To everyone watching, the five corporate giants had chosen to appear together today to flex their muscles. They were here to display their unparalleled strength, force the Qin Corporation to submit, and hand over the formula.

Given the Qin Corporation's size, how could they possibly fight back against such an assault? They could only hand over the formula obediently and be left at their mercy. In fact, many in the crowd had already settled in to enjoy the show.

But now… what was this? Were these five corporate giants actually here to apologize?

Look at that humble attitude, that respectful demeanor, and that deferential tone—they were utterly docile.

Despite the reality unfolding right before them, no one could believe their eyes.

It must be an illusion, right? This has got to be an illusion!

The five prestigious multinational pharmaceutical giants were actually apologizing to Chen Yang, the live-in son-in-law of the Qin Family? It was unbelievable.

After a moment, a series of sharp gasps rippled through the venue as the realization dawned on them. It was clear that before today, these five giants had already been dealt with by Chen Yang—and dealt with severely. Only that could force them to come here in person on a day like this to offer their apologies.

But how on earth did Chen Yang do it? Before this, he was notorious in Lingjin City as a good-for-nothing. Even accounting for some misunderstandings, and even with the respect of Lingjin City's eight major families and the four super clans, who were these titans? Could people who had built multinational pharmaceutical empires really be ordinary? Frankly, any one of them could stand here and suppress all the powerful families of Lingjin City, leaving them silent and utterly cowed.

Off to the side, Qin Qiu was already stunned, staring blankly at Chen Yang, motionless.

This…

She was completely flabbergasted. Who in the world was this man?

Luo Sulan's jaw dropped in utter shock, her mouth agape wide enough to fit a fist. Her expression shifted rapidly as she blurted out, "You… Have you mistaken him for someone else? This guy is just a worthless freeloader who lives off my Qin Family. The one who really helped us must be someone else, right?"

She was obviously referring to the mysterious benefactor behind Qin Qiu. In her mind, only such a powerful figure could rattle these five titans and make them come here to apologize willingly.

As for Chen Yang? Ha! What was he worth? Even if he had some skills, he was likely just riding on someone else's coattails. What kind of future could a person like that have?

Many in the crowd agreed with her. Otherwise, the situation was simply inexplicable. The only logical conclusion was that the giants had mistaken their target.

However, Fan Changtian suddenly spun around, furrowing his brow as he shot a glance at Luo Sulan. "Who do you think you are, speaking to Lord Chen like that? And what, do you think we're all blind? That we'd mistake the very person we came to see?"

Luo Sulan was speechless.

So was everyone else.

They're top executives, for crying out loud! Do they have to admit it so eagerly? With so many people watching, couldn't they be more tactful and save some face?

But their grumbling aside, Fan Changtian's words cemented the truth: they were here for Chen Yang.

Luo Sulan was struck dumb. Beyond the immense shock, a bitter feeling festered in her heart. Imagine someone you utterly detested, someone you couldn't even look at without wanting to strangle them. Now, imagine that person suddenly possessing a power far beyond your wildest dreams. The feeling was indescribable. Nevertheless, she still believed the mysterious benefactor supporting Qin Qiu was far more influential than Chen Yang.

Nearby, Jiang Zhen's face paled and flushed in succession. The repeated, massive shocks made him feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles. After all, just a moment ago, he had brazenly declared that he wanted Chen Yang to serve him tea. The mere thought made his old face turn crimson, and he fidgeted, wishing he could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

"Uh, I just remembered I have something to do. I'll be taking my leave," Jiang Zhen finally managed to say after a long hesitation. He couldn't stand to be here for another second.

The four great super clans coming to curry favor was one thing, but now even these five tycoons were apologizing and begging for mercy. What face did he have left to stay here?

With that, Jiang Zhen held his breath and turned to leave.

"Don't be in such a hurry," Chen Yang spoke up lightly. "Didn't you just say you wanted me to serve you tea?"

Jiang Zhen froze.

Chen Yang tilted his head, pretending to think. "Right, you said you prefer green tea, didn't you?"

Jiang Zhen was paralyzed. Large, bean-sized beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. His pale face was a mask of terror and bewilderment, and his limbs began to tremble uncontrollably.

"I… I…"

Jiang Zhen didn't dare move. He wanted to explain, but his throat seized up, completely beyond his control. He couldn't form a single, coherent sentence.

Zhao Yinghu immediately rushed forward, pointing a finger at Jiang Zhen's nose. "Asking Lord Chen to serve you tea?" he snarled. "Why don't you try ascending to the heavens next?"

BANG!

Before his words even faded, Zhao Yinghu's fist hammered down onto the top of Jiang Zhen's head. The searing pain contorted Jiang Zhen's face, but he ignored it, crying out with all his might, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I was wrong! It was my fault for being so arrogant and blind! Please, Lord Hu, spare my life! Lord Chen, please be merciful!"

Seeing that Chen Yang had no intention of speaking, Zhao Yinghu waved to his men on the perimeter. "Men!"

"Throw this damn trash into the Lingjin River to feed the fish!"

"Yes, Lord Hu!"

Four young men rushed over, hoisted Jiang Zhen up, and started carrying him away.

"No, no!" Jiang Zhen thrashed violently, screaming hysterically.

His only response was a series of heavy punches.

Luo Sulan couldn't bear to watch. "Let him go at once!" she shouted.

Chen Yang didn't even spare her a glance.

"You…"

Livid at being ignored, Luo Sulan felt her anger flare. But when she caught the glares from Zhao Yinghu and Jin Zongquan, she shrank back, a chill running down her spine, and didn't dare to make another move.

Inwardly, she began to blame Qin Qiu. It's all happening now, so why hasn't she called her powerful backer? If he were here, I certainly wouldn't be suffering this humiliation.

Chen Yang glanced at Fan Changtian and the others and smiled. "I accept your compensation. Go find a seat. We'll all have lunch together at noon."

"Thank you for your understanding, Lord Chen!" Fan Changtian bowed respectfully, then said with a cheerful smile, "Lord Chen, we'll have to pass on lunch. We all need to hurry back."

"Yes, yes, it's New Year's Eve, so we must get back early."

"We appreciate the generous invitation, Lord Chen!"

The others quickly chimed in. They all wore broad smiles, but inwardly, they were tense to the extreme. Whether they would leave here safely or be forced into a desperate, all-or-nothing struggle depended on this very moment.

To be precise, it all depended on Chen Yang's next sentence.

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