Chapter 631 - Unmasking Guan Gao Huan's identity
Guan Xixin's pent-up emotions could be felt clearly in the atmosphere. His heart which had never found an outlet before was finally given a chance to vent out.
Linfeng's dark eyes never left Guan Xixin's every change in expression. Based on his observation, the man was not lying. However....
"You are severely lacking in evidence. People won't believe you this way, with only your gut feeling and memories as basis."
"....Haha."
Guan Xixin laughed exasperatedly.
What could he expect?
Doubting his own brother's identity was crazy for other people, especially without concrete evidence.
His eyes looking at Linfeng were a bit disappointed. "So you also don't believe me."
"No, I believe in you."
!!!
Guan Xixin's eyes widened.
"You are right about one thing. Guan Gao Huan's actions are suspicious. Let's say that you can't find any evidence to prove that he is truly a fake, why don't you focus on the things he is doing instead?"
"I already tried that. But it's like facing a tight firewall when it comes to him. Even the experts I especially asked to investigate him always found a dead end. I suspect that someone up high is helping him."
"Do you have any idea on who it could be?"
Guan Xixin looked at Linfeng deeply. "... Since we're already at this point, then I'll be honest. I suspected that it is one of the legendary families," he said as he watched Linfeng's reaction.
Seeing that the man's expression did not budge, he was relieved and added, "At first though. However, when I investigated the legendary families' past and recent behavior towards my family, no one seemed to have something against us. Grandpa also seemed to get along well with your family's head master and with the other head masters in their generation, too. I hope you are not offended by my suspicions."
Linfeng shook his head. "It's not surprising that the other three families are the first ones you will suspect, since they are the few ones who are capable of doing that kind of thing. But aside from the other families, is there anyone else you suspect?"
The man who was asked lowered his eyes thoughtfully. "I am currently investigating the people from abroad. The changes started from there. However, I am still lacking in many ways."
Linfeng tapped on his chin thoughtfully.
Abroad....
Indeed, maybe he should start from overseas.
There was a short silence as the three people at the table sank in their own minds.
The peanut gallery Eugine continued to pretend drinking tea.
It was Guan Xixin who broke the silence.
"But why are you interested in this? I know that Univ One and ZD World are rivals, and that you may find this information useful against Guan Gao Huan. But I think it is not enough for the Guan Empire to abandon Univ One. They will just manipulate the public opinion and wave it off as baseless rumors." Guan Xixin smiled bitterly. "More so since it came from me. It may seem like I am trying to ruin his reputation for the sake of winning the succession trial with underhanded methods."
"It isn't totally baseless," Linfeng said.
Guan Xixin looked at him.
Linfeng: "I'll be honest with you. The reason why my Young Miss and I are helping you is because we do not want Guan Gao Huan to become the official heir of the Guan Empire. It is only my conjecture, but the man whom I think is behind Guan Gao Huan, is likely an enemy of ours."
It was as if a sudden lightning descended into the room.
"The man behind that fake...!" Guan Xixin's heart trembled as he stood up immediately. With blazing eyes, he slammed his hands on the table. "Who is he?!!"
Eugine almost choked.
Then the standing man realized how rude he was acting, so he took a deep breath and sat back again.
"Sorry, but who is this man you think is behind him? And why do you think so?"
Guan Xixin's mind was full of questions. He wanted to know what Zhou Linfeng and the young heiress knew.
Linfeng contemplated. Should he tell this guy something?
But he decided to stop for now.
Not yet.
"I apologize but I cannot tell you yet."
"Why, Mr. Zhou Linfeng--!"
"It's because I don't have enough evidences yet. They are mostly conjectures. But now that I've learned about your suspicions that the Guan Gao Huan right now might be a fake, I believe this information will be useful in my investigation. I can take the lead from here and delve deeper. Once I am sure of my suspicions, then I'll tell you right away. You have my word."
Guan Xixin wanted to object.
He wanted to know just who was the man behind this terrible conspiracy!
