Chapter 945: Chapter 562: Motive
Liu Hun took out his phone, staring at that string of numbers, mostly consisting of zeros, and was momentarily stunned.
He knew very well that numbers like these were almost always for official use, and across the entire Huaihai Province, probably only a few big shots had the privilege to use such a number.
After some thought, Liu Hun pressed the answer button.
"Liu Hun, do you have time this evening? If so, you can come to your uncle’s place as a guest. It’s your aunt’s birthday tonight, so we just plan to have a simple family dinner," Liu Dehai’s cheerful voice came through the phone, inviting Liu Hun.
Hearing this, Liu Hun frowned slightly. Such family gatherings rarely invited outsiders, yet Liu Dehai had called him, suggesting that this visit might not be just a simple meal.
"Since it’s Aunt’s birthday, I should naturally be there," Liu Hun replied with a smile to Liu Dehai on the phone.
"Alright, I’ll have Xiao Wen come pick you up tonight," Liu Dehai said, then quickly hung up the phone.
With the sound of the busy tone still in his ears, Liu Hun looked up and asked Yun Bo in a deep voice, "Yun Bo, Liu Dehai invited me over for dinner tonight, what do you think his intentions are?"
"I think this matter should be clear in the young master’s mind, so I won’t say much," Yun Bo replied respectfully to Liu Hun.
Seeing Yun Bo’s demeanor, Liu Hun gave a wry smile. He just wanted to close the gap between them, not letting Yun Bo always be so respectful to him.
But at this moment, Liu Hun gradually realized that changing such things was probably impossible. Yun Bo had promised to protect him for three years, and Yun Bo would naturally fulfill that promise.
"Well, then I’ll go tonight to see what this old guy is up to," Liu Hun took a deep breath and said to himself.
An afternoon quickly passed, and by evening, Wenhua drove to the company parking lot and then called Liu Hun.
"Yun Bo, in the next few days, I might need you to look after Xin’er and the others, in case those old guys at Huabei Pharmaceutical get desperate," Liu Hun said in a deep voice to Yun Bo after hanging up the phone.
"Alright, rest assured, young master," Yun Bo nodded and said directly.
Just as he finished speaking, Yun Bo opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something, but upon seeing Liu Hun already turning away towards the office exit, Yun Bo shook his head and remained silent.
Liu Hun didn’t notice Yun Bo’s expression, so after instructing him, he headed to the underground parking lot.
A few minutes later, Liu Hun was sitting in a Mercedes, watching Wenhua drive ahead. He closed his eyes gently and then asked Wenhua in a deep voice, "Xiao Wen, what do you think your uncle called me over for this time?"
"I think my aunt’s birthday is today; my uncle probably called you over for dinner?" Wenhua paused momentarily, instinctively answering Liu Hun.
Seeing Wenhua’s simplistic thinking, Liu Hun couldn’t help but shake his head and said with some helplessness, "Do you think your uncle asked me over just for dinner? Since it’s your aunt’s birthday, outsiders like me shouldn’t be attending such family gatherings."
"Brother Tian, what do you mean?" Wenhua responded, his expression becoming serious after hearing Liu Hun.
Now that he’s following Liu Hun, he naturally has to consider things for him. After all, as Wenhua sees it, they’re both on the same boat.
Though Liu Dehai is his uncle, Wenhua knows his uncle’s character well. If it ever came to it, he wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice him.
Moreover, there’s always worry about unexpected incidents, making it more comfortable to follow Liu Hun than his uncle’s side.
Once someone reaches a certain level, a bit of cunning and shrewdness becomes necessary; but for Wenhua, he’s not lacking in anything but some freedom.
Since Liu Hun can provide what he wants, he’ll naturally follow Liu Hun instead of his uncle.
"I can’t quite guess what your uncle, that old fox, wants to do. Given that he came to congratulate us last time, it suggests he’s aware of matters between us," Liu Hun slowly opened his eyes and said, watching Wenhua drive ahead.
And after saying so, Liu Hun fell silent, gazing out the car window; Wenhua, seeing Liu Hun’s expression reflected in the rearview mirror, hesitated but didn’t dwell on it further.
In roughly half an hour, Wenhua drove Liu Hun to a villa in the suburbs. To possess such a luxurious villa legally, one’s salary alone would never be enough.
That’s why even wealthy officials hesitate to purchase such fixed assets easily. However, Liu Dehai seemed fearless, not only due to his wealth but also his audacity.
Upon strolling into the villa, Liu Hun spotted five or six people chatting and laughing on the lawn from a distance.
Among them sat Liu Dehai, with a beautiful middle-aged woman beside him, who was evidently Liu Dehai’s wife.
"Uncle, Aunt." With two large cakes in hand, Wenhua arrived at the venue alongside Liu Hun, his face brimming with smiles as he respectfully greeted them.
