### Chapter 273: Entering the Chen Mansion
After what felt like a gazillion years of sleep, Su Xinghe finally woke up from her seemingly endless dreamy slumber with a face full of contentment and laziness, punctuated by the occasional yawn to keep things interesting.
The sunlight poked through the curtain crevices, sneakily crawling onto her cheek.
By now, the sun had made its debut halfway across the sky, and her midday nap was just as deep and luxurious as Mu Jixue’s—if only she could be that proud of it.
Su Xinghe rubbed her drowsy eyes and, upon realizing how long she’d been out, decided that her sleep quality might rival even the best of the best.
Finding the rooms of Yun Zhonghe and Su Xiaoxiao eerily quiet, she realized they weren’t in the inn anymore. It was Su Xiaoxiao who sent over the Spirit Message via the Sound Transmission Jade Pendant, letting her know they were waiting at a well-known restaurant in Tianhai City.
After a quick brush-up, she dashed out, locating Yun Zhonghe and Su Xiaoxiao in a corner booth, all smiles and laughter. They waved her over eagerly.
Once seated, Su Xinghe asked them why they didn’t simply wait back at the inn.
Su Xiaoxiao’s eyes flickered like a broken fan light and mumbled some hokum which Su Xinghe barely tolerated.
The whole thing with Xia Linglong was just a small blip on the radar. Today, it was time for serious business: visiting the Chen Family.
After a decent lunch, they all rose and headed towards the Chen Family compound.
They arrived around two o’clock in the afternoon, the Chen Family seemingly well-prepared.
The sunlight slanted onto the Chen family’s gate, shining like a spotlight at a talent show.
The Chen Family’s young master had offended Yun Zhonghe three days ago, and the Chen Family Head was aware of it. He anticipated that Yun Zhonghe would come over and demand action; hence he had everything in place before their arrival.
Upon their arrival, the Chen Family Head personally led his staff out, greeting them with great sincerity. They were ushered into the Chen Family’s grand hall with utmost respect.
On the way in, there was palpable chaos everywhere among the Chen Family members, who seemed to have just survived some sort of cosmic disaster. The servants looked frazzled, and here and there someone sported a weird smile or two, like an emoji trying to fit in.
Yet, the Chen Family Head exuded calmness and poise. A smile graced his face as he spoke smoothly, not a hint of panic, inviting them into the hall casually.
The atmosphere in the grand hall was both solemn and somehow whimsical.
In the center of the hall stood a long table with intricate carvings, tea accessories perfectly arranged, the aroma of tea calming the tension.
“Three guests, my son did commit an offense yesterday. Please forgive him,” said the Chen Family Head, his voice warm and sincere. He offered them fine tea, a gesture of apology.
“My son has always been pampered, acting without restraint. This time, he nearly hurt a fairy! Truly a matter of poor upbringing on my part. I am prepared to take full responsibility. Any compensation will be made with utmost sincerity.”
Clearly, this middle-aged man was a seasoned veteran, uninterested in stirring up unnecessary trouble.
He spoke carefully, balancing apology with preserving his house’s dignity.
While Yun Zhonghe and company weren’t easy targets, since the Immortal Alliance had taken control, duels had become less frequent, and outright destruction of clans was rare.
“Meng Yao” already dealt with the banded tiger, which surely settled some scores. Also, the Chen and Meng families weren’t in the same city, making reprisal from the Mengs difficult enough to warrant second thoughts.
Moreover, the Chen family was thriving in Tianhai City, with resources aplenty, easily matching the wealth of the Third-Rate Aristocratic Family like the Chen House.
Despite the initial show of strength, the low-key reconciliation was unexpected, even to Yun Zhonghe.
These aristocratic families often held their pride high, so such humility was rather unusual—unless they simply didn’t mind the cost.
Petrol products were booming throughout the Cultivation Realm, and the Chen family’s finances soared. Their opulent estate matched the scale and luxury of the grand houses but fell short compared to the true Third-Rate status of cloud castles like the Chen residence.
The Chen Family Head clapped once, gesturing to his right-hand-man, the ever-reliable household manager, to approach.
This manager bowed reverently, holding an intricately carved wooden box with jade-inlay decorations, stepping gracefully before Yun Zhonghe and co., a humble smile plastered on his face:
“A humble gift, unworthy but sincere. Please accept this token of our deep apologies for yesterday’s incident.”
His genuineness was almost unsettling.
The manager opened the box with care, revealing perfectly aligned rows of sparkling, radiant, high-grade Spirit Stones!
