Chapter 94: To Live Well, One Must Go a Little Crazy

That gaze naturally belonged to Emory. He stared motionless at the space button on the table, as if weaving some scheme.

He had just lost his temper and his reason, hastily sending someone out to grab those two con artists.

But the person had barely stepped out the door when he called them back.

Dragging them straight to his home would mean handling it privately. Even if he took them to court, he’d have to respect their privacy.

Moreover, what pretext did he even have to arrest them?

Deceiving him? Deceived him how?

Had they scammed money or sex from him? Posing as foreign dignitaries wasn’t exactly a stellar charge—what crime had they committed? The real owners might not even care about such a minor issue; a warning would suffice, leaving him as the only one looking like a terrified fool…

At this thought, Emory slammed the table in fury, scattering the few documents on it.

He sneered, deciding that was that.

These two con artists clearly only dared to scam on a small scale. Recalling how timid they had seemed when he was dragged to that gathering last time…

He had thought they weren’t interested back then, but now he realized it was pure lack of confidence! Guilt!

Fine then. Since they didn’t dare make a big splash, he would amplify the issue, drag it into the spotlight, let more elites recognize these two frauds, then deal with them through proxies. He wouldn’t get his hands dirty and would just watch them scramble away in disgrace.

But he needed a proper excuse to get involved, a legitimate reason to vent.

With that in mind, Emory furrowed his brow.

Then he remembered the mecha space button he hadn’t sent out yet—the latest brain domain mech, cutting-edge tech.

“Deliver this space button to Mr. Xie,” Emory instructed. Watching his subordinate hurry out of the study, he felt a bit of his anger finally ease.

The emotions in his gray-blue eyes settled, no longer raging like before, and he quickly devised additional countermeasures.

Emory opened his light brain and coldly dialed a number.

“Good evening, Eastern Border Embassy. I’ve encountered two people impersonating blood kin of the East Border Lord…”

He said softly, “No, I can’t confirm if they’re frauds. They might appear at Miss Nevi Group’s birthday banquet later—could I trouble you to verify? Relay to the ambassador? That’s… perfect.”

He hung up and waited for his subordinate to return.

The man soon came back and reported, “Front desk delivered the space button.”

Greedy swindlers.

Emory checked the time, stood up, adjusted his expression, and smoothed the wrinkles from his suit jacket.

Next, he had to spend a wonderful evening with Miss Nevi—no more wasting time on con artists.

Oh, right—tomorrow he had a meeting with the ambassador. Though he wasn’t sure what the other side was hesitating over, he was certain there was nothing to discuss. He’d bring them to the banquet and publicly expose them, smirking at their panicked, tearful downfall.

…

On the morning of the birthday banquet, Xun Jia sat silently in his room, staring at the familiar comm code on his light brain.

He took a deep breath and finally dialed it.

The light brain comm rang twice before an unfamiliar voice came through. Xun Jia jolted, looking up in alarm to see Xie Jianxun peeking in from the doorway.

He sighed in relief and beckoned Xie Jianxun over to sit.

Xie Jianxun mouthed: Didn’t pick up?

Xun Jia shook his head. The young man felt a mix of timidity and inexplicable irritation. He’d felt free and exhilarated right after leaving home, but now, contacting them brought that irritation surging back.

It rang a dozen more times before someone finally answered.

“Hello… Xun Jia?!”

Xie Jianxun perked up his ears as Xun Jia took a deep breath and gripped the light brain tightly. “It’s me, Sis.”

“…You still know to call home?” The voice on the other end sounded disappointed. “Do you know how worried Mom and Dad are? And what was that you said last time—going to Silver Watchtower to find Emory? Didn’t you say not to bother him!”

Xun Jia said steadily, “Sis, listen. Emory really isn’t the right guy for you…”

The voice sharpened. “You actually went to see him?!”

Xun Jia faltered, but Xie Jianxun’s frantic gestures across from him helped him find his words. “If I hadn’t come, you wouldn’t know he’s already with someone else!”

