Beauty Chairwoman’s Bodyguard Expert

Chapter 1392: Chapter 1385: Life Is Nothing but a Gamble

”Old Master Zhou, you’re being too polite. It’s us who are troubling you.”

Lu Tianxing nodded gently at Old Master Zhou. Although there was a smile on his face, a hint of sorrow was hidden deep in his eyes, difficult to notice yet easy to perceive.

Bai Zhiqing and Mandala both wore expressions of heaviness, as if Old Sir Lu had really died. This was something they had discussed beforehand, ensuring that in front of outsiders, they must not reveal anything. The information they conveyed was simple: Old Sir Lu had truly passed, and they were deeply saddened.

”There’s no trouble at all, Third Young Master, you’re too courteous.”

Old Master Zhou was momentarily stunned by the sorrow in Lu Tianxing’s eyes, but quickly regained his composure. He invited Lu Tianxing and the others to sit down, nodded at Bai Zhiqing, and finally focused on Mandala beside Bai Zhiqing, a look of doubt and caution flashing in his eyes.

For some reason, this playful, quirky little girl gave him a sense of danger, much like a lurking poisonous snake—it hasn’t shown its fangs, yet still sends shivers down one’s spine.

”Third Young Master, may I ask who this is...?” Old Master Zhou inquired, looking at Mandala.

”Oh, I forgot to introduce her, Old Master Zhou. She is my sister, Mandala.”

Lu Tianxing introduced Mandala to Old Master Zhou, though briefly, without divulging too much information.

”So she’s the Third Young Master’s sister, truly brilliant and clever.”

Old Master Zhou praised, saying, ”Third Young Master, I am deeply sorry for Old Sir Lu’s passing, but we must look forward. I hope you can take solace, and if you have any plans, the Zhou Family will certainly support you.”

”Plans?”

A glint flashed in Lu Tianxing’s eyes as he slowly said, ”There are plans. After my grandfather’s funeral, I will leave Jiangnan and never return. Anyway, they aren’t fond of me. Without the Lu Family, I’ll continue living as I have. But Old Master Zhou, aren’t you afraid that inviting me to dinner might bring trouble to the Zhou Family? I’m considered a harbinger of disaster in Jiangnan, with rumors even spreading that I caused my grandfather’s death. Isn’t Old Master Zhou afraid of associating with a parricidal killer and inviting trouble upon yourself?”

Hearing Lu Tianxing’s words, a glint flashed in Old Master Zhou’s eyes as he replied, ”Third Young Master, you’re jesting. The Zhou Family has never needed to heed others’ opinions to act. Others’ opinions mean nothing to me. Moreover, I believe you would never commit parricide. In my view, this accusation is merely a burden forced upon you by some. For the innocent, there’s no need to pay attention to others’ views.”

”Old Master Zhou, aren’t you afraid these words might incite hatred against you?”

”Hatred.”

Old Master Zhou laughed heartily, ”Third Young Master, you love to joke. Since the establishment of the Zhou Family, we’ve weathered countless storms and faced numerous dangers. If we feared inciting hatred, the Zhou Family would have long since been wiped out. To me, life is a gamble. If you win at the table, you’re a life winner, a success. But if you lose, you’re doomed. Third Young Master, do you understand what I mean?”

Upon hearing Old Master Zhou’s words, Lu Tianxing’s brow slightly furrowed. How could he not understand Old Master Zhou’s meaning? He was betting that Lu Tianxing would win this time, placing his wager on him.

Though aware of Old Master Zhou’s intention, Lu Tianxing didn’t immediately reply. Instead, he bowed his head, pondering the truth within Old Master Zhou’s words.

After all, it’s widely known now that in Jiangnan, he is seen as a calamity, practically a pariah. Yet, the Zhou Family chose this moment to stake their claim on him. Frankly speaking, nine times out of ten, this is a losing gamble, possibly even a complete loss. Moreover, even if they were to bet, betting on Lu Haoyue or the Lu Family would have a much better chance of winning.

”Third Young Master, are you puzzled why I would gamble on you despite knowing your current predicament, instead of on the Lu Family or Lu Haoyue?”

Old Master Zhou seemed to know what Lu Tianxing was thinking, and slowly began to speak: ”Third Young Master, honestly, do you really think the Lu Family is completely solid right now? If I were to bet on the Lu Family, it wouldn’t be long before the Zhou Family is wiped out, and I believe you understand this better than I do. The Lu Family is arguably the easiest to lose in this gamble.”

