The door to the private room was pushed open before Qin Mo and his companions had even reached it. It was Zhang Fan.
Beside him stood not only Lin Bo but also another young man. Qin Mo had to think for a moment before recalling the young man's name.
Fang Jie, a disciple from a collateral branch of the Fang family in Yanjing.
"Brother Zhang Fan, it's been a long time." Qin Mo greeted enthusiastically, embracing Zhang Fan.
Xia Zhi Qiu, tall and standing beside Qin Mo, also smiled faintly at Zhang Fan. "Mr. Zhang Fan, long time no see."
Zhang Fan nodded, his gaze sweeping across the room before finally landing on the young woman in the little black dress.
She wore a black cocktail dress that just passed her knees, paired with silver crystal high heels that revealed her fair ankles. Her exquisite curves, combined with her delicate and stunning face, made her resemble a black swan, captivating and enchanting.
Seeing Zhang Fan arrive, Qin Luo Shui, whose face had been somewhat cold, couldn't help but break into a smile. She walked over and voluntarily linked her arm with Zhang Fan's, and the two began to chat as if no one else were present.
"Don't all stand at the door, come in and sit down," Qin Mo said with a smile after they finished their greetings. He then turned his gaze to Fang Jie and invited, "Fang Jie, come in and sit with us."
Fang Jie was somewhat flattered that Qin Mo knew his name and nodded repeatedly, following behind Zhang Fan into the room.
Qin Mo was so polite to Fang Jie naturally because of Zhang Fan.
He didn't know Fang Jie's relationship with Zhang Fan, but since Zhang Fan brought him, he naturally had to show him some consideration.
The group entered the private room and sat in rows. Qin Mo, as the host of the day, began to make introductions.
"Everyone, this is my brother-in-law, Zhang Fan." Qin Mo introduced with considerable pride, earning a roll of his eyes from Qin Luo Shui.
Besides Qin Luo Shui, Qin Mo, and Xia Zhi Qiu, there were three other people in the room.
Two men and one woman. They all turned their attention to Zhang Fan, sizing him up. Fang Jie, meanwhile, was automatically ignored by them.
"Qin Mo, the title of brother-in-law might be a bit premature," one of the young men said, frowning slightly upon hearing Qin Mo's words.
The speaker appeared very young, seemingly not yet twenty. He wore a well-fitting blue suit and had neatly styled hair, presenting a handsome and imposing figure. It was clear he was a youth cultivated by an extraordinary family.
"Heh, not at all. Brother Zhang Fan and Luo Shui are a match made in heaven, a talented man for a beautiful woman."
"Besides, in this vast Yanjing, who else could be worthy of my Luo Shui if not Brother Zhang Fan?" Qin Mo said with a hearty laugh, unconcerned.
"Luo Shui is a member of our Qin family. Her marriage is naturally for the Old Master to decide. Do you intend to make decisions for the Old Master?" the man retorted.
"Then how do you know the Old Master wouldn't agree to this marriage?" Qin Mo replied with a faint smile, unfazed.
While the Qin Old Master held absolute authority in the Qin family, Qin Mo was very confident in Zhang Fan.
"You'll know tomorrow whether the Old Master will agree." The man stared at Zhang Fan, a slight curve lifting the corner of his mouth in a somewhat sinister smile.
"He's called Qin Jun Hao, the son of my third uncle. Although he's my cousin, I don't like him very much," Qin Luo Shui whispered to Zhang Fan.
Zhang Fan nodded and glanced at Qin Jun Hao. While he found it strange that Qin Jun Hao was targeting him, he didn't take it to heart at all. Did the woman he, Zhang Fan, desired need anyone else's approval?
"Your great name, Brother Zhang, has long been like thunder in my ears. I am finally able to meet you today." One of them cupped his hands at Zhang Fan, appearing quite friendly.
Zhang Fan nodded slightly in response.
"This is the eldest young master of the Wei family, Wei Wen, Wei Tong's cousin," Qin Mo introduced from the side.
"Oh?" Zhang Fan looked at the man with a hint of surprise. Wei Tong had once had a leg broken because of him. His cousin's friendly attitude was rather intriguing.
"Your cousin had his leg broken by me before, and you don't hate me?" Zhang Fan asked with curiosity. His straightforward question elicited helpless smiles from everyone in the room.
Fang Jie, sitting to the side, couldn't help but sigh inwardly. It was just as the legends said; only an extraordinary person could utter such provocative words.
Wei Wen wore a custom-made gray suit. He bore some resemblance to Wei Tong, but with a more scholarly air. He reclined on the leather sofa, appearing relaxed and elegant.
Hearing Zhang Fan's direct question, Wei Wen couldn't help but smile. His expression was calm as he said, "Actually, our Wei family should thank you, Brother Zhang. That brat Wei Tong always acted with impunity, relying on his little skills. After you taught him a lesson, he's been much more well-behaved these past few months."
"Rest assured, Brother Zhang, our Wei family will absolutely not trouble you over this matter."
"Oh?" Zhang Fan was indeed somewhat surprised by Wei Wen's words. The Wei family could tolerate this, which was quite remarkable.
Based on this magnanimity alone, the Wei family was much stronger in Zhang Fan's eyes than the Qi family, Zhao family, and the like.
"However, there is one point that Mr. Zhang should be aware of."
"Most of our Wei family members are reasonable people, but there is one person, whom even I, perhaps, cannot restrain," Wei Wen said, changing his tone.
"Your Wei family's 'Iron Empress' is back?" Qin Mo interjected.
"Iron Empress?" Zhang Fan's interest was piqued. What kind of existence was it that Qin Mo would call her the Iron Empress?
"Yes, my sister is back. I believe if she knew Wei Tong's leg was broken before, she wouldn't let it go. If she comes to trouble you then, I hope you can go easy on her," Wei Wen requested.
"To be called the Iron Empress by you all makes me rather curious about what kind of woman she is," Zhang Fan said.
"Brother-in-law, although I have high hopes for you, you truly need to be careful when encountering that Iron Empress, because she's really good at fighting."
"Moreover, she's cunning and unpredictable, truly a terrifying presence," Qin Mo said with a solemn expression. "Legend has it that the Dark Organization even invited her to join them before, promising her the position of deputy leader and a military rank of major upon joining. Even talented young masters like Wei Tong and Qi Jun couldn't withstand even one move from the Iron Empress."
"However, she ultimately refused the Dark Organization's invitation."
"Oh, it seems she really has some skill," Zhang Fan nodded, completely unfazed. To be so highly regarded by the Dark Organization, the Iron Empress they spoke of must have at least the strength of a peak Xiantian Grandmaster.
"Don't worry, I'll go easy on her out of respect for you," Zhang Fan said with a smile to Wei Wen.
Seeing Zhang Fan's demeanor, Qin Mo could only sigh. He knew that Zhang Fan probably didn't take the Iron Empress seriously at all.