This was exactly the temperament of Old Master Guan. In recent years, as his age advanced and his chronic illnesses became increasingly severe, his temper had somewhat mellowed.

But now, feeling cornered, his true nature was revealed once again.

A robust roar, utterly domineering.

The group standing behind Old Zhou never imagined that this man, seemingly on the brink of death, still had the audacity of a young man in his bones.

For a moment, all were dumbfounded on the spot, quite frightened.

Harsh words had been spoken, and to continue aiming guns at Old Master Guan's group was tantamount to courting death.

Faced with this choice that offered no chance of survival, the group immediately showed signs of cowardice.

"You!"

The momentum was overwhelmingly suppressed in an instant, leaving Old Zhou's face looking particularly ugly.

All these years, he had been overshadowed by Old Master Guan. He hadn't expected that, even at an age with one foot in the grave, he would still be overshadowed by him.

"Hmph!"

With rage brewing inside him and nowhere to vent, Old Zhou slammed his hand on the table so hard that several antique porcelain cups jittered.

"Good... good... good..."

After repeating 'good' thrice, Old Zhou's face remained grim as he glared fiercely at Old Master Guan, his gaze predatory as it shifted to Xu Fan.

"Surname Guan, so you want to protect this kid, huh?"

"Fine, I shall see just how long you can keep him safe!"

After all, there is no wall in this world that doesn't leak. Old Zhou truly didn't believe that the Guan Family could protect Xu Fan around the clock.

"Let's go!"

At this moment, there was no longer any reason to remain. Old Zhou glared at Old Master Guan and led his group away with a sweep of his robes.

"Grandpa, you were truly ferocious just now."

The outburst from Old Master Guan was indeed impressive. Guan Jianfei, who had been watching the drama unfold, now grinned and started to flatter his own grandfather.

"Get lost."

Having just completely fallen out with the Zhou Family, severing all ties, it was not at all pleasant. Seeing his mischievous grandson still able to smile, Old Master Guan almost kicked him.

"Jianfei, take your sister out for a bit. I have something to discuss alone with Xu Fan."

Resting his hand on his forehead and taking a moment to rest, Old Master Guan waved his hand to dismiss Guan Shimeng and Guan Jianfei.

Even the guards who had been inside were sent away by the old man.

In an instant, only Xu Fan and Old Master Guan were left in the room.

"Old Master Guan, you really took a stand just now."

Grateful for Old Master Guan's protective behavior, Xu Fan nodded and expressed his thanks.

"You little brat..."

Old Master Guan shook his head with a smile-curse, sighing as he said, "Today is the only day I can protect you. From now on, facing down the Zhou Family will depend on your own abilities."

At his age, he was ready to retire; what he could do was to use the dwindling tiger's might he still possessed to temporarily repel the people from the Zhou Family.

From now on, Xu Fan would have to rely on himself.

"Of course, if you're scared now, I might take you to apologize to them. With my influence, I could still secure a way out for you."

Old Master Guan seemed to kindly offer an escape, but hearing this, Xu Fan laughed and shook his head.

"Old Master Guan, the word 'fear' is not in my dictionary."

"A true man stands between heaven and earth; upright in acts, upright in sitting. If I'm wrong, I'll certainly admit it, but if I'm not, even with a gun to my head, I will never bow down."

This time, it was Zhou Jianjun who had caused his own downfall. With the situation now twisted like this, how could Xu Fan possibly admit to any wrongdoing?

"You kid..."

"What I like about you is your character," the old Mr. Guan chuckled, then said, "Looking at it this way, Xiao Tianfang's Lingyan Pavilion has been handed over to you, right?"

Considering Mr. Guan's status, his awareness of this matter wasn't unusual. Xu Fan didn't hide anything and nodded, saying, "Yes, that's correct, I'm in charge now."

"You lad, you have his style from back in the day. No wonder Xiao Lan would leave things to you."

After looking at Xu Fan with a confirming gaze, Mr. Guan said, "Xu Fan, I have a few words of advice for you today."

"The Zhou family always plays dirty, and although I've suppressed them openly for now, they will surely try to trip you up in secret."

"As for how you deal with it, that's your business. I don't want to meddle, nor will I, but I have one piece of advice."

"Don't let me down."

"..."

Touched by Mr. Guan's heartfelt words, Xu Fan couldn't help but shake his head with a smile and said, "Old man, don't worry. My life isn't that fragile."

"By the way, you should be extra vigilant about that lad named Ke Longxiang."

At this moment, old Mr. Guan brought up the blond man from before.

Xu Fan frowned as he listened.

The fact that He Shaofeng smeared my name was instigated by that guy. If I'm not wrong, he should be one of Zhou Jianjun's people.

"Old man, what's the story with that guy?"

Xu Fan couldn't help but ask.

"His background isn't that terrifying. His father should be considered the wealthiest man in Shanghai in public."

"..."

Xu Fan curled his lip—one could only expect old Mr. Guan to casually speak of Shanghai's wealthiest man as no big deal.

Even if it was just for show, he was still the wealthiest man in Shanghai.

In the entire Huaxia, that would still make him a major tycoon.

"Among the wastrels of Shanghai, he's one of the sharper minds. He leads a group of profligate sons, and they've banded together."

"I believe you know what they go by, 'Dragon Elephant'? They've made quite a name for themselves riding on their fathers' coattails."

"Now that you've offended this group, it's a battle between dragons and tigers. Who stands last will depend on your skills."

Smiling, Xu Fan nodded and said, "Old man, I understand."

"If I actually lose to that bunch who plays house, then I wouldn't have the face to see you again."

"Alright,"

Having just gotten worked up, old Mr. Guan felt somewhat tired now and waved his hand, indicating that Xu Fan should take a break.

Xu Fan nodded and then left the office.

"Xu Fan."

As soon as he stepped out, Guan Shimeng, who had been waiting outside, came up to him with a worried expression.

The recent events had made her anxious for Xu Fan, and it had lingered until now.

"What did grandpa say to you?"

"Silly girl, it's nothing, just told me to study hard,"

Seeing Guan Shimeng sweating bullets for him, Xu Fan affectionately touched her head and casually responded.

He didn't want to worry Guan Shimeng with these matters.

"Silly sister, as I see it, the old man is probably considering having Xu Fan marry you."

That's when Guan Jianfei abruptly interjected.

Shimeng's cheeks flushed in an instant, and she stamped her foot, chiding him.

"Bro... what are you blabbering about..."

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