"Miss Zhuge, should we report to the Master?" Stryker stepped forward, his voice low and forceful.

Under Chen Zheng's influence, he had gradually changed his speech and behavior. However, before he could finish his words, Zhuge Xiyu interrupted him.

"There's no need to disturb him for now; he already has enough on his plate. Unless absolutely necessary, we should solve this problem ourselves," Zhuge Xiyu said, her gaze firm and her tone decisive.

She had always been independent and was unwilling to become a mere dependent of Chen Zheng. She did not want him to have to resolve everything for her. If that happened, she feared her image in his eyes would diminish once again. Stryker said nothing more and silently left the office.

「Time slowly passed.」

Chen Zheng received a call from Guo Fu and drove to the Guo Family's residence.

It was said that a group from Dragon's Dive Pavilion, led by Wu, had arrived to discuss the refining efficiency of the Spirit Jade Elixir with the Guo Family. Chen Zheng naturally had no objections and simply observed from the side.

He held a miraculous prescription that could unlock the full potential of the Spirit Jade Elixir. Integrating the upgraded formula's ingredients was simple—not all of them were needed, as just a light sprinkle or a drop or two would suffice. However, he was in no rush to make it public, for he had already decided that this upgraded version of the elixir would be given only to those closest to his heart.

He let Dragon's Dive Pavilion and their group explore and toil away.

「Meanwhile, Huang Yun quietly walked over to Song Suzhe's side.」

"How is it?"

Song Suzhe was leisurely sipping tea, looking completely at ease.

"My apologies, Young Master Song!" Huang Yun bowed his head. "Zhuge Xiyu still hasn't agreed."

Song Suzhe raised an eyebrow, looking as if he'd expected as much. After a moment, he spoke softly, "Her stubbornness is truly fascinating. It's women like her who are interesting. Have those corporations join forces and invite her to Tingwang. No matter how firm her convictions are, tonight I will shatter them all and make her submit to me willingly!"

"As you command!" Huang Yun replied, respectfully taking his leave.

Soon, a glistening golden invitation card appeared at the Yan Shuiyu headquarters.

BANG!

Zhuge Xiyu slammed the invitation hard on the table, her expression stormy. Fifteen corporations had co-signed it, clearly attempting to force her to attend the banquet. Otherwise, Yan Shuiyu would struggle to gain a foothold in the Imperial Capital.

Taking a deep breath, Zhuge Xiyu said to Stryker, "Let's go. We'll see what tricks these people have up their sleeves!"

Stryker nodded. They then left the Yan Shuiyu headquarters and drove toward the Tingwang Grand Hotel.

Inside the Tingwang Grand Hotel, the elites of the Imperial Capital had gathered, savoring champagne and engaging in lighthearted conversation. Suddenly, a gasp cut through the air, and everyone's gaze was drawn to the entrance.

Song Suzhe and Huang Yun walked in elegantly. The crowd immediately flocked around them; some hastily offered champagne while others bowed in greeting. Song Suzhe carried himself with an exceptional air, and these bigwigs, who normally looked down on everyone else, now seemed remarkably humble. They each inquired whether Young Master Song had any other requests.

"Everyone, I offer you my sincerest thanks," Song Suzhe said mildly.

The crowd was instantly flattered and responded in a flurry. "You're too kind, Young Master Song! It's our privilege to serve you!"

"Indeed! To be of service to you is our greatest honor. Please, don't stand on ceremony, Young Master Song!"

"That's right! If there's anything you need, Young Master Song, we will give it our all to see it done!"

Listening to the fawning voices, Song Suzhe inwardly reveled but maintained a composed exterior. He simply continued, "There's nothing major tonight. When Zhuge Xiyu from Yan Shuiyu arrives, I just need all of you to play along with me!"

"Of course! If Young Master Song tells us to go east, we'd never dare go west!"

"It's only Yan Shuiyu. With all of us united, we can push them around as we please."

"Rest assured, Young Master Song, we'll follow your lead!" the crowd immediately chorused.

At that moment, Zhuge Xiyu and Stryker entered Tingwang. As they arrived, people specially arranged by Song Suzhe led them into the banquet hall.

Upon Zhuge Xiyu's appearance, the entire banquet hall seemed captivated by her beauty, and an instant silence fell over the room. Huang Yun greeted her warmly, leading her to a seat opposite Song Suzhe.

However, no one noticed the fierce glint that flashed through Song Suzhe's eyes or the secret possessiveness that quietly surged in the depths of his heart. He elegantly raised his wine glass and toasted Zhuge Xiyu from across the table.

"Thank you." Zhuge Xiyu sipped the champagne lightly, a faint smile on her face.

Song Suzhe said softly, "Miss Zhuge, I hope you can give me an answer tonight."

"I cannot agree." Zhuge Xiyu's gaze was as resolute as iron.

Song Suzhe did not respond, merely placing his wine glass slowly back down on the table.

"Zhuge Xiyu, you're challenging our patience!"

"Do you realize how lucky you are that Young Master Song has taken an interest in Yan Shuiyu?"

"Exactly! Zhuge Xiyu, you simply don't understand Young Master Song's power. You had better reconsider!"

Song Suzhe remained silent, but the others began to speak up, each with a look of dissatisfaction. Zhuge Xiyu's expression turned grim, but she did not retort. She had already decided that she would never agree, no matter what.

After a long moment, Song Suzhe gave a subtle wave of his hand, and the crowd immediately fell silent. He looked quite satisfied with their performance before speaking, "Miss Zhuge, as you can see, everyone here supports me. If you still refuse to agree, well..."

Song Suzhe's words became as cold and merciless as a north wind in the dead of winter. "Then, I regret to say, the Imperial Capital may no longer have a place for Yan Shuiyu!"

Hearing this, a shiver went down Zhuge Xiyu's spine. She firmly believed that Song Suzhe's words were not just an empty threat; if he wished it, Yan Shuiyu's fate in the Imperial Capital would be precarious indeed.

"Hah! A trillion-dollar company sounds impressive, but they're utterly clueless about how deep the waters run in the Imperial Capital!"

"That's right. Our conglomerates might not match their market value, but that's only because we disdain chasing such empty fame!"

"A mere outside enterprise, daring to be so brazen before us!"

The surrounding jeers rose and fell, plunging Zhuge Xiyu's heart into darkness.

SLAM!

Suddenly, the loud sound of a palm striking a table shattered the silence. All heads turned to see a figure standing beside the table.

Stryker's huge palm was pressed flat against the tabletop, his face as dark as a storm cloud. He roared in broken Chinese, "You've gone too far!"

The crowd disregarded his anger, some even revealing scornful smiles.

"Who are you? A foreigner, daring to provoke us like this?" they scoffed.

Enraged, Stryker threatened, "Do you have any idea who my master is? Are you courting death by treating Miss Zhuge this way?"

The crowd just sneered, unconcerned.

"What... master?"

"Whose pet is this foreigner?" the tycoons mocked.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.