The grand mansion of the Jiang family, although not at the very top of the wealth hierarchy, was a majestic display of their affluence. Its exterior boasted a combination of neoclassical and colonial architectural elements, making it an imposing sight.
The mansion was built with light gray stones that stood out against the lush green landscape that surrounded it. Tall columns adorned the entrance, supporting a beautifully designed pediment with intricate carvings. A wrought iron gate with the family's initials in gold provided access to the meticulously landscaped garden.
The sprawling estate featured well-manicured lawns, fountains, and vibrant flowerbeds. Majestic oaks and other trees provided ample shade, creating an inviting outdoor space. The garden was adorned with stone statues, each representing a different element of nature or mythology.
The interior of the mansion was equally impressive. The grand entrance hall featured a crystal chandelier that illuminated the opulent marble floors. Elaborate tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes from the family's history.
The living rooms were spacious and furnished with luxurious, antique pieces. High ceilings and large windows allowed natural light to fill the rooms, accentuating the ornate décor and creating an atmosphere of grandeur.
A sweeping staircase with an intricately designed banister led to the upper floors, where the family's private quarters were located. Each bedroom was lavishly decorated, boasting views of the sprawling estate or the picturesque garden.
The Jiang family's mansion was a testament to their success and status, showcasing their place in the second class of wealth and power.
Jiang Xiaofeng was seated in a grandiose room within a lavish mansion that belonged to the Jiang family, a second-class wealthy clan with a long-standing history. The room exuded opulence, adorned with intricately designed furniture, ornate paintings, and a chandelier that glistened with a hundred crystal facets.
Before him sat a man, his entire body wrapped in bandages. His disheveled appearance was a stark contrast to the elegance of the room. Jiang Xiaofeng's anger was barely contained as he questioned the wounded man.
"You had one task," he seethed, his voice dripping with frustration. "How did you end up like this?"
The bandaged man struggled to answer, his voice muffled by the wrappings. "Sir, he was too strong... and too fast. We couldn't even touch him."
Jiang Xiaofeng clenched his fists in frustration. "There were five or six of you, and you couldn't cripple one man, just one?"
The man lowered his head in shame and muttered, "We couldn't, sir."
Jiang Xiaofeng's fury intensified, and he delivered a stinging slap to the injured man's face. "Get out of my face," he barked.
The bandaged man, limping and bruised, made a hasty exit, leaving Jiang Xiaofeng alone in the grand mansion, his mind racing to formulate a new, more strategic plan to address the issue.
Jiang Xiaofeng's younger sister, Jiang Xiaolin, gracefully descended the sweeping staircase of their grand mansion and took a seat beside her brother. With a genuinely concerned expression, she asked, "Brother, why do you look so troubled?"
Jiang Xiaofeng had always doted on his only sister, and he trusted her with his deepest concerns. He began to recount the recent events, from the moment he was slapped by Li Chen to the failed retaliation attempt that left his men injured.
As he finished his account, Jiang Xiaolin leaned closer and whispered, "Brother, I have an idea. I know someone who could make things very easy for you. He's discreet, resourceful, and quite efficient."
Jiang Xiaofeng looked puzzled and responded, "Xiaolin, you're still in high school. How could you possibly know someone like that?"
With a mischievous smile, Jiang Xiaolin retorted, "I am a Jiang, remember? Craftiness and cunning run in the family." They both shared a laugh, acknowledging the shared trait of deviousness that characterized the Jiang family.
It was no secret that the Jiang family had its fingers in numerous shady businesses, and their vast wealth was largely built upon dealings that straddled the line between legality and not. With Xiaolin's suggestion, it was clear that the Jiang siblings would tap into their family's dark connections to address their current predicament.
Jiang Xiaolin leaned in closer to her brother, her tone filled with a sinister confidence. "You see, Brother, there are kids in my school who always think they can go against me," she began. "But you know what happens to them."
Jiang Xiaofeng, intrigued, shook his head, urging her to continue.
"They all disappear without a trace," she declared, her words dripping with an eerie certainty. Jiang Xiaolin was well aware of her reputation at school, where her adversaries had a tendency to vanish from her path.
Jiang Xiaofeng, impressed by his sister's ruthlessness, leaned in even closer and asked, "Xiaolin, how did you manage to get such men?"
She responded with a malevolent grin, saying, "Brother, we have money. We can get anyone under our payroll. It's all about knowing how to use our resources effectively."
In that moment, it became clear that the Jiang siblings would not hesitate to exploit their wealth and connections to ensure their family's dominance and cover up any unsavory business dealings.
Jiang Xiaofeng inquired, "Does Dad know about these men, Xiaolin?"
His sister, with a sly smile, replied, "You can't report everything to Dad, Brother. You need to have your own secrets."
