The ’generous’ Madman Zhou directly stuffed the bank card into Liu Zixuan’s hand, a clean and swift move, as if he was afraid Liu Zixuan wouldn’t accept it.

Liu Zixuan was stunned for a moment, "Really giving it to me?"

"Who do you look down on? I, Madman Zhou, am known for never going back on my word!" Madman Zhou said proudly.

Liu Zixuan tucked the bank card into his pocket, said excitedly, "Uncle Zhou, I’ll remember this favor. I’ll definitely take care of you when you’re old!"

"Hahaha, we’re family, why say such things!"

Madman Zhou appeared carefree on the surface, but inwardly, he had already cursed Liu Zixuan thoroughly. The newly acquired century-old ginseng, his amassed assets. He said he’d give them away, and Liu Zixuan genuinely took them. He could at least hesitate a bit, right!

He looked up at the ladies and thought to himself, Liu Zixuan had been here for less than an hour and had already tricked him. There should be some payoff, shouldn’t there?

With so many beauties here, they can’t all be Liu Zixuan’s girlfriends, can they?

He immediately looked at Liu Ruyan, "Ruyan, everyone’s been here for quite some time, and I still don’t know the names of the ladies. Could you introduce them for me?"

Liu Ruyan’s charming eyes flickered upon hearing this, and she smiled, "I neglected that. Let me introduce you!"

"This is Bai Jingjing, she’s from Yuqing City."

"Bai Jingjing, what a nice name. How old are you this year, miss? Do you have a boyfriend?" Madman Zhou said with a friendly smile.

"I do. The one who just called you ’Father-in-law’ is my boyfriend." Bai Jingjing smirked wickedly and pointed at Liu Zixuan.

Madman Zhou was speechless for a moment and then looked at Ying Qingning, "Miss, you..."

"Uncle Zhou, her name is Qingning, and she’s also Zixuan’s girlfriend!" Liu Ruyan quickly said, knowing that Ying Qingning, unlike Bai Jingjing, was too naive and might easily be fooled by the old fox Madman Zhou.

"Tsk tsk, this guy must have committed many sins, to have attracted so many lovely girls."

Madman Zhou feigned a complaining sigh and then looked at the last lady, Sister Ann.

Before he could speak, Sister Ann smiled, "Uncle Zhou, you can call me Ann."

"You... aren’t Liu Zixuan’s girlfriend too, are you?" Madman Zhou smartened up this time to avoid embarrassment, asking first.

Sister Ann blushed slightly and moved closer to Liu Zixuan, "Uncle Zhou really cares about him."

Liu Zixuan gently wrapped his arm around Sister Ann’s slender waist, "Of course, Uncle Zhou is the best elder to me."

"Cough... cough cough cough."

Madman Zhou coughed vigorously, cursing internally: Damn! I’ve been clever all my life and swindling for a lifetime, but today I’ve been conned by several young men and women. If this spreads, it would be so disgraceful!

"Dad, what’s wrong?" Seeing Madman Zhou coughing painfully, Zhou Nian asked hurriedly.

Madman Zhou clutched his chest, "Heartache! Feels like something’s being torn open."

Liu Zixuan toyed with the bank card, laughed, "Xiao Nian, quickly help Uncle Zhou check. You’re a doctor!"

Such words were full of teasing!

Madman Zhou wanted to show off in front of the beauties, acting generous, including the century-old ginseng and his entire asset’s sub-card. Don’t mention him; anyone else would be heartbroken too!

Wasn’t the whole point to chat with one of the beauties, even if pursuing was impossible, at least seeing such pretty girls was pleasing to the eye?

But reality repeatedly slapped his face, ending up in a situation of losing both people and wealth.

If it weren’t for the beauties being present, Madman Zhou genuinely wanted to take out a kitchen knife and battle Liu Zixuan for hundreds of rounds.

Zhou Nian was straightforward, hearing Liu Zixuan’s words, he immediately tried to help Madman Zhou sit down for a check-up.

Madman Zhou promptly said, "Xiao Nian, your medical skills aren’t refined yet; Zixuan is skilled, let him have a look."

"Well..."

"What’s the matter? A good son-in-law doesn’t want to check his father-in-law?" Madman Zhou looked at Liu Zixuan.

Liu Zixuan grinned, "How could I not? You’ve treated me so well; if you have any ailment, I’ll feel terrible! Come, stretch out your hand, and let me take a look."

"No, for my illness, just taking the pulse isn’t enough, and it would be inappropriate to undress in front of so many ladies. Come to my room." Madman Zhou said, grabbing Liu Zixuan’s arm forcefully.

Worried the boy might react, Madman Zhou directly dragged him outside.

Liu Zixuan wasn’t dull; it was clear Madman Zhou was distressed about the money. If they went outside, the big kitchen knife would definitely be wielded again. He paused and laughed, "Uncle Zhou, we don’t have to go to your room."

"I said we have to, and we will!" At the doorway, Madman Zhou’s expression turned ferocious, and these words almost spat out from between his teeth.

The century-old ginseng definitely couldn’t be retrieved from Ruyan, but the bank card was in Liu Zixuan’s pocket. Heading outside with a knife, he didn’t believe Liu Zixuan wouldn’t hand it over.

However, Madman Zhou’s plan was foiled again.

Just as the two reached the hallway, Zhu Yi happened to quickly enter through the door.

"Brother Zhu!" Liu Zixuan saw his savior and immediately broke free from Madman Zhou’s grip, dashing towards the door.

Zhu Yi gave a apologetic smile, "Old bro Zixuan, really sorry, I’ve been in Lingxiu Village recently and knew nothing of external matters. If you hadn’t mentioned, I truly wouldn’t know Xiumei Group was in trouble."

"Trouble my ass."

Madman Zhou immediately walked over and asked, "Did this guy tell you the company was in trouble and ask for your help?"

"Yes!" Zhu Yi nodded in surprise.

"Did he also want to borrow money from you?"

"He definitely needs money; the company is in such a dire situation. It can’t be solved without spending money." Zhu Yi shrugged and asked, "Brother Zhou, what’s going on?"

"Zhu Yi, I, old Zhou, advise you kindly, wherever you came from, hurry back. This guy’s return isn’t due to any problems but to swindle us. In just a short hour, he conned a sum from me!"

Zhu Yi gave Madman Zhou a peculiar glance and then looked at Liu Zixuan, who had a playful expression. He immediately understood what was happening. After all, Liu Zixuan’s various tricks against Madman Zhou were legendary in Ghost Wood City.

He patted Madman Zhou’s shoulder, "Brother Zhou, let’s set aside your little grievances for now. The Xiumei Group’s matter can’t be delayed anymore. If it drags on, it’ll really go bankrupt. You should help old brother Zixuan a little, and when he sorts out the company, you can ask him for any amount of money."

ps: It’s December, Ye Zi plans for a big update this month, roughly in mid-month, definitely before the 15th. As you all know, Ye Zi works during the day and writes at night, so to accumulate drafts, it takes away sleep time. So, for the next few days, there will only be the guaranteed four updates, no additional ones, to save for a burst in the middle of the month.