Chapter 45: A Life-Saving Grace

Xiao Yao had just finished breakfast when Steward Lu entered with a cheerful smile, walking briskly toward him.

“Steward Lu, it’s so early—do you bring good news?” Xiao Yao asked casually.

“Mr. Tang Tianhao has arrived. He brought over a truckload of Maotai liquor for you. They’re unloading outside right now.”

“Tang Tianhao is so thoughtful. Yesterday I merely mentioned my fondness for Maotai, and today he brings over an entire truck of it.” Clearly, Tang Tianhao had safely overcome his ordeal and brought the Maotai as a gesture of gratitude.

“I heard Mr. Tang mention it briefly. It turns out you know how to read faces, young master. That must be knowledge passed down from the old master, right? I feel somewhat remiss as your steward—not knowing such an important matter,” Steward Lu remarked, with both a hint of regret and curiosity.

Xiao Yao trusted Steward Lu deeply, so he explained, “It’s not that I wanted to keep it from you, but rather, I didn’t know how to say it. Master imparted all his skills to me, but his method was rather unique—much like the Buddhist practice of sudden enlightenment. It only took one night. Since it’s hard to explain, I never mentioned it.”

“So you truly inherited all the old master’s skills! That’s wonderful! Compared to the inheritance he left behind, having true ability is far more important—it’s the foundation for life,” Steward Lu said sincerely, feeling genuinely happy for Xiao Yao.

Steward Lu had been indebted to Pan Wu and served as steward for thirty years. He had some understanding of Pan Wu’s abilities, and now, knowing Xiao Yao had inherited them, he was overjoyed.

“Young master, would you like to go outside for a look? Most of the Maotai Mr. Tang brought are aged and special reserve bottles—quite rare.”

“Let’s go see,” Xiao Yao replied.

He had expected Tang Tianhao to bring a few cases in an SUV, but was surprised to find a full cargo van.

“Tang Tianhao, did you move the entire Maotai warehouse here?” Xiao Yao joked. The Tang family was truly extraordinary—even their way of expressing gratitude was lavish.

“Mr. Xiao, could you stop calling me ‘Mr. Tang’? Just call me Tianhao. Not only do our families have a history, but you are now my savior. When you call me ‘Mr. Tang,’ it feels uncomfortable,” Tang Tianhao suggested.

“Alright, I’ll call you by your name from now on. And you don’t need to be so formal, just call me by my name too,” Xiao Yao agreed readily.

“I wouldn’t dare. You are Master Zhao’s disciple, and by seniority, you’d be in the same generation as my father. I should be calling you ‘Uncle’,” Tang Tianhao replied, quickly correcting himself when Xiao Yao shot him a look. “But if I call you ‘Uncle,’ you’d sound older, which might make finding a girlfriend harder. So I’ll stick to ‘Mr. Xiao’.”

“That’s your father’s way of addressing me. Don't be so formal—you’re not much older than me. If you don’t mind, just call me ‘Brother Xiao’ from now on.” Though the Tang family carried great prestige, Pan Wu had never placed much importance on them, and Xiao Yao, inheriting all of Pan Wu’s legacy, shared the same attitude. He wasn’t surprised by Tang Tianhao’s humility.

The Tang family had much to gain from Xiao Yao, while he had little need for them. As his own connections grew, he might never have reason to rely on the Tang family. Keeping this attitude with Tang Tianhao was most appropriate.

Yesterday’s events had proved Xiao Yao’s capabilities. To the Tang family, Xiao Yao, freshly enlightened by Master Zhao, might be slightly less skilled, but in time, he would certainly match his master. The Tang family would treat him just as they had treated Master Zhao.

Master Zhao was so enigmatic that even his age was uncertain—possibly a centenarian who had lived for centuries. Such a detached, desireless elder was difficult to engage. But Xiao Yao was young and hardly at that level; the Tang family believed it would be easier to cultivate a relationship with him than it had been with Master Zhao.

Tang Tianhao was a few years older than Xiao Yao, but they were close in age, and Xiao Yao was his savior. With that foundation, the Tang family was confident that Tang Tianhao’s social skills would help forge a good relationship.

If Xiao Yao had insisted on being called ‘Uncle,’ Tang Tianhao would have complied. Now, being invited to call him ‘Brother’ only brought them closer, and Tang Tianhao was genuinely pleased.

Only peers measure seniority by age. For those of higher status, respect is shown by addressing them as ‘Brother,’ regardless of age.

“Seeing you lively and energetic, I’m relieved. You weren’t hurt, I hope?” Xiao Yao asked with concern.

“No injuries, I’m fine. Just a mild concussion—I spent the night in the hospital, and was better by morning.”

Tang Tianhao then recounted yesterday’s events in detail.

Last night, after leaving the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Tang Tianhao followed Xiao Yao’s instructions, sticking to his planned route and driving to the shooting range, but wore a helmet.

A night shoot at the armed police training base had been arranged days prior with friends. Upon arrival, his helmet drew plenty of ridicule from them.

Though mocked, Tang Tianhao remembered Xiao Yao’s warning and never took off the helmet. He was half skeptical of Xiao Yao’s abilities, but Xiao Yao was Master Zhao’s disciple, and the entire Tang family revered Master Zhao. Tang Tianhao dared not ignore his advice.

After half an hour of shooting, the unexpected happened.

His head was struck by a stray bullet!

He was nearly terrified out of his wits, but the helmet was sturdy, so he suffered no injury—just a mild concussion.

He called his father, who rushed to the hospital and brought the family along. Not only Tang Tianhao, but his whole family felt immense relief. Had he ignored Xiao Yao’s advice by even a day, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

Having finished recounting his experience, Tang Tianhao bowed deeply before Xiao Yao and solemnly declared, “Brother Xiao, you are my savior. Words cannot express my gratitude, so I won’t attempt them. You saved my life—without you, I’d probably be in the morgue now. From now on, my life belongs to you. If you ever need anything, just say the word.”