Chapter Twenty: Comical Mud in Place of Urine

Fang Nian had seen this man online before—the very one who had designed “Buried Alive” and “Fatal ID.” He was the rising star of the Jin family, a Korean prodigy of twenty-five known in the industry as the “Terror Machine” for his extraordinary talent in constructing hunting grounds. His name was Jin Jindao.

Jin Jindao wore a navy trench coat, his hair styled in the latest Korean fashion, and his handsome features gave him the air of a leading man from a Korean drama.

“I’ve long heard of your reputation, Brother Fang, as a professional freeloader, and today I see you live up to your name.”

The reporters and suppliers at the door were all veterans of the hunting grounds circle; naturally, they recognized Jin Jindao. Hearing him mock Fang Nian, they burst into laughter.

Yet Fang Nian’s face remained utterly calm, as placid as a still lake. When had he ever been afraid of ridicule?

“Hey, don’t call me brother—are we that close? Let’s get down to business.”

Jin Jindao’s lips curled in a contemptuous smile. “Business? Hah… And who do you think you are? A worthless, sycophantic son-in-law, not fit to talk with me? If you’re so brave, why not call out Xia Moyan? Or are you afraid you’ll wet your pants?”

Jin Jindao’s words were harsh, and with the others joining in, the atmosphere grew unbearably awkward. To the crowd, Fang Nian’s composed expression made him look utterly ridiculous.

But just then, a gentle yet commanding voice cut through the tension.

“And who do you think you are, Jin Jindao? You think you’re entitled to speak to my husband that way?”

Fang Nian was taken aback. Looking up, he saw Xia Moyan herself walking over, dressed in a black trench coat matching his own and towering on high heels. She slipped her arm through his, radiating a loving intimacy.

Before Jin Jindao could reply, the long-closed doors of the Xia family estate swung open. Xia Hong, accompanied by Xia Junliang and others, emerged and glared at Jin Jindao in anger.

“Young man, is this how your grandfather, Old Dog Jin, taught you manners? So arrogant and insolent at your age—how dare you speak of my son-in-law this way! You’re not even worthy.”

Xia Junyi stepped forward as well. “Listen here, boy: a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. The Xia family may not be what it once was, but we still outrank you. Since Fang Nian married my daughter, he is one of us. You come to our gates to insult my son-in-law—tell me, where do you find the courage? Do you really think the Xia family is a paper tiger?”

Then Xia Junhui, usually known for her sharp tongue, spoke with rare gentleness. “A dog who fled the peninsula to China—shouldn’t you be minding your own kennel instead of playing master? What a joke.”

Jin Jindao was dumbfounded by this united front. Weren’t the Xias supposed to be tearing each other apart? Weren’t they supposed to scatter in the face of disaster? How had they suddenly closed ranks so tightly?

Even Fang Nian was bewildered. The Xia family certainly changed faces faster than flipping pages—were these really the same people from earlier?

Catching Fang Nian’s wide-eyed stare, Xia Junhui rolled her eyes skyward.

“You brat, the Xia family’s affairs don’t need an outsider’s help. We’re not that far gone, are we?”

Fang Nian managed an awkward smile. “No, not at all.”

Xia Moyan was equally surprised. The aunts and uncles who usually hid behind her now stood up in support. Tears welled in her eyes.

Xia Junliang came over, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat. “Relax, Moyan. The Xia family will always be your support. We’ll weather these losses together.”

At last, Xia Moyan couldn’t hold back her tears. “Thank you.”

Jin Jindao, stung by the Xia family’s barbs, burned with rage. He jabbed a finger at Xia Hong, his Mandarin awkward but furious.

“You old fool! Do you really think the Jin family cares about the Xias anymore? So you’re united—fine, then you can all die together!”

At that moment, Xu Lang appeared, dressed in black and accompanied by a man in his forties.

The appearance of the newcomer made the Xias’ faces change instantly.

“Liu Long?”

Fang Nian didn’t recognize the man, but his manner suggested a lifetime in high office.

Xia Moyan’s face paled, but she quietly explained to Fang Nian, “That’s Liu Long, deputy branch manager of North City branch, District 16, Xing Sheng Bank. He handles financing and loans.”

Fang Nian understood. In this world, business worked much as it did back on Earth: a cycle of borrowing and repaying. Those dazzling entrepreneurs—most were drowning in debt.

The Xia family was the same. Years of losses had left them heavily indebted; any trouble could destroy their hard-won foundation.

Liu Long walked up and addressed Xia Hong. “Old Xia, I’m sure you know why I’m here. The Xia family’s business is on the verge of collapse. Moyan assured me that the hunting ground would break even by the end of the month and repay the six-million third-phase loan.”

He paused, his tone turning stern. “But look at you now—the hunting ground isn’t making money; it’s losing more. I heard you lost over three hundred thousand on the first day of your new theme. If this keeps up, you’ll lose three million in a few days. How do you plan to pay me back?”

Xia Hong’s expression shifted to one of embarrassment. “Liu, could you give us a little more time—just a few days—”

Liu Long waved him off, cutting him short. “I’ve heard it all before, for years. If not for our old friendship, I wouldn’t even be saying this much. You’ve got over twenty hunting grounds in District 16; six of them are in my jurisdiction up north.”

“Your third-phase debt is six million. Add this round of losses—three million more—and you owe nine million. My advice: transfer those six northern hunting grounds. I’ve even found the best buyer for you—the Jin family. To help you out, they’ll pay ten million Hope Coins for the lot. What do you say?”

Before Xia Hong could answer, Xia Junhui erupted in fury. “Ten million? Why not just rob us? Those six hunting grounds are worth at least twenty million, and you offer ten? Ridiculous!”

Xu Lang smiled faintly. “Aunt Xia, the market’s dead. Besides the Xu and Jin families, who else would buy? Ten million isn’t a small sum.”

He glanced at Xia Moyan’s icy face, then at Fang Nian. “Moyan, you’ve made your bed. You know better than anyone: aside from selling, you have no way out. No one else will lend you a cent. Compromise is your only option.”

Xia Moyan’s face grew even colder. She knew Xu Lang was right. From the data leak to this forced sale, the Xu and Jin families had orchestrated everything. It was all part of their plan.

And now, with no evidence and so many suppliers and reporters gathered, it seemed the outcome was inevitable.

“Xu Lang, Jin Jindao—you can go drown in your own filth.”

Suddenly, an angry shout rang out. Xia Moyu burst from the crowd, wielding a large basin of golden liquid, and hurled it straight at Xu Lang and Jin Jindao.

Fang Nian shuddered at the sight of the two about to be doused. “Damn, I didn’t expect my brother-in-law to be so impulsive. But I like it. If I don’t step up now, I’ll miss my chance. Time to take the stage.”