A pause on the other end. “Are they getting married?”

Xun Jia glanced at Xie Jianxun, who spread his hands on the Little Adventurer—they had no idea.

Hearing no firm yes, the woman audibly relaxed.

She chattered on, “You’ve said it yourself—Emory’s the old boss’s son now, set to inherit the big company. Maybe it’s just business socializing; don’t take it seriously. Alright, Jiajia, don’t do anything stupid. Did you really go bother him?”

Xun Jia: “I didn’t! He doesn’t acknowledge you or the child at all! I went to his house to ask, and he straight-up threw me out!”

He jumped agitatedly from the bed to the floor, pacing back and forth.

Rustling sounds came from the other end before she denied it. “Setting everything else aside, how could he deny the child? It’s his own flesh and blood! We agreed back then—when the time came, he’d bring our family over, register the kid in Silver Watchtower… Besides, he hasn’t even met you; maybe it’s a misunderstanding?”

“Don’t tell Mom and Dad about this. They’re just waiting for the baby, hoping for a bright future ahead.”

Xie Jianxun winced at the words.

Xun Jia lowered his head and murmured, “Back then, I used your name.”

She didn’t buy it and cut him off. “Impossible. Things were so good between us. Besides, he’s not just anyone—he’s our childhood neighbor, big brother Emory. You were little then; you might not remember…”

Lost in sweet memories—of childhood sweethearts or destined reunions—she trailed off.

Xun Jia glanced over as Xie Jianxun gestured wildly for the final play. “Sis, like this.”

“Tonight, I have a chance to meet Emory alone. I’ll get the truth from him, then call you so you can listen in.”

He said word by word, “But at least, I don’t want you bound to him and the child for decades.”

“That’s why I came to Silver Watchtower alone.”

Two hours before the banquet, the young men stood before the mirror, grooming themselves.

Xun Jia looked unenthused, listlessly tugging at his tie, even though his reflection was several times sharper and more polished than before.

He glanced at the mirror and, in its reflection, saw Seles in the washroom with Xie Jianxun behind him, fussing over his jacket.

After much debate, Xie Jianxun had chosen a snow-white suit.

Under the fine, bright lights, the black-haired, golden-eyed youth’s skin gleamed fair and radiant.

Xun Jia suddenly missed his former smoky gray hair.

He muttered, “It’d be nice if you still had your old hair color.”

Xie Jianxun didn’t catch it. “What?”

Xun Jia raised his voice. “I said, when are you washing that hair out?”

Xie Jianxun turned, touching his hair. “What’s wrong? Black doesn’t look good?” He wanted to keep it longer—dyeing took forever at the salon.

Xun Jia drawled, “Fine, fine, Jianjian looks good in any color… Enough with the jacket; it’s perfect.”

Just then, Seles walked in from outside, standing behind them.

He wore a deep gray outfit, tie and accessories sparkling. With sunglasses on, he looked nothing like a bodyguard—just a standard young heir.

Feeling a bit guilty, Xie Jianxun patted his pocket; Xun Jia did the same. Both pulled out sunglasses and perched them on their noses.

The solemn mood made the trio in the mirror look ready to throw down.

Seles: “…Sunglasses clash, huh!”

In the end, they all ditched the shades and headed out as themselves.

This time, Seles wasn’t entering as their bodyguard but in his own right—as the second young master of Surging Group, attending Miss Nevi’s birthday banquet.

It wasn’t just a birthday party; it was a coming-of-age ceremony… and a pivotal power handoff.

The birthday girl was naturally the center of attention.

Miss Nevi would complete her rite of passage, take the baton from her elders, and officially begin her executive internship at the group—patrolling and learning to manage it as the future heir.

Thus, the banquet drew heavyweights from Silver Watchtower, including top execs from major groups and the City Lord’s Mansion lineage.

In the air sedan, Xie Jianxun asked, “Nervous?”

