The head of the Yan family

The next evening, the whole family sat together to have a meal. I was a bit under the weather due to my lack of sleep, and grumpy observed the family members from my maternal side. Grandfather was the Yan family's head and my uncle, followed by Yan Si, his successors. My mother was his only daughter, and she didn't get along with her father. If it wasn't for my cousin's engagement, I doubt I would ever have the opportunity to see them face to face again.

The reason for their animosity was my father. Not only he wasn't the chosen spouse from grandfather, but he was even a foreigner. This displeased the old tyrant so much he found a way to estrange their relationship. With lies, manipulation and threats, he forced my mother to come back to China from Scotland, where she studied as an exchange student. Once in his hands, he never let her leave. My father was deceived that mom married someone else and never knew he had a daughter until I was ten. Then they got together thanks to my uncle. For years and years, he was suppressed by my grandfather, forced to obey his every order concerning the company and the family. He watched his little sister suffering. I was told once by Yan Si, who knew the story even better than me, that mother looked like a walking corpse according to his dad.

So, uncle found my dad and told him everything. Thankfully, he still loved my mom. Next, he came and took us away. Grandfather disowned mother. I don't even know if we were in the family register anymore. Nevertheless, it wasn't important. We came back to China only for Yan Si.

''Cheng, give me a report about the deal with CEO Fu.'' The stern voice of grandfather rang, disturbing the calm atmosphere. Uncle raised his head from his plate with dried scallop with r****h and began explaining.

''I don't think we can collaborate together. Last night, I was told by Si that Kang Xianliang's men took CEO Fu away. He should have offended him.''

''This Xianliang is getting more and more daring. In recent years Kang Enterprise is more aggressive than ever.'' Displeasure was evident from the old man's tone.

''Well, this is business, Grandpa. Isn't it normal?'' Yan Si's questioned.

''I know what is normal in the business, rascal. I've been on the battlefield for more years than you. I'm surprised by Kang's actions which are not in his typical style.'' I didn't pay much attention to their conversation. Unlocking my phone, I browsed through the news, and I read something disturbing.

''An hour ago, remains of CEO Fu's corpse were found near the shore. Sharks ate him.'' I searched for Yan Si's eyes seeing both shocks and surprise the same I had.

''What a coincidence.'' My uncle said cynically.

''Coincidence?'' Exclaimed Yan Si. ''I think he was killed. We should report to the police what we saw yesterday, shouldn't we, Xiao Luo?

''Dare to open your mouth. I will personally whip you. Cheng, how could you rise such an idiot?'' Grandfather's sharp voice made both my cousin and I freeze in our seats. We looked at each other with the same quizzical expression. 

''Father, please, he is still young. There are things he doesn't understand yet.''

''If my cousin is not allowed to speak, then I would.'' There was a loud bang at the table after I proclaimed my intentions. Grandfather was red from anger.

''Insolence! Genji, is that the way you brought your daughter up? Are the people in the West that bad-mannered? Are both my grandchildren stupid?'' There was almost visible steam coming from his head. My mom's face was dark, and her voice cold from anger.

''How is my daughter supposed to know about your shady business-making? She is used with her father making legal deals and earning money.'' Her angered eyes radiated a blaming light, making uncle lower his head in shame. Surprisingly, there was a loud deriding laugh.

''Legal my ass, my dear daughter,'' Grandfather said sharply. '' I may not be in contact with you; however, it doesn't mean I don't have people giving me information about you and my granddaughter's lives. Months ago, I heard your husband started working with one interesting Italian fella. This man, if I am not wrong, has some connections with the Italian mafia. It is even possible to be part of it.'' His black eyes gleamed in satisfaction. My mother was pale. I tried to hide my lack of surprise. I knew Leonardo wasn't a law-abiding citizen? But dad? I always believed he was morally upright. But the joy on grandfather's face was so sincere I started having doubts.

''Impossible.'' Mother refused to believe. Later I should find a way to calm her down.

''You know I will never lie about your husband shortcomings. And you.'' His bottomless eyes stopped at me. ''Reading your face, I can see you are prone to reflect on your previous beliefs. I'm glad to see you are not as naïve as her when she was your age—nevertheless, forger for being righteous. If you go to the police and tell your story, Kang Xianliang will only harm Yan Corporation. He won't be questioned nor interrogated. He will be pissed at our whole family and make life hard for us. We may have much power in City D, but it will be a grave mistake to underestimate him.''

With his lecture concluded, we started eating again. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts about the mysterious man. Why did I have this strange feeling I will have problems with him?