Chapter 15: The New Commander’s Identity, Underlying Currents Stir
Many guests who were about to leave noticed the commotion here and stopped in their tracks.
Just ten minutes ago, Ning Chen had stolen the spotlight and was treated as an honored guest of the Xu family.
Now, after finding out it was all a misunderstanding…
How could Zhang Hao let him go?
Many people stayed put with expressions of anticipation, waiting to watch the show.
“Zhang Hao, what do you think you’re doing?”
Xiao Qingcheng stepped forward, blocking Ning Chen, her face cold. “Do you want to tear faces with the Xiao family?”
“The Xiao family also deserves to tear faces with me?”
Zhang Hao let out a loud laugh, looking at Xiao Qingcheng with disdain in his eyes. He sneered arrogantly, “Don’t tell me you really think you’re someone important?”
“I warn you all, my patience has limits. This is the last time I’ll say it—everyone get out of my way, right now!”
“Otherwise, today I’ll take down the Xiao family as well!”
At these words, the Xiao family members’ faces all changed.
Some timid ones even quietly took a few steps back.
Only Xiao Qingcheng stood firm in front of Ning Chen, her gaze resolute.
“I will not move, and I cannot move!”
Her eyes were steady, without a trace of fear. “If you have the guts, kill me along with him!”
Hearing this, Xiao Longhai’s expression darkened, worried that Xiao Qingcheng would further provoke Zhang Hao.
For the sake of a fool, to oppose the Zhang family—it was not worth it at all!
“Xiao Qingcheng! Step aside at once!”
Xiao Longhai shouted angrily: “Do you want to drag the entire Xiao family into this? Ning Chen brought this on himself, showing off and hitting Young Master Zhang. Now Zhang wants to deal with him—he deserves it!”
Xiao Qingcheng glanced at him indifferently, then firmly said each word:
“I don’t want to implicate the family. From this moment on, Xiao Qingcheng withdraws from the Xiao family!”
“All consequences, I alone will bear!”
The crowd erupted in gasps of astonishment!
Everyone wondered what kind of spell Ning Chen had cast on her, for her to be willing to go this far!
The dignified Xiao family’s daughter, pursued by suitors lined up for blocks, yet she chose Ning Chen—this fool. She not only annulled her engagement with the Long family, but was now even willing to leave the Xiao family for him?
“Good. Very good!”
Xiao Zhenbang’s face was iron-dark, flames of fury flickering in his eyes.
Seeing the old master about to erupt, Xiao Longshan’s heart sank. He quickly stepped forward to explain: “Father, please don’t be angry.”
“Qingcheng didn’t mean it like that. She’s just being impulsive—she didn’t truly mean to leave the family.”
Xiao Longhai sneered: “Big Brother, look at the daughter you raised.”
“Xiao Qingcheng turned out this way because you spoiled and coddled her since childhood!”
Xiao Longshan’s face hardened, displeasure showing.
“Enough. How I raise my daughter is none of your business!”
Hearing this, Xiao Longhai’s face went pale and ugly.
Clap clap clap!
Zhang Hao clapped mockingly and sneered: “How touching. Xiao Qingcheng, I already gave you a chance, but you didn’t cherish it.”
As he spoke, he looked at his bodyguards, about to give the order to seize them both.
At that very moment!
Xu Jun hurriedly rushed out from the hotel.
His eyes darted around quickly, searching for Ning Chen.
He was puzzled—his grandfather had strictly ordered him to bring Ning Chen upstairs.
Though full of doubts, Xu Jun didn’t dare delay and rushed out to find him.
Scanning the scene, Xu Jun’s eyes suddenly froze.
He spotted Ning Chen—surrounded by Zhang Hao’s men.
Xu Jun’s expression instantly darkened, and he quickened his steps.
“Zhang Hao, are you courting death?”
“How dare you make things difficult for Mr. Ning!”
Even before he arrived, his cold voice rang out.
Hearing Xu Jun’s voice, Zhang Hao swallowed back the words on his lips.
Turning, he saw Xu Jun striding quickly toward him.
“Xu Shao, why are you still defending him?”
Zhang Hao looked confused. “That fool only got lucky, picking up a Xu family medal. Is it really worth protecting him like this?”
“You’re meddling too much!”
Xu Jun’s face was expressionless. “Who I defend is none of your concern.”
“Take your people and get lost, immediately. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”
Zhang Hao clenched his jaw, caught between advancing and retreating.
So many eyes were watching. He’d already been humiliated enough inside the hotel.
Could he really back down again now?
How would the people of Jiangcheng see him after this?
Seeing Zhang Hao hesitate, Xu Jun frowned. “Still not leaving? Fine…”
Xu Jun inhaled sharply, about to continue.
“I’ll go!”
Zhang Hao shot a venomous glare at Ning Chen. Deep down, he knew—with Xu Jun present, he had no way of touching him today.
