Hearing the call, the Xia Tian couple glanced toward the doorway and, seeing Yang Yi, Feng Shi, and a little girl arrive, exclaimed with surprised smiles, "Oh, Xiao Yi, what brings you here?"

"Just coming to visit you both, of course... Haha!" Yang Yi chuckled, a hint of roguishness in his tone.

Feng Shi and Murong Lianxue on the side were already beaming with laughter, while the Xia Tians smiled so wide their mouths seemed unable to close; they all understood the unspoken meaning.

Xia Tian said, "It’s been so long since I last saw you. You’re really something, you should at least stop by three or five times a year to check on us."

"Xiao Yi, don't listen to his nagging, come sit quickly. Auntie will go make tea!" Mother Xia chided Xia Tian, then suddenly noticed the little girl beside Yang Yi and asked with confusion, "Xiao Yi, this...!"

"Oh, her? Her name is Murong Lianxue, she's my sworn sister."

"Hello, Auntie!" Murong Lianxue chimed in sweetly.

"Oh my! So bright and adorable. Can Auntie call you Lianxue?" Mother Xia felt years younger hearing Murong Lianxue address her as Auntie. Besides, sometimes a sweet mouth had its perks, as evidenced by Murong Lianxue right now.

"Mm!"

"Good, Lianxue, you are so cute. You haven't eaten yet, have you?" Mother Xia asked.

Yang Yi naturally knew that his arrival guaranteed warm hospitality, regardless of whether they had already eaten. He smiled faintly and replied, "We haven't eaten yet; we came with empty stomachs just waiting to be filled by Auntie’s amazing cooking!"

"Haha, Xiao Yi, you've become sharp-tongued too? Here, Lianxue, go sit with your brother for a moment. Auntie will cook lots of delicious things for you all shortly!"

"Thank you, Auntie!" Murong Lianxue beamed happily.

"Come, Xiao Yi, sit down quickly. Why are you all just standing around? I’ll go fetch a bottle of my prized vintage wine!" Xia Tian hurried into the room.

Watching their figures, Yang Yi felt a familiar surge of emotion. The last time he visited, Xia Tian's family had given him the warmth of home. Even though this visit was for specific matters, that feeling of warmth remained.

"Boss!" Xia Yu called out tentatively.

"Have you confessed to them yet?" Yang Yi calmly picked up the tea set from the table, declining Feng Shi’s offer to pour for him, and smiled at her, "Let me do it this time. Always having you take care of me makes me seem younger than even Lianxue!"

"Pfft!" Feng Shi gave a graceful smile.

Murong Lianxue nearby wasn't pleased with his words and mumbled, "Brother Yi, why say that about me? I was only just...!"

"Alright, alright. I know, Lianxue is grown up now." Yang Yi affectionately patted her head, his face full of smiles, then looked back at Xia Yu, "Hmm?"

"I told them. Mom was half-supportive, but Dad is strongly opposed!" Xia Yu sounded somewhat dejected. For some unknown reason, he still hadn't dared to look Yang Yi directly in the eye.

"I ask you, have you thought it through completely, and do you truly want to follow me?"

"Follow you?" Xia Yu stared at him, bewildered.

"Look at how much older you are than me, how is your brain so rusty? My Brother Yi is the leader of the Black God Gang. If you aren't following him, who are you following?" Murong Lianxue shot Xia Yu an eye-roll.

Xia Yu felt a bit embarrassed; being scolded like that by a girl younger than him naturally stung his male pride. However, having grasped the main point, he quickly nodded in agreement.

"Very well. I'll have a serious talk with your father shortly."

"Talk about what?" Hearing Yang Yi mention a serious discussion, Xia Tian returned with the wine bottle and asked.

"Heh heh, just some routine matters!" Yang Yi chuckled.

Feng Shi suddenly said, "I'll go help Auntie in the kitchen!"

"Me too!" Xia Yu seized the opportunity to slip away, quickly adding.

Xia Tian paid them no mind and immediately uncorked a bottle of Baijiu, saying, "Ah, these days. For us petty bourgeoisie, having wine this strong, highly pure, and excellent is already quite a feat."

"Uncle, what are you sighing about? In this era, being alive and able to enjoy fine wine—that is a wonderful thing. Don't you agree?" Yang Yi said meaningfully, placing a cup in front of Xia Tian.

Xia Tian glanced sidelong at Yang Yi, shaking his head helplessly. "Xiao Yi, you aren't here to persuade me to let Xia Tian go back to those gangster activities, are you?"

"No, I’m not here to persuade. Xiao Yi's only intention today is for Xia Yu to stay by my side!"

"Stay by your side?" Xia Tian was slightly stunned by Yang Yi's statement.

