Chapter 247: The Real Person Behind the Scenes

Chapter 247: Chapter 247: The Real Person Behind the Scenes

"Nalan, I’m fine. It’s them who might be having a bad time."

Jiang Fan gestured to the thugs lying scattered on the ground, and to Liu Quan, who looked like a dead dog.

"Brother, I didn’t realize you were hiding such skills!"

Nalan Jia watched Jiang Fan with a half-smile, though inwardly he was stunned.

’A young man who looks like he wouldn’t hurt a fly, yet his fighting ability is terrifying.’

’These guys on the ground... even if they recover, they’ll probably just be drooling for the rest of their lives.’

Most importantly, he could tell that they had all been taken down in a single move. No fancy footwork, just a single, powerful blow to settle it.

’When you really thought about it, that was terrifying.’

’Someone who could achieve this with such precision was definitely an expert—and not just any ordinary expert.’

"Just some farmhand moves. My grandfather taught me a few when he was alive."

Jiang Fan brushed it off, not wanting to dwell on the matter.

"Did these men come here using your name, Nalan?"

The question cut straight to the point, and Nalan Jia’s expression flickered.

"My friend, let me ask you a blunt question. What could possibly be in this orphanage that would make these animals come after it?"

"Rest assured, I’ll get you an explanation for this. It really has nothing to do with me, and I have no designs on whatever it is."

For him to say this much was already remarkable. After all, as a figure of his stature, his status was not equal to Jiang Fan’s, yet he was still willing to explain.

"A century-old Old Mountain ginseng, probably around two hundred years old."

Jiang Fan didn’t hold back. He had a clear understanding of and confidence in his own strength.

"A two-hundred-year-old Old Mountain ginseng?"

Upon hearing this, Nalan Jia’s eyes seemed to light up.

"Brother, I have a big favor to ask... Do you think you could spare me a slice? Just one slice is all I need."

"My wife’s health hasn’t been great these past few years. A traditional Chinese doctor said her Vitality was damaged. I’ve been searching for something like this for years, but... as you know, treasures like this are a once-in-a-lifetime find!"

Nalan Jia looked a little embarrassed.

Just a moment ago, he’d sworn he had no designs on it, and now he was asking for a piece.

"Consider it a personal favor I owe you. Of course, if you’re not willing, that’s fine too."

"Fine. But I have one condition. I want to know what this is all about," Jiang Fan said without any hesitation.

"No problem!"

Nalan Jia waved his hand, and someone immediately rushed forward to haul Liu Quan to his feet.

"Liu Quan, you heard him. I’ll ask you one question: do you want to live, or do you want to die?" Nalan Jia asked lightly.

"Live or die?"

Liu Quan slowly raised his head, looking at Jiang Fan and Nalan Jia.

The cowering man’s eyes were now filled with a boundless madness.

"You can’t protect what doesn’t belong to you! You want to know who sent me? It was the Hua Family’s third young master, Hua Qinyun! These men you crippled are Young Master Hua’s bodyguards!"

Jiang Fan didn’t know or care who this third young master of the Hua Family was, but Nalan Jia’s face changed. "A piece of trash like you has connections to the Hua Family?"

"I took three knives for Young Master Hua, saving his life! Is that enough for you?"

Although Liu Quan was being held up and couldn’t even stand steady, his entire facade had now crumbled.

All that remained was hysteria.

"Brother, this is a tricky one."

Nalan Jia turned to Jiang Fan and let out a long breath.

"Who is this third young master of the Hua Family? Is he famous?"

"I think I understand why he came here now. It all makes sense if the Hua Family is involved."

Jiang Fan showed a hint of confusion, but a sense of alarm also rose in his heart. The fact that Nalan could look so grave was enough to show that this third young master of the Hua Family was no simple character.

"Brother, I don’t know if you’ve heard the saying, ’A commoner can’t fight an official.’ The Hua Family might not stand out in other ways, but in the circles of Yang City, they are incredibly powerful. Many of their core family members hold key government positions."

At this point, Nalan Jia sighed. "Do you know the family name of the current mayor of Yang City?"

"Hua?" Jiang Fan asked tentatively.

Nalan Jia nodded.

"Right now, your best course of action is to hand over the item. That will protect the orphanage. As for these men... I’ll handle things for you. I still have some clout in Yang City."

"Brother, I know you’re young and proud and can’t stand being wronged like this, but you have to know when you’re outmatched. It’s not shameful to bow your head when you have to. You still have a limitless future ahead of you."

At this moment, Nalan Jia was like a true older brother, afraid that Jiang Fan would do something foolish.

"Why does it make sense now that it’s the Hua Family? Is someone in their family dying?"

Jiang Fan didn’t mince words.

"Watch your mouth! It’s the old patriarch of the Hua Family. He’s retired from his high position, but his influence remains!"

"For years, he’s been the pillar holding up the Hua Family. If the old patriarch passes away... it would be a devastating blow to them."

"And the old patriarch’s health is failing day by day. The Hua Family has been going crazy recently, searching for exactly this kind of aged, potent medicine."

"It seems likely that Liu Quan leaked this information to the Hua Family’s third young master."

"The internal affairs of these great families are exceptionally complex. The power struggles are no less ruthless than those of the ancient imperial court."

Thinking of this, Nalan Jia felt a sense of helplessness. If it were any other matter, he had the confidence and power to help Jiang Fan resolve it. ℯℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

But now...

"It’s fine, Nalan. I can handle my own affairs."

Jiang Fan said no more. He walked up to Liu Quan. "Call him. Tell him to come here."

"If he doesn’t come, I’ll destroy the thing he wants immediately."

Jiang Fan’s tone was calm, but beneath the calm was a hint of madness.

"You..."

’Liu Quan’s heart trembled. If the item was really destroyed, and he’d gotten Hua Qinyun’s team of bodyguards into this state...’

’He hadn’t achieved a thing but had lost an entire squad. He didn’t dare imagine what would happen to him.’

"One hour. I’m only giving you one hour."

’Jiang Fan’s mind raced. He wasn’t asking for much, really—just to protect the entire orphanage.’

"Brother, why are you making this so hard on yourself?" Nalan Jia said, sounding a bit helpless.

"If you give it to them, I can guarantee your safety and the safety of the entire orphanage. If I’m not enough, then with Long, the two of us can."

"This is something my grandfather left me. No one is allowed to touch it."

Jiang Fan’s words were resolute, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Don’t worry, I won’t drag you into this."

After saying that, Jiang Fan pulled out his phone and scrolled through his contacts to a number he had never dialed before.

’This was the source of his confidence!’

’Elder Lu!’

’Sometimes, you can’t be too hesitant to cash in a favor.’