Each one worth a king’s ransom, adding up to millions of lesser-quality stones in value.
Yun Zhonghe gasped, impressed by the sheer magnitude of wealth displayed so casually.
This clearly showed the Chen family’s oil trade success, nonchalantly dispersing millions like chaff.
Smiling wryly, Yun Zhonghe thought to himself about seizing the opportunity to ask about the senior’s daughter.
But the Spirit Stones presented so freely? He couldn’t resist accepting them with a sneaky smirk:
“Oh, Head of the Chen Family, you’re too kind! That day, I admired your son riding a tiger, looking so heroic and full of promise. He’s destined for greatness!”
The false flattery nearly made Yun Zhonghe chuckle, but the Chen Family Head took it all in stride with hearty nods.
The Head of the Chen Family understood this was merely formal pleasantries. Yet, he wanted to quickly move past this and took this as his chance to avoid conflict.
Silently, he exchanged a glance with the manager.
Outside, footsteps approached hurriedly. An anxious servant hurried in, whispering frantically in the Chen Family Head’s ear.
The Head of the Chen Family feigned a slight change in demeanor.
Turning to Yun Zhonghe and friends, he smiled apologetically:
“My apologies, honored guests. Domestic affairs consume much of our time. I also have urgent matters to attend to and cannot see you off properly. To compensate, your expenses in Tianhai City will be covered entirely by us. Please do accept our heartfelt wishes.”
Saying this, he bowed slightly, appearing genuinely constrained by duty.
Reluctantly, Yun Zhonghe responded cordially: “Your hospitality is overwhelming. If you have pressing matters, we should let you be. Before we leave, however, I wish to inquire about something minor if possible.”
“Of course, please ask.” The Head of the Chen Family remained composed, yet a subtle wariness sparked in his eyes.
“I befriended a senior, also a member of your Chen Family. He mentioned his daughter, Chen Leling. Do you know of her circumstances?”
Yun Zhonghe probed, his eyes fixed on the Head of the Chen Family, seeking any sign.
When he mentioned “Chen Leling,” indeed, a ripple crossed the Head’s expression.
Though adept at deception, his brief slip wasn’t unnoticed.
Still, he regained composure swiftly, offering a reassuring smile. But Yun Zhonghe was no amateur in hiding emotions either.
The fleeting reaction didn’t escape him.
It seemed a tidal wave stirred within the Head’s heart.
“The young master, Meng Yao, how long have you known the senior?”
A hint of depth in his voice contrasted starkly with his usual cheery facade, a tinge of warning evident.
How long…
Yun Zhonghe hadn’t anticipated such inquiry and quickly calculated his response. Saying a short duration risked suspicion—a mere acquaintance couldn’t commission such critical tasks from a Yuan Ying expert.
But too long could backfire too—
In an instant, Yun Zhonghe found his answer: “I’ve known him for five or six years, practically my mentor, aiding me at times. Though we’ve fallen out of touch, recently, he entrusted me with a letter, asking about his daughter’s welfare here in Chen’s house.”
The Head’s expression eased, a faint smile forming: “Ah, naturally, Chen Leling thrives in our Chen household. Given her parentage, we ensure her comfort.”
Happily, the Head clapped to order Suyingle brought over.
Unexpectedly, he readily agreed, despite what Yun Zhonghe feared.
Could there be hidden motives?
But if by surprise, efficiency was too high for that. Yun Zhonghe found the likelihood slim.
Unable to discern, he remained skeptical.
Moments later, a sprightly girl with pigtails, clad in a delicate pink dress, shyly entered under a maid’s guidance.
Her large black eyes curiously surveyed the room, her lips a rosy shade. She was adorable but bashful, avoiding eye contact.
Yun Zhonghe, Su Xiaoxiao, and Su Xinghe shared a meaningful look.
Being the youngest, Su Xinghe naturally stepped up to engage with Chen Leling.
Meanwhile, the Chen Family Head resumed his affable chat with Yun Zhonghe:
“Chen Leling’s naturally shy because her father traveled constantly, while her mother passed away early. We’ve been extra considerate in taking care of her.”
“Please convey to her father that his daughter is flourishing here. We will never mistreat her again. His return to the Chen house will be greatly anticipated.”
Each word sincere, suggesting Chen Leling’s wellbeing mattered deeply.
Everything seemed straightforward.
Later, when Su Xinghe discreetly mentioned Chen Leling’s stance.
She insisted she was content staying and urged them to leave Tianhai City.
Something felt off. Unsettling hints lingered in his gut, unshakable.