Xun Jia shook his head lightly. “Not nervous. Just a banquet— it’ll be over soon.”

As if to prove it, he flashed Xie Jianxun a brilliant smile, looking utterly relaxed, more at ease than ever before.

His spirits were inexplicably high, eyes bright as if lit with inner fire.

Xie Jianxun pondered, and Xun Jia chuckled, leaning over to nudge his shoulder like before. He whispered playfully, “Why would I be nervous… with Jianjian by my side?”

The last words dropped low, just for Xie Jianxun’s ear.

Xie Jianxun rubbed his itchy ear but obediently kept his hands on his knees. “You were so nervous last night you couldn’t sleep and came squeeze in with me.”

Xun Jia protested, “Can’t a good night’s sleep clear the head and bring enlightenment?”

Xie Jianxun asked curiously, “Enlightenment about what?”

Xun Jia said, “That to live well, one has to go a little crazy.”

He smirked coldly. “Even if Emory learns the truth, I’m not scared. If he dares spill our secrets, I’ll shove the evidence right in Miss Nevi’s face.”

Xie Jianxun: “…What did Miss Nevi ever do to you?”

The air sedan sped out of the city toward the suburbs, halting at a manor gate where many vehicles were already parked. Gentlemen and ladies filed in orderly.

Xie Jianxun got out and followed behind Xun Jia.

The youth seemed truly matured overnight, carefree as he handed the invitation to the guard—like an honored guest in his own right.

Many noticed the unfamiliar face, whispering guesses about which group’s scion he was, out for a debut.

Seles followed in his family car, separate.

Xie Jianxun thus played rearguard, half a step behind Xun Jia. With eyes on the lead, he relaxed, surveying the surroundings.

Suddenly, Xun Jia halted.

Xie Jianxun approached puzzled, hearing him hiss through clenched teeth, “…No, I’m still a bit nervous.”

Well, nothing changed.

Xie Jianxun nearly laughed and whispered back, “Didn’t you just say you weren’t?”

Xun Jia dipped his head slightly, lips twitching. “…You try being stared at by this crowd!”

As they spoke, a familiar male voice rang out ahead. A figure in royal blue emerged from the crowd, striding up to them.

It was Emory.

He eyed the newly arrived Xie Jianxun and Xun Jia, smile deepening, voice pitching higher unwittingly. “Well, if it isn’t… the two Mr. Xies!”

Xie Jianxun was surprised—they hadn’t spotted Emory earlier and had no idea where he’d popped from.

Emory: “The hosts are up ahead. Allow me to lead you two.”

He seemed oddly excited. Xie Jianxun noted his euphoric expression, glancing back at them repeatedly.

Meeting Xie Jianxun’s gaze, he even smiled.

“Young Master Xie, what are you looking at?” He narrowed his gray-blue eyes, feigning concern. “Anything inconvenient? You can tell me.”

Xie Jianxun, baffled: “Thanks, no issues.”

Xun Jia shot him a look, stepped forward, and blocked Emory’s view of Xie Jianxun.

They soon crossed the manor’s grand avenue. A servant pushed open the doors, ushering them into the hall buzzing with guests everywhere.

The star, Miss Nevi, stood by the high platform’s edge, surrounded by waves of well-wishers covertly fishing for intel.

Emory parted the crowd and made solemn introductions.

“Miss Nevi, these two are the Mr. Xie I told you about,” he enunciated carefully, as if brewing something. “This is the East Border Lord’s third young master, Mr. Xie Jia. And this is his cousin, Xie Jianxun.”

The surrounding guests let out sounds of realization, and countless gazes turned toward them. Xun Jia suddenly found it hard to breathe.

But fortunately, a cool finger brushed the back of his hand.

Xun Jia snapped back to attention and smiled as he greeted the birthday girl. “Miss Nevi, happy birthday.”

Xie Jianxun chimed in, “Happy birthday, Miss Nevi.”

