Chapter 1288: Chapter 1288: The Turmoil Behind the Family Banquet

In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.

Ling Xue had left.

The time for the Zhao Family’s banquet had also arrived.

At noon on this day, Ye Fan accompanied Jian Tao and her daughter to the Zhao Family.

Mengyao did not participate; adhering to the agreement, Ye Fan went with Jian Tao and her daughter alone.

On the way, Jian Tao politely said, "The old man’s condition isn’t good. If necessary, you might need to adapt according to the situation."

"No problem." Ye Fan readily agreed.

This trip, if possible, Ye Fan could pretend to be Zhao Hai in front of the old Zhao if it was completely unnecessary, then he would just be an ordinary guest of the Zhao Family. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Ye Fan was prepared, and since he had promised Jian Tao, he had to handle some matters accordingly.

"I know you don’t like this kind of banquet, and you disdain to pretend to be enthusiastically socializing with others. I appreciate your effort." Jian Tao expressed her gratitude.

"It’s nothing; you don’t need to worry about it." Ye Fan replied calmly.

The car arrived in front of the Zhao Family residence, and Zhao Feipeng came out to greet them warmly.

"Mr. Ye, you’re here, and your esteemed presence truly brings glory to our Zhao Family." Zhao Feipeng said sincerely, "Mr. Ye, I’m not just being polite; I genuinely mean it."

The latter sentence was emphasized by Zhao Feipeng, reflecting his true thoughts.

"You’re an elder, there’s no need for excessive courtesy." Ye Fan said mildly.

"Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right, Mr. Ye. I was being presumptuous." Zhao Feipeng beamed with a smile.

Then, Zhao Feipeng turned his gaze to Jian Tao and instructed, "Xiao Tao, it’s your job to take care of Mr. Ye."

In his mind, Ye Fan and Jian Tao were peers and had some degree of acquaintanceship, which made communication more convenient.

To avoid making Ye Fan feel awkward or isolated, Jian Tao was the best person to chat with him.

"Dad, I understand." Jian Tao agreed.

In the distance, Zhao Zhongtian’s expression turned dark, full of confusion, as he thought, "Ye Fan, the Terminator, why is he here at my Zhao Family’s banquet? What is Zhao Feipeng thinking? How did he manage to invite Mr. Ye?"

Zhao Zhongtian was full of doubts, thinking complex thoughts, "Does this mean that Mr. Ye has some kind of connection with Zhao Feipeng? What capabilities does Zhao Feipeng have to form a friendship with Mr. Ye? What’s going on? What’s really going on?"

Zhao Zhongtian was anxious, his thoughts in disarray, as if struck by lightning, his entire demeanor was not in great shape.

No matter how he thought about it, he couldn’t understand how Ye Fan could possibly come to the Zhao Family.

Such an immensely powerful existence attending a mere Zhao Family banquet, what does this signify?

Does it imply there is a baffling friendship or exchange between Ye Fan and Zhao Feipeng?

Impossible, absolutely impossible, Zhao Feipeng doesn’t have the credentials.

"Even if Zhao Feipeng transferred the Zhao Family’s interests to Mr. Ye, it wouldn’t be enough to make Mr. Ye attend the banquet. What was Mr. Ye’s reason for coming?" This was something Zhao Zhongtian couldn’t comprehend no matter what.

No matter how incomprehensible it seemed, no matter how complex his thoughts, he didn’t have enough time to ponder more.

Zhao Zhongtian suppressed his shock and confusion, and walked briskly towards Ye Fan. Since he encountered this forbidden existence, he had no choice but to approach and greet him; pretending not to know Mr. Ye would be foolish.

"Mr. Ye, your presence at the Zhao Family is truly an honor for us." Zhao Zhongtian said with an enthusiastic smile, "Your distinguished visit makes everyone in the Zhao Family feel extremely proud."

"And you are?" Ye Fan inquired, pretending not to recognize Zhao Zhongtian.

"I’m Zhao Feipeng’s younger brother, Jian Tao’s second uncle, just a useless person in the Zhao Family living off its support, according to others, a good-for-nothing." Zhao Zhongtian said frankly.

Even when describing himself as a good-for-nothing, he showed no discomfort, instead declaring it openly.

"So you’re the second master of the Zhao Family, pardon my lack of manners." Ye Fan said politely.

"Mr. Ye, you’re too kind. I’m just an insignificant person, not worthy of your ’second master’ title." Zhao Zhongtian was terrified, hurriedly bowing to Ye Fan, his demeanor turning anxious, hastily saying, "Mr. Ye, you are someone of high status, please don’t joke with me. In front of you, I’m nothing."

"It seems, you know my identity." Ye Fan said lightly.

"Of course, knowing your identity is a privilege not available to just anyone. I happen to know, thanks to the Zhao Family’s facade." Zhao Zhongtian spoke cautiously, cold sweat forming on his forehead.

"I see." Ye Fan nodded, then arrogantly said, "Since you know my identity, then it’s simple. Leave me be, I prefer peace and dislike being disturbed, understood?"

This was the Zhao Family, where Zhao Zhongtian would be considered a host.

Ye Fan’s words were utterly unreasonable, indeed overbearing.

With just a few words, he was dismissing Zhao Zhongtian.

It was like he had taken over the Zhao Family, yet Zhao Zhongtian felt no discomfort whatsoever.

It seemed like this was exactly how Ye Fan should be.

"Mr. Ye, I’ll step away now. If you have any instructions, just let me know anytime." Zhao Zhongtian maintained his smile, telling Jian Tao, "Xiao Tao, take good care of our guest; do not neglect him, understand?"

"Okay, second uncle." Jian Tao nodded in agreement.

Zhao Zhongtian walked away, but he understood one thing: Ye Fan did not know about the ones who plotted against Zhao Hai, abducted Xixi, and carried out a cyberattack against Jian Tao. That relieved him greatly.

If Ye Fan didn’t even recognize him, how could he know?

This indirectly confirmed that Ye Fan had no regard for him, so he didn’t investigate those matters, and it made sense he didn’t know.

This meant he was still in the shadows, and what he had done remained unknown, with no clue whatsoever.

If even Ye Fan was unaware, Zhao Feipeng and Jian Tao certainly wouldn’t know either.

"I was worried Mr. Ye might interfere with my plans, but it seems he won’t. That’s the best outcome. As long as Mr. Ye doesn’t meddle in these trivial matters, my plan to dominate the Zhao Family can be completed." Such thoughts crossed Zhao Zhongtian’s mind.

If he knew that Ye Fan was merely pretending not to recognize him, Zhao Zhongtian might not be so optimistic; he would rather be pessimistic.

Zhao Feipeng and Jian Tao hadn’t shown any flaws, making Zhao Zhongtian even more reassured.