More importantly, he wanted to know about the whereabouts of his real brother!
However, when Guan Xixin thought of how his own investigation was fruitless, he knew that he could not pressure Linfeng. He himself was just the person who was receiving help.
He calmed himself down.
"Alright. I'll keep your word in mind. I have been investigating that fake since five years ago. I have leads that got to nowhere. But if it's you, maybe those could be useful."
Guan Xixin doesn't plan to keep the result of his investigation to himself. He had planned to give this information to his eldest brother and his grandfather. But when he started to talk about his suspicions of Guan Gao Huan they would cut him off. Since his investigation ends up fruitless, they would not see any importance in it. Rather, it could be seen as a weakness among the family and be used against them. They would just destroy his investigation that might be a cause of harm to the third young master.
Without having no one he could pass this information that believed in him, this reports becomes something useless.
But with Zhou Linfeng...this might be of some use.
Guan Xixin then sent the results of his previous investigations to Linfeng. "I sincerely hope that it will be helpful to you. Contact me immediately for any update, I'll truly be grateful."
Linfeng nodded.
This was what he needed. Since Guan Xixin was investigating for so long, this would be a great help for Linfeng.
The reason why Guan Xixin always ended up in a dead end was because he was blindly exploring without a direction, not knowing anything about his enemies.
But if Linfeng who suspected Guan Gao Huan's and Lu Jin's connection from the start used this information that Guan Xixin gathered, it would be different. Linfeng would be able to see a whole different lead from the same information, most especially if he connected them to Lu Jin and Ming Zhi Yi, and that mysterious dream of Xiong Zhi.
With this, finding out Guan Gao Huan's origin and backer would be smoother.
Linfeng checked the files in his phone before putting it down. He swore solemnly, "I assure you that we will come to the truth soon."
The conviction in this declaration somehow eased the tensed nerves inside Guan Xixin.
His heart found a new hope.
"I hope you do, Mr. Zhou Linfeng."
"Let's set it aside for now. I will discuss first how my Young Miss and I plan to help you in the succession trial, if ever, of course, that Second Young Master Guan accepts our alliance."
"I naturally accept, this is the best I could ask for."
Eugine finally relaxed a bit.
Oh god, that was so nerve-wrecking!
Fortunately, I kept my noble demeanor in check, he randomly thought as he listened to the following exchange.
The discussion went on for a long time as both parties clarified their rights and responsibilities, as well as the extent at which they were willing to help.
.....
The three had become more comfortable with each other after the discussion.
Guan Xixin stood up and shook hands with Eugine and Linfeng.
"I never imagined that I will encounter the best benefits in this meeting. I, Guan Xixin, am truly indebted to the two of you."
Eugine smiled and patted the man's shoulder. "We hope for your success."
Linfeng concurred. "We will do our best to help you."
Guan Xixin chuckled. "Now I feel confident with you two helping me, Mr. Zhou Linfeng, Sir Eugine. And the young heiress too."
When Guan Gao Huan finally left, Eugine suddenly whipped his head towards Linfeng and elbowed him.
Linfeng immediately dodged.
"You even dodged that! Really, you won't even allow me to have a bit of skinship."
Linfeng: "..."
'That isn't skinship. That's violence.'
Eugine then ruffled his own hair, making the elegantly combed hair a bit messy. He pulled at his tie to loosen it.
"Oh man, you really surprised me back there. When you told me that you wanted to have a deal with me to handle the Guan Empire, I thought you are just helping me. It turns out, I became a pawn for you, huh?"
"What pawn, isn't it a win-win situation for all?"
"Flowery words!"
"So you don't want to support him as the successor?"
Eugine snorted. "That's not what I mean. I, and also the rest of your brothers, support you. If you wish to help him then you can use our name, it's what everyone in our brotherhood do anyways. Our names are interlinked together. We rise together, we fall together. That's the spirit of the six kings!"
Linfeng's heart warmed up when he heard that.
He did not make a mistake in joining this brotherhood.
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