"Xiao Wen is here, huh? This must be the famous Liu Hun. Come and sit down. I’ve often heard my big brother mention you at home. Seeing you today, you truly are impressive, outstanding in demeanor," said a middle-aged man as he stood up and laughed heartily at Liu Hun.
As his words fell, the middle-aged man pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one, and handed it to Liu Hun.
"Thank you, Uncle, but I don’t smoke," Liu Hun replied to the middle-aged man with poise.
"Not smoking is good. Nowadays, there aren’t many young and accomplished men like you who don’t smoke. My name is Liu Deguang." Liu Deguang, hearing Liu Hun’s reply, kept an approving look on his face as he studied Liu Hun.
Liu Deguang’s gaze gave Liu Hun the feeling of a father-in-law appraising his son-in-law, making Liu Hun slightly uncomfortable.
"Alright, second brother, stop staring. Liu Hun is right here, and later you can look to your heart’s content. Come sit down, Liu Hun. Deguang knew I was acquainted with you; plus, it’s your aunt’s birthday today, so he thought of introducing you to a potential match," Liu Dehai explained to Liu Hun with a smile.
Upon hearing the brothers’ words, Liu Hun was taken aback, feeling a bit perplexed.
He thought Liu Dehai called him over today to discuss something important or to consider his stance, but he never expected Liu Dehai would present such a surprise.
"Uncle Liu, are you saying you want to introduce Sister Yun to Brother Liu Hun?" Wenhua, off to the side, turned his gaze to Liu Deguang, asking in a somewhat dazed manner after hearing the brothers speak.
"What’s the matter? Is there a problem? Liu Hun is young and accomplished, and your sister Yun is no longer young. She hasn’t found anyone in these years, so I thought Liu Hun would catch her eye," Liu Deguang explained with a smile to Wenhua.
"No... no, Sister Yun is so beautiful. If she were together with Brother Liu Hun, they’d indeed be a perfect match." Wenhua quickly shook his head.
Liu Hun glanced at Wenhua with the corner of his eye, noting his excited look, knowing full well that if Wenhua showed such an expression, this girl named Liu Yun must be outstanding.
However, Liu Hun doubted the brothers’ goodwill and hesitated momentarily before apologizing to them: "Uncle Liu, I appreciate your kindness, but I already have a girlfriend."
As soon as Liu Hun said this, the originally cheerful group at the venue suddenly paused; introducing Liu Yun to Liu Hun was clearly an honor for Liu Hun.
But Liu Hun’s admission about having a girlfriend appeared to rebuke them somewhat.
"Second brother, why are you stunned? You had several girlfriends when you were young, and only in the end did you settle with your wife, right? These things depend on fate," Liu Dehai immediately tried to smooth things over when he saw Liu Deguang’s discontent.
With Liu Dehai’s words, Liu Deguang’s expression gradually recovered somewhat.
Sensing the situation, Liu Dehai turned his gaze to Liu Hun and laughed: "Liu Hun, since you aren’t married yet, getting to know another girl shouldn’t concern you; perhaps you and your girlfriend aren’t destined to be together forever. Fate is something hard to predict; moreover, even if you can’t be lovers, it’s always good for you young folks to be friends."
Liu Dehai’s words were almost flawless, making it even harder for Liu Hun to discern his intentions.
If this were an attempt to win him over, Liu Hun found it unlikely, given Liu Dehai’s vast influence—it seemed unnecessary for him to focus on a minor character like Liu Hun.
Even considering the underground forces in Huaihai Province, one word from him could mean Liu Hun would have no chance to gain support; Liu Dehai’s attentiveness was excessive.
This made Liu Hun more vigilant.
"No need, Dad, Uncle. I don’t want to consider these matters now; the company just started, and I don’t have extra time," a crisp voice gently sounded from behind at this moment.
Following the voice instinctively, Liu Hun turned and saw a delicate face, skin smooth as silk, and light blue eyes harboring a touch of coldness. Nearly six feet tall and wearing a light blue long dress, she appeared exceptionally elegant.
The skin of her exposed calves was smooth and fair, and the heels she wore added a touch of sophistication mixed with playfulness.
Indeed, the girl standing before them could almost be deemed a perfect goddess, rivaling Alice herself.
"How could it be her?" Upon seeing Liu Yun, Liu Hun couldn’t help but feel a hint of astonishment.
In the past, Liu Hun once went abroad to treat someone and coincidentally met Liu Yun; at that time, her company was in a downturn, and she was severely poisoned. Naturally, Liu Hun saved her life.
Had Liu Yun’s face not been so exquisite and flawless, Liu Hun might have forgotten the incident.
Though for Liu Hun, it was merely a trivial matter.