An hour later, the car slowly drove into the Xia family's house.

It wasn't the luxurious and grand place one might imagine, nor the spacious villa one envisioned; the so-called Xia family home was more like a university.

As the car passed through the magnificent gate of the Xia family mansion, it was bustling with people, including adults, children, shops, hospitals, and office buildings.

Perhaps it shouldn't be described as a university; it's more like a prosperous village.

This is a huge clan!

People along the way would give way whenever they saw this convoy, especially the license plate of the lead car, and look on with curiosity, as if wondering who the person sitting in the car was.

Although there was no traffic congestion, it still took the convoy about ten minutes to finally stop in front of a courtyard.

After getting off the bus, Lin Rui noticed a historic building not far away, with security guards patrolling at the entrance.

“Teacher Fusheng, that is the Xia family ancestral hall.”

A bespectacled man with a refined appearance explained with a smile.

He was Xia Xianci's assistant, and also surnamed Xia, but from a collateral branch.

As they were still introducing themselves, laughter came from behind them: "Brother, that's not very nice of you. You didn't even tell me you were going to Xiazhou so your wife and I could have picked you up at the airport."

Lin Rui turned his head and saw Xia Xianci walking towards him arm in arm with Changsun Yi.

"I finally met my younger brother in person."

Xia Xianci released her arm from Changsun Yi's and took the initiative to extend her hand.

"Hello, sister-in-law."

Lin Rui responded politely.

"Come on, let's go inside and talk."

Changsun Yi warmly invited Lin Rui into the courtyard.

Although it's called a courtyard, the front yard is probably as big as a football field, planted with flowers, trees and shrubs transported from various states, making it look like a garden.

The central area is full of strange rocks, and a stream only a little over a meter deep runs through the entire front yard. The water is clear, and you can often see fish and shrimp swimming and playing in the stream.

Ahead, rows of courtyard houses are arranged in an orderly fashion, yet they do not appear cluttered; rather, they give a sense of order and discipline, suggesting that a feng shui master must have been consulted before their construction.

Lin Rui extended his gaze to the backyard, where it was wider and farther away, and he could vaguely see several figures fishing.

It's just a place to live, but the area it occupies is probably comparable to a golf course. And you even built a reservoir, just for fishing in your spare time?

Perhaps this is just the capriciousness of the wealthy.

Looking at the lush, verdant forest around him, Lin Rui couldn't help but think that if he could own such a courtyard someday, he would definitely bring in a few Ah Da, Ah Er, and Ah San.

Three kind-looking elderly people were sitting in the hall. After Lin Rui entered the room, the three elderly people stopped talking and began to look at Lin Rui and Chen Bin thoughtfully.

"Are you Old Chen's grandson?"

Unexpectedly, the three elderly people's gazes lingered more on Chen Bin.

Chen Bin nodded calmly: "Greetings to the three gentlemen."

"That's right, Old Chen is much more successful than he was when he was younger, having such an outstanding grandson like you."

The old man sitting in the main seat nodded approvingly before looking at Lin Rui.

Lin Rui remained calm, knowing without guessing that these three old men were most likely the actual power holders of the Xia family.

This conclusion was drawn from the behavior of Xia Xianci and Changsun Yi.

It seems that his and Chen Bin's guesses on the way were correct; Changsun Yi's invitation this time was not a private matter.

Firstly, this was a large-scale event. If it were just a private invitation, there would be no need to send out a luxury motorcade. Furthermore, Changsun Yi himself did not appear at the time, but was waiting for them at the Xia family's residence.

Secondly, the fact that the Xia family members made way for the car after it entered the Xia family's territory clearly indicated that the convoy was intended to receive distinguished guests. Although Changsun Yi held a high position in the Xia family, he was ultimately just a son-in-law. Even if Xia Xianci were to gain power, he would not abuse it.

Lin Rui was very curious. Although the Xia family had given him a lot of face and put on a grand welcome, he still didn't understand what the Xia family was up to.

Perhaps these three old men can answer his questions.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Lin Rui's usually composed face: "Greetings to the three gentlemen."