"And this hairpin is truly exquisite. Whether it’s the carving, the shape, or the color, anyone can tell at a glance that it’s a masterpiece."
Many of the ladies present cast envious looks; they wished such a beautiful piece of jewelry were being gifted to them.
Tian Long frowned slightly. As an expert in jewelry, he saw at a glance that the item was extraordinary, but he couldn't very well praise his opponent's gift right in front of Qin Wei.
"What is this piece of junk? You actually have the nerve to bring it out? Everyone here is a person of status; you’d better pack it away before you embarrass yourself further."
Liu Fugui’s expression turned cold as he spoke calmly.
"This hairpin is called the 'Nine Phoenixes Circling the Pearl.' It is the very same one that Empress Ma of the Ming Dynasty wore in her hair."
"The rarity of this piece lies in the fact that it has never been buried. Many ancient artifacts were funerary objects or were interred underground, and even if they are excavated, they inevitably retain a somewhat eerie aura."
"Ever since Empress Ma passed away, this hairpin has been circulating among commoners and passing through the hands of various collectors. I finally managed to purchase it this year."
"It couldn't be more appropriate as a gift for Mr. Lin's girlfriend!"
Hearing Liu Fugui’s explanation, Lin Chudong suddenly spoke.
"Master Tian, earlier you said the jade earrings you gifted were made from the scraps of what hairpin, was it?"
***
The next day, the corporate war continued. Just as Jing Lihua had analyzed the previous night, Wei Fengling had returned with massive amounts of capital. Shortly after the market opened, he poured significant funds into the stock market, continuously suppressing the stock price of the Sang Group with an unrelenting, "do-or-die" momentum.
Almost simultaneously, after a full day of fermentation, wave after wave of negative news about the Sang Group flooded the internet, as if the company were teetering on the brink of collapse. This left many retail investors panicked, and even many major shareholders began calling Sang Yuhai in succession to ask what was happening.
Within a short time of the opening bell, the Sang Group’s stock price went into a freefall, dragging down the stock prices of affiliated companies and triggering a new wave of panic in the market.
Naturally, Sang Yuhai would not sit idly by while his group’s stock was being battered. He immediately injected another 1 billion Chinese yuan into the market, which barely managed to curb the downward momentum, and he also hired internet trolls to spread rumors and spin the narrative in his favor online.
For a time, the two sides and many confused bystanders engaged in an intense war of words online!
However, despite all of Sang Yuhai’s efforts, Wei Fengling had the backing of an extra 4.5 billion Chinese yuan from Chen Feiyu and was showing no mercy in his spending. In less than an hour, the Sang Group’s stock price began its slow, steady decline once again.
It is fair to say that the current situation was extremely disadvantageous for the Sang family. If things continued at this rate, it was only a matter of time before the Sang Group’s share price was cut in half.
Facing such a dangerous predicament, Sang Yuhai—who had spent over a decade navigating the business world with a ruthless heart—was not about to just stick to a corporate war. He understood that although Wei Fengling had initiated the attack, the true core figure behind it was Chen Feiyu!
After all, if Wei Fengling were eliminated, someone else could replace him to continue the economic war against the Sang family. But if Chen Feiyu died, the Wei family would inevitably fall into chaos, leading to their total collapse across the board!
Thus, following the alliance formed with Jing Lihua the night before, a decapitation strike against Chen Feiyu was already underway. Of course, besides targeting Chen Feiyu, if they could also manage to eliminate Wei Fengling in the process, the Sang family would easily win this corporate war!
Wei Fengling knew Sang Yuhai well. From the moment he decided to launch the economic war, he had anticipated that as the situation progressed, the Sang family might resort to assassination. To avoid the Sang family acting out of desperation, he had spent the night hiding in a secret location, remotely controlling the stock market via mobile phone and computer, surrounded by members of his security detail.
As for Wei Jiang, due to his poor health, he remained recuperating in a villa in the suburbs. Liu Tianfeng, Wei Yaxuan, and Xiao Xuefei had also gone to the suburban villa, as the late grandmaster Xiao Tianze was stationed there, which was enough to ensure their safety.
As for Chen Feiyu, the center of the hatred from both the Jing and Sang families, he headed swaggeringly toward the Sakura Leisure Club.
Since last night, the Sakura Leisure Club had been booked out by Yan Yuqing and Pei Linghui. Inside the sprawling club, besides the staff, there were only the two of them.
Upon unexpectedly learning of Chen Feiyu’s visit, Yan Yuqing was overjoyed. After receiving his call, she couldn't wait to walk out to the main entrance to welcome him inside.
It was the same private room as yesterday, with the door open, offering a direct view of the spectacular cherry blossoms in the courtyard.
