Leng Tianhao knew that bold claims often came from bold individuals.
This stranger hadn't shown his face yet, but his opening gambit was undeniably heavy. No one would dismiss someone claiming to have insider information worth billions without at least hearing them out. Even if Leng Tianhao suspected it was a scam, he needed to confirm it was nonsense to enjoy his dinner in peace.
Leng Tianhao chuckled. "That's quite a bold statement. Looks like we've got a high roller at our door today, eh, Chengwen? Shall we meet him?"
In his mind, Lu Chengwen grumbled: [Keep acting all high and mighty! You're strutting around like you own the place now, but once this big shot steps in and works his magic, you'll be handing over your daughter and your family's empire to him in one go.]
[Long Aotian's finally making his move! Exciting! Looks like the plot's getting back on track.]
[From today on, your daughter will be busy tending to his every need, and you'll be bowing at his feet. Once the Leng family meets him, it's practically done for. Long Aotian's rise to power in Beiguo starts with you.]
Leng Qingqiu glared at Lu Chengwen, her heart simmering with anger.
This jerk, thinking such nonsense!
How am I so low as to throw myself at some fired security guard?
My dad's a titan who's seen it all—what big shot or grand scene hasn't he faced? Some bodyguard's going to make him grovel and hand me over?
Leng Qingqiu's competitive spirit flared. Fine, let's see just how impressive this guy is to make you so wary.
While Lu Chengwen and Leng Qingqiu were lost in their own thoughts, Lu Chengwen said aloud, "Well, with a name like that, he's clearly no ordinary man. We should meet him. But since you're hosting an important guest, I'll take my leave. We can talk another time. Where's the back door?"
"Hey!" Leng Tianhao stopped him. "You're the honored guest! Who's this guy? Probably some con artist. Let's hear him out."
Inside, one scene was unfolding. Outside, another was brewing.
Long Aotian, now cleaned up and dressed in fresh clothes, stood at the entrance to the Leng family's villa complex.
Hua Xuening lingered in the shadows by the wall, bowing with clasped fists. "Young Master, everything's arranged."
"Good."
Long Aotian's brows furrowed.
A mere Jiang Shihan had the audacity to reject him and stick with Lu Chengwen. Hmph, ignorant women who haven't seen the world think clinging to a rich man is their ticket to success.
But she wasn't important. The real prizes were Leng Qingqiu, Xu Xuejiao, and Chen Mengyun.
Xu Xuejiao was proving tricky, Chen Mengyun needed more groundwork, but the Leng family was at a critical juncture. Their cash flow was strained—a perfect opportunity to infiltrate and establish his authority.
"Xuening, watch closely. This is the first step in this Young Master's conquest of Xuecheng. The Leng family will be mine."
"Xuening will take Young Master as an example, observing carefully to improve."
"Good."
Long Aotian nodded, satisfied.
This guard might be a bit dim, but few knew she was a once-in-a-generation genius, bearer of a unique inherited power. Given time, she'd become an unparalleled master. Through their long partnership, she'd witness his brilliance and magnanimity.
And her looks and figure? Top-tier.
Today, he'd show her why he was the Polk, why countless formidable warriors in the borderlands rallied around him and bowed to his command.
The gate opened, and a butler-like figure approached with a smile. "Mr. Long? My master invites you in."
In the living room, Leng Tianhao sat prominently on the main sofa, eyeing Long Aotian. "Mr. Long, is it? Please, have a seat."
"No need for formalities."
Long Aotian sat with ease, crossing his legs elegantly.
His appearance might be plain, his clothes ordinary, but as the male lead, his presence demanded respect—three parts dignity, three parts confidence, three parts dominance, and one part grace.
Leng Tianhao said, "You claim to have a business deal worth billions, young man? I've met countless big talkers, but I'm giving you a chance. You've got thirty seconds to share something worthwhile, or you're out."
"Hahaha!" Long Aotian laughed heartily. "Mr. Leng, you may not realize it, but your family is on the brink of collapse."
"Oh?" Leng Tianhao replied, unfazed. "Make it quick, Mr. Long. That kind of talk doesn't scare me."
Long Aotian thought: You're cocky now, but let's see how long that lasts. Wait till I drop this bombshell—you'll be shaking in your boots.
Long Aotian continued, "As I understand it, the Leng family's Qianfeng Group was on the verge of bankruptcy years ago. Thanks to the genius Leng Qingqiu stepping in with a masterful maneuver at a subsidiary, you avoided massive losses."
