Chapter 204: Playing Mind Games

Even Qi Mo, known for his good temper, turned grim upon hearing those words.

Tang Ke said coldly, “While the eight great families look out for each other, it is still not the place for others to meddle in the affairs of the Tang Family.”

“It’s certainly not the place for some ancient ancestor who has been dead for God knows how long!”

After the phone was hung up, Qi Mo shook his head in resignation.

Indeed, he was an illegitimate child, unaware of the true secrets of the eight great families.

*

The traditional Chinese garden villa of the Duan Family basked in the early morning sunshine.

Duan Feihan had gone to the company for work, and Duan Xingye had long since gone to school, leaving the villa silent and empty.

The old master of the Duan Family sat leisurely in front of the artificial lake in the garden, fishing contentedly.

Ever since his recovery from cancer, the old man’s days were spent increasingly in pursuit of health and well-being.

The butler approached quietly and whispered in the old master’s ear, “Old Master, Miss Tong Yunrou is here.”

“Did she come back with Xiuqi?” the old master asked.

The butler shook his head.

Tong Yunrou was warmly welcomed by the servants. Who didn’t know that Miss Tong would soon marry into the Duan Family? If they didn’t curry favor now, what would they do when this future third young mistress stepped through the door?

Li Mamá, who had worked in the Duan Family for over a decade, watched Tong Yunrou with a beaming smile. “Miss Tong, why did you come alone today?”

Ever since leaving the Hongmeng Auction House the night before, Tong Yunrou was inexplicably restless, feeling that something was off.

After a sleepless night, Tong Yunrou finally realized the cause of her anxiety.

The Snow Lotus Elixir that was auctioned off the previous night had been fiercely contested by Bai Chuwei and Duan Feihan, and she could faintly smell a slight medicinal fragrance on Bai Chuwei.

Did Bai Chuwei have an illness? But wasn’t she able to cure even the old master’s cancer? Does this mean she might have a disease even more difficult to treat than cancer?

Tong Yunrou couldn’t figure out what disease could be so serious but suddenly recalled hearing by chance about Bai Chu having a heart condition twenty years ago.

Increasingly restless, Tong Yunrou decided to pay a visit to the Duan Family after some thought.

“Yunrou is here? Have a seat,” the old master said with a lively spirit as he came in from outside.

Tong Yunrou sat obediently across from the old master, holding a wooden box in her hands.

The old master asked casually, “The wedding is just a few days away. How are the preparations with you and Xiuqi?”

Tong Yunrou gently brushed her hair aside and smiled. “Everything is going smoothly. I wanted Xingye to be the groomsman, but he declined, citing the need to prepare for his college entrance exams. Big Brother Duan Xiuhao said he’d find a young man to fill in.”

“These are small matters, easily dealt with,” the old master nodded, sipping his tea. “Oh, so why did Yunrou come to see this old man today?”

With a gentle smile, Tong Yunrou presented the box to the old master. “Uncle Duan, Xiuqi and I attended an auction last night and happened to see Fourth Master bidding for a Spiritual Medicine Snow Lotus. It seemed like it was for you, knowing you had just recovered from a serious illness. So, I brought over a Spiritual Medicine from my own collection to give to you.”

The butler interjected, surprised, “Fourth Master didn’t bring any Spiritual Medicine back last night!”

Everyone had seen Fourth Master come back empty-handed, and not a word was mentioned about any Spiritual Medicine!

Upon hearing this, Tong Yunrou’s heart skipped a beat, further convinced that the medicine was purchased for Bai Chuwei.

Tong Yunrou sat anxiously, when suddenly she heard the cold voice of the old master from across her. “Yunrou, the Duan Family does not welcome those who engage in schemes. I didn’t expect you to play such petty tricks on this old man.”