It was nearing noon, and Yan Yuqing had the chef prepare a table of exquisite dishes and ordered a pot of Daughter Red wine to entertain Chen Feiyu.
"Feiyu, I never imagined you would come today. It really is a surprise and a joy for me," Yan Yuqing said. Since she hadn't known he was coming, she hadn't changed her clothes and was still wearing the same Hanfu from the day before, looking classically beautiful.
After speaking, her face flushed slightly, and she smiled. Her slender, delicate hands gripped the wine pot as she poured a cup for Chen Feiyu. It was unclear if it was the aroma of the wine or the natural fragrance of Yan Yuqing herself, but one felt tipsy before even taking a sip.
Pei Linghui rolled her eyes. Chen Feiyu had come, but did she really have to be so happy that she had to pour the wine for him herself?
"I, Chen Feiyu, always keep my word. Since I promised you I would come when I had the time, I couldn't break that promise," Chen Feiyu laughed, picking up the cup and taking a sip. It was truly excellent wine!
Pei Linghui covered her mouth and chuckled: "Feiyu really is a man of his word; Yan Yuqing admires you."
Pei Linghui felt a wave of irritation and retorted mockingly, "Tsk, the things that attract men most in this world are nothing more than money, power, and women. Our Miss Yan is so beautiful—she’s the goddess in the hearts of countless rich kids in Yuyun Province. How could Chen Feiyu, being a man, not be tempted? If you're lecherous, just admit it; there's no need to speak so grandly. What a silver-tongued devil."
Facing Pei Linghui’s sarcasm, Chen Feiyu let out a light laugh and said, "I don't deny it. The reason I came to the Sakura Leisure Club so quickly is indeed because you two are so beautiful. After all, being accompanied by two stunning beauties is inherently a soul-refreshing experience."
By saying "two people," Chen Feiyu naturally included Pei Linghui as well.
Pei Linghui had intended to mock Chen Feiyu, but instead, she found herself complimented for her beauty. She was momentarily stunned, then gave a light huff and turned her head away, though a curve of a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.
Yan Yuqing asked excitedly: "Does Feiyu really think I'm beautiful?"
Chen Feiyu nodded and smiled: "Like a painting, flawless as white jade."
A moving luster bloomed in Yan Yuqing's eyes. She raised her cup and smiled: "With a beauty before you, shouldn't we have a drink together?"
"Fine wine and a beautiful lady—it is only right," Chen Feiyu nodded with a smile and looked toward Pei Linghui as he raised his cup.
Pei Linghui deliberately turned her head away, pretending not to see, though in her heart, she was quite expectant.
Yan Yuqing found it amusing and reached out to pull Pei Linghui’s sleeve. "Linghui."
Pei Linghui took the opportunity to turn back, and while acting "reluctant," she raised her glass and said haughtily: "I'll say this in advance: I'm only drinking this toast for Yan Yuqing's sake."
"Alright, alright, I know," Yan Yuqing giggled behind her hand. She then stole a glance at Chen Feiyu, her face flushing slightly, and raised her glass: "At this moment, with flowers, wine, a beautiful lady, and a young hero—let us drink to this! I hope this beautiful moment can last forever, and I even more hope that we can stay together forever."
*Stay together forever?*
Chen Feiyu was slightly taken aback. This toast was perhaps a bit too intimate.
He instinctively looked at Yan Yuqing, but apart from her flushed face, she showed no other signs of unease.
Pei Linghui had complex feelings as well. Did drinking this glass mean she would be tied to Chen Feiyu forever?
She had already raised her glass; it was awkward to drink it, but also awkward not to.
Yan Yuqing, however, drank hers down generously. The wine was quite strong, and her already flushed face turned even redder, making her look as vibrant and alluring as a peach blossom.
After setting down her glass, she saw that Chen Feiyu and Pei Linghui were both holding theirs without drinking. She said with a touch of resentment: "What, do you not want to drink this cup with me?"
Pei Linghui gave a bitter laugh. Facing her best friend’s pitiful expression, her heart softened. *Forget it,* she thought. *At worst, I'll just keep getting tangled up with Chen Feiyu. Who's afraid of whom?*
Thinking this, she threw her head back and downed the drink. After setting down her glass, she glared fiercely at Chen Feiyu.
"Feiyu, now it’s just you," Yan Yuqing said, full of expectation, her eyes sparkling.
She had indeed been intentional with that intimate toast.
