The Wrong One Is This World

The entire room was stunned!

Even those who knew nothing about painting could see the stark difference.

Wei Jingzhi scrutinized Xu Mu's painting, his eyes widening with each passing second. He staggered back a few steps, his aged eyes glistening with unshed tears.

He now knew Jiang Huihui's earlier claim—that the painting was stolen—had been a lie.

Because on the canvas, the palace atop the left mountain was none other than the Xuantian Sect.

And the robed elder with his back turned was none other than Wei Jingzhi himself.

What were the odds that Jiang Huihui had just "stolen" this exact painting?

Clearly, it had been a deliberate gift from her grandfather.

Yet Xu Mu's painting had transported him back in time.

That fateful battle had nearly wiped out the Xuantian Sect's elite, leaving the sect in ruins.

From a top-tier sect, it had plummeted into obscurity.

To ensure the sect's survival, Wei Jingzhi had joined the Longguo Environmental Department.

Now, gazing at Xu Mu's work, memories of his fallen comrades flooded his mind.

Fang Chu had initially planned to keep disparaging the painting—after all, such works were usually hard for laymen to appreciate.

But he wasn’t a fool. Seeing Wei Jingzhi’s reddened eyes, he knew the winner was clear.

[Destiny Power -10]

Fang Chu clenched his fists. This Xu Mu kept ruining his plans.

Had it not been for him, Fang Chu would’ve surely strengthened his ties with Wei Jingzhi.

With him out of the picture, Guo Xiao and her mother would’ve treated Fang Chu with nothing but respect.

Now, Xu Mu had stolen the spotlight entirely.

"This painting… is a masterpiece!"

Wei Jingzhi wiped his eyes with his sleeve, his gaze fixed on Xu Mu, his heart roiling with disbelief.

Had he not seen it with his own eyes, he’d never have believed such skill could come from someone so young.

Xu Shou was dumbfounded.

What was going on with his son?

Since when had he studied traditional painting?

He really was a failure of a father.

Mastering such skills required years of dedication, yet he’d never once noticed his son’s efforts.

[Affection +10]

Black text floated above Xu Ningbing’s head. She’d been so short-sighted, judging her brother superficially without ever truly understanding him.

Though reluctant to admit it, a thought surfaced in her mind:

The "good-for-nothing" brother she’d dismissed was actually far more talented than her.

[Affection +20]

Guo Xiao’s head also displayed an affection boost.

She’d never expected Xu Mu to be this impressive—nothing like the lazy playboy from the rumors.

Jiang Huihui chewed her gum aggressively, struggling to accept that her grandfather’s painting skills paled in comparison to this "wastrel’s."

But thinking back, aside from the disgusting videos on his phone, Xu Mu’s demeanor and speech didn’t match the rumors at all.

Had the intel been wrong?

"Hahaha! Well done, kid!"

Wei Jingzhi clapped Xu Mu’s shoulder heartily. "Who knew the Xu family had a hidden master of traditional painting? Xu Mu, could you gift this to me?"

[Affection +20]

Xu Mu eyed the old man warily as the affection points piled up. It felt… odd.

Whenever he did something that earned others’ approval, it meant his actions were seen as righteous—and he’d gain corresponding Justice Points.

Since acquiring the system, he’d seen men contribute a few affection points here and there.

But for Wei Jingzhi to drop 20 at once? Unprecedented.

…Was this old man into guys?

"Of course, it’s yours, Elder Wei."

Xu Mu forced a smile. "Actually, Jiang Huihui’s painting is top-tier too—it just focuses too much on technique and neglects the bigger picture."

"Now that you mention it, you’re right."

Wei Jingzhi nodded. "Ah, we’ve been so engrossed in the paintings, we forgot the banquet! Everyone, please take your seats."

With that, he carefully stored both paintings away—handling Xu Mu’s like a priceless treasure.

Jiang Huihui parked her e-bike and followed Wei Jingzhi into his study, hands stuffed in her pockets.

The moment she stepped in, the pungent scent of ink assaulted her.

The walls were covered in calligraphy and paintings, and shelves overflowed with scrolls.

