Hades, the Urban Legend

Chapter 465: He’s Just That Kind of Person

Following Tang Wan briskly to the small courtyard where Old Master Tang lived, Yang Chen learned more about the current situation of the Tang family.

Old Master Tang Zhechen had three sons and two daughters, and several other siblings, all with their own descendants, making the Tang family quite extensive. Tang Wan was the eldest granddaughter, with the big-mouthed Tang Jue being her biological brother. The young girl, Tang Xin, was the only daughter of the third uncle and the youngest in the family.

After Old Master Tang retired from politics, the Tang family became the fastest-growing business among the four major families. Tang Wan, as the eldest granddaughter, directly took over the largest share, the Fenglin Group and its various subsidiaries.

However, Old Master Tang didn't give all the power to his trusted granddaughter. He also handed over some industries in Yandu and the North to his eldest grandson, Tang Huang, the son of his second son. This move was undoubtedly a test for both Tang Wan and Tang Huang, the most promising candidates, to see who could develop the family's business best and become the future head of the Tang family.

But because there were two candidates, the family became unstable. Some sided with Tang Wan, while others sided with Tang Huang. Others, unwilling to accept Old Master Tang's arrangement, hid in the shadows, setting traps or taking potshots at both candidates. The internal strife became more apparent as Old Master Tang aged.

However, Old Master Tang was powerless to change the situation. Like the ancient process of passing on imperial power, no matter how you try to appease people, greed is endless. No one wanted to give up the temptation of becoming the head of the Tang family.

"These years, I rarely return to Yandu because I don't want to see those hypocritical smiles, hear their sarcastic remarks, or compete with them. I just manage the Fenglin Group in the South, and I believe Grandpa will make a wise decision. But I never expected Grandpa to become like this in just a few months. Now that Grandpa, who could suppress all conflicts, has fallen, many issues have become direct confrontations," Tang Wan explained to Yang Chen as they walked.

Yang Chen wasn't too surprised. It would be strange if there were no disputes in such a large family. He asked, "What kind of person is Tang Huang?"

A hint of anger flashed in Tang Wan's eyes, "He is a very capable manager, but I don't like him. Not because Grandpa made him my competitor, but because of his frivolous attitude. You'll understand when you meet him."

Tang Xin, who was walking alongside, angrily interjected, "Sister, I think Grandpa's sudden illness is Tang Huang's doing. He clearly feels that Grandpa favors you, so he hurt Grandpa. He's the type to do anything for power and money, even turning on his family."

"Don't speak carelessly, Tang Xin. Without solid evidence, no matter how much we dislike him, we can't jump to conclusions," Tang Wan sighed, shaking her head.

Tang Xin pouted but had a determined look on her face.

Before long, the three of them arrived at a secluded courtyard. The neatly trimmed lawn was planted with ginkgo and osmanthus trees. The courtyard resembled an old-fashioned quadrangle but with a more modern design, akin to an independent high-end hospital room.

As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, Yang Chen heard a low, hoarse shout.

"Ah, A'Lun! A'Lun, don't go! Don't go..."

A frail old man with white hair and beard, wearing a white cotton hospital gown, was being supported by two tall female nurses. However, the old man was frantically trying to lunge at a man standing not far away. The man, looking to be in his early thirties, wore a casual black suit. He was tall and well-built, with neatly combed hair and sharply defined facial features, exuding masculinity. Yet, the smirk at the corner of his mouth was somewhat repulsive.

Behind the man stood a male and a female, both in black suit jackets and white shirts, appearing to be a driver and an assistant.

"Tang Huang, don't you think Grandpa's situation is bad enough?" Tang Wan entered the courtyard, reprimanding the man sharply.

Tang Huang turned his head and laughed, "I was wondering why Tang Xin ran away. So she went to get reinforcements. Tang Wan, even though you're my sister, you don't have the authority to stop me from seeing Grandpa. I've come all the way from Yandu to check on Grandpa's condition. Didn't you say you had hired specialists to treat Grandpa? Why is his condition worsening instead of improving? Listen, who is Grandpa calling for?"

A trace of pain flashed in Tang Wan's eyes as she coldly replied, "That's none of your business. You've seen Grandpa. Now please leave."

"Tsk tsk, my dear sister, how can you treat a concerned brother visiting his elder like this? At least let me stay for lunch," Tang Huang waggled his finger.

At this moment, Yang Chen, who had been silent, leisurely walked up to the old man who was still howling. Under the surprised gaze of the two female nurses, Yang Chen gently placed a hand on the back of the old man's neck. Somehow, in the blink of an eye, the old man stopped yelling and sat back in his wheelchair, falling into a deep sleep.

Tang Huang, who had been arguing with Tang Wan, frowned and looked over thoughtfully. The scene suddenly fell silent.

Yang Chen looked up and smiled slightly, "Don't worry. I just used the elderly gentleman's sleep acupoint to help him take a nap so we can all rest and have lunch. It's getting late."

Tang Huang sized up Yang Chen for a long moment, then sneered, "No wonder my sister hasn't found a man all these years. She likes young ones. Kid, are you a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner? Was that acupoint manipulation?"

"Tang Huang, stop talking nonsense. Yang Chen is my friend," Tang Wan said coldly.

Yang Chen shrugged, "Think what you want. Didn't you say you wanted to stay for lunch? Then go ahead and leave now."

Tang Huang grinned, "Interesting, but I don't feel like staying for lunch anymore. Seeing my beloved grandfather like this, how can I have the mood to eat? You can stay and comfort my sister."

He then turned to Tang Wan and said, "Sister, I find that Hui Nan is a much nicer place than Yandu. The air here even smells fragrant. No wonder your skin is always so radiant. I plan to stay a few more days and come to see Grandpa often."

With that, Tang Huang signaled his two subordinates and led them out without looking back. Watching Tang Huang leave the courtyard, Tang Xin, who had been unable to get a word in, stomped her foot in frustration but was helpless.

Tang Wan bit her lip, saying nothing, and then apologized to Yang Chen, "Sorry, that's just the way he is. Don't be angry."

"Of course, I won't be angry. It's clear he's a true villain, which is more acceptable to me than a hypocrite," Yang Chen said with a relaxed smile.

Tang Wan smiled, "You're quite a character yourself. As you saw, our family has people like Tang Huang, and even more hypocrites. That's why I made a great effort to bring Grandpa to Zhonghai for treatment. I worry that Grandpa will be further aggravated by Tang Huang and the others, worsening his condition. Moreover, in Yandu, the social relationships are too complicated and chaotic."

Yang Chen nodded and took a walk around the courtyard. Suddenly, he stopped by a pillar of the house. This pillar was made of pure camphor wood, which was quite valuable, and it had elegant calligraphy poems written on it.

Yang Chen didn't look at the poems. Instead, he reached out and rubbed the surface of the pillar for a while. Finally, with a slight force, he snapped off a small strip of wood.

Under the puzzled gazes of Tang Wan and the others, Yang Chen revealed a small, silver-gray object embedded in the wood. It was a miniature eavesdropping device, identical to the one found in Professor Andre's room after his death.

"This is?" Tang Wan asked in surprise.

Yang Chen smiled, "It's exactly what it looks like—a bugging device."