C8 8 Dugu Family

As the words hung in the air, both Chen Qiang and Qin Yulian turned to look at Xiao Tian. Chen Qiang felt no affection for this son-in-law, but having an extra person working meant a bit more security in his life.

"Heh..." Qin Yulian scoffed, "You're a deserter with no skills and no degree. How do you plan to support us? By hauling bricks?" With that, she turned and headed into the kitchen.

Chen Qiang thought his wife had a point, and his face fell as he silently walked into the bedroom.

Chen Mengyao quickly pulled Xiao Tian into the room. Honestly, both she and Xiao Tian were victims of power struggles. Although she was touched by his earlier bravery, feelings can't be forced. Plus, he was over ten years older than her, and they just didn't seem like a good match.

What young girl doesn't dream of her prince charming?

"Uncle... I..." Chen Mengyao hesitated, worried her words might hurt Xiao Tian.

"Kiddo, what Mom said is true, and I'm not upset!" Xiao Tian smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll work hard to support the family."

What? That wasn't what she meant to say, but seeing Xiao Tian so determined, she couldn't bring herself to say anything else.

"By the way, be prepared; they'll come back asking for your help."

Hearing Xiao Tian's words, Mengyao was taken aback and asked, "Will Uncle really come back to ask for my help?"

Director Zhang's contract was all set; the details were ironed out, and it just needed a signature to be effective. Anyone could sign it, so why did it have to be her? Besides, Chen Yong and his son had extensive connections in Cloud City. Finding someone to make introductions wouldn't take long.

"Just wait and see," Xiao Tian replied confidently. As soon as he finished speaking, his phone vibrated. He frowned at the unknown number but answered it anyway.

At that moment, a silver Rolls-Royce with the license plate A88888 slowly pulled up in front of the rundown neighborhood. A middle-aged man in a black suit immediately stepped forward and respectfully opened the car door. If the elite of Cloud City saw this, they would be shocked, for this man was Gu Minghui, the wealthiest person in the city, yet here he was, opening the door for someone else.

An elderly man, full of energy, stepped out of the car. He wore a black suit and leaned on an intricately carved cane. Though he appeared frail, his posture was upright, exuding an aura of authority.

"Is the young master ready to come out?" the old man suddenly asked, his sharp eyes fixed on the muddy path.

Just then, a tall figure emerged from within. As soon as this figure appeared, the old man, to Gu Minghui's surprise, quickly approached, bowing his head respectfully. "Yang Cheng, steward of the Dugu family from Yanjing, here to escort the young master back to take charge of the family."

The moment he saw the old man, a surge of anger welled up inside him.

Xiao Tian glanced at Yang Cheng with disdain. "Isn't it ironic? Twelve years ago, I was cast out of the family and warned never to set foot in the capital again, all because I was an illegitimate child, unworthy of inheriting the Dugu family. And now, they want me to take charge of it?"

"Twelve years ago, I was left to fend for myself in Cloud City, nearly freezing to death in the bitter cold. Where were you then?"

"Go back and tell that person if they dare to provoke me again, I won't hesitate to make a trip to the capital myself."

These words had been buried in his heart for years. Nine years of military life had taught him to remain calm, but the long-suppressed memories now stirred such intense emotions that his eyes turned red.

Yang Cheng let out a long sigh and said, "Young Master, the eldest son made a grave mistake and has been sentenced to ten years. The Dugu family is struggling without a successor, and the old master is overwhelmed. He hopes you can return to help."

Xiao Tian laughed heartily. "Karma, it's all karma. They want me back? Tell him to forget it!"

As if anticipating Xiao Tian's response, Yang Cheng continued, "The Tianhong Group is planning to establish itself in Cloud City. It was built from scratch by your mother, named after both of you. Now that she's gone, the Tianhong Group rightfully belongs to you."

Xiao Tian let out a cold laugh and corrected, "It's not the Dugu family returning it to me. Tianhong Group originally belonged to my mother. It was heartlessly taken from us."

With that, Xiao Tian turned and walked away.

"The Dugu family truly owes you an apology!" Watching him leave, Yang Cheng's face was filled with sorrow. He then instructed Gu Minghui beside him, "Gu, from today onward, do everything you can to support the young master."

Hearing this, Gu Minghui replied respectfully, "Mr. Yang, without you, I wouldn't be where I am today. Rest assured, I will wholeheartedly assist the young master."

Yang Cheng suddenly added, "By the way, I heard the young master just got married a few days ago. In two days, it's the Chen family's matriarch's seventieth birthday. Represent the Dugu family and pay your respects."

"Understood!" Gu Minghui responded with utmost respect.

...

Meanwhile, Chen Yong and his son returned home.

Crash!

Chen Wenchao smashed a vase on the table in frustration.

"This is outrageous!" He had been slapped twice by a son-in-law, and if word got out, how could he show his face in Cloud City?

Chen Yong's expression was equally grim. He never expected Xiao Tian to dare hit someone right in front of him. Wasn't he supposed to be a coward? Then why did his eyes look so intimidating?

Even someone as experienced in business as he was felt a bit of fear looking at it.

Although he was a deserter, he was still a soldier, so having a bit of an intimidating presence was normal.

“Dad, what do we do now? Are we really going to beg that woman, Mengyao?”

“There’s more than one way to skin a cat.”

Chen Yong pulled out his phone and made a few calls.

“Mr. Huang, thank you so much. I’ll definitely show my gratitude once this is done.”

He found someone who knew Director Zhang to help make the connection.

The project details were nearly finalized, and signing the contract was just a formality. No matter how beautiful Mengyao was, beauty doesn’t put food on the table.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Huang has worked with Director Zhang’s company many times. It shouldn’t be a problem to ask for his help.”

Though it would cost them something, it was better than groveling to Mengyao’s family.

Hearing this, Chen Wenchao finally felt relieved.

“Dad, once the contract is signed, I want to make sure Mengyao and her family…”

“Wenchao, don’t go too far. If Grandma finds out, you’re done for.”

Chen Wenchao immediately calmed down. He was just thinking out loud. As much as Mengyao annoyed him, she was still family.

“Buzz buzz…”

As the father and son talked, Chen Yong’s phone vibrated. He picked it up and saw it was Mr. Huang calling back. The quick response suggested the issue was already resolved.

"Mr. Huang, how did it go? Did Director Zhang agree to sign...?"

"Yong, you jerk! You ticked off Director Zhang, and now you expect me to smooth things over? You've messed up my company's deal too!"

"You set me up on purpose, and I won't forget it. Watch your back."

On the other end, Mr. Huang yelled and then hung up abruptly.

Chen Yong was stunned.

What just happened? Even Mr. Huang couldn't fix things?

And now his company's project is in jeopardy too?

What on earth is Director Zhang thinking?

Chen Yong felt a headache coming on. What was he supposed to do now?

"Dad, are we really... really going to have to ask Mengyao for help?" Chen Wenchao stammered.