"Miss Long," Liang Zhu fawned, addressing Third Miss Long on stage, "in Yan City's pharmaceutical sector, Liangshi Pharmaceuticals reigns supreme. This partnership should naturally..."
Below the stage, Murong Qingcheng watched the scene with a sigh of disappointment. "If the Long family partners with the Liang family to target Murong Pharmaceuticals... we'll be finished."
Gu Ruohan frowned. "I contacted the Long family earlier, hoping to call in a favor," she admitted quietly. "But they insisted the partnership depends solely on capability." Her late arrival had been an attempt to negotiate—one that failed.
"This banquet is hosted by the Liang family, and they dominate Yan City's pharmaceutical industry," Murong Qingcheng said, her face grim. "If our pharmaceutical projects are targeted, the Murong family will face disaster."
"The Liang family's capabilities areimpressive..." Third Miss Long nodded thoughtfully, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as her gaze swept the room. "If no one else competes, then—"
Just as she was about to announce the partnership, a commanding voice cut through the hall.
"Liangshi Pharmaceuticals' operations aren't entirely clean! Murong Pharmaceuticals is the superior choice. Miss Long should reconsider!"
All eyes, including Third Miss Long's, snapped toward the source—Lin Chen.
"It's him?" Third Miss Long's murmured surprise was picked up by the microphone, amplifying the audience's shock. She offered a quick, apologetic smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, please excuse me briefly—something urgent requires my attention." Switching off her microphone, she strode purposefully down the stage and directly toward Murong Qingcheng's group.
Nearby businessmen perked up, hopeful she was approaching them. Some even extended hands as she neared. But she passed them without a glance, her eyes locked intently on Lin Chen.
Murong Qingcheng's eyes widened in disbelief. "Is she... coming to us?" She glanced at Gu Ruohan. "Surely it's because of you—your status as War God..."
"Benefactor!" Third Miss Long exclaimed, reaching Lin Chen and bowing deeply, her hand extended respectfully. "To think I'd find you here! I can finally repay the life debt my grandfather and I owe you!"
Murmurs erupted. She came for Lin Chen? How does an ex-convict know the Long family heiress?
Murong Qingcheng's mind raced. Announcing my marriage to Lin Chen this morning... and now this? If we secure this partnership...The implications were staggering—Murong Group could eclipse Liangshi Pharmaceuticals entirely. Liang Zhu, who had followed Miss Long down, paled.
"Miss Long!" he sputtered, desperation creeping into his voice. "You must be mistaken! This man is a criminal! How could he possibly be your benefactor?" He gestured wildly at Lin Chen. "The Lin family's fall is infamous across the nation! Aligning with them is dangerous!"
Third Miss Long studied Lin Chen carefully, then shook her head with certainty. "No mistake. He saved me. He saved my grandfather."
Recognition dawned in Lin Chen's eyes as he noted her distinctive earrings. "It's you," he acknowledged with a slight nod.
Third Miss Long—Long Mengyu—blinked, her gaze shifting between Murong Qingcheng and Gu Ruohan. She knew of the Lin family's plight, but never imagined her savior was their heir.
"Miss Murong," she said smoothly, her voice regaining its poise, "Murong Group is also in pharmaceuticals, correct? Would you be interested in partnering with Dragon Group?"
The question hung in the air, silencing the room. This overwhelming fortune... falling straight into Murong Group's lap?
Murong Qingcheng's heart soared. "Miss Long... you mean... partner with us?" But caution tempered her excitement. "However, because of the Lin family connection... there will be severe backlash. Competitors will crush us. Dragon Group could get dragged down too..."
Liang Zhu seized the opening. "Exactly, Miss Long!" he interjected urgently, almost reaching out impulsively before checking himself. "The forces that crushed the Lin family are formidable! Partner with us! Liangshi has the strength to deliver!" He couldn't let his own banquet become Murong's triumph. If Murong secured this deal, they'd dominate Yan City, and his hopes for Murong Qingcheng would vanish.
"Hmph!" Long Mengyu's eyes flashed with icy resolve. "Whoever dares move against my benefactor will answer to me and the Long family!" Her voice rang clear, carrying across the stunned crowd. "Mr. Lin is under the Long family's protection. To be his enemy is to be at war with us!"
She turned back to Murong Qingcheng, offering Gu Ruohan a respectful nod. "With the War God guarding the Lin family, what does Dragon Group have to fear?" Her smile returned, decisive and bright. "Miss Murong, if you agree, Murong Group becomes Dragon Group's exclusive partner in Jiang City. Our entire distribution network—all channels—will open fully to you."
It felt like manna from heaven. The envy radiating from the surrounding guests was palpable.
"Even in ruins, the Lin family's influence remains..."
"Lin Chen saving Miss Long... this could be their resurgence..."
"Murong Qingcheng's foresight is astounding. Her rivals must be panicking..."
"The Liang family hosted this banquet... only to set the stage for Murong's triumph!"
Long Mengyu's declaration had instantly reversed Murong Group's fortunes. Attitudes toward the Lin family shifted visibly.
Liang Zhu's face contorted with fury and disbelief. "Miss Long!" he choked out, voice thick with desperation. "We... we had an understanding! How can you—"
Long Mengyu cut him off, her gaze sharp and dismissive. "The Long family chooses its partners. We do not require your counsel."
Liang Zhu recoiled as if struck. "N-no, I wouldn't presume..." But thoughts of his family's wrath if he failed spurred one last attempt. "Miss Long! Please reconsider Liangshi! We have the resources! The capability! Lin Chen is garbage—a useless ex-con! Don't be deceived!"
Before Long Mengyu could respond, Lin Chen moved.
"You're the garbage!"