Chapter 681: The Atmosphere in the Private Room Feels Strange

“Brother Deng, guess who I just ran into in the hallway?”

Ye Huaiyuan said to Deng Xuan in a mysterious tone.

“Oh, who?”

Deng Xuan played along, showing a curious expression.

Ye Huaiyuan kept them in suspense: “A very important figure. Let’s go, we were just about to toast him. Brother Deng, you should come with us.”

“Yes, Brother Deng! If this important figure helps, that piece of land you’re eyeing will be a piece of cake. One word from him and it’s yours.”

“That’s right, Brother Deng, this is a great opportunity. If he helps, you’ll have that land in your hands by tomorrow.”

The other two also chimed in after Ye Huaiyuan had informed them about meeting Xu Shaochen in the hallway.

“Oh? Since that’s the case, I’ll trouble you all then. I’m curious to see who this important figure is.”

Deng Xuan’s eyes lit up. He had invited Ye Huaiyuan and the others to Emperor Club tonight with the intent of asking for their help in acquiring a piece of land where an ancient tomb was buried.

Earlier that evening, he had discreetly sent people to confirm that real, legitimate ancient tombs were indeed buried under that land.

It was unclear from which era, but it was certainly before the Yuan or Song dynasties.

That was more than enough to catch his interest, which is why he had invited Ye Huaiyuan and the others to meet tonight at Emperor Club.

Hearing this talk of introducing an important person, he was more than eager.

“Let’s go, let’s bring our glasses.”

Ye Huaiyuan called for everyone to grab their drinks as they headed out of the private room towards Xu Shaochen’s room.

Inside the private room.

“I just bumped into my Third Uncle in the restroom.” Deng Tianwen said to Xu Shaochen.

Xu Shaochen seemed surprised: “Two relatives from the Northwest, running into each other in a Jiangzhou bathroom? You and your Third Uncle should just get married right on the spot. That’s fate.”

“He wouldn’t look at me twice. But I don’t even know why he’s here.” Deng Tianwen was genuinely curious about Deng Xuan’s purpose in Jiangzhou, clearly feeling a bit uneasy.

“Click—”

At that moment, the door to the private room opened.

Ye Huaiyuan led Deng Xuan and the others into the room.

“Deng Tianwen?!”

Upon seeing Deng Tianwen, Deng Xuan’s eyebrows furrowed.

“Third Uncle.”

Deng Tianwen was equally surprised.

Ye Huaiyuan and the group froze in place, exchanging glances before looking at Deng Xuan and asking, “This is…?”

“This is my nephew.” Deng Xuan introduced him briefly.

The expressions on everyone’s faces immediately turned strange.

Damn, your nephew knows Xu Shaochen, and you’re still coming to us for help? Are you out of your mind?

With an existing connection like this, why go the long way around? When all eyes turned to stare at him, Deng Xuan was utterly confused. What did I do wrong?

Wait!

Suddenly, his face changed.

Ye Huaiyuan had said he wanted to introduce him to an important figure.

There were only two people in this private room. It was now obvious who that important figure was.

The key point here was how Deng Tianwen, who had only been in Jiangzhou for a short time, had managed to hook up with someone that even Ye Huaiyuan had to tread carefully around.

“Brother Deng, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Xu.”

Ye Huaiyuan introduced Xu Shaochen without mentioning his full name or identity, as he didn’t dare address Xu Shaochen by name directly.

“Mr. Xu, nice to meet you.”

Deng Xuan respectfully greeted him, not yet realizing that Mr. Xu was actually Xu Shaochen.

After all, Deng Tianwen was looking to take revenge on Xu Shaochen, so why would he be drinking with him? Therefore, Deng Xuan had reason to believe that this couldn’t possibly be Xu Shaochen.

“Since you’re Tianwen’s Third Uncle, there’s no need to be so formal. Have a seat. Tianwen’s a good friend of mine, so no need to be too reserved, Uncle Deng.”

Xu Shaochen said casually, gesturing with his wine glass.

Hearing this and recalling his dismissive attitude toward Deng Tianwen in the restroom earlier, Deng Xuan’s face burned with embarrassment.

Had he known that Deng Tianwen was acquainted with such an influential person, he wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of asking Ye Huaiyuan and others for help.

Deng Tianwen shot a grateful glance at Xu Shaochen, understanding that Xu was intentionally making him look good.

You could see Deng Xuan feeling awkward. He was clearly embarrassed by his earlier attitude.

However, Deng Tianwen was also nervous. If his Third Uncle found out Xu Shaochen’s true identity, wouldn’t that expose his secret alliance with Xu Shaochen?

Looking around at the others in the room, Deng Tianwen felt anxious but could only play it by ear.

“Mr. Xu, I came to Jiangzhou this time for a plot of land. I hope Mr. Xu can lend a hand. I would be greatly indebted to you.”

After drinking a few rounds, the atmosphere became lively, and Deng Xuan finally revealed his purpose.

“Oh, what kind of land?” Xu Shaochen asked casually, not intending to help.

Deng Xuan quickly answered, “It’s in the suburbs, a place called Li Family Dam…”

“I’m afraid I can’t help with that.” Before Deng Xuan could finish speaking, Xu Shaochen cut him off.

Damn, Li Family Dam? Isn’t that where Li Qi’s old home is?

It seemed Deng Xuan was also after the ancient tomb buried beneath Li Family Dam.

Otherwise, why would he travel so far to acquire a piece of land with little development potential?

Deng Xuan was stunned. He pressed his lips together and asked, “Mr. Xu, may I ask why?”

“You know that land has a rightful owner. Do you know who that owner is?” Xu Shaochen paused before continuing. “To be frank, that land belongs to me, and I have no intention of selling.”

Deng Xuan stood there frozen, feeling as if a thousand wild horses were trampling over him. It was unbelievable how coincidental this was.

A wave of relief followed. Thankfully, he hadn’t resorted to any dirty tricks just yet.

Had he offended the man before him, someone even Ye Huaiyuan had to defer to, would he have left Jiangzhou unscathed?

And Li Lang… Damn, is this the ‘brat’ you described? He almost got me killed!

Deng Xuan broke into a cold sweat, mentally cursing Li Lang’s ancestors for dragging him into this mess.

“Since it’s Mr. Xu’s land, I’ll drop the matter. Pardon my presumptuousness. I’ll look into other options.”

Deng Xuan forced a smile, pushing thoughts of the ancient tomb far out of his mind.

He knew that from this moment on, that tomb had nothing to do with him anymore, and it was best to forget about it.

Xu Shaochen smiled meaningfully: “No harm done. Though I’m curious, that land seems to be quite popular lately. Just recently, another outsider wanted to buy it too.”

“Haha… Is that so?” Deng Xuan laughed awkwardly, unsure if Xu Shaochen knew about the ancient tomb buried there.

The rest of the evening, Deng Xuan couldn’t shake his unease, stealing occasional glances at Deng Tianwen from time to time.

Seems like I underestimated this nephew of mine.