The birthday banquet’s star wore a beautiful pale yellow long gown adorned with countless exquisitely crafted 3D flowers at the waist and hem.

She had loosely pinned up her hair, accessorized with a crown and hair ornaments, shining like the most eye-catching night pearl at the banquet.

Nevi looked at Xie Jianxun and Xun Jia in surprise. “I’m so happy to see you both. Emory told me that two distinguished guests had come to Silver Watchtower for tourism, and I didn’t quite believe it. I never imagined you’d accept the invitation to my little birthday banquet… What’s that East Border saying? Oh right, you honor my humble abode.”

Xie Jianxun, as the one with more lines, took up the topic.

He replied lightly, “No need to stand on ceremony, Miss Nevi. We’re just freeloading, getting in to eat and drink for free.”

Young and baby-faced, with his cheeky words, he drew laughs from everyone around.

Nevi laughed uncontrollably too, revealing the look of a young girl who was only eighteen. “You’re so cute.”

“Please, I’ve hired the famous Silver Watchtower chefs to prepare these delicacies. Don’t hold back—make sure to stuff yourselves before you leave.”

The only one not laughing was Emory, who stood out awkwardly in the crowd.

He thought to himself: Where’s the East Border ambassador?

Focused on amplifying Xun Jia’s “fake identity,” he deliberately introduced Xun Jia to different people.

“This is Mr. Saudi… group director…”

“This is Mr. Mike… founder…”

“This is Miss Hurda…”

With every new arrival, Emory introduced Xun Jia’s “identity” to the guests.

Xun Jia felt like he was being roasted over a fire, forced by his status to shake hands one by one with the introduced guests.

Some exclaimed as they looked at him, “It’s the East Border’s Your Highness!”

“So you’re that reclusive young master. Please convey my regards to His Excellency the East Border Lord.”

Sweat beaded on Xun Jia’s forehead, but he responded calmly. “Hello.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He had never realized before how hard it could be to say such simple words.

But this was an inevitable step—they had discussed it beforehand. Attending a crowded banquet like this meant mingling and being recognized everywhere.

Xun Jia had asked back then, “There are so many people—what if I’m exposed?”

Xie Jianxun: “I’ll keep you company in jail.”

Xun Jia: “Hey! You’re joking.”

Seles: “It won’t come to that. At worst, we’ll get kicked out… Don’t, don’t look at me like that. I’ll bail you out of jail… Yeah, I’ll bail out Xunxun first. Xunxun’s easier to bail.”

Xun Jia: “What about me?”

Seles: “You’re too heavy to lift… Ow! Fine, fine, Xunxun, let’s not learn from him. We don’t hit people just because we’re mad.”

They had planned ahead, so he was somewhat prepared.

His expression remained composed, facing each guest with the same calm indifference, as if nothing could rattle him.

How was he not nervous at all? Couldn’t he sense that today was his doom?!

Emory kept smiling, but inwardly he cursed.

No matter—he had one final trick up his sleeve. He just needed to wait for the person to arrive… And just as he thought that, exclamations came from outside. “It’s you!”

“Even you’ve come! Miss Nevi really has some face.”

Someone hurried to Emory’s side and whispered to him.

He’s here!

Emory perked up, unable to suppress the twisted smile creeping onto his face. “Mr. Xie, I need to greet a special guest. You… wait here for me a moment? I’d be happy to introduce him to you.”

Another introduction? Xun Jia wanted to politely decline, but Emory had already walked off.

Moments later, he returned with a kindly yet dignified middle-aged gentleman and entered the hall, introducing him to the crowd.

But perhaps no introduction was needed—many in attendance who had dealt with East Border trade routes already knew him.

“Ambassador!”

“I never expected to see you here!”

Haha, Emory thought gleefully, perfect timing.

He turned to bridge the connection between his chosen pair, saying with malicious intent, “Mr. Xie, East Border Ambassador Chen Yan is here.”

“I’m sure you two already know each other, right?”