Chapter 109: The Show Begins

Seated in the office of Tiandu Chamber of Commerce, Ye Tiancheng looked exceptionally triumphant as he decisively ordered preparations for a birthday gift.

With the Su family hosting their grand birthday banquet this time, he was determined to stir up trouble, to humiliate Ye Tianlin utterly and publicly, leaving him utterly disgraced in front of everyone!

Over the years, coexisting within the Ye family clan, Ye Tiancheng had long harbored deep resentment toward Ye Tianlin, wishing nothing less than his complete downfall.

He had thought that after Ye Tianlin’s five-year disappearance, he would finally rise to prominence. Yet the matriarch remained stubborn. Despite support from the three senior elders led by Lord Ye, she refused to yield for a full five years, firmly convinced that Ye Tianlin was still alive!

When news of Ye Tianlin’s reappearance spread throughout the Ye family, it dealt Ye Tiancheng a significant blow. He cursed and scorned Ye Tianlin in secret, wondering why he hadn’t died thoroughly and completely!

Fortunately, the situation took a turn. That fool Ye Tianlin, for the sake of a mere Su Rulan, was willing to sacrifice a brilliant future and openly defy the matriarch, committing acts of blatant insubordination that incited widespread anger.

All in all, this sequence of events handed Ye Tiancheng an unexpected windfall.

Thinking of this, Ye Tiancheng couldn't help but burst into loud laughter. “Ye Tianlin, you probably never dreamed it, did you? In the end, it’s me who sits in your place—and openly at that, with no reason even from the matriarch to oppose me!”

“If anyone’s to blame, it’s yourself for being too foolish. You could have kept me under your thumb forever, but instead I turned the tables right where I stood, taking everything that should have been yours!”

“What amuses me most is that during the impeachment meeting, you actually dared to spout nonsense and lies, clinging to your pride as if your life depended on it. With this grand birthday party hosted by the Su family, watch as I trample you beneath my feet, so you’ll never lift your head again!”

At that moment, a report came from outside—the arrival of Hong Jianian!

Upon learning the details, Ye Tiancheng quickly rose and personally went out to greet him, gripping Hong Jianian’s hand firmly at their first meeting.

With a gleam in his eyes, Ye Tiancheng exclaimed, “Young Master Hong, I’ve finally met you. The Ye family clan has entrusted me with full responsibility for our cooperation. If there’s anything, feel free to discuss it with me!”

Hong Jianian’s eyes flickered subtly, and he smiled in response. “Congratulations, Brother Tiancheng, on ascending as the young master. The future of the Ye family now rests in your hands!”

“You flatter me too much. Come in and have a seat!” Ye Tiancheng feigned modesty, though his heart was bursting with joy.

In terms of strength, the overseas Hong family and the Ye family clan were on equal footing, and naturally, Young Master Hong was Ye Tiancheng’s peer.

Had this been in the past, he would never have enjoyed such equality—he would have been forced to keep his head bowed in Hong Jianian’s presence. Now, everything was different; he was brimming with confidence.

Soon, Hong Jianian was seated on the genuine leather sofa in the office.

After some polite small talk, Ye Tiancheng got straight to the point with a smile: “Regarding this cooperation, the Ye family is fully prepared and ready to proceed at any time. I wonder if Young Master Hong has the contract ready?”

Without hesitation, Hong Jianian took out the prepared contract and placed it directly on the table, gesturing, “The contract was just finished. It contains numerous clauses—please have a look.”

Ye Tiancheng’s face lit up instantly as he quickly picked up the contract to examine it.

It must be said, for such a massive cooperation project, the terms were indeed extensive and complex, with figures so large they could dizzy an ordinary person.

Yet given the gravity of the matter, Ye Tiancheng dared not relax even slightly. He spent over half an hour meticulously reviewing every clause, weighing the pros and cons of each word.

Finally, he set the contract down slowly, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. “There are no issues with the contract. I will represent the Ye family to sign it here and now. I hope this cooperation will be smooth and that our relationship will endure!”

Without hesitation, Ye Tiancheng signed and sealed the document, then flipped it over and pushed it back to Hong Jianian, smiling warmly and inviting him to sign as well.

However, Hong Jianian showed no intention to sign. Instead, he folded the contract away, shook Ye Tiancheng’s hand, and said, “Sorry, I’m only responsible for handling the matters—I don’t have the authority to sign. It still needs to be submitted to higher-ups.”

Ye Tiancheng was momentarily stunned, then asked in surprise, “With your status, you still can’t sign on behalf of the overseas Hong family?”

Hong Jianian nodded openly. “I’m not qualified. This cooperation isn’t something the overseas Hong family can decide on their own—it requires approval from above.”

“The overseas Hong family’s ‘above’… you mean your father, don’t you?” Ye Tiancheng exclaimed in disbelief.

Hong Jianian smiled enigmatically. “The overseas Hong family became a subordinate branch long ago—a so-called servant family. So for matters this significant, the approval must come from our superiors personally.”

Ye Tiancheng drew in a sharp breath, his expression instantly transforming.

The overseas Hong family’s strength was well known, yet they were merely a subordinate family?

Then, what kind of power lay behind them—the so-called superiors?

“Young Master Hong, you’re sure you’re not joking?” Ye Tiancheng swallowed hard and forced himself to maintain composure.

Hong Jianian’s smile vanished, replaced by a stern expression. “I’m not joking. This is absolutely true. Regarding this cooperation, please inform the Ye family to prepare thoroughly. Tomorrow night, we will meet personally with our superiors for the final signing.”