"From then on, you recognized her talent and handed her the reins of the group. She's achieved a lot—most would've failed, and Qianfeng would've collapsed. But with her drive and the support of the Lu family's lapdog, Qianfeng not only survived but clawed its way back to profitability."
Leng Tianhao flicked a crease on his trousers, his face impassive. "Tell me something I don't know. Your time's running out."
The chapter isn't over yet! Please turn to the next page for more exciting content!
"Very well," Long Aotian said. "You may not know this, but despite Leng Qingqiu's brilliance and talent, she's chafing under your tight control. Desperate to prove herself, she's poured over two billion in cash into a project—a project she needs to turn the Leng family's fortunes around. Unfortunately, her desperation has blinded her. The deal she's about to sign with Jiao Shiheng is a trap. He'll swindle every cent of that money and disappear. Losing two billion in cash at this critical moment will leave the Leng family with no chance of recovery."
Long Aotian finished, glancing at his watch smugly. "Exactly thirty seconds."
Shocked, aren't you? Scared out of your wits?
Without me, your family would be finished. Once that cash flow dries up, your massive group will collapse into chaos.
No one will step in to save you. Who has the resources or the guts?
No one.
It's like a bank—once word of bankruptcy spreads, it's over. Everyone will demand their money, and no one will lend a dime.
I'm the Leng family's savior!
Leng Tianhao stood, silent.
Long Aotian rose as well, smiling confidently.
Here it comes—he's going to grab my hand, cry tears of gratitude, beg me for a solution, and start looking at me with newfound respect. He'll bring Leng Qingqiu back to Qianfeng Group, and we'll revitalize it together.
But Leng Tianhao turned away and said, "See him out. Waste of time."
Long Aotian was stunned.
What's with this guy? Did I not explain clearly, or did he not understand?
Your family's about to lose billions, and you're not thanking me?
The butler approached. "Mr. Long, this way."
Long Aotian wasn't having it. "Mr. Leng, don't you believe me? If you look closely at Jiao Shiheng's project, you'll see the issues. There's a traitor in Qianfeng's auditing team fudging the numbers. If you ignore this, your family faces catastrophic collapse!"
At that moment, Lu Chengwen, under the pretense of a bathroom break, was making his escape.
He struggled to climb the wall, barely balancing.
In his mind, he cursed: [Long Aotian, you dog!]
[Why now, of all times? Go chase girls, not my future father-in-law!]
As he prepared to jump, he spotted a plain-clothed girl below.
[Oh crap, it's Hua Xuening!]
Hua Xuening, hearing his mental insults toward her Young Master, fumed. With a flick of her finger, she sent a pebble flying, striking Lu Chengwen's knee. He yelped and fell back into the yard.
Hua Xuening felt irritated but puzzled. He didn't say a word, yet I heard his thoughts. Am I hallucinating?
Inside, Long Aotian was livid. I gave you invaluable intel, and you're kicking me out? What kind of family is this?
Leng Tianhao, unfazed, said, "I'll let you in on something. My son-in-law, Lu Chengwen, already handled it. He beat the tar out of Jiao Shiheng during the signing yesterday. The funds are still in our hands. You underestimate us, Mr. Long. A nobody like Jiao Shiheng, even with a mole in our group, couldn't fool the Leng family."
Long Aotian was floored.
Handled?!
By Lu Chengwen?!
I worked hard for that intel to have my big moment…
Lu Chengwen, you stole my thunder!
Unwilling to back down, Long Aotian gritted his teeth. Fine, no more playing nice.
"Alright then, what's the point of holding onto those billions in cash?"
"That's not your concern. Please leave."
"Wait!" Long Aotian said. "I have more intel to share."
"It better be something I don't know."
Long Aotian smirked. "Dayu Group is planning a massive amusement park in Xuecheng, costing over thirty billion. Did you know that, Mr. Leng?"
Leng Tianhao finally looked at him seriously.
This kind of business intelligence wasn't something just anyone could access.
But Leng Tianhao remained calm. "So what?"
Long Aotian continued, "They think they've kept it secret, but I know. If we use those billions to snatch the land first, they'll have to buy it from us to build their park…"
Leng Tianhao was stunned.
This was indeed a massive opportunity!
Long Aotian added, "But time's running out. We need to act fast."
Leng Tianhao strode over, shaking Long Aotian's hand. "My apologies, Mr. Long. Let's talk in my study. Someone, tea!"
At that moment, a servant rushed in. "Sir, bad news! Young Master Lu…"
"What happened?"
"He fell off the wall!"
Long Aotian sneered.
Today's the day, Lu Chengwen. You and I settle this in the Leng family.