In the magnificent hall, a father and son stood with their backs to the crowd on a high platform. Below them was a swarm of people whose faces were difficult to discern.
“Everyone we could invite is here. If someone is truly trying to target you, they’re definitely among this crowd.”
One hand rested on the railing beside the platform as Father Liu looked down at the guests and spoke to Liu Anran.
He knew that today’s situation would remain firmly within his son’s control. From the moment the banquet began, every beat would be dictated by Liu Anran.
At its core, this banquet was merely a notification—a scam. It was a trap set for the person who wanted to spite Liu Anran, hoping they would step right into it.
Liu Anran simply nodded slightly. Cloaked in shadows where the guests below could not see him, he spoke to his father. “Dad, thank you.”
“I’d rather you be formal in other places than here,” Father Liu sighed.
This banquet was not just a scam. After all, such a deception was a sure thing for Liu Anran. What he needed to do was handle another matter alongside it; in fact, that other matter was the real key to Liu Anran taking things this far.
What he needed now was time. As long as he could stabilize Liu Xie for these few days, he could find that obnoxious fellow. He might not be able to eliminate the threat forever, but he could at least ensure there wouldn’t be any trouble for a long time.
“You’re joking, Dad. We’ve always been family, haven’t we?”
“Compared to Liu Xie, you’re much more like a child I could have raised with my own hands.” Father Liu turned his head and gave Liu Anran a deep look. “No, you’re even better than me.”
“I’m still far from that. I’m actually quite worried right now; this is the first time I’ve handled something like this.”
Father Liu looked at Liu Anran deeply once more. “What you’re worried about isn’t this matter… Don’t worry. Liu Xie is with her mother. She can’t come here, and she won’t know about this until everything is settled.”
“Then let’s begin quickly, Father, lest you stay away too long and make her suspicious.”
Liu Anran nodded. After saying that, he stepped away from his father’s side and retreated further into the shadows.
Father Liu merely sighed. He wasn’t sure if it was because of what they were about to do, or because of the family’s relationship, which was both complex and clear at the same time.
It was the first time he had felt so clearly how exhausting it was to be a father.
It was likely because Liu Anran had previously given him so little to worry about, even helping him manage and look after Liu Xie.
The only downside was that now that Liu Anran had grown up, he had started asking for a management fee.
If he had known, he would have preferred to worry a bit more back then. At least now he wouldn’t have to watch his own pig rooting around in his own family’s cabbage patch.
He felt some regret, but it wasn’t to the point where he was completely uneasy.
He knew that Liu Xie needed someone to be with her, or else he truly wouldn’t be able to rest easy.
However, among everyone, the only one he seemed to trust was Liu Anran, whom he had watched grow up.
For a moment, an ill-timed thought surfaced: ‘Is it possible that even when he was just a small child, Liu Anran had already made up his mind and had been planning this until now?’
But that seemed a bit too terrifying to be true.
His other hand gripped the railing as he let out a silent sigh.
Then, there were two chimes of a bell.
The eyes of every guest below shifted to Father Liu, who stood on the high platform.
The middle-aged Father Liu had seen many such scenes. He showed no fear, even scanning the crowd to see if he could identify the person who wanted to oppose Liu Anran right then and there.
Unfortunately, it was impossible.
As per Liu Anran’s plan, the kind of person who would tentatively pull off something like this certainly wouldn’t be the type to pop the champagne at halftime.
For this banquet, Liu Anran had simply turned himself into a high-quality piece of bait once again, with the sole purpose of luring that person out.
To Liu Anran, this banquet was just a way to tell the person who wanted to make his life miserable that he was already a lamb led to the slaughter, urging them to strike quickly.
“Thank you all for gracing us with your presence and listening to me ramble for a bit.” Father Liu’s voice was steady and experienced, carrying an unfathomable depth.
“I believe you all have heard rumors regarding my disappointing child. I also believe you’re all concerned about the outcome of the matter that has taken up so much of your time.” Father Liu paused and looked toward Liu Anran, who had walked to a relatively open area, clearly having chosen his spot beforehand. “I invited everyone here today to announce that outcome.”
“Things are in an uproar outside, and the house isn’t peaceful either. It’s time to make a choice.”
Father Liu looked at Liu Anran again and saw the other give a slight nod.
“Liu Anran, as of today, is leaving the Liu family.” Father Liu’s voice took on a hint of majesty. “He no longer has any familial ties with the Liu family. I will not take back his previous assets; consider it a gesture for the sake of our many years of affection. I hope that in the future, we can part on good terms.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the room erupted into whispers. In an instant, a wave of chatter swept through. The gazes directed at Liu Anran were like blades, seemingly wanting to peel him open to see exactly what he was thinking.
But regardless of what Liu Anran thought, with those words, he had left the Liu family and lost all protection. That was his current situation.
Crucially, Liu Anran still held many resources in his hands. Leaving his umbrella of protection like this was undoubtedly exposing him to everyone’s fangs. It was even more extreme than being kicked out with nothing to his name.
However, at the beginning, even the most greedy person would not make a move.
Unless it was the kind of person who only wanted to spite Liu Anran.
For instance, the one who had dared to strike at Liu Anran even while he was still under the Liu family’s protection. Only that person would act.
Liu Anran was waiting for that person to make their move.
His disheveled hair, his haggard expression, his bloodshot eyes, and an appropriately unwilling look…
All these perfectly measured details were displayed before the guests. He looked entirely like a youth who had fallen into ruin after losing everything.
Now, no matter how one looked at it, it seemed real.
Of course, the haggard expression and bloodshot eyes were from last night. He had thought about it all night and still hadn’t dared to go look for Liu Xie.
Rustling sounds came from the guests, likely beginning to discuss the impact of this matter or where Liu Anran would go from here.
“I don’t agree!”
A sharp, feminine cry interrupted all the noise.
The first to turn around was Liu Anran, his face full of terror.
He saw that head of blonde hair.
‘Why is she here? Didn’t I tell her to stay home?’
“I don’t agree!” Liu Xie repeated from the main entrance.
And this is why keeping secrets is dangerous.