Chapter 490: Wan Caixuan’s Trouble

The next day.

Lin Xiao, still sound asleep, was awoken by the ringing of his phone.

He blinked a few times, and within seconds, the drowsiness faded as clarity returned to his eyes.

Turning to glance at the alarm clock on the nightstand, he saw the hour hand pointing to 7:30. He had surprisingly slept in. It was a rare occurrence—failing to wake at his usual time.

“I’ve gotten a little slack lately,” Lin Xiao muttered, shaking his head.

Ever since arriving in Jinghai, the lack of immediate danger had caused him to relax a bit.

After all, he was human, not a machine—occasional rest was necessary. Even machines needed maintenance.

Besides, he had stayed up late the night before cultivating the Heavenly Eye technique.

Still, even with all these reasons, Lin Xiao reminded himself not to let complacency take root.

He understood all too well: it’s easy to move from simplicity to indulgence, but hard to return from indulgence to simplicity. If he kept using excuses to numb himself, laziness would become habit before long.

After silently warning himself, he didn’t dwell on it further. As long as he remained aware, it was fine.

Not to mention, staying up late hadn’t been for nothing.

The Heavenly Eye truly lived up to its reputation as part of the Thunderbolt Decree. It was profound and mysterious. It not only allowed one to see through hidden energies but also pierce through illusions and spirit-based deceptions.

However, cultivating it to a high level required significant time and effort. Lin Xiao was fortunate in that this technique was part of the same system as the Thunderbolt Decree. After a night of study and practice, he had already made modest progress.

According to Lu Chengfeng, it had taken him over a month to get started with the technique.

Lin Xiao estimated that with his current foundation, he could grasp the basics in three to four days, ten times faster than Lu Chengfeng.

He stretched his body, the bones throughout letting out crisp popping sounds. After a good night’s rest, he felt refreshed and full of energy.

At that moment, the phone beside him rang again. Seeing the caller ID was Ning Xi, Lin Xiao immediately sat up and answered, “Hello?”

“Lin Xiao, come to the company right away. Miss Wan is in trouble!”

Ning Xi’s magnetic voice came through, hurried and urgent. “The other two heirs of the Wan family have teamed up to pressure her. You need to come quickly. It’s too complicated to explain over the phone.”

“Sister Ning Xi, don’t worry, I’ll be right there.”

Lin Xiao’s eyes flashed coldly as he ended the call, grabbed the clothes at his bedside, and dashed out of the bedroom without even putting on shoes.

He got dressed as he moved, and by the time he reached the living room, he was more or less ready.

On the dining table sat two small dishes, a bowl of porridge, and a plate of steamed buns—clearly prepared by Yuan Yu. Her thoughtfulness was evident.

Lin Xiao splashed cold water on his face, downed the porridge in big gulps, grabbed a steamed bun with his mouth, and leapt out the window without bothering to take the stairs.

He landed lightly on his feet—seven or eight meters of height meant nothing to him—and without pause, sprinted toward the Cayenne parked at the alley entrance. In mere seconds, he opened the door, got in, started the engine, and floored the gas pedal—all in one smooth motion.

The Cayenne let out a low roar, like a hunting beast charging forth.

***

Brilliant Tower, Conference Room.

Wan Caixuan’s stunning face was covered in a layer of frost. Her entire presence radiated an aura of “keep away.” She said nothing as she looked coldly at the young man and woman seated across from her.

Dressed in a light purple blouse and tight black pants, she looked crisp, competent, and elegant—every inch the image of a high-powered CEO.

Sitting beside her was Ning Xi, wearing a fitted black office suit, equal parts seductive and commanding. Her beautiful face was also icy cold, her chest rising and falling sharply. She was furious.

Opposite them sat a man and a woman, both around twenty-six or twenty-seven, bearing a strong resemblance to Wan Caixuan.

The man was tall and lean, in a dark blue suit. He sat lazily on the couch, one leg crossed over the other. With a sharp nose, bright eyes, and a faint smile on his lips, he exuded a devilish and unruly charm.

Beside him, the young woman leaned casually against the wall. Her brows were like distant mountains, her eyes deep as autumn waters, her nose delicate, and her lips cherry-red. She bore an almost uncanny resemblance to Wan Caixuan, save for a small beauty mark beneath her left eye, which somehow made her even more enchanting.

She wore a revealing short skirt that exposed her pale arms and long legs. With a bombshell figure and a stunning face, she was dazzling to behold.

With her arms crossed, she smiled sweetly at Wan Caixuan, her lips red as rose petals and teeth gleaming white.

“Big Sis, why the long face? We’re family, aren’t we?” she said playfully, fluttering her lashes. “Fourth Brother and I came all the way from the capital to this remote place called Jinghai. Instead of welcoming us, you’re giving us the cold shoulder. If you’re not careful, I’ll tell Third Uncle on you.”

Wan Caixuan’s expression didn’t change. Her voice was icy. “If you were here just for sightseeing, I’d welcome you. But showing up like this, even locking down the entire building? Clearly, you’re not here for fun.”

“Third Sister,” the handsome young man said lazily, “I had the building sealed off so we wouldn’t be interrupted. Once we’re done talking, the lockdown will be lifted.”

“We did come to Jinghai to relax,” he continued, “But while we’re here, we thought we’d make a deal with you, too.”

“Speak,” Wan Caixuan said coldly, spitting out a single word.

“There’s an old saying: eating alone makes it hard to get fat. Ever heard of it, Third Sis?” the young man said, shifting his posture and folding his hands. “Surely you don’t mean to swallow all of Eldest Brother’s assets by yourself?”

“Why not?” Wan Caixuan raised her brows slightly. “Wan Shixuan lost to me in the inheritance competition. According to family rules, the victor takes all. Don’t tell me you plan to break the rules like he did?”

“We wouldn’t dare. You’re so capable, even Eldest Brother lost to you. We’re just two little shrimp, no match for you,” the young woman chimed in with a sweet smile. “But Sis, if you’re eating the meat, shouldn’t you let your little siblings sip some soup too? Respecting elders and caring for the young is a fine tradition of ours, you know~”

“Cut the circling. Speak plainly. What’s this deal you’re proposing?” Wan Caixuan leaned back, her long legs crossed. “I’m listening.”

The two exchanged a glance. The young woman clapped her hands, and the conference room door silently opened.

A delicate-looking girl walked in. Her gaze was cold and sharp, her steps steady.

She carried a stack of documents, which she placed on the table before bowing respectfully to the young woman. She then exited the room and quietly closed the door behind her.