CHAPTER 1024: CHAPTER 1021: PROBING

Lin Tian and his companions’ entrance subtly shifted the atmosphere in the hall. Those who had been conversing paused, their eyes scanning back and forth between the Xiao Family and the Yun Family.

The simultaneous presence of the Xiao Family and the Yun Family, appearing to have a good relationship, took the gathered merchants by surprise, leaving them unprepared. They exchanged glances, recognizing the astonishment in each other’s eyes.

To these merchants, the Yun Family was a powerful and prominent family, while the Xiao Family was just a small family off to the side—one in the sky, the other on the ground. It seemed unlikely they would come together.

Yet the reality was that the two families seemed to be united, which astonished them. Only a few merchants remained calm, among them Lin Tian, who noticed Ning Jianxun sitting behind a middle-aged man.

Upon closer inspection, this middle-aged man bore some resemblance to Ning Jianxun, leading Lin Tian to speculate that he might be Ning Jianxun’s father.

"Mr. Yun, you’ve finally arrived. I apologize for not coming out to greet you earlier," Shen Liyan politely cupped his hands from afar, appearing both surprised and sincere.

His voice brought the merchants back to their senses, and they all rose to their feet, greeting the Yun Family with cupped hands. Such treatment seemed to be reserved solely for the Yun Family.

Lin Tian shifted his gaze from the Ning Family and glanced at Shen Liyan. This vice-chairman, with his large head and big ears, gave Lin Tian an uneasy feeling; his large head probably harbored no good ideas.

Yun Haoyu returned the gesture and said, "Chairman Shen, there’s no need to be so courteous. It’s not the first time I’ve visited Ziwei Garden, no need to go to such lengths."

Shen Liyan approached, seemingly only then noticing the presence of the Xiao Family beside him, and feigned surprise as he said, "Miss Xiao is here too. Is Mrs. Xiao with you?"

"My mother is busy with numerous affairs and couldn’t make it. I’m attending on her behalf for this biannual meeting," Miss Xiao responded calmly.

This composure earned silent praise from several individuals. While merchants from prominent families may not openly admit it, they had to concede inwardly that among the younger generation, few matched the excellence of the Xiao Family’s Miss Xiao.

How many among the younger generation can hold their own? Yet Miss Xiao has achieved this.

It’s not something everyone can do to remain composed and poised as a junior from a small family when faced with so many prominent families; not even many middle-aged family heads can achieve this.

When confronting prominent families, there’s a natural pressure that requires a resilient mindset to remain at ease.

As for Lin Tian beside Miss Xiao, they all automatically overlooked him. Since he donned those non-prescription glasses, his aura had changed; the sharpness he once exuded was subdued, making him appear like a handsome young man. His attire was elegant, but who here didn’t dress well?

However, Xiao Manxuan frequently shot glances at Lin Tian, as if finding his new look particularly intriguing. The little girl never expected that Lin Tian, usually so carefree, could appear so refined and scholarly.

Shen Liyan chuckled, then regretfully said, "It’s a pity that Mrs. Xiao couldn’t join us. As the head of the Xiao Family, she truly makes us men envious. Recently, the Xiao Family has been thriving in the business world, becoming quite the sensation. Many in our commerce circle wish to exchange experiences."

"Indeed, Miss Xiao, the Xiao Family’s sudden rise, with rapid development in both the jade and pharmaceutical industries, shows an impressive strategy. Please don’t keep it to yourselves."

"Indeed..."

The surrounding merchants chimed in. Although they outwardly spoke of exchanging experiences, their words carried hidden meanings—ultimately driven by envy of the Xiao Family’s business, hoping to get a share of the profit.

Miss Xiao saw through it all but still replied casually, "Your experiences are truly what the younger generation should learn from. How could I dare flaunt my tricks before such seniors?"

The audience chuckled but remained silent. They were merely probing; it was unlikely they’d attack like hungry tigers upon meeting. Even if they wished to share in the profits, they had to present it in a respectable manner.

Shen Liyan didn’t speak further and, after cupping his hands again, invited the Yun Family and the Xiao Family to take their seats.

Lin Tian and his group found a spot to sit. Perhaps due to other families avoiding proximity to the Ning Family, this spot happened to be right beside the Ning Family.

The seating arrangement in Ziwei Hall was quite unique, not deliberately divided into ranks of upper and lower. Instead, seats were casually arranged in a circle, allowing anyone to sit wherever they wished without criticism.

After inquiring with Yun Haoyu, Lin Tian learned that this rule was established when the commerce association was founded, meant to facilitate interaction among members.

Lin Tian very much agreed with this regulation. The commerce association should indeed be a place for exchange, where members, amidst gatherings, share business experience and even trade among each other. This was the ultimate purpose of establishing such an association.

However, many commerce associations had deviated from this, becoming organizations of private interest for a few people. Although Yunhua Commerce had its share of open and hidden struggles, witnessing this setting made Lin Tian feel that the core of Yunhua Commerce was still good. It was just that some individuals were sowing discord, causing instability.

Lin Tian had just sat down when the middle-aged man beside him asked, "Are you Lin Tian?"

Lin Tian turned his head and saw it was the middle-aged man from the Ning Family. He nodded and replied, "I am Lin Tian. May I ask your name?"

"I’m Ning Weirong. You can call me Uncle Ning," the Ning Family middle-aged man kindly smiled.

Uncle Ning? Lin Tian was puzzled by his kind smile. This was their first meeting, and they weren’t very close. Calling him "Uncle" seemed a bit overly familiar.

Lin Tian, still puzzled, scrutinized the self-proclaimed Ning Weirong once more. Though Ning Weirong was middle-aged, he hadn’t gained weight, no protruding belly, which was evident from his well-fitted suit. Even his chin didn’t have excess flesh, indicating that he was someone who paid attention to his health and exercised regularly.

Nowadays, many young people in their twenties already sported large beer bellies and distorted bodies, but Ning Weirong maintaining his physique showed he was a disciplined person.

Not only Ning Weirong, but Lin Tian also noticed traces of discipline in Ning Weiguo, Ning Jianxun, and Ning Luoxi. This trait might have been passed down from the older military generation in their family.

Ning Weiguo? Lin Tian thought of this name and couldn’t help but ask, "What’s your relationship with Uncle Ning Weiguo?"

Actually, from the fact that Ning Jianxun is Ning Luoxi’s cousin, it could be inferred that Ning Weirong and Ning Weiguo were at least first cousins. Lin Tian wanted to know who was the elder brother, as Ning Weirong seemed younger.

"Weiguo is my cousin," Ning Weirong smiled.

"I see," Lin Tian nodded.

"Regarding you, Weiguo has told me the basics. His reconciliation with Fang Ming was all thanks to you, and I thank you on Weiguo’s behalf." Ning Weirong spoke sincerely, even rising to offer Lin Tian a cupped-hand salute.