Deep took a long breath, forcing himself to calm down. The moment he steadied his emotions, he immediately sent a message to Tu?n and Ti?n, asking for an urgent meeting.

  Inside the hospital room, Tu?n was sitting beside My when his phone vibrated. He checked the message, then gently said to Mr. Quy:

  – “I need to step out for a bit, sir. Do you want anything to eat? I can buy it on the way.”

  Mr. Quy shook his head.

  – “Go get something for yourself. I’m not hungry yet.”

  Tu?n bowed politely and left the room, heading quickly toward the hospital courtyard.

  ---

  Deep was sitting on a stone bench, looking pale and lost. As soon as Tu?n arrived, before he could say anything, Ti?n hurried over as well — still holding several baguettes.

  – “I was buying food for you two,” Ti?n said, slightly out of breath. “What’s with the emergency call, Deep?”

  Deep glanced around. Only a few nurses walked by — no one suspicious. He pulled both friends down to sit beside him, lowering his voice to a near whisper.

  – “I had my assistant investigate Mr. Nhan and Trang…”

  Then he explained everything Tan had reported.

  Both Tu?n and Ti?n stared at him in shock.

  Tu?n frowned.

  – “Mr. Nhan said someone left the baby at the gate. So… the one who left her there was actually him?”

  Ti?n’s face turned visibly pale.

  – “Then why didn’t he just raise her himself in the first place? Why hand her over to D?ng’s sister and her husband?”

  Tu?n responded immediately:

  – “Maybe back then he didn’t have the financial ability to raise Trang, so he searched for a well-off family to take care of her.”

  But Ti?n still looked uneasy.

  – “Are you sure the neighbors really identified him correctly?”

  Deep nodded firmly.

  – “My assistant is a licensed attorney. His investigation skills are solid — he’s not the type to make mistakes. He even showed them the photo directly.”

  Ti?n swallowed nervously and nodded.

  – “Then… it’s real.”

  But then he suddenly froze. His face drained of color as if he had just pieced together a horrifying puzzle.

  Tu?n nudged him.

  – “Ti?n? What’s wrong? Why did you just freeze like that?”

  Ti?n looked at both of them, his eyes filled with fear and disbelief.

  – “Don’t you think it’s strange? The neighbors recognized Mr. Nhan from the photo Deep gave them… In that photo, he looks around seventy. But they saw that exact same appearance thirty years ago — back when Miss Trang was just an infant.”

  Everything went silent.

  Both Tu?n and Deep widened their eyes, finally realizing the detail they had overlooked.

  Deep whispered, stunned:

  – “If that’s true… then he should be over a hundred years old by now. But he moves, walks, talks — all perfectly healthy. We saw him with our own eyes. Even Charles did.”

  Tu?n suddenly remembered something.

  – “And he had a friend with him — Mr. Phúc. Send his picture to your assistant too. Have him run a check.”

  Deep hurriedly opened his photo gallery.

  – “I took both pictures from the dash cam. Luckily, I saved them.”

  He selected the clearest photos and immediately sent them to Tan, along with a message marked urgent.

  Inside the Serpent Clan headquarters, the solemn, majestic atmosphere was shattered by the never-ending bickering between Erion and Trúc Di?n.

  Trúc Di?n raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

  – “This headquarters is merely a resting place for me and the Serpent Clan. If my royal brother-in-law ever visits Azure Water Metal Planet, he’ll understand better.”

  Erion tilted his chin slightly, his gaze sharp as a thin blade.

  – “Then it seems you’ve never been to the Shadow Planet.”

  Their eyes clashed again like sparks on steel.

  But suddenly, both men sensed something strange — the entire hall had gone unnervingly silent. No voices, no footsteps, no echoes. Nothing.

  Trúc Di?n frowned.

  – “Why don’t I hear anyone anymore?”

  Old Wu stepped forward from behind them, bowing respectfully while covering his mouth to suppress laughter.

  – “Because Your Highness and the Grand General kept debating nonstop… everyone finished eating and went out for a walk.”

  Erion shot to his feet instantly, grabbing his coat as if sprinting against time.

