Chapter 28: Chen Bozhong

"Chen Bozhong?"

The speaker was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized something, and his face instantly went pale as he hurriedly fell silent.

The man entering the villa was none other than the elderly gentleman whom Ye Fei had recently saved at the First People's Hospital.

He was also Chen Yu's second uncle.

"Chen Bozhong?"

At the sight of this distinguished figure, Vice Chairman Lin's expression changed, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

He clearly remembered receiving a tip-off that Chen Yu's second uncle had fallen ill and was lying in the hospital, close to death.

How could it be that less than a day later, he was already up and walking? And he looked so much better!

"Second Uncle, what brings you here?" Chen Yu's heart lifted upon seeing the familiar silhouette, and a breath of relief escaped her lips.

Now, the matter would be easily resolved.

Chen Bozhong's name was renowned throughout the upper echelons of Hangzhou society; even after the recent upheaval in the Chen family, his status and experience were enough to eclipse every business mogul present at this auction.

Just moments ago, Vice Chairman Lin had stood high and mighty, but as Chen Bozhong approached, he hurried forward, forcing a smile. "Mr. Chen, what brings you here? You... you didn't inform us beforehand."

"This city is vast—must I report my every movement to you? Who do you think you are?" Chen Bozhong snorted coldly, the lines of his wrinkled face etched with frost. His tone carried an overwhelming force. "Before I even entered, I heard you say you wanted to throw out my benefactor. Tell me, where did you find the guts?"

At these words, Vice Chairman Lin's face drained of all color.

Benefactor?

This young man was Chen Bozhong's benefactor?

How could that be possible?

Who was Chen Bozhong? Even the president of the Tenglong Chamber of Commerce would bow respectfully before this legendary figure, never daring to offend him!

How could someone of such stature know this scruffy youth in cheap clothes?

Yet, regardless, Chen Bozhong was here.

Vice Chairman Lin swallowed hard, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead, and quickly tried to justify himself. "Mr. Chen, I didn't know this gentleman was your benefactor. Had I known, I would have welcomed him with utmost respect!"

Chen Bozhong snorted, casting Vice Chairman Lin a disdainful glance, then turned to Ye Fei with a gentle, apologetic smile in front of everyone.

"Mr. Ye, forgive my tardiness."

"Think nothing of it," Ye Fei replied.

"With me here, no one at this auction will dare disrespect you."

A hush fell over the room.

Even the business tycoons seemed as if they'd seen a ghost.

These simple words from Chen Bozhong were not mere politeness between generations; they were genuine... respect.

Nearby, Gao Yangwei and Sun Shiyun exchanged a glance—astonishment was all they felt.

Ye Fei, however, remained serene, as if none of the previous events had occurred. He smiled calmly, meeting everyone's gaze. "It's nothing, Uncle Chen. You're overthinking it. These are but a few clowns—I pay them no mind."

With that, Ye Fei turned to Vice Chairman Lin, smiling, "However, Vice Chairman Lin here seems to hold a particular grudge against me. He disregards my presence, and even your own niece, claiming she's unworthy. Isn't that rather rude?"

Vice Chairman Lin trembled, nearly buckling at the knees.

He wiped the cold sweat from his brow, stammering, "Well... Mr. Chen, let me explain—I only meant well for the auction..."

"No need for explanations."

"There is no need at all."

"Your disrespectful words are noted. After this is over, I'll personally speak with Chairman Situ. I'm sure he'll give me a satisfactory answer."

Chen Bozhong's expression was unyielding; his words sounded almost casual, yet they sent Vice Chairman Lin's heart plummeting into the abyss, leaving him utterly terrified.

Gao Yangwei, standing nearby, felt a chill as well.

He was the one who had stepped forward to have Ye Fei removed.

He was the one who had mocked him so boldly.

Never could he have imagined that Ye Fei would know someone of such stature.

Even his own father would bow to Chen Bozhong's name.

This was no trivial matter.

The Chen family's rise to Hangzhou's elite was largely thanks to Chen Bozhong. Tales of his exploits in youth were still widely circulated among the city's upper circles.

Though the family had recently undergone some turmoil,

Gao Yangwei's own family, the Gao clan, was only second-rate—its status and reputation paled in comparison to this elder.

As he reflected, a cold voice suddenly pierced his ears.

"You are the legitimate son of the Gao family, aren't you?"

"Two years ago, your father introduced you to me."

"Do you remember?"

Gao Yangwei shuddered from head to toe, not daring to lift his head as a terrifying pressure settled upon him.

He stammered, "Yes... yes... Mr. Chen, you still remember me... It's an honor... truly an honor!"

"Silence!"

Chen Bozhong's face darkened, his voice thundering.

Gao Yangwei flinched again.

"You second-generation heirs of these second-rate families—years have passed, and you're still the same spoiled wastrels!"

"If I hadn't resigned as head of the Chen family due to injuries in my youth, I'd have banished your lot from Hangzhou long ago!"

"A bunch of hopeless fools!"

With a succession of coughs, Chen Bozhong's gaze swept over the assembled heirs, his sinister look chilling them to the bone.

Such presence—how oppressive!

Even Ye Fei could not help but admire him.

Only two words came to mind—

Warlord.

"Second Uncle..."

Chen Yu hurried forward, gently supporting Chen Bozhong's back.

"I'm fine," he replied, shaking his head lightly. He ignored the ashen-faced Vice Chairman Lin and turned to Ye Fei. "Mr. Ye, the auction is about to begin. Come, I'll take you into the inner hall."

"Very well," Ye Fei nodded softly.

He glanced once at Gao Yangwei and Sun Shiyun, smiled, then turned and left.

As the oppressive aura lifted, Vice Chairman Lin collapsed to the floor, his face pale as death.

Gao Yangwei, meanwhile, stood with a dark expression, his fists clenched tightly, hatred for Ye Fei burning in his chest.

He knew perfectly well—the look Ye Fei had just given him was one of pure ridicule.