Jiang Xiaofeng, realizing the wisdom in her words, responded, "You're right. I need to be discreet."
He then made his request, saying, "So, can you lend me one of your men? I was really humiliated, and I want everyone to know that those who cross me will meet their end."
Jiang Xiaolin considered his request and stated, "Don't worry, I will contact them. But you know they will cost you, right?"
Jiang Xiaofeng confidently declared, "You know money is not a problem."
With that settled, Jiang Xiaolin picked up her phone and made a call, arranging a meeting with the individual who could take care of her brother's request. The siblings were well on their way to securing their power and dominance in their sinister world.
In the car, the Jiang siblings made their way to the nearest coffee shop, a place where Jiang Xiaolin often met with her network of hired individuals. Seated across from a man who bore the scars of his dangerous profession, Jiang Xiaofeng got straight to the point, saying, "I need him eliminated tonight, do you understand?"
The man, experienced in such matters, nodded and replied, "Of course, your sister knows I'm good at my job."
Then came the matter of payment. The man stated, "It will be 1 million yuan."
Jiang Xiaofeng reassured him, "Money is no issue. I'll give you half now and the other half when the job is done."
With a firm handshake to seal the deal, Jiang Xiaolin reminded him, "Don't leave any evidence behind. I don't want anything that might incriminate my brother."
The man, committed to a clean and professional approach, affirmed, "I will do a clean job."
Jiang Xiaofeng, with a chilling demeanor, made an even darker request, "Make him suffer and record it."
The man, though somewhat startled by the cruelty of the request, understood the depth of the Jiang family's ruthlessness, especially having worked with Jiang Xiaolin. He assured them, "No problem. If you have any more requests, you can make them now."
Jiang Xiaofeng's sinister intentions were clear as he stated, "Just make sure that he knows that I did it. I want him to die while thinking about why he shouldn't have crossed me."
Their plan was set to unleash a reign of terror upon their target, ensuring that his punishment would be a lesson to anyone who dared to challenge the Jiang family.
Jiang Xiaofeng carefully wrote down an address and handed it to the man, along with a printed picture of their target. He added firmly, "This is his address. Don't disappoint me. My sister speaks highly of you."
The man took the address and picture, nodding in understanding. He knew the weight of this task, given the Jiang family's reputation.
Leaving the siblings behind, the man set off to carry out their ruthless plan. Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaolin and Jiang Xiaofeng continued their conversation while enjoying their meal. Jiang Xiaolin brought up the topic of Gu Liang's recent divorce and suggested that this might be an opportunity for Jiang Xiaofeng to pursue her. Jiang Xiaofeng, however, reminded her that he was currently dating Gu Liang's friend, Hu Yunxuan.
Jiang Xiaolin couldn't help but express her opinion on Hu Yunxuan, referring to her as "that ugly Hu Yunxuan." Jiang Xiaofeng chided her to be more considerate in her words, knowing that the situation was rather complicated.
Jiang Xiaolin, ever straightforward, continued her commentary. "But come on, brother, we both know you could do so much better than Hu Yunxuan. She's not even in the same league as Gu Liang."
Jiang Xiaofeng sighed, understanding his sister's perspective. "I know, Xiaolin, but relationships are complicated. Hu Yunxuan is loyal to me, and I can't just cast her aside."
His younger sister rolled her eyes, her concern clear. "Sometimes, you have to be ruthless in life, brother. A man like you, destined to lead our family, can't let emotions hold you back."
Jiang Xiaofeng nodded, his mind spinning with the complexities of his personal life. He had ambitions and responsibilities, but he also had a heart. He knew that one day he might have to make difficult choices to secure the family's future.
After some thought, Jiang Xiaofeng leaned in and said, "I will give it a try slowly, Xiaolin." He knew that entering a new relationship, especially one that could have strategic implications for their family's business ties, needed careful consideration.
Jiang Xiaolin's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Brother, you are handsome and rich. She will love you," she insisted. "Besides, our families have business connections with her greedy mother. They would be happy to have a marriage alliance."
Jiang Xiaofeng's enthusiasm grew as he considered the possibilities. "You're right, Xiaolin. Gu Liang is a remarkable woman, and I do like her. Let's see how things develop. I'll also discuss it with Dad; after all, the Gu family may be slightly beneath us, but love knows no bounds."
Jiang Xiaolin couldn't help but tease, "She's beautiful, too. I can already picture the gorgeous nieces and nephews she'll give me."
The siblings continued to enjoy their meal, sharing laughter and light-hearted moments, concealing their darker intentions beneath a facade of joviality. In their world, ambition, and ruthlessness reigned supreme, and they were ready to employ both to further their family's interests. Causing pain to others was merely a means to an end, and it didn't disturb their sleep.