Chapter 953: Step by Step, Everything in Control

“Deng Tianwen, what tricks are you playing?!”

Deng Jinhong looked at Deng Tianwen suspiciously and warily, occasionally glancing around the room.

He had just hidden the USD and was planning to come to Deng Tianwen’s house to scout and figure out the right moment to poison him.

But unexpectedly, as soon as he entered the living room, he noticed something.

The key members of the Deng Family were all gathered here.

And it seemed like they were waiting for him.

This made him feel extremely guilty, especially since he already had ill intentions.

“Hahahaha…”

Deng Tianwen laughed heartily, stood up, walked over to Deng Jinhong, and directly put his arm around his shoulder. “Come, Jinhong, today you are the star. Take the main seat.”

“Deng Tianwen, what’s the meaning of this?”

Deng Jinhong was bewildered as Deng Tianwen pushed him onto the primary seat of the sofa. His mind was a mess.

“Jinhong, stop pretending. Tianwen already told us everything about what you’ve done.”

“Yeah, Jinhong, we misunderstood you before. Who could have known that you and Tianwen had already planned this out?”

“Come, let’s raise our cups of tea and toast to the great merit you’ve brought to the Deng Family.”

Everyone around smiled widely and started showering Deng Jinhong with praise.

“Wait, what…”

Deng Jinhong shifted uncomfortably, pursing his lips, utterly confused. “What exactly did I do?”

“Jinhong, this doesn’t make sense. We all know. We’re family. Why still pretend?”

A middle-aged man’s face darkened. He pretended to be displeased, letting out a stern rebuke.

“Exactly, Jinhong. Tianwen said it himself. Thanks to you, our Deng Family was able to stand tall once again. Zhao Chen is still lying in the hospital, barely clinging to life.”

“It’s all due to your and Tianwen’s brilliant plan! Using their own tricks against them and luring Zhao Chen right into the trap. Too bad you didn’t get to blow his brains out with a single bullet…”

Boom!   Deng Jinhong couldn’t hear anything else after that.

It was as if a bomb had gone off in his mind. He stood frozen, unable to comprehend what was happening for a long moment.

Zhao Chen…

Zhao Chen had been shot, and now he was in the hospital, his life hanging by a thread.

Suddenly, Deng Jinhong regained his senses and looked towards Deng Tianwen.

Deng Tianwen gave him a slight smile. “Jinhong, no need to be modest. These honors are rightfully yours.”

Deng Jinhong gritted his teeth, his fists clenched tightly, veins bulging. A cold chill ran through his entire body.

He instantly realized he had been set up, and there was no way to explain it.

From this point on, the Zhao Family would likely hold him accountable.

“I… I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll go back now.”

There was only one thought in Deng Jinhong’s mind: to run, to escape as far as possible before the Zhao Family came for him.

Otherwise, death was the only path left for him.

“Hey, Jinhong! Tonight’s celebration is all for you. If the main character leaves, what’s left for the supporting cast?”

Deng Tianwen blocked Deng Jinhong’s way, smiling, his tone filled with brotherly affection.

“Exactly, Jinhong. You can’t leave tonight. The kitchen’s already cooking up a feast. Soon, we’ll drink and celebrate properly.”

“Your Third Uncle is right. We’ve been tormented by the Zhao Family for so long. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be standing tall now. I must have a drink with you.”

Everyone else chimed in as well, all unaware of the truth. Right now, they were full of passion and admiration for Deng Jinhong.

After the initial panic and fear, Deng Jinhong forced himself to calm down.

No, I can’t leave now.

Even if the Zhao Family hasn’t targeted me yet, Deng Tianwen definitely won’t let me go easily.

So, I’ll play along and claim the credit. That’s my only shield.

As long as I have this, I can stay safely inside the Deng Family. Neither Deng Tianwen nor the Zhao Family can touch me.

At least for now, I’m the hero of the Deng Family. Life should be pretty smooth for me here.

With these thoughts, Deng Jinhong calmed himself completely. Indeed, every cloud has a silver lining.

He cast a mocking glance at Deng Tianwen. I should be thanking you. If it weren’t for you, how would I have become the hero of the Deng Family overnight?   As for the Zhao Family…

I’ll just pretend there was never any deal between us. After all, it’s clear that the Deng Family and the Zhao Family are enemies to the death.

Deng Tianwen seemed to have figured out Deng Jinhong’s thoughts. A trace of scorn flashed in his eyes. An idiot is always an idiot. Poor in looks and poor in judgment.

If nothing unexpected happens, the Zhao Family will soon deliver the blade right into my hands.

By then, I’ll have every reason to get rid of Deng Jinhong.

The death of Deng Jinhong.

This was something both the Zhao Family and Deng Tianwen were eagerly awaiting.

“Nonsense, nonsense. As a member of the Deng Family, we are sworn enemies with the Zhao Family. What I did was my duty. It’s nothing compared to the contributions of the elders. Really, it’s nothing.”

After indulging in his own smug analysis, Deng Jinhong felt it was safe and began to act like the hero of the Deng Family.

“Jinhong, don’t be so modest. We’re getting old. The future of the Deng Family will rely on you young ones.”

“Yes, you handled this matter brilliantly, Jinhong.”

Deng Jinhong glanced at Deng Tianwen and sarcastically said, “Third Uncle, don’t say that. The Deng Family has Tianwen to lead. I’m just following behind. If the sky falls, Tianwen will be the one holding it up.”

Everyone could hear the tension in his words. The previously lively atmosphere suddenly became quiet.

Many people in the room were visibly confused.

Wasn’t the plan to take down Zhao Chen a joint effort between Deng Tianwen and Deng Jinhong? So why were they suddenly at odds, like a needle pricking a wheat stalk?

In response to Deng Jinhong’s provocation, Deng Tianwen simply smiled calmly. He had no intention of arguing with a man as good as dead.

He was just waiting, waiting for the Zhao Family to hand over the knife to kill Deng Jinhong.

Though Zhao Chen wasn’t much, he was still better than this self-righteous fool.

Surely, during their future meeting, Zhao Chen would come prepared with a hidden camera or recorder.

Seeing that Deng Tianwen didn’t throw back a retort, Deng Jinhong assumed he had nothing to say, emboldening him further.

“Why is Tianwen so quiet? Did I say something wrong?”

Deng Jinhong taunted further, and he could barely contain his laughter.

Deng Tianwen, Deng Tianwen, now you’ve shot yourself in the foot. You put me in the spotlight as the hero, and now I’ve backed you into a corner where you can’t even speak!

“Tap, tap, tap…”

At this moment, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed, and a personal bodyguard of Deng Tianwen’s entered the room.

“Boss, someone from the Zhao Family has arrived. They said they have something to give you.”

The bodyguard spoke respectfully to Deng Tianwen.

Deng Tianwen’s smile widened slightly.

The knife had arrived.