The Lin family home was busier than a five-star hotel. Elaine had spent all day making sure every corner was clean. She was so excited that her hands were shaking. To her, this dinner wasn't just a meal; it was the day the Lin family became powerful again.
"Ethan! Move those chairs!" Elaine barked. "And make sure the wine is cold. If you mess this up, don't bother coming back inside tonight."
Ethan did as he was told. He moved the chairs and prepared the table. He didn't look angry. He looked like a man who was simply watching a play happen in front of him.
Rachel walked into the room, wearing a simple but elegant dress. She looked worried. "Mom, we haven't even talked to the bank yet. Are we sure Zhao Feng is the one who paid the money?"
"Rachel, don't be silly," Oliver said as he walked in, smelling of expensive cologne. "Zhao Feng is the only one who likes you enough to throw away two hundred million dollars. He's a hero. Just say thank you and be nice to him."
A few minutes later, a bright red sports car roared into the driveway. Zhao Feng stepped out. He was wearing a shiny suit and a large gold watch. He walked into the house like he owned it.
"Young Master Zhao! Please, come in!" Elaine was all smiles. She practically bowed to him.
"It was nothing," Zhao Feng said, waving his hand dismissively. He looked at Rachel and gave her a greasy smile. "I heard you were in trouble. I couldn't let my favorite girl lose her family business. The warehouse district... it's yours now. Consider it a gift from me."
Rachel looked down. "Thank you, Zhao Feng. It's... a lot of money."
"For me? It's pocket change," Zhao Feng lied. In reality, he was terrified. He had seen the news about the gift and decided to take credit for it, hoping he could marry Rachel and get his hands on the Lin family assets before anyone found out he was actually broke.
They all sat down to eat. Ethan was the one serving the food. He moved quietly, placing plates in front of the guests.
Zhao Feng looked at Ethan and sneered.
"Hey, servant. This steak is a bit tough. Is this how you treat the man who saved your house?"
Ethan didn't get angry. He simply poured Zhao Feng some water and asked a very simple question.
"It's a great gift, Mr. Zhao," Ethan said softly. "The 'Crimson Dragon' company that sent the deed... their office is in the Capital, right?"
Zhao Feng froze for a second. He didn't actually know where the company was. "Uh, yes. Of course. In the Capital. The heart of the business district."
"That's strange," Ethan replied, tilting his head slightly. "I thought Crimson Dragon was a foreign company based in Singapore. I must have read the papers wrong."
Zhao Feng's face turned a bit red. "It's... it's a global company! We have offices everywhere. Don't ask questions about things you don't understand, boy."
"Ethan, shut up and go back to the kitchen!" Elaine hissed. She turned to Zhao Feng with an apologetic smile. "I am so sorry, Young Master. He's just jealous of your success."
As Ethan reached over to clear a side plate, Zhao Feng moved his arm suddenly, knocking a glass of red wine onto his own lap.
"My suit!" Zhao Feng screamed, jumping up. "You clumsy idiot! This suit is worth more than your life!"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Zhao," Ethan said, his voice very calm. He didn't look sorry at all. He looked like he was studying a bug on the floor.
"Sorry isn't enough!" Zhao Feng was fuming. He wanted to look strong in front of Rachel. "Elaine, how can you keep this trash in your house? He's a danger to your guests!"
"He's leaving! He's leaving right now!" Elaine pointed to the door. "Ethan, get out! Go stay in the shed! You're not allowed back in until I say so!"
Ethan nodded. He took off his apron and placed it neatly on a chair. He looked at Rachel, who looked embarrassed and sad, but she didn't stop her mother. She was too confused by everything happening.
Ethan walked out the back door and into the dark garden. He pulled out his phone. He didn't call a butler or a secret agent. He called the head of the Riverview Land Bureau.
"This is Ethan Lu," he said. His voice was no longer the voice of a servant. "I heard a man named Zhao Feng is claiming ownership of the new warehouse district. I want an official ownership audit. Send the inspectors to the Lin villa. Now."
Back inside the house, Zhao Feng was still bragging. "Don't worry about the suit, Elaine. I have ten more at home. Now, about the warehouse... I'll need Rachel to sign some 'partnership' papers tonight so we can start moving my goods in."
Oliver and Elaine were nodding eagerly, ready to give him whatever he wanted.
But suddenly, the sound of heavy car doors slamming came from outside. Blue and red lights flashed through the windows.
A knock came at the door—not a friendly knock, but a loud, official one.
"Riverview Land Bureau and Tax Office," a loud voice shouted. "We are here to verify the legal transfer of the Crimson Dragon assets. Is the person claiming to be the owner present?"
Zhao Feng's face went from red to a ghostly white. The lie was about to hit a very hard wall.