Ma Da suddenly realized how wise the young mistress was—keeping Grandfather in the dark about their true occupations was absolutely the right move.
"Grandfather, you don’t need to worry. Your eldest granddaughter taught us long ago to prioritize education. We’ve taken her words to heart."
"Everyone in the company is required to study regularly, especially criminal law. Now, each of us carries a copy to remind ourselves to abide by the law."
To prove his point, Ma Da pulled out a red-covered book from his pocket and handed it to Grandfather.
"See? I’m not just saying this. We’re genuinely committed to self-improvement."
Grandfather flipped through the pages, his face lighting up with approval. "Studying the law is good, very good! Legal awareness is crucial these days—it keeps people from straying down the wrong path. I support your efforts!"
Truthfully, the moment Grandfather entered the banquet hall and saw Ma Da and that quiet young man, his heart had skipped a beat.
With decades of life experience, how could he not recognize what kind of people they were?
Their arm tattoos had caught his attention back when he was still catching fish and shrimp in his hometown.
If it were just one person with a tattoo as a personal preference, that would be normal.
But when an entire group had identical tattoos? That was a red flag.
Classic underworld behavior.
If not for the fact that his granddaughter relied on them to pay her tuition, he would’ve insisted she stay far away from this crowd.
After all, no one wanted their granddaughter associating with gangsters.
His earlier probing was just a test—to see if they had truly turned over a new leaf.
Now, it seemed they were indeed on the right path.
Grandfather wasn’t some rigid traditionalist. There’s a saying: "A prodigal who returns is more precious than gold."
If they’d truly reformed, then doing business with his granddaughter was acceptable.
As the conversation shifted, Ma Da discreetly wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Who knew talking to Grandfather could be so nerve-wracking? Maybe it was because he didn’t want to end up executed.
"Grandfather, try this—"
Just as Ma Da was about to serve him some food, a voice called from the entrance: "Brother Ma! Brother Ma! Master Jin is looking for you."
Ma Da: "..."
Grandfather raised an eyebrow. "Why’s he calling you ‘Brother Ma’?"
Ma Da quickly explained, "Grandfather, times have changed. People these days like to address each other as brothers—it’s a sign of closeness. Just a polite custom!"
"Ah, Grandfather, I’ll step out for a moment. Please enjoy your meal."
With that, he hurried toward the entrance.
Grandfather noticed the crowd gathered outside, including what looked like a newlywed couple, but he dismissed it as Ma Da’s acquaintances.
Outside, Master Jin stood with his son and daughter-in-law, waiting to offer a toast. But two black-clad men blocked their way.
One of them, a towering figure named Ji Yu—once Niu Ben’s personal bodyguard—stood like an immovable mountain, radiating an intimidating aura that froze them in place.
No amount of flattery or pleading softened Ji Yu’s stone-faced demeanor.
Growing desperate, Master Jin sent someone to fetch Ma Da.
The moment Ma Da stepped out, Master Jin rushed forward. "Mr. Ma, could you please inform Miss Liu? I’ve brought my son and daughter-in-law to offer our respects."
Ma Da remained impassive. "No need. The young mistress doesn’t wish to be disturbed. You should leave."
Master Jin persisted. "Mr. Ma, I’ve already looked into the earlier incident—it was all a misunderstanding. I had no idea someone was using my name to cause trouble. My sincerest apologies!"
"Mr. Ma, you know I’ve operated in Wushui County for years, always by the rules. This time, I was completely blindsided by some lowlife. Could you make an exception? Let me apologize to Miss Liu in person?"
"Enough." Ma Da cut him off. "If this is all you have to say, you’re wasting your time."
Master Jin was left speechless.
Nearby, Hua Mao and Lame Kun smirked at his humiliation.
Serves you right for not consulting us before sending gifts!
Just as Master Jin was about to speak again, Yang Yue and her husband, Yang Jianren, approached.
Seeing Master Jin stalled at the door, Yang Yue assumed he was waiting for her and crowed, "Master Jin, let’s go in! Time to teach those people a lesson!"
Master Jin whirled around, glaring. "Was it you? Did you use my name to mess with Miss Liu?"
Though his men hadn’t confirmed who’d provoked Miss Liu, Yang Yue’s constant instigations made her the prime suspect.
Yang Yue stammered under his gaze, "M-Master Jin, I—"
"Goddamn it!" Master Jin roared, slapping her hard across the face.
"You stupid cow! You’ve ruined me!"
He signaled two lackeys. "Beat her. Then throw her out. And tell the Yang Family—from today, all business ties are severed. I’ll make sure they can’t survive in Wushui County!"
Without appeasing Miss Liu, the Jin Family’s future was doomed.
He had no choice but to act ruthlessly.
Even if Yang Yue’s father had once helped him in his youth, decades of business favors had repaid that debt.
He’d even sourced supplies through the Yang Family’s channels—more than enough goodwill.
But this idiot woman had crossed a line, provoking Miss Liu behind his back.
No past favors outweighed the Jin Family’s survival.
Yang Yue turned pale, still clueless about her offense, and begged, "Master Jin, please, I was wrong!"
Her pleas fell on deaf ears.
Only after she and her husband were dragged away did Master Jin take a deep breath and apologize to Ma Da, explaining the full situation.
Seeing his sincerity, Ma Da nodded and sent word to the young mistress.
Inside, Liu Yutong had already overheard the commotion.
So had many guests, though the hotel manager assured them it was just a drunk causing a scene, easing concerns.
A few considered stepping out to watch, but the lavish spread—lobster, abalone, and other delicacies—kept them rooted.
Who’d miss a feast for mere drama?
If they left now, they might miss out on the best dishes—now that would be a real tragedy.
Some curious kids tried to sneak out, only to be promptly pulled back by their parents.
"Eat! You're not leaving this house until you're stuffed two hundred percent full!"
"........."
