CHAPTER 531: CHAPTER 0450: ENGAGEMENT IN PROGRESS

"Nine Tribulations Company?"

The Jian family of three focused their gaze.

Although Nine Tribulations Company had been in operation for less than a week, it had already surpassed all the established enterprises with its product, the Spiritual Energy Water. It had gained direct access into the domestic market and even showed signs of expanding internationally; it was not an overstatement to say it was moving at a divine speed.

Even the current influence of the Cangqiong Group was probably not comparable to a branch of Nine Tribulations Company in Jiangbei City.

But with Divine Punishment’s vast powers, dealing with a Nine Tribulations Company should not be difficult. They could not understand why the organization would make such a decision, as it did not match the domineering style of Divine Punishment.

"Don’t be surprised, the reason you’re told to avoid Nine Tribulations Company is because behind this company stands ’Ye Jiujie!’"

Elder Heng snorted coldly and explained.

"Ye Jiujie?"

The three of them had never heard this name before.

"Ye Jiujie is none other than Mr. Ye from the Southern Base!"

Elder Heng continued, "A few days ago, he fought a decisive battle with Long Yuntian at West Lake, defeated Long Yuntian single-handedly, and killed him. He is now ranked first on the Hua Xia Hidden Dragon List, known as the Invincible War God. You should know that even ’Yu Yaosheng’ is ranked second on this list."

"What?"

The three of Jian Chen inhaled sharply. Although they were not very familiar with the Martial Arts World, the name of Long Yuntian and the devilish talent of Yu Yaosheng were well-known to them.

But Long Yuntian was defeated by "Mr. Ye" from the Southern Base, and even Yu Yaosheng was overshadowed. This was simply astounding.

"The leader said, the Invincible War God’s power is unparalleled; even if he were to face him in battle, he would only end up vanquished. It’s best not to provoke him, otherwise even the whole of ’Divine Punishment’ combined may not protect you. Moreover, you should understand that Divine Punishment would never offend a super strongman ranked first on the Hua Xia Hidden Dragon List for your sakes."

Mentioning the "Invincible War God," the two elders of Zongheng looked serious, with deep dread on their faces.

"We understand!"

Jian Xu nodded heavily, immediately dismissing any thought of sabotaging the Jiangbei City branch of Nine Tribulations Company in secret.

Kidding, with "Mr. Ye" supporting Nine Tribulations Company, even the leader of Divine Punishment admitted his inferiority. Who were they in comparison? They probably wouldn’t have enough lives even if they had ten.

That day, in the Bai Family villa in Jiangnan City, Bai Wan’er was sitting at the vanity table, appearing more haggard than a few days ago.

Though she never wore makeup, today she had on both heavy and light cosmetics, adding a touch of allure and beauty. But her expression carried no joy, only an overwhelming sadness.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Bai Wan’er slightly parted her rosy lips and let out a sigh.

"Alas!"

She extended her arm, and a delicate bracelet hung on her fair wrist. She gently rubbed it, and the pearls, polished repeatedly over the days, became smoother and more lustrous, emanating a radiant glow.

"Today, I’m about to become someone else’s fiancée!"

She tried hard to muster a smile, but the smile was more unsightly than crying.

"If I had told him about this that day, would he have come to help me for the sake of my mom?"

Bai Wan’er self-deprecatingly smiled, thinking of Ye Qingfeng’s indifferent expression, and her heart ached even more.

Although she liked Ye Qingfeng, she still had her pride. Ye Qingfeng was never for her; even if she shed tears or gritted her teeth, she refused to ask Ye Qingfeng for such help.

"Wan’er!"

At that moment, Fang Meilian’s voice came from outside the door.

"Coming!"

Bai Wan’er opened the door, and the somewhat frail Fang Meilian stood outside. The company’s internal issues had kept her extremely busy these days, yet there was no sign of improvement. The troubles in her heart, how many could truly understand them?

Watching her hard-won business venture gradually decline and on the verge of collapse would be a heavy blow to anyone.

Fang Meilian pulled Bai Wan’er to sit by the bed, an expression of guilt on her face.

Seeing her daughter’s troubled expression, she couldn’t bear it any longer and suddenly said, "Wan’er, I know you like Xiao Feng and don’t want to marry Jian Chen. If that’s the case, I don’t need this company anymore. Don’t wrong yourself; I can figure out something else for the company’s problems!"

She thought it over, and although the hard-won business was important, her daughter’s happiness was her top priority. Seeing Bai Waner’s reaction, she knew this was not the choice Bai Wan’er wanted.

For the sake of her daughter, she was willing to give up her business.

"Mom, you don’t have to say it!" Bai Wan’er said with a faint smile, "Given the company’s current situation, without a large capital investment, it won’t recover. Besides, as you said, Brother Jian Chen is a standout among the younger generation in terms of wealth and status. Marrying him isn’t bad at all!"

Her words were entirely against her will. She always knew Jian Chen’s capabilities, but she had never responded to Jian Chen’s affection because she couldn’t let go of a certain person in her heart.

But now, hurt so deeply by Ye Qingfeng’s indifference, she was willing to resign herself to self-destruction and exchange herself for Fang Meilian’s company’s redemption.

...

Royal Hotel, the most luxurious five-star hotel in Jiangbei City.

Today, the entire hotel was booked. The excitement was palpable.

Many of Jiangbei City’s elites were present, mingling and conversing. A large "Happiness" character hung on the hotel’s entrance, flanked by the characters "Bai" and "Jian" on either side.

This was where Bai Wan’er and Jian Chen were getting engaged.

Jian Xu and his wife, along with Bai Gang and his wife, were in the hotel greeting famous guests with smiles. Aside from Fang Meilian, all three wore bright expressions.

Especially Bai Gang, despite being a government cadre, he usually stayed in the Southern Base, Jiangnan City.

He rarely had the opportunity to meet so many of Jiangbei City’s elite. Today, individual wealthy tycoons showed up, making him feel immensely proud.

He knew all this was thanks to Jian Xu beside him; otherwise, how would there be so many people coming to celebrate their families’ engagement?

Though Jian Xu’s expression remained unchanged, he was slightly displeased in his heart.

Most of Jiangbei City’s upper class here today were invited by Jian Chen, but he felt that these people cast strange glances and were more enthusiastic towards Bai Gang and his wife than towards them.

This subtle difference made him feel very clear.

Fang Meilian felt somewhat embarrassed. The congratulatory voices around her were like thunder, filling her with regret as she thought of her daughter’s sorrowful face.

"Alas!"

She sighed in her heart, never imagining one day using her daughter’s happiness in exchange for business success.

"Chairman of Sunshine Trade, Qiu Feng, Chairman Qiu has arrived!"

"Chairman of Emperor Entertainment Company, Jiang Wei, Chairman Jiang has arrived!"

"Director of Jiangbei City Development District Bureau, Director Pan has arrived!"

"Chairman of Jiangnan City Culture Co., Chairman Wei has arrived!"

"Nanyang Company..."

At this moment, a series of calls came from the receiving area, leaving both the Bai family couple and the Jian family couple in a daze.