The Trap Behind the Deal

The morning sun filtered through the blinds as Jiang Yeming stepped outside, carrying two bags of trash. His muscles ached slightly from a restless night, but his mind remained sharp. Something about yesterday's visit from Lan Yueran's relatives still irritated him. He didn't show it—not to Lan Yueran, not even to himself—but it gnawed at him like a dull blade.

The memory of her brief hug lingered faintly. Not for its intimacy—there was none—but for the rare warmth it carried. It had been sincere. Genuine. And that scared him more than he'd admit.

After breakfast, Lan Yueran finished getting ready. Jiang Yeming quietly started the car and waited. They didn't speak much during the ride, but the silence wasn't uncomfortable. She sat upright, occasionally glancing at him. Something had shifted—something subtle in her expression, as if she were trying to solve a puzzle that had just revealed new pieces.

When they reached her office at Visionary Developments in Rainmere City, she stepped out and gave a quiet, "Thank you."

Jiang Yeming lingered near the company entrance for a while, watching the building with a heavy gaze. He turned to leave, but just as he reached the car, his phone rang. The caller ID made his eyes narrow—Mo Heng.

He answered. "Yes?"

"Good morning, Master Jiang," Mo Heng said, voice lowered. "I just got word—your cousin Jiang Ruifeng is arriving in Rainmere City tomorrow. He's planning a business meeting with your wife."

Jiang Yeming's grip on the phone tightened. "With Lan Yueran?"

"Yes. From what I heard, it's a setup. He plans to use the meeting as a trap—to kidnap her and pressure you into bringing your father, Jiang Tianren, out of hiding or forcing him to transfer the family headship."

Jiang Yeming's expression darkened. "I'm coming over now."

When he arrived at the Red Fang gang's headquarters, the men on the street greeted him politely, stepping aside with respectful nods. He entered the main room to find both Mo Heng and Fang Lie waiting. They stood up immediately upon seeing him.

"Master Jiang," they greeted in unison.

Jiang Yeming got straight to the point. "Tell me everything you know about Jiang Ruifeng's plan."

Mo Heng nodded. "He's trying to seize control of your father's position. Since he couldn't find Jiang Tianren, he's targeting your wife. The meeting is just bait. Once she's there, he'll take her and wait for you to act."

"Does Jiang Ruifeng know about your involvement?" Jiang Yeming asked.

"He knows about me," Mo Heng admitted. "But not about Fang Lie. That's our advantage."

Jiang Yeming nodded slowly. "Good. I'll confirm the meeting location with Lan Yueran. When I send it to you, you go—but no violence unless absolutely necessary. I don't want any commotion. Understood?"

"Yes, Master," Fang Lie responded with a nod.

Leaving the headquarters, Jiang Yeming returned home, deep in thought. So Jiang Ruifeng had been looking for his father all this time. Perhaps it was time he checked in.

He dialed a number he hadn't called in months.

After several rings, a familiar voice answered.

"…Yeming."

There was a heavy silence before Jiang Yeming asked, "How are you?"

"I'm fine," Jiang Tianren replied. "Leg's been bothering me. Can't walk much. But I'm alright."

"You're pretending to be worse than you are," Jiang Yeming muttered.

His father gave a soft chuckle. "I have to. Jiang Ruifeng is watching every move. I don't know what he'll do next."

"What about your security?"

"I'm with our top men from the Bronze Legion. Nothing will happen."

Another pause. Then Jiang Tianren asked, "How's your wife?"

Jiang Yeming's gaze drifted toward the window. "She's fine. Stronger than she looks."

"Send me your location," Jiang Yeming said. "I might visit soon."

A few minutes after they ended the call, Jiang Tianren texted him his address in Celestine Haven. Jiang Yeming saved it. He was done running. It was time to end this family crisis for good and ensure his father could live in peace.

Evening came, and Jiang Yeming drove to Lan Yueran's office to pick her up. She entered the car with a noticeably brighter mood.

"How was work?" he asked.

She smiled. "Great. I'm about to secure another big deal. Huge client."

Jiang Yeming's mind immediately went on high alert. "Another big deal? So soon?"

"He's arriving tonight around 8 p.m. He said he wants to close quickly and fly out."

Jiang Yeming's eyes narrowed. "They just contacted you out of the blue?"

She shrugged. "Maybe they finally recognize the value of my company."

"Where's the meeting?" he asked.

"He hasn't sent the exact location yet. He said he'll send it once he lands."

"Let me come with you. There's no security and—"

Lan Yueran shook her head. "No need. I'll be fine. This is a top client. I can handle it."

Jiang Yeming didn't argue. "Then at least forward me the address when he sends it. Just for safety."

She nodded. "Fine."

When they got home, Jiang Yeming immediately called Fang Lie. "Be on alert. The meeting's tonight. I'll send you the location when I get it."

After ending the call, he headed to the kitchen, preparing dinner. He needed something—anything—to keep his mind from racing.

Later, as he sat alone in his room, the door creaked open.

Lan Yueran stood there, fully dressed, purse in hand. "He sent the address," she said, handing him the forwarded message. "I'm heading out."

Jiang Yeming stood and walked her to the door. "Be careful."

She gave him a quick nod and left.

Jiang Yeming stared at the closed door for a few seconds, then pulled out his phone and texted Fang Lie.