  – “Where did they go!?”

  Old Wu cheerfully replied:

  – “To B?n Thành Market, Grand General.”

  Before he could finish the sentence, both royal sons-in-law bolted toward the gate like two arrows fired at full force — leaving Old Wu and the Serpent Clan soldiers laughing so hard they nearly collapsed.

  ---

  Meanwhile, at C?u D?ng’s house, the atmosphere was lively in a completely different way.

  C?u D?ng clasped his hands together and stood up proudly.

  – “Alright, everyone! We’re heading to B?n Thành Market. Tonight we’ll go out for dinner. Since my youngest daughter has returned to Vietnam, I’ll treat everyone.”

  Then he turned to Huy’s family, his voice warm and sincere.

  – “Brother and sister, come along with us. I know a very reputable jewelry shop — perfect timing to buy the wedding rings for the kids.”

  Mr. Tín nodded with a smile.

  – “That’s a great idea. We should prepare early.”

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  And so the entire group — cheerful, bustling, yet carrying many hidden secrets — set off together toward B?n Thành Market.

  ---

  At the same time, in the Bình Chánh headquarters, the atmosphere was far more rigid and serious.

  A secret operative entered and bowed deeply.

  – “My lord, the man named Deep has begun investigating old man Nhan. As you instructed, we sent undercover agents disguised as longtime neighbors of the couple Qu?c and H?nh… and they performed flawlessly.”

  Satan, the Demon King, sat upon his ironwood throne, nodding in satisfaction.

  – “Well done. It is time for the truth to surface… for the heat of karmic light to burn away the sins accumulated over the decades.”

  The elderly Grand Madam Advisor pressed her palms together and spoke slowly:

  – “I’m certain they were shocked to learn that old man Nhan is a character created by you, my lord. As for Princess Trang’s true identity…”

  Satan burst into laughter — deep, thunderous, echoing like distant storms.

  – “Even my daughter’s tomboy appearance was crafted by me. But the adoption documents signed by Qu?c and H?nh? Those are entirely legal. And I am the one holding the original file.”

  He leaned back slightly, tiger-amber eyes glowing with calculated intent.

  – “That file will force D?ng’s family to return every asset that rightfully belongs to my daughter — the legal heir.”

  Master V?nh bowed his head in admiration.

  – “Your foresight is unmatched, my lord… worthy of the greatest strategist in the universe.”

  The late afternoon sun bathed B?n Thành Market in a warm golden glow. Around three o’clock, sunlight slanted across the red-tiled roofs, illuminating the vibrant stalls below. The scent of fresh fruit, new fabric, and the lively echo of vendors blended into the signature rhythm of Saigon.

  Outside the market gate, the group strolled along while chatting happily.

  ??i Ng?c suddenly gasped softly and pointed toward a shop selling conical hats.

  – “Look! They even have hand-painted ones… so pretty!”

  Chen straightened up instantly, his voice earnest, as if afraid to miss the chance.

  – “If Miss ??i Ng?c likes them, I’ll buy one for you. That hat painted with the lotus flowers looks beautiful. Do you like it?”

  Din cleared his throat dramatically, teasing him.

  – “Well, well… Chen is romantic today. Usually he’s so shy.”

  Yin narrowed his eyes playfully.

  – “If he’s not romantic, how’s he supposed to win Miss ??i Ng?c’s heart?”

  Chen’s face turned so red that even the tips of his ears flushed.

  – “My Lords, please… you’re making me embarrassed.”

  Trang giggled softly.

  – “They’ve teased you until your face is red like someone who drank too much wine.”

  H?u K? laughed loudly, patting L?p Thành on the shoulder.

  – “Chen needs to toughen up if he wants to be a son-in-law of the Serpent Clan.”

  Meanwhile, Arian and H?ng Nhung were leisurely enjoying shaved ice. Arian let out a glance, sounding half-annoyed, half-amused.

  – “And those two royal sons-in-law of the Satan lineage? They’re hopeless. It’s like they have some ancient blood feud.”

