Chapter 50: Shen Anyu Smiled, Cutting Off the Fuel Supply!
Through a highly classified, S-rank investigation report that only the top echelons of the Yanxia intelligence network could procure, Shen Anyu finally saw the complete picture of the man named Han Qi.
This so-called "useless live-in son-in-law" was nothing more than a meticulously crafted mask.
On the surface, Han Qi had married into the Liu Family of Modu—a third-rate clan barely clinging to the edge of high society. For three years, he had served his parents-in-law like a slave, personally washing their feet, scrubbing the toilets, and enduring their endless reprimands with a bowed head. He lived with less dignity than a stray dog, becoming the laughingstock of the entire residential district. Every neighbor, every relative, used him as a negative example of what a man should never become.
However, Shen Anyu's eyes narrowed with amusement as he flipped the page. This was a classic strategy, reminiscent of King Goujian sleeping on brushwood and tasting gall, or Zhu Di feigning madness in pigsties. It was the art of "biding one's time"—feigning stupidity and incompetence to lower the enemy's vigilance, all to avoid being assassinated before his wings were fully grown.
During these three humiliating years in the Liu Family, Han Qi had perfectly performed the role of a spineless waste. He accepted every insult with a smile and every slap with an apology.
But in the shadows, where the light of the prestigious families did not reach, Han Qi was sharpening his fangs. He was accumulating strength, gathering subordinates, and building a foundation for a vengeance that would shake the heavens.
His target? His own half-brother.
Han Xiu. The legitimate eldest son of the Imperial Capital's Han Family, a First-Tier Prominent Family that stood at the apex of the capital's commercial sector.
The Han Family was a colossus in the business world. Their influence stretched like a spiderweb across real estate, retail, banking, and investment sectors. Their connections within the political and cultural circles ran deep, allowing them to manipulate policies and crush competitors with ease.
One of the Han Family's greatest pillars was Han Tian Real Estate Co., Ltd. It was a titan with a market value exceeding 500 billion Yuan, recognized as one of the top real estate giants in the entire country. The Han Family controlled over fifty-one percent of its shares, granting them absolute dictatorial power.
And Han Xiu was the CEO of this 500-billion-Yuan empire. He was the publicly recognized successor, the crown prince of the Han Family, radiating brilliance and authority.
Han Xiu's mother came from a prestigious lineage, a perfect match for the Han Family patriarch. Han Qi's mother, however, was just a commoner—a woman of humble origins who had captured the patriarch's heart.
Originally, for a family as powerful as the Hans, having an illegitimate child or a mistress was hardly a scandal; it was almost expected. Han Xiu, sitting high on his throne, hadn't cared about an ant like Han Qi.
But the variable was their father, Han Tian. The current Clan Chief of the Han Family had deeply loved Han Qi's mother. In a moment of senile emotionalism, he had even entertained the idea of bypassing the legitimate heir and making the illegitimate Han Qi the next Clan Chief.
That thought was Han Qi's death sentence.
Han Xiu was a man of decisive cruelty. Upon learning of his father's hesitation, he didn't wait for the situation to develop. He acted swiftly and ruthlessly, orchestrating a "clever accident."
Three years ago, on a rainy highway, the Maybach carrying Han Qi and his mother was struck by a heavy truck that had "lost control." The impact was catastrophic. The luxury car was knocked off the overpass, crashing into the turbulent river below. The driver and Han Qi's mother died instantly, their bodies mangled by the wreckage.
But Han Qi, blessed by the stubborn luck of a protagonist, miraculously survived.
After crawling out of the river of death, Han Qi seemed to have been frightened out of his wits. He fled the Imperial Capital like a terrified rat, cutting all ties and resurfacing in Modu. He married into the insignificant Liu Family, hiding his identity behind the facade of a useless husband to escape his brother's murderous gaze.
"A touching story," Shen Anyu mused, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the mahogany desk. "But reality is often colder."
The report revealed that Han Qi hadn't just been hiding. He had been investigating. He was searching for concrete evidence that Han Xiu was the mastermind behind the accident. He was secretly building a power base to overthrow his brother and seize control of the colossal Han Family.
Han Qi was smart. He knew that his father, Han Tian, wouldn't punish the capable Han Xiu without ironclad proof. Even with proof, the Family Elders would protect Han Xiu for the sake of the family's stability and profits. To them, an illegitimate son was expendable; a capable heir was not.
Therefore, Han Qi needed his own army.
During these three years of washing feet and cooking meals, Han Qi had secretly conquered the underground. The ruler of the Modu Dark World, the mysterious and terrifying "Dragon King Mr. Han," was none other than the Liu Family's trash son-in-law!
In the southern regions of Yanxia, the name "Dragon King" was rising like the midday sun, commanding fear and respect from gangsters, mercenaries, and corrupt officials alike.
"However," Shen Anyu chuckled, shaking his head slightly, "this is still far from enough."
Han Qi knew the disparity better than anyone. The wealth, political power, and influence wielded by Han Xiu as the heir of a First-Tier Imperial Family were astronomical. Even the Emperor of the Modu Dark World was merely a local gangster leader in comparison. Han Xiu could sit as an equal with high-ranking officials; Han Qi had to hide in the shadows.
