao pleaded anxiously, afraid that Yang Haoran and Guanhai would leave. She looked pitiful.