Chapter 130: I Have Come to Collect My Dues

Ling Xiao gave a brief account of his experiences, though he kept it vague, mentioning only that he had become the Young Master of Ghost Valley.

Upon hearing this, Song Kang was stunned.

"I never imagined you had such an incredible encounter; it's like something out of a novel."

After a pause to collect his thoughts, Song Kang spoke again:

"Ling Xiao, since you are so powerful now, you must go after the Hua family and avenge your aunt and uncle."

Ling Xiao nodded.

"I will."

"That's good. You should take the car dealership back; it's worth two billion! I can't just take it from you for nothing. You’ve already given me enough face by being who you are; that’s more than enough!"

Ling Xiao smiled slightly.

"Don't stand on ceremony with me. I said I was giving it to you, so it's yours. Just run it well in the future and take good care of my aunt and uncle."

Song Kang pondered for a moment, then his expression turned serious.

"If you insist on saying it like that, I won't argue with you anymore. I’ll look after it for you for now, but if you ever want it back, just let me know, and I’ll return it immediately."

Seeing him say this, Ling Xiao decided not to press the matter further.

"Whatever you like."

"Alright, that’s settled then. Come on, Ling Xiao, come home with me for a bit. Now that you’re so successful, I have to tell Mom and Dad all about it."

Ling Xiao shook his head.

"There’s no need. I have some matters to attend to. When I have time, I’ll drop by."

"Fine, but you must come! My mom will definitely miss you."

"I will!"

...

The surname "Su" held a unique significance in Jiangnan, symbolizing power and wealth.

Jiangnan had always been home to many brilliant minds and prestigious noble families. Yet, even among the many elite families of Jiangnan, the Su family stood at the very top.

The Su family’s assets totaled over thirty billion, which might not seem like much compared to some wealthy individuals in the counties of Jiangzhou. At first glance, one might think the Su family was nothing special. However, those who truly understood the situation knew that the Su family’s real foundation went far beyond that.

Every year, the Su family contributed their wealth to two individuals—the two powerful pillars behind them. One was the renowned Martial Saint of Jiangnan, Su Yannan. The other was Su Dinghai, who hailed from Jiangnan and now served as a high-ranking general in the Dragon Squad.

If not for the annual tributes paid to these two, the wealth in the Su family’s hands would have been ten times greater.

Therefore, even families in Jiangnan with over a hundred billion in assets dared not show the slightest disrespect to the Su family. On the contrary, because of those two figures, these families often went out of their way to curry favor with the Su family.

Take today, for instance. It was only Elder Su’s eightieth birthday, yet they had set out a full one hundred tables. Even with so many tables, not a single poor person was allowed to sit at them; the lowest threshold for a seat was a net worth of at least one hundred million.

Hundreds of multimillionaires, representing nearly half of Jiangnan’s elite, had come to wish Elder Su a happy birthday, which showed that the Su family’s true influence in Jiangnan was extraordinary.

The hundred-table banquet was arranged within the Su family estate and was divided into three tiers. The innermost section had only eight tables, reserved for those with a net worth exceeding ten billion or those of noble status who governed a region. The middle twenty tables were slightly less restricted, but guests still required a net worth of over three billion or a significant level of political power. As for the outer tables, there were fewer requirements; anyone with a net worth between one hundred million and three billion could take a seat.

No one cared much about those seating arrangements because there were simply too many wealthy people present. Yet, despite being treated as less important, many still flocked there, desperate to cozy up to the Su family. As long as they maintained a good relationship with the Su family, they were guaranteed a foothold in the land of Jiangnan.

Before nightfall had even arrived, while the horizon was still painted with fiery clouds, one luxury car after another pulled up outside the Su family estate. Mercedes, Bentleys, Audis... the list was endless.

At the main gate, every guest’s gift was announced upon entry. Those with extravagant offerings beamed with pride, while those with modest gifts could only smile awkwardly. After all, no one dared to act recklessly at the Su family’s estate.

"Chairman of the Rong Group, wishing Elder Su a happy birthday with a gift of a fine jade pine tree, valued at 120 million!"

"Chairman of the Zhao Group, wishing Elder Su a happy birthday with a gift of a gold 'Eight Immortals' set, valued at 22 million!"

"President Bai of the Steel Group, wishing Elder Su a happy birthday with a gift of a luxury yacht, valued at 200 million!"

...

Behind the crowd, a young man walked forward slowly, his hands clasped behind his back. Seeing this scene, he narrowed his eyes.

"It seems the Su family is quite wealthy! In that case, it looks like I can settle my ten-billion debt!"

...

Inside the estate, listening to the continuous announcements from the gate, Elder Su was beaming with joy.

"Heh heh heh... these fellows are quite sensible; they haven't made me unhappy at all!"

One of Elder Su’s daughters-in-law couldn't help but laugh.

"Father is absolutely right. How could these people dare to show you even the slightest disrespect? With a Martial Saint and a Dragon Squad General in our family, we are like royalty here in Jiangnan! Father, you are the Emperor!"

Elder Su’s eyes crinkled into crescents as he smiled. He stroked his beard, feeling immensely pleased.

"The third daughter-in-law always knows what to say. After the banquet is over, go ahead and pick out any birthday gift you like."

The third daughter-in-law’s eyes lit up.

"Thank you so much, Father!"

The other daughters-in-law and daughters of Elder Su couldn't help but feel a twinge of disdain. "Sycophant!"

The third daughter-in-law naturally heard the hushed words, but she couldn't care less. Making money was all that mattered!

Elder Su, wise with age, didn't want his descendants to cause friction, so he chuckled.

"Yesterday, Yanran’s illness was cured as well. I’m having a wonderful birthday! Later, when you offer your birthday greetings, I will give each of you a red envelope of 100 million as a token of joy."

Only then did the others look slightly more cheerful, their jealousy toward the third daughter-in-law fading.

The announcements outside continued, but before long, they suddenly stopped, as if no one was offering gifts anymore. This made Elder Su frown slightly.

"Strange, why have the announcements stopped? There should have been hundreds of people arriving today; that was only about a hundred or so."

As he spoke, a servant rushed in.

"Elder Su, there is a debt collector outside! He calls himself Mr. Ling from Jiangzhou."

"A debt collector?" Elder Su was stunned. "Who is it? To dare demand debt at my birthday banquet? Is he tired of living? Beat him to death with clubs and throw him into the river to feed the fish!"

In the crowd, Su Yanran frowned, then immediately stepped forward.

"Grandfather! Please, forgive me, but calm your anger!"

"Yanran?" Elder Su looked puzzled. Seeing his confusion, Su Yanran explained:

"Grandfather, that man might be the doctor who cured me."