How could a creature of the dark contend with a titan basking in the sun?
So, he endured. He waited. He accumulated strength drop by drop, waiting for the critical moment to strike a fatal blow. A gentleman's revenge is not too late even after ten years.
"And amidst this vengeance, he fell in love," Shen Anyu murmured, glancing at the photo of a woman in the report. "Liu Qingyue. His nominal wife. A pure, untouched beauty."
A predatory glint flashed in Shen Anyu's eyes.
"Hehe, if I hadn't appeared, I'm afraid you, Dragon King Mr. Han, would have truly achieved a classic comeback narrative. You would have overthrown Han Xiu, regained control of the Emperor Capital Han Family, and finally won the heart of the ice-cold CEO Liu Qingyue, turning a fake marriage into a passionate romance."
"Unfortunately for you... I am here."
Shen Anyu smiled faintly, the expression devoid of warmth. He picked up his secure, encrypted phone and dialed a specific number. The destination: The Emperor Capital.
[Location: Emperor Capital - Han Tian Real Estate HQ]
The CEO's office was a testament to modern luxury and absolute power. Located on the 88th floor, it offered a panoramic view of the bustling capital, symbolizing the owner's status above the common masses.
Han Xiu sat behind a massive desk made of imported black walnut wood. He was a majestic man in his thirties, dressed in a bespoke Italian suit that cost more than an average family's annual income. With a stroke of his pen, he decided the flow of tens of billions of funds and determined the fate of thousands of employees.
This was Han Xiu—the future head of the Han Family, a core member of the Emperor Capital's elite social circle, the "Prince Party."
Tap, tap, tap!
The rhythmic sound of high heels clicking on the marble floor broke the silence.
A charming female secretary walked in. She was dressed in a tight black office uniform that accentuated her curves, her long legs wrapped in sheer black stockings. Her walk was practiced, designed to entice, yet respectful.
Han Xiu frowned slightly, his gaze cold as he glanced at the woman. "Yun Na, what is it? I said I didn't want to be disturbed."
Yun Na trembled slightly. She knew the man's authority better than anyone. He was moody and ruthless. Even though she was one of his favored lovers, if she disturbed him without a valid reason, the consequences would be severe.
However, the name on the caller ID was too terrifying to ignore. It was a name that could make the entire Emperor Capital tremble.
Yun Na held up the phone with both hands, presenting it like a sacred artifact. Her voice quivered with reverence.
"Boss... it's Young Master Shen's call!"
"What? Young Master Shen?!"
Han Xiu's majestic, cold demeanor shattered instantly. He shot up from his chair, almost knocking it over. The arrogance vanished from his face, replaced by a look of shock and frantic urgency.
He snatched the phone from Yun Na's hands. Before even bringing it to his ear, he adjusted his posture, bowing slightly even though the caller couldn't see him. A warm, humble smile—one that his employees had never seen—plastered itself onto his face.
"Young Master Shen! It is an honor! Why did you call personally? Do you have any instructions for Han Xiu?"
Han Xiu's heart was pounding against his ribs.
He might be the CEO of a 500-billion-Yuan empire. He might be the future head of a First-Tier Family. He might sit as an equal with high officials.
But in front of that person, he was nothing. He was an ant.
Even the entire Emperor Capital Han Family was insignificant before the behemoth that stood behind Young Master Shen.
The Yanxia Shen Family. The Yanxia An Family.
Two Supreme Families. One controlled the military and politics; the other controlled the economy. They were the true apex predators of Yanxia, the hidden rulers of the nation.
Compared to Shen Anyu, Han Xiu was merely a fringe figure in the "Prince Party" circle. Shen Anyu was the core, the sun around which they all revolved. Whenever Shen Anyu visited the capital, the scions of the top families would line up just to greet him.
Why would such a supreme existence call him?
Han Xiu's mind raced with possibilities. Was it a business deal? A warning? Regardless, he had to handle this perfectly. He dared not show the slightest disrespect. Offending Shen Anyu would mean the annihilation of the Han Family.
"Han Xiu," the voice on the other end was calm, indifferent, yet carried an innate pressure that made it hard to breathe. "Do you know that your doomsday is approaching?"
Boom!
The words struck Han Xiu like a physical blow. His face drained of all color, turning a sickly shade of gray. Cold sweat instantly beaded on his forehead, trickling down his spine.
Doomsday?
Was Young Master Shen going to make a move against the Han Family?
Panic surged through him. He racked his brain, trying to recall any recent events. Had the Han Family offended the Shen Family? Did some ignorant cousin or distant relative provoke Shen Anyu?
The Emperor Capital Han Family could survive a war with other First-Tier families. But against the Shen and An alliance? They would be erased from history overnight.
"Young Master Shen..." Han Xiu's voice trembled uncontrollably, his throat dry. "Please... did any of my Han family's good-for-nothing descendants offend you? Just say the word! I will personally cripple them! Whether it's killing them or imprisoning them forever, it's all up to you! My Han Family will offer any compensation you desire!"
He was ready to sacrifice anyone to appease this god of plague.
"Han Xiu, don't be so nervous," Shen Anyu's voice cut through his panic, unhurried and almost lazy. "Take a deep breath. Relax. I'm not here to cause you trouble..."