Yang Yi nodded. "Actually, Uncle, how do you define the underworld in your heart?"

"The underworld?" Upon hearing the word, Xia Tian pondered with a complex expression. After a moment, he stated, "Isn't the underworld just organized crime? And organized crime is all about breaking the law!"

"No, Uncle, you are mistaken." Yang Yi smiled faintly, sniffed the aroma of the Baijiu in the cup. Although he disliked drinking it, every time he visited Xia Tian, he had to share a few cups with him. After taking a sip, he continued, "In my definition, the underworld is a dark existence. Undeniably, it is also the second institution of the state, the antithesis of the police—the so-called division between black and white. The underworld governs everything in the realm of darkness, while the police manage what people call discipline."

"Haha, Xiao Yi, you're teasing Uncle again. You know Uncle isn't highly educated; I don't grasp these complex ideas much!" Xia Tian chuckled softly.

"Then Xiao Yi will explain more clearly." Yang Yi grew serious and asked, "Does Uncle perhaps believe the underworld is the path of evil?"

Hearing this, Xia Tian decided instantly, "Of course, is that even a question?"

"That's right. The underworld is indeed considered the path of evil in the minds of most people—the so-called unorthodox ways of ancient times. However, in Xiao Yi's sphere, this underworld is not the path of evil. It's simply put: 'A righteous heart walks the righteous path; a wicked heart walks the wicked path'!"

"'A righteous heart walks the righteous path; a wicked heart walks the wicked path!'" Xia Tian felt these words resonate deep within him, yet he still seemed to grasp only part of the meaning. He said, "Xiao Yi, you...!"

"As Uncle might surmise, you might think my view is extreme. But, it cannot be denied, perhaps what I think is the path that both sides of the world must eventually tread. A person's path must be forged by themselves. If someone steps in to block the way, or deliberately orchestrates things, that person becomes a puppet, or even a marionette dancing on a tightrope. Don’t you agree, Uncle?"

"This...!" Xia Tian felt slightly dizzy from Yang Yi's words, but he clearly understood the essence of what Yang Yi was trying to convey. He suddenly laughed, "Haha, it seems I truly cannot win an argument with you. Come, let's have a drink before the meal!"

"Cheers, Xiao Yi toasts Uncle!"

"Still 'Uncle'?" Xia Tian seemed to have made some decision, appearing much more relaxed. He nudged Yang Yi, "When are you going to change that address? Hmm?"

"Hee hee, Uncle, you're so mischievous!" Murong Lianxue, who had been watching their conversation intently beside Yang Yi, suddenly laughed.

"Haha, Uncle isn't mischievous, Uncle isn't mischievous!" Xia Tian roared with laughter.

Yang Yi caught the cue and said, "Then your future son-in-law toasts his father-in-law!"

"Good, good, good!"

"What are you two chatting about? You seem so happy!" Mother Xia emerged from the kitchen holding a dish, adding, "Xiao Yi, it seems you need to visit more often. Your uncle hasn't been this happy even when his own daughter comes home, but you arrive and he's ecstatic!"

"Haha, naturally. Xiao Yi and I are both men; men chatting have common ground, of course, we're happy," Xia Tian replied.

"Uh!"

Hearing that, Yang Yi felt impending doom, as saying such things in front of his woman was clearly asking for trouble. Mother Xia didn't say another word; she simply snatched the cup from Xia Tian's hand, along with the wine.

"Wife, what is this about?"

"Hmph, no drinking for you today."

Seeing Mother Xia take the wine away, Yang Yi felt an urge to clutch his stomach and laugh, while Murong Lianxue was already laughing unrestrainedly. The meal that followed was exceptionally joyful. Since it was midday and the wine had been confiscated by Mother Xia, they didn't drink anymore.

"Boss, thank you!" Xia Yu quickly expressed his gratitude after escorting Yang Yi and the others out.

"What are you thanking me for?" Yang Yi shot a look at the momentarily stunned Xia Yu and said, "From now on, you'll stay by my side. If you want to dive into the underworld, you must first study under me for a few years. When I'm pleased with your performance one year, I will naturally use you well!"

"Ah, really?" Xia Yu asked, his face flushing with excitement.

"Yes. However, your studies cannot stop. If you want to become an outstanding talent, you must re-cultivate yourself. Otherwise, forget it!"

"Yes, Boss."

"Boss?" Yang Yi frowned and muttered.

"Uh, I mean, 'Yes, Dragon Lord!'" Xia Tian said with a broad smile as he watched Yang Yi and the others depart before turning back.

"Young Master, the plane is scheduled for three o'clock," Feng Shi informed Yang Yi.

Yang Yi looked out the car window and replied, "Mm, have someone pick them up later. Also, have Long Yi brief me on the situation in America tonight!"

"Yes!"