"Old Wei, mind if I snap a photo? I wanna send it to my grandpa."

"Go ahead. Let him sweat a little—if he doesn’t step up, the younger generation will surpass him."

Wei Jingzhi chuckled as he unfurled the painting.

After taking the shot, Jiang Huihui added, "By the way, Jiu Zhi from the Death List is dead. You know about that?"

"Nope. That’s the Environmental Department’s job. I just clean up trash."

Wei Jingzhi’s eyes never left Xu Mu’s work.

"I suspect Lin Yang killed him. That name ring a bell?"

Jiang Huihui’s tone was flat.

At first, she’d suspected Xu Mu, but the more she thought about it, the less it made sense.

Lin Yang had the strongest motive—if he’d learned of Jiu Zhi’s betrayal, hunting him down would’ve been child’s play.

"Lin Yang? That prodigy kid, right?"

Wei Jingzhi glanced at her. "Whatever. Jiu Zhi was a Death List assassin. Good riddance."

"That’s not the point. The point is, Lin Yang summoned Jiu Zhi to kill Xu Mu."

Jiang Huihui summarized the events:

From Fengwei Foods stealing the Xu Group’s diet pills, to the scheme unraveling and Li Feipeng’s arrest.

Then Lin Yang’s tantrum—kidnapping two people to threaten Xu Mu.

"This actually happened?"

Wei Jingzhi frowned. In the past, he wouldn’t have cared about a wastrel like Xu Mu.

But now? With painting skills like his, losing him would be a tragedy.

And in this case, Xu Mu was the victim.

"Yep. If Lin Yang dares target Xu Mu again, I’ll arrest him. If he resists? I’ll kill him. Cleaners have that privilege."

Jiang Huihui blew a bubble.

Wei Jingzhi hesitated, then laughed. "With your grandpa covering for you, do whatever you want."

……

The banquet was modest—just seven tables. Each family had brought multiple members.

The Xu family, for instance, had three attendees.

Wei Jingzhi took a seat beside Xu Shou, who then pulled out a bottle from a plastic bag.

Gasps erupted from those who recognized it—a vintage so rare, only ten bottles existed worldwide. And Xu Shou had just cracked it open.

Xu Mu and Xu Ningbing sat together, eating in silence.

By nightfall, the guests had dispersed.

Before leaving, Guo Xiao approached Xu Mu, asking to exchange contacts.

Fang Chu, watching from afar, seethed—though this time, his Destiny Power remained intact.

Xu Mu didn’t refuse. Guo Xiao had contributed plenty of Justice Points today.

Once most had left, Xu Shou turned to Wei Jingzhi.

"Elder Wei, the Xu family wishes to re-enter Yang City."

Xu Ningbing frowned slightly beside them. Even now, she didn’t understand why the Xu family had specifically informed Wei Jingzhi about their business venture in Yang City.

"I’ve also seen the news about this weight-loss drug. It’s highly valuable and bound to encroach on others’ profits."

Wei Jingzhi glanced at the wine bottle, then turned his gaze to Xu Mu, chuckling. "See, this is why I shouldn’t accept gifts. Today alone, your Xu family has given me two."

"We just want to do business. We’ve done nothing wrong," Xu Shou said calmly.

"You’re not wrong. The world is."

Wei Jingzhi shook his head lightly. "From ancient times to now, the world has never changed. Go ahead if you wish. I’ll have someone keep an eye out for you."

"Thank you, Elder Wei."

Xu Shou finally let out a relieved sigh.

......

Under the moonlight, the three members of the Xu family walked along the riverbank, returning to the Xu family estate.

Xu Ningbing couldn’t hold back her confusion. "Dad, I don’t understand. What does our expansion into Yang City have to do with him?"

"If we were just a small enterprise, it wouldn’t matter. But this weight-loss drug is a massive success, and our family doesn’t need investors. We’re essentially snatching their profits right from their plates."

Xu Shou paused mid-step. "Yang City has hidden aristocratic families. Do you think they’ll just stand by and watch an outsider grow powerful on their turf?"

At the mention of hidden aristocratic families, both Xu Mu and Xu Ningbing’s expressions darkened.