She had witnessed Chen Feiyu’s duel with Sun Changdong and had been captivated by the peerless brilliance he displayed. She had already developed a bit of a crush on him, and later, when he kissed her forcibly, she was both shy and angry. Soon after, Chen Feiyu had gifted her a whole garden of blooming cherry blossoms, which was not only magical but also deeply romantic, touching the softest part of her heart. Not to mention, he had helped her get rid of Jing Lihua’s harassment!
Combining all these factors, it was difficult for Yan Yuqing not to fall for Chen Feiyu!
That was why she had been so suggestive with her toast—as if by drinking it, Chen Feiyu would be bound to her forever.
Under Yan Yuqing’s expectant gaze and Pei Linghui’s complicated look, Chen Feiyu smiled calmly, raised his cup, and prepared to drink.
Yan Yuqing’s eyes gleamed, her heart pounding with nervousness.
Suddenly, Chen Feiyu frowned slightly. He heard footsteps coming from the front hall toward their courtyard. Judging by the sound, three of them had a light gait, clearly suggesting they were martial arts experts. He sighed inwardly, lowered his cup, and said: "It seems we won't be able to finish this drink just yet."
Yan Yuqing didn't know what was happening and assumed Chen Feiyu was unwilling to "stay together forever" with her. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of disappointment, her expression dulling.
Pei Linghui felt a sense of relief, but at the same time, she felt inexplicably disappointed. Then, she became angry and demanded: "Chen Feiyu, what is the meaning of this? Both Yan Yuqing and I drank, but you won't? Do you look down on us? Do you think we aren't worthy of drinking with you?"
Yan Yuqing sighed to herself, her expression becoming even more downcast.
Chen Feiyu was almost amused by Pei Linghui’s overreaction and said: "Uninvited guests have arrived. Let's set this drink aside for now; it won't be too late to finish it once we’ve seen them off."
Yan Yuqing was secretly happy. *So it wasn't that he was intentionally refusing to drink—that’s good, that’s good.*
Pei Linghui instinctively looked toward the door and frowned: "There's no one there. Even if you want to lie, you shouldn't use such a poor excuse... oh! There really is someone coming!"
Suddenly, as she spoke, four men appeared from the end of the corridor. The leader, looking triumphant and smug, was none other than Jing Lihua!
Yan Yuqing followed Pei Linghui’s gaze and saw Jing Lihua too. Her beautiful brows knitted together in anger. Jing Lihua hadn't kept his word and had appeared before her again! And if it weren't for his sudden appearance, Feiyu would have already finished that drink—it was all Jing Lihua's fault!
She felt even more loathing toward him.
The next moment, Jing Lihua walked into the room, head held high. Seeing Chen Feiyu surrounded by Yan Yuqing and Pei Linghui, his eyes flared with jealousy. He sneered: "Chen Feiyu, you’re on the verge of death, yet you still have the mind to be here flirting and having fun!"
Today, Jing Lihua had come for his revenge!
***
"How come I’ve never heard that I have a godson like you?"
Liu Fugui’s voice and the voice coming from Tian Long’s phone merged into one.
Everyone stared in shock, their eyes wide.
At this moment, Tian Long’s expression was hideous. He couldn't have imagined that the person sitting right in front of him was actually the wealthiest man, Liu Fugui!
"God... Mr. Liu! I’m sorry, I didn't know it was you!"
Liu Fugui said coldly.
"You are Tian Shaohua’s son, right? Go back and tell your father that there is no need for him to seek me out for business matters in the future."
"Your character speaks volumes about your father’s as well. From now on, Tian’s Jewelry is on my blacklist."
Tian Long slumped into his chair, his face pale, beads of cold sweat rolling down his forehead.
The expressions of those present turned fascinating.
It went without saying that the gift Tian Long had brought must have been fake.
Would a billionaire gift someone a fake item?
This kid Tian Long was truly laughable; he wanted to woo a girl, yet he brought a fake gift, counting on his family being in the jewelry business to assume no one would notice.
If the billionaire hadn't shown up today, they really would have been fooled by him.
Qin Zhenghao’s face was also quite dark. He hadn't expected Tian Long to be such a person—full of lies and actually trying to scam him with a fake gift.
"Tian, you aren't welcome here. Please leave!"
Tian Long felt like he was sitting on needles and pins and scurried out of the venue with his tail between his legs.
Once everyone realized Liu Fugui’s identity, they became very reserved. The atmosphere turned awkward, and no one dared to speak loudly.
Lin Chudong chatted with him for a few moments, then let him go. Otherwise, with such a prominent figure as Liu Fugui present, it would be easy to overshadow the main event.
The wedding began, and Qin Wei’s older sister and brother-in-law were the first to come over for a toast. Seeing that Tian Long was not there, the sister, Qin Xue, frowned.
"Where is Master Tian?"
