Urban Seduction: Housewives Club Chapter 2102 - 431: Widespread Debts of Infamy 4

Regarding the wait for updates from the Warriors Alliance, it's nothing more than a polite cover story. In reality, the Zhang family itself shows no signs of moving forward. So, on what basis should anyone anticipate real involvement from the Warriors Alliance?

After receiving this directive from the patriarch, the Zhang family members experienced a blend of ease and annoyance.

As one of Tianhai's four great families, the Zhangs once commanded immense influence.

Yet today? They first endured massive setbacks in a scheme aimed at Tianhai. Beyond losing a key direct heir, the second patriarch vanished entirely without a clue.

At present, a single individual has cornered them into this dire position. The third patriarch met his end directly outside their residence, yet they lack the courage to strike back. They're left cowering indoors, uncertain when the nightmare might conclude.

This whole ordeal traces back to the Zhang family's initial maneuvers in Jinling, aimed at the three dominant families there.

Reflecting on it, the choice to intervene in Jinling appears to have come solely from the family head, without seeking input from others.

In typical scenarios, such matters wouldn't draw significant notice. Jinling, after all, ranks as a minor locale. Given the Zhang family's might, it hardly warranted concern. The family head might have viewed it as a mere diversion.

However, circumstances have shifted dramatically now. It's akin to probing for ants and unearthing a hidden explosive.

In truth, following the second patriarch's disappearance, some had already pondered this matter. Yet with Zhang Jianyuan firmly as family head—and the lost one being his own nephew—they chose to stay silent.

Today, though, one person could no longer contain their curiosity. They inquired, "Family head, your decision to move in Jinling came without any explanation to the rest of us. Now that we're all gathered, would you care to clarify the reasoning?"

Even as the family head, Zhang Jianyuan's youth meant his authority within the clan remained somewhat limited. Take the questioner, for instance—a near relative from his grandfather's generation.

And with the patriarch present, despite the irksome tone of the query, Zhang Jianyuan responded resolutely, "Fourth Master, you're reading too much into it. The truth is, there's no deep mystery here. The Zhang family in Jinling shares marital ties with ours. They sought dominance in Jinling, and I figured adding another ally for our side wouldn't cause harm. That's why I lent support, never imagining it would spark such chaos."

By the conclusion, Zhang Jianyuan appeared deeply remorseful.

No one present questioned Zhang Jianyuan's account. Backing proxies in lesser areas was standard practice among powerhouse families like theirs.

Jinling might not qualify as a tiny town; as a top-tier city, it trailed only the elite ten. Still, absent from the Zhangs' core strategies, it held little priority.

In a place like that, it made sense for family head Zhang Jianyuan to handle choices independently, bypassing consultation.

Per the lineage records, the Jinling Zhangs did connect to the Tianhai branch. Though the link predated the spiritual energy resurgence, it qualified as a valid modern extension.

A handful sensed something off, yet silence prevailed. Challenging the family head sans proof counted as grave misconduct in the Zhang household.

While the Zhang family lingered in tense anticipation of developments, Wang Yue roamed Tianhai City disguised as "Wang Tiezhu."

Zhang Hong handled surveillance on the Zhang camp's dynamics. Wang Yue merely had to await reports and choose his next steps. No other concerns fell on him.

With this uncommon opportunity to explore Tianhai, he aimed to snag some local specialties unavailable in Jinling to share with his loved ones.

"Hey? Brother Tiezhu!" Abruptly, a lively voice hailed from behind as Wang Yue strolled a lane brimming with unique wares.

He didn't need to glance back to identify the caller. Only three individuals used "Tiezhu" for him these days.

Turning, he spotted the charming loli twins, Zhou Pingping and Zhou Tingting, waving with delight. The poised and alluring young attorney, Zhou Yifei, offered him a warm grin as well.

Once assured it was truly their "Brother Tiezhu," the pair of little ones dashed forward gleefully, each latching onto one of his arms.

Back on the voyage, these socially awkward girls had fully embraced him as kin. Thus, even the shyer Zhou Tingting displayed such fondness without hesitation.

"Wang Tiezhu" posed as an everyday trader who dabbled in martial pursuits alongside commerce. Flaunting premium gear like a space ring would invite unwanted scrutiny.

To mask this, Wang Yue avoided using it. He stuffed acquisitions into a hefty duffel instead, intending to transfer them to the ring later in private.

The twins swiftly eyed the bag slung over his shoulder. Zhou Pingping queried with interest, "Brother Tiezhu, did you pick up these items?"

"Indeed," Wang Yue answered, lowering the duffel with a grin. "Take a peek inside and grab whatever catches your eye. I'll gift it to you."

Utterly guileless, the girls knew zilch of worldly manners or facades. They eagerly consented and geared up to unzip the bag.

Naturally, this stemmed from the giver being Wang Yue, already family in their eyes. With a stranger, they'd decline—not from airs, but genuine disinterest.

Zhou Yifei remarked with mild chagrin, "I've indulged them too much; they lack proper decorum."

"That's a good thing," Wang Yue replied smilingly. "They're genuine, without any artifice. Plus, viewing me as family lets them accept my offerings."

By now, the twins had unzipped the duffel and dove into thrilled browsing of the contents.

Zhou Yifei had at first doubted "Wang Tiezhu's" merchant status, given his straightforward demeanor and clear, innocent eyes—devoid of the sly sharpness common in traders.

True, closer acquaintance revealed occasional roguish glances, but those struck her as typical guy impulses, nothing offensive.

As Jinling's renowned lawyer, Zhou Yifei prided herself on sharp character assessments. She trusted her initial read on him.

Yet now, she conceded her error. Wang Yue's bag held just three categories: hair ornaments, studs, and chains—hundreds apiece.

Who but a bulk-buying seller would amass such quantities of identical goods?

The girls promptly chose matching trios in favored designs and hues, donning them instantly to parade before Zhou Yifei. "Mom, how do these look?"

Wang Yue's purchases consisted of premium craftsmanship. Beyond unique materials, they aided martial artists in steadying thoughts and qi. For civilians, they boosted vitality. The pieces also boasted exquisite, eye-catching aesthetics.

Already pretty as pictures, the twins shone even brighter with these adornments—like jewels enhancing lovelies.

"They suit you perfectly," Zhou Yifei affirmed, beaming approval.

Wang Yue chimed in, "Gorgeous indeed. Pingping and Tingting make such captivating little stars."

Buoyed by acclaim from Mom and Brother Tiezhu, the duo beamed with joy.

"Aunt Zhou, why not select a set for yourself?" Wang Yue suggested to Zhou Yifei.

"Well..." Zhou Yifei paused briefly in uncertainty.