HBWMA -Chapter 340 Struggle Between Su and Fu

Whale Harbor, Zhou Residence.

Fu Lingnan stood up to take his leave. “Alright, it’s getting late. This old bones of mine should head back and rest.”

Zhou Guochao teased half-jokingly, “I’ve told you long ago—people should accept aging. Retire when it’s time to retire and give the younger generation a chance.” Then he looked meaningfully at Fu Jiasheng beside him. “A-Sheng, don’t you think so?”

Fu Jiasheng pretended not to understand and smiled vaguely. “Uncle Zhou is joking.”

Zhou Guochao chuckled and, after some polite exchanges, personally escorted them out of the estate.

After getting into the car, both Fu Lingnan and Fu Jiasheng’s expressions darkened.

Fu Jiasheng looked at the Zhou residence shrinking in the rearview mirror, his tone full of unwillingness. “Dad! That old Zhou fox is too greedy. He actually opened his mouth asking for half of the north-south bay light rail line. He’s clearly taking advantage of the situation.”

Fu Lingnan was calmer than his son. Although displeased, he still said composedly, “If we want that old fox Zhou Guochao to show his tail, we have to bleed a little. Now that the Zhou family has agreed in principle, our situation will be much easier. I’ll settle this debt with the Su family sooner or later.”

Hearing this, Fu Jiasheng’s expression eased slightly. “You’re right, Dad.”

Fu Lingnan continued, “Su Jingliu actually wants to fight me to the death—then let’s see who dies in the end. Jiasheng, notify the other members of the alliance. Since the Shen family can’t swallow everything alone, we’ll start with the Su family first. The Zhou family has already given their word—proceed according to plan.”

“Yes.”

“Those people are all wolves and tigers,” Fu Lingnan added coldly. “They want to eat but refuse to show themselves. There’s no such good thing in the world. Tell them—this time, at the grand banquet, my Fu family must sit at the head seat.”

Zhou Guochao stood beneath the white gate, quietly watching as the Fu family car disappeared into the night.

“Grandfather agreed to the Fu family?” Zhou Yanheng stepped out from behind the gate and followed his gaze. “I thought you would wait a little longer.”

Zhou Guochao withdrew his gaze and looked at the young man in front of him. “Wait for what?”

Zhou Yanheng said, “Aren’t you usually waiting for the Shen family’s stance? Shen’s old master hasn’t returned yet.”

Zhou Guochao gestured for him to walk with him. “Walk with Grandpa.”

Zhou Yanheng stepped closer, respectfully supporting Zhou Guochao’s arm.

Zhou Guochao glanced at him. “A-Heng, why do you think I should wait for the Shen family’s attitude?”

Zhou Yanheng answered without hesitation, “Isn’t that always your approach?”

Zhou Guochao said calmly, “Precisely because it has always been that way, in extraordinary times, we cannot wait. Do you think the Fu family chose this moment to strike the Su family by accident? The Su family’s eldest son is now a chief minister in the State Council and a strong contender for the next presidency. With the presidential election approaching, do you really think this is merely a dispute between the Su and Fu families?”

Zhou Yanheng was still confused. “But Grandpa, didn’t you say we don’t get involved in presidential politics?”

Zhou Guochao replied, “We don’t get involved because, over the past century, the Zhou family has had no winning advantage. The Shen family has Shen Xi, the Su family has Su Shen and Su You. Your father has capability but lacks true greatness. So retreating and avoiding the storm was the only way to survive. Do you think why Yu Siwen ultimately succeeded? Because he didn’t belong to any faction—he was a pawn that everyone could tempt with profit, and such pieces are always welcomed at the table of decision-makers.”

Zhou Yanheng pondered. “So… the Su family is being surrounded this time?”

Zhou Guochao smiled faintly, his eyes deep. “When a whale falls, all things are born. A-Heng, remember this: the higher you climb, the less you can afford to fall, because beneath you are always predators waiting to step on your corpse to rise. Today it is the Su family; tomorrow it may be the Wang family, or the Li family.”

“So… does that mean the Su family is doomed in this game?”

