Upon returning to the family, Liu Chengkun dispatched people to investigate, and the matter between Liu Cheng and Ye Fan was quickly uncovered.
"You worthless wretch! Causing trouble outside and implicating the family in losses! Break his legs and throw him out to the dogs."
Old Master Liu flew into a rage. Under such circumstances, even if the Liu family members wished to intercede for Liu Cheng, they dared not utter a word.
The Old Master was in a fury; who would dare to cross him at such a moment?
Poor Liu Cheng, who had just collapsed before Ye Fan, was now abandoned by the Liu family. He was truly pitiable.
Meanwhile, the eldest young master of the Liu family's main lineage, Liu Yuan, stood before the Old Master with a fawning expression.
"Grandfather, Liu Cheng's actions were indeed wrong and brought shame to our Liu family. However, Liu Piaoxu, as a disciple of our Liu family and Liu Cheng's direct superior, witnessed the family suffering losses yet dared not act. Such a person is unfit to be a direct descendant of our Liu family! He must be severely punished."
A glint of coldness flashed in his eyes. Liu Yuan could already envision Liu Piaoxu being expelled from the Liu family, appearing in disgrace before him.
The furious Old Master Liu immediately frowned.
While punishing Liu Cheng, who was from a collateral branch, was acceptable, and expelling him would draw no objections, Liu Piaoxu was different. She was a direct descendant of the Liu family, and Old Master Liu had personally witnessed her growth over the years.
If she were truly expelled from the Liu family, it would undoubtedly cause unnecessary trouble.
If those who supported Liu Piaoxu were to voice their opinions, the Liu family would inevitably fall into internal strife.
Seeing the Old Master frown with reluctance, Liu Yuan quickly spoke again.
"Grandfather, I heard that to bet with Ye Fan, Liu Piaoxu not only lost our Liu family's business, the Tiancheng Antique Shop, but was also apprehended by the enforcers and imprisoned. She not only caused the family to suffer losses but also brought immense disgrace. Grandfather, think about it, if this matter spreads, our Liu family's standing within the Dark Alliance will be precarious. Even if we are not replaced by other forces, we will surely be suppressed by the other three families. Our Liu family members are all dignified individuals, yet we are implicated by Liu Piaoxu. Grandfather, this time, we cannot show leniency!"
Currently, among the younger generation of the Liu family, Liu Yuan's competition with Liu Piaoxu was the most intense.
Despite being female, Liu Piaoxu was no less capable, resourceful, or bold than him.
This significant threat made him feel perpetually uneasy.
Therefore, no matter what, he had to seize this opportunity to eliminate Liu Piaoxu completely.
As expected, upon hearing his words, Old Master Liu's expression changed dramatically, and even a flicker of anger flashed in his eyes.
"Scoundrel! Immediately go to the enforcement agency and bring him back to me."
Old Master Liu smashed the water cup in his hand onto the ground.
Seeing the Old Master throw a tantrum, a hint of smugness flashed in Liu Yuan's eyes. He quickly nodded respectfully and hurried out of the Old Master's study.
In the enforcement agency, seeing Ye Fan enter with a smile, Liu Piaoxu looked at him suspiciously.
"What? You're finally willing to let me out?"
Ye Fan smiled. "We are allies, so of course, I wouldn't keep you locked up here forever. However, it wasn't me who released you, but someone from your Liu family."
Upon hearing Ye Fan's words, Liu Piaoxu's brows furrowed, and her face showed confusion.
Someone from the Liu family? Who?
Ye Fan slowly walked to a nearby chair and sat down. "Old Master Liu ordered Liu Yuan to personally apprehend you and bring you back for questioning. It is said that Old Master Liu has already broken Liu Cheng's legs and thrown him into the mountains to be fed to dogs. My men have already rushed over and should be able to intercept him. Since you and Liu Cheng are of the same ilk, and he is your follower, Old Master Liu will naturally not let you off. Coupled with your elder brother Liu Yuan fanning the flames, your predicament is imaginable."
Ye Fan's words made Liu Piaoxu's expression grow even more grim, and a flicker of anger flashed in her eyes.
"Are you doing this on purpose? Did you ever consider what would happen to me if you did this?"
Ye Fan had promised to cooperate with her, but in the end, he had meticulously trapped her. Was this the so-called cooperation he spoke of?
Ye Fan shrugged. "Of course, I won't stand by and watch you be persecuted by the Liu family like this. However, before we commence a true collaboration, I need to let you see the true nature of the Liu family. Only when you fall out with them can we stand on a united front. What do you think, Miss Liu?"
Originally, this was an excellent opportunity to eliminate Liu Piaoxu. However, even if Liu Piaoxu were removed, the Liu family still had others, making it difficult for him.
Conversely, if he were to help Liu Piaoxu, the Liu family would then stand by his side.
The pressure would also be reduced.
Ye Fan was no fool; he naturally understood the implications.
"What exactly do you intend to do?"
For the first time, Liu Piaoxu felt a sense of fear towards Ye Fan.
This man, in terms of scheming and methods, was truly exceptional. Collaborating with someone like him was akin to seeking favor from a tiger, and one could easily be devoured by the tiger in the end.
Yet, the reality had already pushed her into his camp.
As he had said, if she did not cooperate with him, she would inevitably face severe punishment from her family.
"I will let you return to the Liu family, and then I will rescue you."
Ye Fan said with a faint smile.
Shen Bao quickly walked over, glanced at Liu Piaoxu, and then said to Ye Fan, "Liu Yuan has arrived."
Ye Fan nodded. "The timing is perfect. It seems this Liu Yuan is as I expected, eager to get rid of Miss Liu. I hope Miss Liu can be cautious and hold on until I come to the Liu family to save you."
With that, he stood up and walked straight out.
"Ye Fan, you are shameless."
Looking at Ye Fan's retreating back, Liu Piaoxu could no longer control her anger and cursed loudly.
Unfortunately, all that was left for her was Ye Fan's determined back as he left without the slightest hesitation.
Liu Piaoxu naturally understood Ye Fan's intentions. It was simply to make her break completely with her family, leaving her with no choice but to cooperate with him.
He was systematically pushing her to a dead end.
However, such scheming and methods left Liu Piaoxu deeply shocked.
In just a few days, Ye Fan had orchestrated such a grand scheme. This man was truly terrifying.
If she had a choice, she would rather engage in open conflict with the other three families of the Dark Alliance than provoke such a formidable existence as Ye Fan.
However, there was no turning back in this world.
As she was contemplating, Liu Yuan swaggered in.
"Liu Piaoxu, you truly are something. Not only did you lose the Liu family's shop, but you even got yourself arrested. The people of our Liu family are becoming more and more accomplished."
Since he had already done enough to persuade the Old Master, waiting for Liu Piaoxu upon her return to the family would undoubtedly be severe punishment. Therefore, he had no reservations about taunting her at this moment.