  Lita, eating strawberry shaved ice, added:

  – “If those two lived in the same house, the Bình Chánh headquarters would be chaotic every single day.”

  Arian waved dismissively.

  – “Please, if that nightmare ever happens, I’m moving back to the Shadow Planet for peace.”

  Nh? Phu glanced around.

  – “Speaking of them… where are they? Did they even manage to keep up?”

  Arian smirked confidently.

  – “Don’t worry about them. The Serpent King and a millennium-old Demon won’t get kidnapped by anyone.”

  H?ng Nhung lifted a spoonful of mango shaved ice to her lips, eyes sparkling.

  – “Let’s check out the áo Dài fabrics later. I saw some really beautiful designs.”

  Din declared boldly:

  – “If the ladies want áo dài, I’ll buy one for each of you!”

  L?p Thành chimed in proudly:

  – “Then I’ll cover the tailoring cost. I know a master craftsman who makes exquisite áo Dài.”

  The little demon kids chattered excitedly, each holding an oversized cup of Coca slush.

  – “Where did those two go, anyway?!”

  Meanwhile, a Bentley sped down Hàm Nghi Street. Erion gripped the steering wheel tightly, while Trúc Di?n kept glancing anxiously out the window.

  – “I don’t know if they’ve arrived yet… and it’s all your fault, brother-in-law.” Trúc Di?n grumbled.

  Erion shot him a sideways look, smirking with challenge.

  – “Oh really? And not because a certain inconsiderate little brother-in-law started it?”

  At Mr. D?ng’s group, everyone was standing in front of B?n Thành Market. The late afternoon sunlight bathed the iconic clock tower in golden warmth, creating the lively, bustling atmosphere unique to Saigon.

  Join lifted his camera and snapped nonstop, capturing every angle of the market.

  – “B?n Thành Market represents Saigon. Not only is it a busy commercial center, but it’s also a vibrant cultural symbol.”

  Mary held up her phone, recording as she walked.

  – “The architecture is so unique — especially the clock tower at the South Gate. It’s instantly recognizable and one of Saigon’s most iconic images.”

  Mr. Tài nodded in agreement, his warm voice carrying a hint of pride.

  – “The name ‘B?n Thành’ is tied to the formation of Gia ??nh Citadel and the river wharf beside it. It reflects Saigon’s long-standing connection with its urban heritage.”

  C?u D?ng stepped forward and clapped his hands.

  – “Alright, let’s head inside and look at fabric.”

  ---

  Outside the market, Chen was still picking out a conical hat for ??i Ng?c. Just a few steps away, Arian held up a conical hat painted with a Vietnamese countryside scene and gently placed it above H?ng Nhung’s head.

  – “You look adorable with this. Let me buy it for you.”

  H?ng Nhung beamed, lightly holding the brim with both hands.

  – “I love it. I’ll take this one.”

  Trang put her hands on her hips, scanning the area like she was hunting down two fugitives.

  – “Where did those two go? Don’t tell me they got lost.”

  Lita crossed her arms, visibly irritated.

  – “Seriously… don’t tell me we’re about to create a thunderstorm on such a beautiful day…”

  Right at that moment — despite the blazing, cloudless sky — a loud clap of thunder exploded overhead, startling everyone.

  Arian reacted instantly, pulling his sister closer.

  – “Just pick whatever hats you like. I’ll buy all of them. As for those two… let them deal with themselves.”

  ---

  Inside the market, the vendors, tourists, and C?u D?ng’s group all looked up at the same time after hearing the strange thunder.

  – “Is it going to rain? Why was that thunder so loud?”

  Anh Ph??ng glanced up toward the market ceiling.

  – “It’s sunny. How can there be thunder?”

  Huy checked the weather forecast on his phone.

  – “The whole week is supposed to be hot and sunny… where is that thunder coming from?”

  C?u D?ng exhaled and waved them off.

  – “Forecasts can be wrong sometimes. Anyway, pick your fabrics so we can go buy the wedding rings.”

  ---

  Meanwhile, Trúc Di?n and Erion had just parked at their usual hotel and immediately started sprinting toward the conical-hat stall.

