Chapter 534: Chapter 534: The Secret of the Vast Family

"Dad, I know I embarrassed you today, but Cao Yumei caused my mother’s death. If I don’t take revenge on her, I’d be a disgrace as a son."

Kong Lingwen spoke first as soon as she sat down. She would never admit her mistake, and even felt it wasn’t satisfying enough.

"I’m not blaming you. I called you both here to discuss the matter involving Yang Cheng that was promised before."

Kong Jingshan got straight to the point.

As the head of the Kong Family, he roughly guessed that Yang Cheng had already revealed the previous agreement to Kong Lingwen. These two were likely putting on a show in front of him.

"I said before that if he could make you a normal woman, I would let Yang Rou go and also tell him about Yang Feng."

"You two indeed get along well, but it’s clear that you’re not in a real romantic relationship. Fortunately, during this time, you’ve helped Lin Wen change a lot. Her attire and speech are much closer to that of a normal woman, so you can only consider this task half-completed."

Kong Jingshan looked at Yang Cheng with a half-smile. He had to admit this young man indeed had some skills. Previously, no matter what he did, Kong Lingwen remained the same, dressing like a man when going out.

It was because Kong Lingwen was neither like a man nor a woman that he even considered giving up on this daughter.

Yang Cheng knew Kong Jingshan wouldn’t be easy to fool. His relationship with Kong Lingwen had become much closer, but in the end, they hadn’t reached the final step. It always felt like something was missing.

"With the task half-done, how do we account for our agreement?"

Yang Cheng asked.

"I won’t trouble your sister anymore, but regarding the matter of Yang Feng, I can only tell you a part of it."

Upon hearing this, Yang Cheng frowned.

The reason he worked so hard was to get news about his father, yet this old fox Kong Jingshan still didn’t want to reveal it.

However, he couldn’t find any clues elsewhere. Knowing part of it was better than not knowing anything at all.

"Alright."

Yang Cheng nodded, looking expectantly at Kong Jingshan.

"When I acquired your father’s company back then, I already sensed something was amiss, so I had someone look into Yang Feng’s situation and found out that he seemed to have offended a big shot." 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"I initially decided to abandon the acquisition, but your father begged me to lower the price, saying he needed the money from the sale to pay off debts, or else he’d drag his relatives and friends into it."

"I saw him as honest and righteous, and the company truly had value, so I took the risk to acquire it. But not long after signing the contract, I received a warning."

"They said I was not to investigate Yang Feng’s matters, and if I continued, it would bring deadly trouble to the Kong Family."

Upon reaching this point, Kong Jingshan took a deep breath and couldn’t help but feel tense.

"With such a threat against you, who exactly is behind it?"

Yang Cheng was a bit surprised. Kong Jingshan was the head of a powerful family in Zhonghai, yet the other party didn’t regard him at all; clearly, their family background and power were more formidable than the Kong Family’s.

"At first, I was also indignant, so I still sent people to investigate secretly and sent Lin Wen to Peach Blossom County to take over Yan’s Hall."

"However, a few days later, Lin Wen was suddenly kidnapped. The kidnappers didn’t ask for a penny, only left a message saying that if we continued the investigation, my daughter would become a corpse."

Kong Jingshan’s face was grim, still seething with anger from the past threat.

"So I was kidnapped back then because of this. I thought the kidnappers wouldn’t release me because it was you..."

Kong Lingwen stopped mid-sentence, but Kong Jingshan understood clearly.

"You thought I was reluctant to pay the ransom, but at the time, I utilized all connections to save you and promised to stop investigating the matter."

"I didn’t dare to tell you the truth, afraid of bringing you trouble. You had originally gone to Peach Blossom County after arguing with me, and the kidnapping incident only intensified your resentment towards me. I truly wronged you, believing you were too rebellious and should learn some hard lessons, which only pushed you further away."

Kong Jingshan sighed repeatedly, and thinking of his deceased wife only deepened his guilt.

Kong Lingwen’s expression was extremely complex. She had harbored resentment towards her father for so long, but upon realizing he actually loved her, she was unsure if she should continue holding onto her hatred.

The father and daughter remained awkward, while Yang Cheng kept thinking.

"If you haven’t investigated since then, haven’t you already told me everything you know? Why did you say you’d only tell me part of it?"

Yang Cheng asked, puzzled.

"I indeed stopped investigating, and believed Yang Feng’s matters were unrelated to me. However, two years ago, I unintentionally discovered a secret and some things became clearer."

"This secret, though, involves a powerful family. If leaked, it could indeed overturn the Kong Family. So if you want to know who they are, you must help me with two things."

Kong Jingshan’s expression was immensely serious, his breathing becoming quicker.

"What things?"

Yang Cheng’s demeanor was equally earnest.

"First, as before, make Lin Wen a true woman. I can tell there’s affection between you two but not enough for a romantic relationship. She needs to stay by your side to return to normal and avoid criticism from outsiders."

"Second, help Lin Wen establish herself within the family, and currently, the Kong Family’s power isn’t sufficient to contend with that family. My suggestion is that you first acquire Yun Mei, transferring part of the miraculous doctors from Peach Blossom County to Zhonghai."

"Now that Cao Yumei has gone mad, the Cao Family and the Kong Family are no longer relatives by marriage and may even become enemies. We must first eliminate this problem. Only when the Kong Family becomes stronger can I disclose their identity to you. I can’t gamble with the Kong Family’s legacy. Do you understand my intentions?"

Kong Jingshan’s tone was gentle, his eyes slightly reddening.

Compared to their last conversation, this time Kong Jingshan was indeed sincere, laying bare his thoughts.

"I understand, Uncle Kong."

Yang Cheng immediately nodded, saying seriously, "I can agree to these two requests."

Kong Jingshan was justified in doing this for his family, and if Yang Cheng wanted to learn that secret, he could only assist the Kong Family.

"Good! I knew you wouldn’t refuse."

Kong Jingshan chuckled, showing kindness to Yang Cheng for the first time.

"In fact, I also had someone investigate you, initially thinking you lucked into success. But upon closer contact, I realized you genuinely have ability."

"If possible, I sincerely hope you and Lin Wen can marry and have children. With you holding things down, I’d be at ease."

Though Kong Jingshan had made many mistakes, his affection for Kong Lingwen was truly deep. His words revealed the heart of this caring father.

Yang Cheng couldn’t help but feel a twinge at his heart. His father had been missing for so long, his fate unknown.

When would the two of them ever reunite?