Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Tina felt that things were not as simple as they seemed. The notion of telekinesis and other such supernatural abilities, typically found only in novels, utterly astonished her. Yet, her shock did not last long; she believed the world was full of wonders and never viewed it through a narrow lens. "So, that's how it is. Quite interesting," she remarked.

As they spoke, their takeout arrived, and they ate while continuing their conversation. "I've heard that the hidden families are secretive clans. Why has the White family gone public with us? And the Lyon family, why were they expelled from the hidden families?" Tina asked while eating.

Chewing on a duck neck, Brandon replied, "A major reason the Lyon family was expelled was their restlessness. They were too greedy, attempting to monopolize the market using the rights and reputation of the hidden families, aiming to control the national economy. They even persecuted the White family, trying to seize their weapons authority. When we discovered this, we decided to expel them and cripple their unique skills to prevent further harm."

"As for why our family and the White family went public..." Brandon burped, "that's a long story. You might have heard about the incident where someone offended the hidden families and vanished overnight." Tina nodded, "I've heard about it. Did it have anything to do with the Brookes family or the White family?"

"Nothing at all. Our family is very amiable," Brandon took a sip of Coke. "The family that was annihilated was also a part of the hidden families, just on the fringe. They were the Solomon family."

Tina's fingers tightened suddenly. The Solomon family! The only person she knew from that family was Master Tam, whose real name was Feng Chi. She had never known that her master was also a member of the hidden families. "The Solomon family's unique skill was fortune-telling," Brandon gestured in the air.

Tina was now sure that Master Tam was the descendant of the now-extinct Solomon family, as her master's capabilities were clear only to her.

Brandon drank more Coke. "Though the Solomon family was marginal within the hidden families, they were highly respected. Your grandfather was one of those who respected them greatly. He was close friends with the youngest son of the Solomon family, but that was back when your grandfather was young."

Tina paused, then asked, "Why were the Solomon family pursued and annihilated by the other hidden families, while the Lyon family was just expelled?"

"I'm not entirely sure," Brandon admitted. "Even your grandfather doesn't know why they were hunted down overnight, vanishing without a trace. Some say it was divine retribution; others believe the Solomon family made a grave miscalculation leading to their disaster, but there are no definite conclusions."

"Since then, rifts have appeared among the hidden families. They are not enemies, but they are no longer as united as before." Brandon grabbed a duck foot and gnawed on it. "Our family was the first to go public after your grandfather became the family head." Tina was contemplative. She asked, "Why? Was it because of the Solomon family?"

Brandon thought for a moment. "Your grandfather never said, but I feel it was because of that incident. After the Solomon family disappeared without a trace, and nobody mentioned them, your grandfather, who values loyalty deeply, couldn't just let it go while others didn't understand."Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

"My grandfather didn't stop him either, and there are many rules among the hidden families. Your grandfather was naturally rebellious, and it was more convenient to be open about it," Brandon said, noticing Tina's somber expression. He couldn't help asking, "Tina, what are you thinking?"

Tina shook her head. "What's the difference between being open and not? Aren't we all just serving those above us, and still retaining the title of hidden families? Why, apart from the Brookes and White families, has everyone else chosen to stay hidden?"

Brandon chuckled, pondering for a moment before slowly saying, "Tina, do you know why gods in the heavens never descend to earth?"

Tina paused, but quickly grasped the meaning behind Brandon's words. To the world, the hidden families were as mysterious as gods in a temple, known only by name and never seen.

This instilled a sense of awe towards the term 'hidden families.' But if they were to be revealed, they would appear no different from ordinary people, which would inevitably lead to their assimilation by other major families, no longer placing them above the rest.

No matter how great their power or wealth, they would not enjoy the same treatment as the hidden families. Who doesn't like to be adored?

It seems that some members of the hidden families have come to see themselves as gods above all. Such long-standing privileges have made them feel superior, an untouchable presence.

No wonder they could easily obliterate an entire family. "When your grandfather made that decision, did he also face ostracism from other families?" Tina asked.

Brandon waved his hand. "Don't let your grandfather's kind appearance fool you. When he was young, he was quite fierce. My grandfather used to tell me that back then, when our family decided to go public, the others threatened, saying if our family went public, it would cost the Brookes family their privileges and so on. Your grandfather beat up several family heads one by one, challenging them to try and annihilate the Brookes family like they did the Solomon family, to see who could outlast whom."

Tina laughed, finally understanding where her uncle's temperament came from. "Grandpa really is formidable."

"Indeed, otherwise why would he always scold us for lacking spirit, saying we deserve a beating. Oh, don't remind me, the one who most resembles your grandfather's temperament is still Alina." Brandon thought of his sister, chuckling, "When your mom was a child, she was surrounded by kids from other hidden families and knocked down a whole group by herself."

"I thought we were rushing there to help, but it turned out we were there to break up the fight."

Remembering the past brought a gentle smile to Brandon's face. However, mentioning Alina also brought a sense of loss. Brandon fiercely squeezed the can in his hand. "The person who acted behind the scenes, I definitely won't let them off! I'll surely find out who kidnapped Alina!"

Tina hummed in agreement, inevitably asking, "Uncle Brandon, do you know who wouldn't want me to recognize my grandfather?"

"Who else but Rachel? And I've always suspected that Alina's disappearance and Angela's leaving home are definitely connected to her."