  While running, Erion suddenly stopped, staring at the sky — still glowing in bright afternoon sunlight, yet booming with unnatural thunder.

  – “Thunder. My brother-in-law… prepare yourself.”

  Trúc Di?n was even more anxious.

  – “Hurry! Otherwise your brother-in-law will share the same fate as us!”

  ---

  On a nearby street corner, the little demons were sipping frozen Coca-Cola, wide-eyed as they watched the flow of motorbikes and cars rushing past. Suddenly one of them pointed and yelled:

  – “There they are!”

  Another raced forward, waving energetically.

  – “We’re here, General!”

  Din finally exhaled, both amused and helpless.

  – “About time…”

  Erion and Trúc Di?n rushed over, both panting hard. Sweat lightly glistened on their foreheads, yet they still tried to compose themselves.

  Erion stepped beside Trang, his voice full of remorse:

  – “Tell me what you want, I’ll buy anything for you. Please don’t be mad at me anymore, okay?”

  Trúc Di?n moved toward Lita, his eyes softening:

  – “Don’t be upset. There are lots of beautiful things in the market. Let me take you inside.”

  Arian crossed his arms, sighing helplessly at his two royal brothers-in-law:

  – “You two better fix this yourselves. Those girls have steel hearts — offend them and you’ll suffer.”

  Nh? Phu smiled and chimed in:

  – “Let’s pay for the conical hats and head inside. We still need to visit Yin’s place tonight.”

  The group began moving toward the entrance of the market. Trang and Lita walked ahead at a quick pace, as if determined to leave their princely husbands behind. The two men hurried after them, pleading nonstop.

  Din shot a warning glance at Chen, half-joking, half-serious:

  – “See that? Never anger Miss ??i Ng?c.”

  Chen lowered his head and sighed:

  – “I know, boss… it’s tough.”

  The Saigon afternoon was glowing under soft sunlight, lively and bustling.

  The little demons looked up at the clock tower at the South Gate, their eyes sparkling like they had discovered a treasure:

  – “Master, this B?n Thành Market has a long history, right?”

  Din nodded and began explaining patiently:

  – “Yes. It began in the 17th century with a small riverside market near the B?n Nghé River, right next to Gia ??nh Citadel. There was a river pier there called ‘B?n Thành’.”

  H?u K? continued immediately:

  – “The early structures were made of bricks, wood, and thatched roofs. It was already a very busy trading spot with goods arriving nonstop by boat.”

  L?p Thành added:

  – “By July 1911, the old market had severely deteriorated. The foundation and wooden frame were rotting and at risk of collapse. To prevent accidents, the authorities demolished it and chose a wider location to build a new, larger market.”

  Yin supplemented the information, his tone steady like reading from a history text:

  – “In 1912, French colonial authorities began constructing a new market on the current site after filling in the B? R?t Pond. It was completed in 1914 and inaugurated under the name ‘Les Halles Centrales’.”

  Arian held H?ng Nhung’s hand as he observed the crowded market, his gaze sweeping across the people before resting on the classic architecture:

  – “But the locals kept calling it B?n Thành Market. The original architecture has been preserved until today, even after several renovations — especially the major one in 1985.”

  Up ahead, Erion was holding Trang’s hand, walking while looking up at the market fa?ade — his expression carrying a hint of nostalgia from a French royal demon who had witnessed human history firsthand:

  – “Construction began in 1912 by the French contractor Brossard et Maupin and finished two years later, in 1914.”

  Trang listened quietly, her eyes softening as old memories washed over her:

  – “Back then, on sunny afternoons like this, I used to ride my little Cub 50 around the market. I always looked up at the clock tower.”

  Erion squeezed her hand gently:

  – “1985 was the biggest renovation, but the exterior and the clock tower remained the same.”

  Trúc Di?n nodded in agreement, tightening his arm around Lita:

  – “B?n Thành Market isn’t just a major commercial center — it’s a historical symbol of Ho Chi Minh City.”

  At that moment, Din’s voice echoed from behind, strong and energetic:

  – “Let’s go inside…”