“Don’t be angry, Xu Shao. I’ll leave right now!”
Zhang Hao drew in a long breath, waved his hand, and led his bodyguards away.
The crisis was once again defused.
Xiao Qingcheng let out a quiet sigh of relief.
“Mr. Ning, the Old Master would like to have a few words with you.”
Xu Jun turned, gesturing respectfully. “Please come with me.”
Ning Chen was silent for a moment, then nodded.
“Alright.”
He then turned to Xiao Qingcheng, speaking gently: “Go back first. I’ll head up for a bit.”
Xiao Qingcheng nodded. “Okay. Be careful. If Zhang Hao troubles you again, call me.”
Ning Chen smiled faintly and stepped toward the hotel.
Xu Jun cast a deep look at Xiao Qingcheng before quickly following.
The two took the elevator straight to the top floor.
Stopping at a door, Xu Jun gestured.
“Mr. Ning, please.”
Pushing it open, they entered a spacious suite, tastefully furnished.
Xu Deming stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, a figure exuding command over all beneath heaven.
“Grandfather, I’ve brought Mr. Ning, as you instructed.”
Xu Jun spoke respectfully and stood waiting.
Xu Deming turned, his expression suddenly stern and cold.
“Kneel!”
Xu Jun stiffened, stunned, not understanding.
“Grandfather, you…”
Without another word, Xu Deming strode forward and kicked him hard!
“Hurry and kneel!”
Xu Jun’s eyelid twitched in fear, his whole body trembling. He obediently knelt.
“What did I do wrong? Why must I kneel?” Xu Jun’s voice carried grievance.
But Xu Deming ignored him completely. He bent at a ninety-degree bow toward Ning Chen, incomparably respectful.
“My lord, it’s all my fault for failing to discipline him properly. He almost exposed your identity!”
“Please punish me!”
Seeing this, Xu Jun’s eyes went wide with shock.
In all these years, he had never seen his grandfather so deferential to anyone.
His uncle Xu Yong in the military was already a towering figure, raising the Xu family’s status sky-high.
Even to the previous Jiangbei Commander, Xu Deming had never shown such courtesy!
Who on earth was this Ning Chen?!
Xu Jun’s heart throbbed with dread. He dared not guess.
Ning Chen helped Xu Deming up. “Master Xu, there’s no need for this.”
“Unfilial child, hurry and apologize to Mr. Ning!”
Xu Deming’s sharp gaze swept over, making Xu Jun shiver.
“Mr. Ning, I was wrong. Please forgive me!”
Xu Jun bowed deeply, respectful.
Ning Chen waved his hand. “Stand up. Don’t kneel. I don’t like it.”
Hearing this, Xu Jun didn’t dare move until Xu Deming snorted coldly. “If you ever do this again, I won’t spare you!”
Only then did Xu Jun carefully stand.
“Mr. Ning, I have a question—if it’s not inconvenient to ask.”
Xu Jun looked hesitant but asked cautiously.
Ning Chen nodded. “Go ahead.”
Xu Jun gathered courage. “Just now, I noticed you were with the Xiao family. What exactly is your relationship with them?”
Xu Deming’s face instantly tightened, about to scold him for his insolence.
But Ning Chen calmly replied: “Xiao Qingcheng is my wife.”
At these words, both grandfather and grandson’s hearts jolted. They exchanged glances, both understanding the weight of this revelation.
The Xiao family… had latched onto a towering tree.
Soon, they would surely soar.
“I have matters to discuss with Mr. Ning,” Xu Deming coughed lightly, then said to Xu Jun, “Leave us.”
This time, Xu Jun didn’t dare delay. He bowed respectfully to Ning Chen and withdrew, carefully closing the door behind him.
Xu Deming bent slightly again, his expression solemn. “Lord Ning, the newly appointed Jiangbei Commander, Lord Lin, has been gathering precious medicinal herbs. It must be for you.”
Ning Chen raised a doubtful brow. “Why do you say that?”
Xu Deming froze. “You truly don’t know?”
At this, Ning Chen grew even more puzzled. “What does the new Jiangbei Commander have to do with me?”
Xu Deming replied respectfully: “The new commander is Lady Lin Mei. Yesterday, my son Xu Yong already reported your survival to Li Xiaoyao, Zhao Tianhu, and Lady Lin.”
“That very day, Lady Lin dispatched people to spread word and collect medicinal herbs everywhere.”
“I imagine she knows your injuries haven’t fully healed and is secretly making preparations.”
Hearing this, a cold, stubborn face surfaced in Ning Chen’s mind.
After all this time, she hadn’t changed one bit.
“Lord Ning, Xu Yong asked me to remind you—you must be extremely cautious.”
Xu Deming’s expression was grave. “Lady Lin has already set out early for Jiangcheng, clearly eager to meet you sooner.”
“Xu Yong also detected that after she departed, several great families in the capital began to stir!”
