HBWMA -Chapter 316 Luring into the Trap

Zhou Guochao set down his teacup and sized up the young man before him. “Did the sun rise from the west today? You actually have something you like? How long is this one going to last?”

Power and status—Zhou Yanheng had been born with them. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say his life had been smooth sailing; even the stars in the sky would have been within reach if he wanted them. Because of that, he only ever appreciated things, never truly liked them. Once something passed his “appreciation phase,” he lost all interest.

His family all knew about this habit.

Just as he finished speaking, the phone in the hall rang. Butler Zhou glanced at Zhou Guochao and went to answer it.

“Yes.”

After a moment, Butler Zhou hung up and turned back. “Old Master, it’s a call from the Fu family. They said Old Master Fu has invited you over for tea.”

Zhou Yanheng stood up. “Grandpa, you should stop worrying about me. You should think about how to pick a side this time instead.”

Zhou Guochao snapped irritably, “Come back here! Can’t you see I’m still angry? Everyone else’s grandson is already running their family business—can’t you give me some advice?”

Zhou Yanheng shook his head. “Not for now. Grandpa, wait a few more years.”

Zhou Guochao immediately bristled, slapping his thigh as he stood. “Wait, wait, wait—Old Shen’s grandson next door is already bold enough to shoot at Fu Lingnan, and I still have to wait for you to bring me glory?”

Zhou Yanheng paused slightly, thinking. “If Grandpa is comparing that… I could have that old man dead tomorrow. Do you want that?”

“……”

Zhou Guochao was instantly speechless. No one understood a grandson better than his grandfather—others just talked, but Zhou Yanheng really would do it.

Realizing this, Zhou Guochao flew into a rage. “Are you trying to kill me? Or bring the whole Zhou family down with you? Do you think the Fu family is so easy to touch? All transport resources—high-speed rail and subways—are in their hands. They control half of the country’s logistics. If anything happens to them, half the nation’s transport system collapses. Have you thought about that?!”

One troublemaker after another!

Zhou Yanheng said calmly, “That’s why I told you to wait a few more years. Once we take over the Fu family’s resources, then we can act.”

Sounds simple—too simple. The four great families had been in balance for years; none had ever swallowed another.

Zhou Guochao snorted. “Forget it. Focus on yourself first. If you lose again to Shen Lanxi in the military academy exams and ranking, we’ll be the laughingstock as the eternal second place.”

Zhou Yanheng curled his lips slightly. “Got it.”

Shen Residence

Shen Rang was directing the cleanup of the battlefield in the dark hall.

Shen Lanxi entered from the outer courtyard with Gao Zhi behind him.

“Fifth Uncle, you’ve worked hard.”

“We’re family, no need for formalities,” Shen Rang said, beaming as he patted Shen Lanxi’s shoulder. “Good! You really take after your father.”

Shen Lanxi nodded politely. “Fifth Uncle, the Fu family won a loss this time and won’t let it go. The Shen family isn’t afraid, but…”

Shen Rang nodded. “I understand. I’ll send people to keep an eye on those girls.”

The Shen family had stripped Fu Xiaoxiao naked and hung her on a plane for a city-wide humiliation tour. The Fu family would never swallow such disgrace. If they couldn’t strike today, they might target Shen family daughters instead. Even without Shen Lanxi’s reminder, Shen Rang was already prepared.

“Thank you, Fifth Uncle.”

After a few more words of exchange, Shen Lanxi returned to the inner residence.

As he crossed the corridor bridge, his gaze was drawn to the wisteria covering the embroidery building wall. After a moment of thought, he headed straight to Chrysanthemum Garden.

He’s finally opened up?!

Gao Zhi followed silently behind him.

Zhang Ru was sitting under a flower rack making dumplings when she saw Shen Lanxi enter. She quickly stood up, flustered. “Young Master Lanxi, what brings you here?”

Shen Lanxi looked at her briefly. “Where is Shanshan?”

Zhang Ru glanced toward the embroidered building. “She… she’s still sleeping.”

Without another word, Shen Lanxi turned and went upstairs.

Zhang Ru’s eyelid twitched. She hurried after him. “Young Master Lanxi, Miss Jiang is still sleeping. It’s not appropriate to barge in like this…”

Gao Zhi quietly pulled her aside.

Shen Lanxi had already pushed open the bedroom door and walked in.

“Young Master Lanxi!” Zhang Ru panicked and rushed in after him.

He scanned the room. “Where is she?”

Zhang Ru clutched her apron. “Miss Jiang went out.”

Shen Lanxi walked to the window, looking at the blooming roses. His expression gradually turned cold. “Where did she go?”

If it was just a casual outing, Zhang Ru wouldn’t be this nervous.

Seeing she couldn’t hide it, Zhang Ru lowered her head. “Miss Jiang said she went to Nanwan to find Young Master A-Ling.”

Hearing that, Gao Zhi silently took a step back.

Shen Lanxi was silent for a moment, then lightly brushed a flower petal. “She went alone?”

Zhang Ru shook her head. “No… Steward Lei went with her.”

Shen Lanxi raised his eyes, looking through the floral window toward the bamboo courtyard opposite.

Nanwan Government Building

Shen Qian had already entered the parliament successfully, and Nanwan affairs were gradually returning to order.

Shen Guiling had just returned from the dock; sea wind clung to his brows like frost. People immediately came forward with reports.

“Secretary Shen, these are donations from various sectors regarding the Nanwan port incident. The government’s appreciation banquet is also set. Here is the publicity timeline for your review.”

Shen Guiling skimmed the documents. “Have them verify the list again. The rest, send to Assistant Mo.”

“Yes.”

Assistant Mo approached with pre-made ginger tea, his expression serious. “Young Master, there is a guest.”

Shen Guiling took the tea and glanced at the office. Just as he was about to step in, Mo added softly, “Be careful. The visitor is not friendly.”

“……”

Smiling faintly, Shen Guiling pushed the door open without hesitation.

The moment the door opened, the leather chair behind the desk spun 180 degrees.

The smile in Shen Guiling’s eyes disappeared instantly. The ginger tea in his hand rippled slightly.

A person sat in the chair, arms crossed, lazily studying him with fox-like eyes.

“Brother A-Ling.”

Lei Xing, crouching in the corner, immediately rushed forward like he had seen a savior.

“Young Master A -Ling! I didn’t mean to bring Miss Jiang here to cause trouble! She forced me! She said if I didn’t agree, she would accuse me of trying to seduce Zhang Ru and get the Old Master to expel me from the Shen family!”

Everyone in the Shen household knew the old master was wise and decisive—but strangely, he always listened to Jiang Huasan. Even the Shen family sons and gentlemen avoided her, let alone servants like him.

Shen Guiling glanced at Jiang Huasan and said gently, “Got it. You can leave first.”

Lei Xing, filled with guilt, left dejectedly.

Mo glanced inside, then quietly closed the door behind him.