Zhou Guochao nodded slightly. “From the current situation—yes.”

Because when many sides attack at once, there is always a hidden follow-up move.

Su Residence.

Su Jingliu leaned back in his soft chair, his expression weary.

Su Shen felt deeply guilty and stood up to pour her father a cup of hot tea. “Dad, have some tea.”

Su Jingliu took the cup and turned to look at Su Zhuo. “How is A-Yun? She wasn’t frightened, was she? Before this matter is resolved, don’t send her to school for the time being.”

Su Zhuo nodded. “Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ll take care of my sister.”

“She has suffered too much before. She’s emotionally sensitive, so try to keep outside voices away from her. Those people at the gate—handle them coldly for now. Don’t let anyone with ulterior motives find leverage.”

Su Jingliu then turned to Su Shen again. “This time the other side is clearly coming for you. A-Yun was just an innocent victim.”

Political struggles never care about means, only outcomes. The Su family had pulled the Fu family into a treason case from three years ago, and in return, the Fu family had exposed the Su family in a religious scandal.

In Country A, believers of the Heavenly Grace Church made up 30% of the population—on average, three out of every ten citizens were followers. A sexual scandal involving the church had shattered many people’s faith.

If the Su family could not clearly distance themselves from the church, their reputation would collapse completely. A family that lost public trust would be pushed out of the decision-making arena.

“A-Yun, open the door. If you have any grievances, you can talk to Mom. Don’t lock yourself in the room.”

The room was dark and silent. Su Yun curled up tightly, hugging her knees, completely ignoring the voice outside.

Mother Su did not dare press too hard and spoke gently through the door. “A-Yun, don’t worry. Grandpa and your father will find a solution.”

Su Miao couldn’t stand watching anymore and lightly supported Mother Su. “Mom, you haven’t rested all day. Let me help you back.”

Mother Su waved her hand. “I’m not tired. I want to stay here with A-Yun.”

Su Miao’s frustration flared. She kicked the door hard, the loud bang startling Mother Su and the maid beside her.

“Su Yun, are you sick in the head? If you’re so capable, you might as well get out of the Su family!”

“Miao Miao!” Mother Su exclaimed, grabbing her. “How can you talk like that?”

Su Miao said loudly, “How am I talking? You’ve been calling her all night and she hasn’t even drunk a sip of water—has she opened the door? Wasn’t she the one who tried so hard to come back? Now that she’s back, why isn’t she cherishing it? Did Su Li ever treat you well? Would you dare talk to Su Li like this?”

“Miao—”

Before she could finish, the door suddenly opened.

Su Yun stood at the doorway, coldly looking at Su Miao. “What right do you have to mention Su Li in front of me?”

“A-Yun, Miao Miao didn’t mean it, she—”

Before Mother Su could finish, Su Miao cut in sharply, standing in front of her. “Why don’t I have the right to mention Su Li? She is she, I am me. Her abuse of you is between you and her. Why should I feel guilty toward you?”

Su Yun’s eyes were red as she gripped the door handle, about to close it, but Su Miao immediately kicked the door to stop it.

“I’ve wanted to say this for a long time. Su Yun, when you pushed me, did you ever think of apologizing? So why do you feel guilty when facing Zhao Tang? Is it because she’s dead and I’m still standing here alive? If that’s the reason, then you’re truly ridiculous—disgusting to the core.”

“Enough!” Mother Su shouted, pulling Su Miao away. “Miao Miao, I won’t allow you to talk about your sister like that.”

“She’s not my sister!” Su Miao snapped back. “I’ve never acknowledged her. Whether as a member of the Su family or as your daughter, she’s unqualified! I hate her the most!”

Mother Su froze, unsure how to respond.

Su Yun looked into Su Miao’s eyes, her fingers slowly tightening. “You speak so easily because you’ve always been the beneficiary. You’ve never suffered what others have suffered, so of course you can be righteous and superior. If you were the victim, would you still be so noble?”

Su Miao let out a cold laugh. “No, I wouldn’t. But I also wouldn’t be as vicious as you.”

With that, she turned and walked downstairs without looking back.