Standing Next To You-Chapter 391: The Phone Call

The fourth guest let them in but appeared uncomfortable. Even when they presented the gift from Head Master Fei, the guest rejected it, saying they didn’t need it.

The subordinate left feeling perplexed. The fourth guest had rejected the gift and did not offer any commitment. The meeting had been awkward throughout.

The visits to subsequent guests went awry as well. The next guest didn’t even let them in, claiming they were not present at the moment or they were currently busy. Other guests turned them away coldly.

Some guests even became angry, accusing them of bribery.

The representatives sent to the lesser houses faced the same responses. Although these people were typically easier to bribe, their gifts were also turned away.

The subordinate and his team were confused about what was happening.

This morning, while they were trying to figure out how to resolve the issue, they suddenly received a call from the three guests they had visited yesterday.

The guests wanted to return the gifts.

"They accepted the gifts yesterday but suddenly changed their minds. It’s obvious that something is manipulating the guests behind our backs. So we asked them why they retracted their words."

Head Master Fei and Butler Zhao listened intently, their hearts in their throats. freewebnoveℓ.com

The subordinate continued, "But they didn’t provide a proper explanation. They simply said over the phone, ’You messed with the wrong person.’ We called them several times to clarify what they meant, but they didn’t answer. When we visited them this morning, they turned us away."

A deadly silence followed the subordinate’s report.

Head Master Fei’s frown deepened. "...You don’t need to send our people to the guests anymore. Investigate who the guests have been in contact with recently."

"Yes, Head Master."

The call ended.

Head Master Fei turned silent as he contemplated. Actually, there was no need to investigate much about it; it was obvious that this was the work of the Lin family or someone allied with Fei Chuan.

The gifts he had prepared were substantial. They would tempt anyone to compromise their principles for a few days. With his reputation on the line and these precious gifts, he was confident that the Lin family wouldn’t be able to sway his allies.

Yet, the guests he had thought were on his side suddenly changed their minds. They turned away the gifts and couldn’t even provide a reason. By rejecting his offers, they jeopardized the good relationship they had with the Fei family.

Such opportunists wouldn’t easily discard the advantages they had painstakingly worked for. Their desperate refusal seemed like they were frightened by something.

But what could possibly scare them?

Were they threatened, like Fei Chuan had threatened his cousins?

If that were the case, the situation had become more complicated.

However, a nagging thought stirred in Head Master Fei’s mind. It suddenly reminded him of the phone call he had with James at the banquet.

*****

That night, Head Master Fei stepped out to take the phone call from the James family.

He was bewildered and in disbelief that the heir of the James family had called their line directly. Like others, he momentarily forgot about the pressing issue at hand.

"This is the Head Master of the Fei family speaking. What honor do I have to receive a call from the heir of the James family?"

"It must be evening in your country, Head Master Fei. I apologize for calling so late. I believe I received an invitation from your family, but I’ve been quite busy and didn’t have time to check the date. It was only when I heard that today is your eldest grandson’s—oh, not necessarily the eldest, but the supposed ’heir’ of your family’s debut to society—that I was reminded of it. I sincerely congratulate your heir and your family."

Head Master Fei raised his brow.

’Doesn’t have time to check the date?’

He was not naive enough to believe that.

That invitation must have been discarded somewhere.

But to think this youngster would make up such an obvious lie to fool him, an old veteran in this industry. It didn’t even sound like an excuse but rather a mockery.

"No need to apologize. As the heir of the reputable James family, I understand that someone like you must have a busy schedule. We sent the invitation as a sign of formality. But we are honored to receive your congratulations. For you to call us is already a great favor."

"Haha, you’re right. I don’t usually extend my greetings to people who don’t qualify for it. But today is an exception."

Head Master Fei: "...."

Did he just subtly insult them as someone who doesn’t qualify?

William James, the heir of the James family, was reputed to be cunning and sly. And it seemed the impressions of other headmasters about him were accurate.

Although William’s words seemed polite, he was actually talking down to him. His tone wasn’t that of a younger person addressing an elder but rather that of a superior addressing someone of lower rank.

Head Master Fei felt somewhat offended. While the Fei family couldn’t compare to the James family’s wealth and prestige, they were still a reputable family in Country C, one that no one dared to look down on.

However, he wouldn’t let such a petty slight be the cause of a rift with the James family. After all, maintaining connections with them was important.

He needed to focus on why William had called and what his intentions were. He didn’t believe the call was merely to congratulate Fei Hua Jang or humiliate them.

However, his tone subtly grew cold. "I see. And what is the reason we are honored to be exempted today?"

"Head Master Fei, you’re quite direct, unlike your other grandsons. I’m sure you’re busy with the banquet, so I won’t take up much of your time. I called because I have a small favor to ask."

Head Master Fei’s lips twitched. "...Please, go ahead." He had no choice but to overlook the subtle insult.

"Actually, one of my friends is interested in the person who is causing trouble at your banquet. My friend would be very pleased if you would refrain from troubling her. Today is supposed to be a celebratory occasion. I’m sure, Head Master Fei, you can show some mercy to that young lady, can’t you?"