As far as the former Yashida was concerned, what truly angered him was that his father never looked at him as a son.
Because he had aligned himself against the original family front, his father openly remarked that his daughter, Zhenriko, was increasingly like him.
This had infuriated the former Yashida for a long time—how could he be considered inferior to his own daughter?
So, when Zhenriko wanted to see her grandfather, it was naturally impossible for the former Yashida to agree.
Although he no longer controlled the entire family business, the Yashida family's accumulated resources were still largely under his influence.
In fact, Kenichi Haramae had wanted Zhenriko to inherit the family business—but this was more of a delaying tactic. If his own son received it instead, the former Yashida side would likely attack Zhenriko. Hence, the original Jianjian had invited Xu Fu to act as a buffer, making Zhenriko's path slightly safer.
To Kenichi Haramae, this was a trivial matter. His own life remained the most important concern.
"Zhenriko, my father is very ill now. I can't allow casual visits." The former Yashida's words were abrupt, firm.
"Father, as a granddaughter, surely I should be able to see my grandfather?" Zhenriko protested.
"No. I said no." The former Yashida was unyielding. In his heart, there was no affection for Zhenriko.
Especially after years of favoritism toward her, compared to his own son, Zhenriko's inheritance prospects had caused the former Yashida tremendous frustration. Having sacrificed so much for the original family, this outcome was completely incomprehensible to him.
"Father…" Jane Riko began again.
"Zhenriko, are you going to rebel against your father?" The former Yashida's gaze was cold.
Jane turned away silently and left. Yuan Qianyashida observed her indifferently, not interfering.
"Master Yashida," a young attendant spoke respectfully.
"Hmm," Yuan Qianyashida acknowledged, bowing slightly.
"Lord Yashida, Your Excellency Xu seems to have gone out with His Excellency Logun earlier." The young man in the suit added.
"Hmm." Yuan Qianyashida nodded, considering the situation. He intended to consult Xu Fu regarding Zhou Tian, seeking his help.
Outside, Jane Riko paused at the river, a desperate plan forming in her mind. Her father's unreasonable behavior and the potential loss of her grandfather had left her feeling utterly alone.
Just as Zhenriko was about to jump into the raging waters, a pair of strong hands caught her and pulled her back.
A familiar presence whispered, "Zhenriko, I haven't seen you for a while… didn't expect you to be so bold."
She turned, startled, and saw Xu Fu. "Xu Fu!" Her voice trembled.
"It's me," Xu Fu said, spreading his hands. "Zhenriko, I didn't expect to meet you like this. The Fengcai plan exceeded my expectations."
Zhenriko, embarrassed, muttered, "Xu Fu… you must be laughing at me."
Their last real connection had been years ago. At that time, Xu Fu was an ordinary, unawakened student at the Mutant Academy, and Zhenriko often accompanied her cousin Sunfire there. With her father and grandfather both invested in mutant affairs, she had viewed Xu Fu with a mixture of sympathy and curiosity.
But in recent years, the family's turmoil had kept them apart.
"Jane, what's troubling you?" Xu Fu asked. He sensed the darkness clouding her thoughts—the suicidal despair she had felt moments ago.
"Xu Fu… it's nothing. I just feel completely alone in my family," Zhenriko said, her eyes darkening.
"Why would you say that?" Xu Fu asked gently. "I heard from His Excellency Jianyi that he might entrust the former family to you."
"No…" Zhenriko shook her head. "I don't want to take over the family. Perhaps my father is more fit for it."
"Your Excellency," Xu Fu replied, "the decision ultimately rests with His Excellency Jianyi."
"I don't understand why Grandpa arranged it this way," Jane said, puzzled. She knew her father would be furious when the time came.
"Then my role is to protect you," Xu Fu said with a light smile.
Indeed, from Xu Fu's perspective, while it was meant to guard Zhenriko, it also served Jianyi's greater plan. If the family passed fully into her father's hands, his ambitious schemes could be crushed.
"Protect me?" Jane was stunned.
"Exactly. Grandpa's arrangements are meant to guard you."
"Xu Fu, take me to the beautiful country you promised." Zhenriko's eyes shimmered with tears.
Xu Fu silently wiped her hair back. "All in good time, Zhenriko."
"Don't treat me like a child," she said. "I'm older than you, you know."
"Older or younger, it doesn't matter," Xu Fu said, spreading his hands. "Who made you call me Brother Xu Fu before?"
"You…" Zhenriko looked at him, a mixture of irritation and affection.
"Alright, Zhenriko. Get some rest," Xu Fu said. "Tomorrow, after the rain clears, everything will become clear."
Jane bowed her head. This brief encounter with Xu Fu had lifted a shadow from her heart.
After returning home, Xu Fu departed quietly, still waiting for the right time to find her grandfather's body at Starlight.
-----------------------
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