<h4>Chapter 1056: Chapter 1063: The Decline of the Liu Family</h4>


    "Why?" Ling Chen asked in confusion. "Did hee to East Sea City to get revenge on you?"


    "No!" Liu Xiyao shook her head and replied, "Actually, the Liu Family doesn’t care about me. I’ve always been the one wanting to take revenge on them. The reason Liu Wei approached me is not to cause trouble for me, but to scheme for my assets. You know, over the years, with Lin Guodong’s help, I’ve managed quite a few businesses across the country. Although my assets aren’t a lot, they are still in the billions. Liu Wei is a very cunning and opportunistic person. If he can control me, he gets billions in assets for nothing. Who wouldn’t want such an opportunity?"


    "So, the Liu Family can’t keep going and that’s why they came to East Sea City to seek development."


    "Pretty much."


    "Chen, I’ve heard of that Liu Family you guys are discussing," Nanrong Hao, who was driving, chimed in. "The Liu Family used to be quite famous, involved in various industries, simr to our Hongyu Group. Butter, due to poor management and annual losses, thepany had toy off staff and sell off assets. Our Hongyu Group used to coborate with the Liu Family, but after their decline, we cut off cooperation. That Liu Wei is a clever man. He came to East Sea City and didn’t do much, just runs a leisure club. Seems like he’s nning something big."


    "Haozi, what do you mean by that?"


    "Chen, isn’t it obvious? High-end entertainment venues will always attract wealthy people. Which of these rich people aren’t influential and powerful? Over time, as Liu Wei mingles with them, he can integrate himself into the high society of East Sea City. And, as Miss Liu just mentioned, Liu Wei is shrewd and opportunistic. These rich folks often indulge in behavior thatpromises their image when at leisure clubs. Moreover, these wealthy individuals have families; if word gets out that they are going to Liu Wei’s ce for women, what kind of impact do you think it will have?"


    Upon hearing this, Ling Chen immediately realized.


    "Haozi, you mean... Liu Wei will use this as leverage?"


    "Liu Wei might collect these handles. Whether he would use them or not, I can’t say. Also," Nanrong Hao continued after a pause, "Chen, there’s another matter. When Hongyu Group decided not to continue cooperating with the Liu Family, besides their economic downturn, there was another significant reason."


    "We have evidence that the Liu Family might have connections with the local underground forces. Moreover, the Liu Family is allegedly behind the scenes responsible for investment and control. Since the Liu Family’s background isn’t clean, we were concerned they might be involved in illegal activities, which could affect Hongyu Group, so we chose to sever ties with them."


    "Mr. Nanrong is right," Liu Xiyao agreed. "I’ve heard about this too. The police had investigated the Liu Family. Although they covered it up well, not much was found, but it nheless impacted their reputation. Many businesses cut ties with the Liu Family because of this."


    Ling Chen nodded and said, "Haozi, give Jiang Hao and Xiong a heads-up to keep an eye on Liu Wei. If he dares to do anything out of line, there’s no need to be polite with him, deal with it directly."


    "Got it!"


    "Xiyao, it’s not safe for you to go home. Liu Wei will definitelye looking for trouble again. For safety’s sake, why don’t you stay at my ce for a while?"


    "Isn’t that... not appropriate?" Liu Xiyao appeared somewhat hesitant.


    Ling Chen smiled slightly and said, "What’s inappropriate about it? After all, there aren’t many people staying at my ce, and there are plenty of rooms. Once everything’s settled, I’ll send you back."


    Liu Xiyao thought for a moment and decided to agree. Liu Wei knew where she lived and might send someone to trouble her. Better to stay at Ling Chen’s ce, where it was likely safer.


    Upon learning that Liu Xiyao would stay at Ling Chen’s house, Nanrong Hao opened his mouth a few times, wanting to say something. But after some hesitation, he swallowed his words.


    Back home, Ling Chen brought Liu Xiyao inside the house. At this moment, Yang Qingling and Yang Yan were already asleep.


    This vi had three floors, with Yang Qingling and Yang Yan living on the top floor, while Ling Chen lived alone on the second floor. Being a vi, there were ample guest rooms, with three spacious bedrooms just on the second floor alone.


    Ling Chen tidied up a bedroom next to his own, found some bedding and pillows, and helped Liu Xiyao settle in.


    "Xiyao, here are some of my clothes for you to wear tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll take you shopping for clothes."


    "Thank you!" Liu Xiyao said gratefully.


    "No need to be so polite. It’ste, so rest up. I won’t disturb you any further." With that, Ling Chen turned and left the room.


    ...


    Early the next morning.


    Yang Qingling and Gong Meiling were in the kitchen preparing breakfast. Hearing the sound of footsteps on the stairs, Yang Qingling peeked out of the kitchen and said, "Son, breakfast is almost ready, you..." Before she could finish speaking, her expression changed slightly, staring nkly at the personing down the stairs, momentarily at a loss for words.


    "Daughter, what’s the matter?" Gong Meiling, busy in the kitchen, noticed Yang Qingling’s reaction and nced outside. Upon seeing Liu Xiyao at the staircase, she was momentarily taken aback.


    "Aunt Yang, Madam Yang, good morning!" Liu Xiyao greeted with an embarrassed smile.


    "You are... Liu Xiyao, right?" Yang Qingling was the first to recover, immediately beaming as she said, "I saw youst time when you visited Ling Chen." As she spoke, she looked Liu Xiyao up and down and asked, "What are you wearing...?"


    "Oh, these are Ling Chen’s clothes that he lent me."


    Hearing this, Yang Qingling and Gong Meiling exchanged nces, their eyes revealing a hint of peculiarity.


    Her son certainly had the skills, sneaking a woman in for the night. Considering the possible rtionship between Liu Xiyao and Ling Chen, Yang Qingling’s demeanor shifted instantly, smiling as she said, "How could men’s clothes fit you? Come, I have some new clothes that should suit you."


    Liu Xiyao quietly replied, "That’s... quite a bother, isn’t it?"


    "It’s no bother at all,e on!" Without waiting for Liu Xiyao’s refusal, Yang Qingling took her by the hand and led her to the room on the third floor.


    Shortly after the two left, Ling Chen stumbled down the stairs, rubbing his sleepy eyes and yawning.


    Enticed by the aroma wafting from the kitchen, Ling Chen hurried inside, grabbed a freshly toasted slice of bread, and stuffed it into his mouth.


    "Grandma, is the porridge ready? I’m starving."


    Seeing Ling Chen eat like a wolf, Gong Meiling immediately set down her spoon, pinched Ling Chen’s ear, and scolded, "You little rascal, you’re getting bolder by the day."


    "Ouch, ouch, ouch!" Ling Chen quickly pleaded, "Grandma, what did I do wrong?"