”As for Lu Haoyue, I’ve only met him a few times, but his personality means he isn’t suitable for my bets. He likes to be cautious in his endeavors, considering many things before every step. I don’t know why your grandfather handed the Lu Family over to Lu Haoyue. Perhaps he has other plans, but if Lu Haoyue intends to strengthen and grow the Lu Family, it is almost impossible. Clearly, Lu Haoyue isn’t suitable for my bets. However, Mr. Lu, you are different. You are unrestrained, unfazed by anything, and not afraid to draw your sword before anyone. This is something a strong person must have, and only with the courage to wield a sword can one qualify to contend for the title of the strongest. Lu Haoyue can’t, the Lu Family can’t, but you, Third Young Master, can aim for the strongest.”

At this point, Old Master Zhou’s words were filled with conviction. He believes Lu Tianxing could become one of the strongest in this era. For a family to endure, it must have a strong person to oversee it. Just like the Lu Family, as long as Old Sir Lu is alive, who would dare to challenge the Lu Family? If Lu Tianxing contends for the strongest and supports the Zhou Family, it would fear no one. This is the world of the martial artist, where the strong occupy the domain and families last forever. This is also why every family desperately nurtures the next generation. As long as the strongest appears and lives, your family is safe until the next strongest appears. With Lu Tianzhan alive, the Lu Family currently remains unscathed.

”Old Master Zhou, to be honest, I’m very curious. Why do you think I have the credentials to contend for the strongest? You should know, China isn’t lacking in talent. But there have been far too many talents who have perished halfway. I currently face countless formidable adversaries. Do you believe I can contend for the strongest?” Lu Tianxing looked at Old Master Zhou, speaking calmly.

”Third Young Master, to be honest, before you arrived, I really did consider whether I should sever ties with you. After all, you do have many enemies now. But after seeing you, Third Young Master, I realized that betting on you is indeed the most suitable choice.”

”Oh, I’d like to hear more.” Lu Tianxing asked curiously. He was eager to know why Old Master Zhou spoke this way.

”Because of intuition.”

Old Master Zhou’s face gradually took on a serious expression, and he slowly began speaking: ”The first time I met you, Third Young Master, you gave me a sense of danger. But that was a danger that wouldn’t really harm me, even though it crossed my mind that killing you, Third Young Master, wouldn’t be difficult. But today, seeing you again, Third Young Master, you now give me a sense of mortal threat, as if if I were your enemy, I am sure that the one who would die would definitely be me. If I’m not mistaken, Third Young Master, you have likely reached the middle-stage mythical level!”

Lu Tianxing’s eyes flickered, neither admitting nor denying, and he simply said: ”Old Master Zhou, are you so sure my strength has increased? Maybe it’s just your perception mistake.”

”Perception mistake?”

Old Master Zhou glanced deeply at Lu Tianxing: ”Perhaps it is my perception mistake! However, if you need anything in Jiangnan, my Zhou Family will fully support you without hesitating.”

By the end, Old Master Zhou was incredibly serious, without a hint of joking.

”Then I thank Old Master Zhou for the support. As I said, if the Zhou Family truly does things for me, I naturally won’t neglect the Zhou Family. As long as I live, the Zhou Family will not be annihilated. But if the Zhou Family thinks I, Lu Tianxing, am easy to bully, then don’t blame me for being unkind.”

”Certainly, I will show you with real actions that the Zhou Family will always be the most solid ally of the Third Young Master.”

While the two of them spoke, the dishes were already served.

Old Master Zhou picked up a bottle of wine, opened it, and poured himself a glass, then poured a glass for Lu Tianxing, inviting Bai Zhiqing and Mandala to eat and drink, all the while watching Lu Tianxing as he ate and spoke: ”Third Young Master, what are your thoughts on the situation in Jiangnan?”

”I have no particular views, I’m prepared for anything challenging. I’ve killed before; if they dare come, I don’t mind letting them know if the sword in my hand is sharp enough to kill.” Lu Tianxing spoke casually, but his tone carried a touch of chilling murderous intent. He isn’t a saint who would show mercy, he only knows to utterly eliminate his enemies.

Hearing Lu Tianxing’s words full of murderous intent, Old Master Zhou frowned slightly and said solemnly: ”Third Young Master, aren’t you afraid these families will unite against you?”

”Unite? Old Master Zhou, do you think that just because I don’t act, they won’t unite against me?”

Lu Tianxing picked up the wine glass on the table and drank it in one gulp: ”I’m sure you know the situation in Jiangnan. To put it bluntly, regardless of what I do this time, those families won’t let me off. Rather than being cautious, I might as well go all out, a gamble of life and death. Whoever wins lives, whoever loses dies. No matter how many come, I’m daring to kill them all. This time, I don’t mind making Jiangnan a river of blood. Nobody can stop me.”

The murderous words echoed in the compartment, carrying an endless coldness, making one feel an unsettling chill.