Chapter 959: Chapter 948: Xu Ruolan’s Worries
“Ning Fan, did you know? Situ Yuanhua’s assets have already been auctioned off.”
The next morning, Xu Ruolan suddenly approached Ning Fan to talk about Situ Yuanhua.
This left Ning Fan perplexed. Why bring up Situ Yuanhua, whose grave must already be covered in grass three meters high?
“What about it? Situ Yuanhua’s assets being auctioned off isn’t exactly unusual.”
To Ning Fan, this matter didn’t seem particularly odd. If it’s auctioned, then so be it. Could Xu Ruolan still have some lingering interest in Situ Yuanhua’s previous holdings in the country?
Although Situ Yuanhua did own some properties in Huaxia, most of his major business dealings involved overseas arms trade. So upon further thought, it was unlikely that Xu Ruolan was interested in his assets. Her sudden mention of this must have a different reason.
“Are you worried about something?”
Ning Fan asked with concern. He noticed a trace of unease in Xu Ruolan’s expression; Situ Yuanhua’s auction apparently didn’t strike her as a good development.
But Xu Ruolan shook her head hesitantly, “It’s not so much worry… it’s just that the person who took over the Situ family’s assets is a complete stranger.”
Xu Ruolan knew all the notable figures in Zhonghai, but this person who had taken over the Situ family’s assets was entirely unfamiliar to her.
It was as if this individual had appeared out of nowhere, using swift, calculated moves to acquire the Situ family’s holdings in full. Rather than feeling like a traditional auction bid, it seemed almost predestined.
Xu Ruolan found it odd. This person didn’t appear to be someone entering Zhonghai’s commercial circle for the first time, much less someone trying to use the Situ family’s assets as a foothold. Instead, it gave off an air of a long-awaited return.
This intuition might have been mistaken, but one thing Xu Ruolan was sure of: Zhonghai was about to become much less peaceful because of this person.
“An unfamiliar person? Isn’t that totally normal? You don’t know everyone. If you knew every single person, well, then you’d be omniscient, wouldn’t you, my dear wife? There are over six billion people in the world; can you know them all?”
Ning Fan didn’t take it seriously. Neither Xu Ruolan nor himself knew everyone. With tens of billions of people in the world—and over a billion in Huaxia alone—it wasn’t odd not to recognize someone.
Thus, Ning Fan didn’t put much stock in what Xu Ruolan said. The mystery of the person who took over the Situ family’s assets didn’t pique his interest yet.
“I can’t quite put it into words. Maybe I’m overthinking it. That person who took over the Situ family’s assets just feels… unusual. What exactly is their purpose in coming to Zhonghai?”
Xu Ruolan voiced her lingering doubts. It wasn’t the unfamiliarity of this person that made her wary; it was the subtle yet intentional glances in her direction during the auction.
Xu Ruolan was very perceptive of such things and managed to commit the man’s face to memory.
“The way he came in full force this time—after taking over the Situ family’s enterprise, Zhonghai’s commercial sphere will have a new rival. I’ll have to prepare myself.”
Xu Ruolan suddenly shook her head, casually tossing out a remark as if to reassure herself. She didn’t bring up the topic again and pivoted to chatting about some recent matters instead.
They talked about many things, including her father Xu Chengyuan urging them to get married.
“Getting married is great! If you’re willing, we could get married today—and then consummate the marriage tonight!”
“…”
Xu Ruolan didn’t respond directly, but she seemed a little embarrassed.
They already shared moments of intimacy and were engaged, so marriage was just a matter of time. Yet, Xu Ruolan wasn’t ready to take such a significant step so soon; she still needed emotional preparation.
So after mentioning it briefly, Xu Ruolan stopped bringing it up, fearing Ning Fan might tease her about it.
“By the way, my aunt is heading overseas for further studies. She’s leaving tomorrow, and I’m planning on going with Xiao Qing to see her off. Are you coming?”
Suddenly, Xu Ruolan looked up and stared directly at Ning Fan.
Ning Fan blinked in surprise at her words and instinctively asked back, “Xu Rongfei is going abroad?”
“Yes. What’s the matter? Is there something strange about it?”
Noticing Ning Fan’s reaction, Xu Ruolan gave him a puzzled look. Was her aunt Xu Rongfei going abroad for further studies really such a surprising piece of news?
To Xu Ruolan and her family, Xu Rongfei’s decision to study abroad was a good thing. But to Ning Fan, the situation felt different.
After what had happened yesterday, Ning Fan couldn’t help but wonder if Xu Rongfei might have been emotionally affected.
Still, on further reflection, this wasn’t necessarily bad. For Xu Rongfei, leaving and starting fresh in a new place could very well turn out to be a positive change.
Yet Ning Fan wasn’t sure if he’d misheard and simply assumed that Xu Rongfei wouldn’t be coming back after going abroad.
No matter Ning Fan’s interpretation, Xu Rongfei’s decision had already been finalized.
As for whether he would go to see her off, Ning Fan’s answer was straightforward: “I think I’ll pass. You should enjoy the time with your family, uninterrupted.”
In Ning Fan’s view, it was better not to go. He and Xu Rongfei had already said their farewells, so there was no need to drag this out.
Xu Ruolan didn’t dwell on it either, thinking Ning Fan simply wasn’t interested. She hadn’t intended to force him to go anyway; it was merely a suggestion.
Deep down, Ning Fan silently wished Xu Rongfei the best, hoping she would find true happiness in her new chapter of life.
Meanwhile, after a night of preparation, the once-desolate Situ Manor suddenly regained its former grandeur. An increasing number of staff were bustling about, restoring the place to its lively state.
“Master, everything has been arranged. The areas that needed cleaning are nearly taken care of.”
The old servant followed behind Situ Qingfeng, giving a report on the condition of the manor.
Despite its restoration overnight, what was irrevocable was the fact that the manor’s previous lord was gone forever.
Thinking about his brother’s tragic death, Situ Qingfeng’s face darkened with fury. He waved a dismissive hand at the old servant, signaling him to leave.
Once the servant was gone, Situ Qingfeng spoke again: “So, what’ve you all found?”
“There’s something rather interesting—I believe you’ll want to hear about it.”