Qin Zhenghao briefly explained what had just happened.
Qin Xue’s face sank instantly.
"What are you all doing? Master Tian is my friend."
"My husband’s job at the research institute was introduced by him. Now that you’ve driven Master Tian away, how is my husband supposed to keep his job?"
As she spoke, Qin Xue shot a glance at Lin Chudong.
On such a joyous day, she hadn't wanted to lose her temper, but this "boyfriend" Qin Wei had brought over had offended her most important guest.
A place like the research institute wasn't somewhere you could just walk into because you had money. Qin Xue’s husband was highly educated and a brilliant scholar; he couldn't do anything other than research.
If he couldn't get into the institute, his future would be ruined!
Qin Wei stood up and said: "Big sister, please don't be angry. Lin Chudong didn't do it on purpose."
Qin Xue gave a cold snort: "Alright, don't speak for him."
"Things are already like this, what else can I do? I'll have to go apologize to Master Tian myself later!"
Lin Chudong stood up as well and said: "No need to look for him. You’re talking about the Provincial Research Institute, right?"
Qin Xue crossed her arms, looking dissatisfied, and said sarcastically:
"That’s right. That’s a position at the Provincial Research Institute, something you couldn't get into no matter how many connections you used. If you can get my husband in, I’ll burn incense for you every day."
Lin Chudong frowned, looking a bit troubled.
"I really don't know anyone at the Provincial Research Institute."
"I wonder, how is the International Research Institute?"
Qin Wei’s brother-in-law’s expression changed, and he adjusted his glasses.
"Brother, you aren't joking, are you?"
"You know someone at the International Research Institute?"
Lin Chudong nodded: "I have an acquaintance there. Helping you arrange a job shouldn't be a problem; it’s just a phone call for me."
Qin Xue snorted: "Don't brag. It’s a happy day; I don't want to get angry."
"Weiwei, what kind of boyfriend have you found yourself?"
***
"The only person who can be a match for him is someone just as outstanding and equal to him."
Li Ge understood what she meant!
She just hadn't expected that such words would come from an assistant. "Assistant Lin’s work is truly meticulous, starting to care about your boss’s private life now? But Assistant Lin, I still have to remind you: aren't you overstepping your bounds a bit?"
Lin Shiyi hadn't expected Li Ge to be so direct. Since that was the case, she had nothing left to hide. "Miss Li, I am also considering things for Mr. Fu. After all, if you and Mr. Fu truly got together, the rumors outside would certainly be unpleasant. You might not care, Miss Li, but what about Mr. Fu? Do you think he doesn't care either?"
Just as she finished speaking, Fu Xiubei returned with the pastries.
He opened the car door and clearly sensed the tense atmosphere inside the cabin. He then looked at Li Ge with concern and asked: "What’s wrong?"
It had to be said that Lin Shiyi’s words did make Li Ge’s heart skip a beat.
Although her family had tried to encourage her to spend time with Fu Xiubei, they had neglected to consider Fu Xiubei’s own thoughts. The spark of hope that had been lit in her heart was instantly extinguished.
She shook her head at Fu Xiubei.
"Nothing. I was just chatting with Assistant Lin."
Lin Shiyi had originally expected Li Ge to report her to Fu Xiubei, but she didn't expect Li Ge to say nothing at all, which surprised her. "Mr. Fu, Miss Li and I get along very well. We can have more contact in the future."
Fu Xiubei asked Li Ge again: "Is that so?"
Li Ge masked her discomfort and hurriedly said: "What are you thinking? Let’s go back! Godmother is waiting for us!"
Fu Xiubei didn't give it a second thought and instructed Lin Shiyi to drive to Luhu No. 1.
The car pulled steadily into the villa’s courtyard, and Zhao Heng was already waiting at the door. Seeing Li Ge, she walked up to greet her with a smile: "My precious Ge, you’re finally here!"
Li Ge threw herself into Zhao Heng’s arms: "Godmother, I missed you so much!"
Zhao Heng’s doting on Li Ge was beyond measure: "I saw several pieces of jewelry while shopping the other day that would look perfect on you, so I bought them. Remember to take them home with you later."
"Wow! Thank you, Godmother!"
"You silly child, why are you being so formal with me?"
The two were very intimate, like a mother and daughter. Fu Xiubei, standing to the side, was completely ignored by Zhao Heng. He really wanted to ask: *Who is the actual biological child here?*
Seeing how close Li Ge was with Zhao Heng, Lin Shiyi couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise in her eyes.
Just a moment ago, she had been showing off her closeness to Zhao Heng in front of Li Ge, never expecting that her relationship was not even worth mentioning compared to Li Ge’s.