Standing Next To You-Chapter 392: Trouble in the Fei family

The results of the investigation conducted by Head Master Fei’s people came out immediately. They discovered that shortly after their visit, a familiar individual arrived at the guest’s house with an offer as well.

At first, the guests rejected it. Despite the other party’s tempting offer, the guests remained unmoved. The Fei family’s offer was significantly better, and their relationship with the Fei family was more intimate, making it natural to choose them.

However, by the afternoon, the guests suddenly changed their minds and initiated contact with the other party, stating that they would not accept the Fei family’s offer.

"We suspected that something happened in between. We bribed some of the workers in their house, but they couldn’t provide us with any information—they were in the dark as well. They only mentioned that an hour after the other party left, their master suddenly locked themselves in the study room and did not allow anyone inside. When the master finally emerged, he looked particularly angry. The results of the investigation with the other guest were the same."

Head Master Fei looked at the photos in front of him as he listened to his subordinate’s report.

In the photos, four men in black suits were seen at different times and places in the guests’ houses. They were familiar--weren’t they the spies Bei Sangyun had brought out from the Fei family that day?

Head Master Fei fell into silence.

According to his subordinate, the guests had declined the other party’s offer. So, the reason for their change of heart could not have been the spies. Something must have occurred during that time, leading them to contact Bei Sangyun in the afternoon.

What could it be?

"...Prepare the car. I shall give my friend a surprise visit," Head Master Fei decided to find the answer on his own.

The ’friend’ he was referring to was from one of the families close to the Fei family and one of the individuals the Fei family prioritized bribing. In other words, this person was an influential figure as well.

"My friend, I heard from my subordinate that you changed your mind after accepting my proposal. I am curious as to what could possibly have changed your mind when I am sure you were quite pleased with the gift I prepared for you beforehand?"

Head Master Fei did not beat around the bush. As soon as he finished his tea with this ’friend,’ he immediately revealed the reason for his visit.

Qi Hei, the head of the Qi family, wiped his eyeglasses which was damp with sweat. "Head Master Fei, I understand that you must be upset. But I won’t change my mind this time. Please understand."

Head Master Fei narrowed his eyes. He had come personally, yet Qi Hei, who had been with him the longest among the guests, remained adamant.

He sighed, "It’s not like I will force you to side with my family or anything. Just tell me, did something happen after those people visited your house?"

Qi Hei put on his eyeglasses and smiled awkwardly. "It seems you already have eyes on us. Well, I already gave the message to your subordinate yesterday. You’ve messed with the wrong person, Head Master Fei."

Head Master Fei’s eyebrow twitched. "What do you mean by that?"

Qi Hei was silent for a moment. He hesitated, then finally let out a nervous sigh. "I rejected those people’s offer out of my loyalty for you. And I have an idea that you must already know about that. But after those people left, I received a call."

Qi Hei reached for a drink and downed it in one go. "It was from an unknown number. The caller suddenly threatened to expose... some of the corrupt things my family has done. I believe you also have skeletons in your closet, Head Master Fei, so you can understand why I made such a decision.

"At first, I thought it was just a scam and didn’t believe the caller. But... what he said next proved he indeed had the credibility to do it."

Qi Hei almost kneeled before Head Master Fei. "I have worked all my life to bring my family to where it is now. I can’t let it be ruined because of a single mistake. I am telling you this because of the many years my family has depended on yours. As the one who leads a family yourself, I am sure you can empathize with me."

.....

Head Master Fei watched the passing scenery with a somber gaze.

The Qi family’s betrayal was unexpected. However, one visit was not enough to confirm the matter. After visiting Qi Hei, he went to see another guest who was also high on their list.

However, like the Qi family, they also received a call, threatening them to reject his offer. With their family’s reputation on the line, they couldn’t risk siding with the Fei family.

This situation was familiar. It was like how Fei Chuan threatened his three cousins back then.

Could it be that the people backing Fei Chuan were helping Bei Sangyun?

Who were they? What did they want?

And... William James... how was he connected to all of this?

Head Master Fei’s temple ached from all the thinking. Although he had found the answer to his previous question, another problem had emerged.

This whole fiasco seemed to run deep. It wasn’t just a matter of a ruined banquet; it appeared to be a tangled web of knotted ties. It would be difficult to get all the answers.

When he arrived at his office, he immediately ordered Butler Zhao to bring him tea. He hadn’t even settled into his seat when several people barged in.

"Father! I understand Fei Min made a grave mistake and that I am also accountable for his mischief. But my precious son, Hua Jiang, is innocent!" Fei Yi Lang exclaimed. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

His son, Fei Hua Jiang, ran after him and pulled him back. "Dad, you can’t be here."

Head Master Fei’s expression darkened. "Yi Lang, didn’t I make myself clear last time? You are banned from entering the main mansion. Do you really want your name removed from the family registry?"

"Father, I know you spared me because of my eldest son. That’s why I couldn’t just stand still in that dull house while lies spread in society to ruin Hua Jiang’s reputation. I can’t let that happen!"

Head Master Fei frowned. ’Rumors?’

"Father, have you settled the issue with the Lin family?" Fei Menqi’s father, who had entered the room unnoticed, spoke up. His expression was also anxious. "Rumors have been spreading left and right. They are not only about Fei Min and Fei Hua Jiang. My daughter and the others are included as well."

Head Master Fei’s face turned serious. He had eyes and ears everywhere, so how had he not heard of this from his spies before it spread this far and wide?

"Fei Yangguang, I believe that this needs our immediate attention. The longer we drag this out, the worse it will be for us. If we must use force, then we should do so," the First Elder commented as he entered the room.

Head Master Fei held his aching temple. It seemed Bei Sangyun and the people behind her had now made their next move. And he didn’t have a good feeling about this.