The Fang family's most significant industry was their mining company. Now that it had fallen into the Zhang family's hands, what had transpired?
At least for now, they were unaware. Even Fang Cunxin herself did not know that their mining company had been taken over by the Zhang family.
The head of the Zhang family was Zhang Jiabao.
An elder nearing eighty years old.
This man, with his well-defined features and broad brow, did not insult or humiliate Ye Longlin like a household servant. Instead, he gestured for his attendants to serve tea.
Several high-ranking Zhang family members stood behind him.
"I am aware of the cause of today's dispute. I apologize to Mr. Ye for the impertinence of my subordinates."
Zhang Jiabao's gaze was like a knife, sharp and piercing, as if it could penetrate Ye Longlin at any moment.
Ye Longlin remained silent, his eyes calmly fixed on Zhang Jiabao, waiting for him to continue.
Zhang Jiabao took a sip of tea and said, "My Zhang family's failure to educate our subordinates properly has caused trouble for Mr. Ye. It is only right that we, the Zhang family, express our stance.
The hotel's Manager Zhang and the chief assistant are both here, Mr. Ye may deal with them as he sees fit.
Manager Zhang defrauded Mr. Ye's disciple of one hundred and forty thousand. We are willing to compensate a hundredfold. Here is one million and four hundred thousand, Mr. Ye may verify it."
In three sentences, he had shown considerable sincerity.
Since the Zhang family was founded, they had never treated anyone with such solemnity. This was unprecedented.
The man's attitude was very good, even Ye Longlin found it difficult to cause further trouble. He then brought up the second matter.
"Can you explain about the Fang family's affairs?"
Ye Longlin spoke slowly.
Zhang Jiabao, however, shook his head. "I'm very sorry, it's simply the victor takes all."
"So, the Zhang family is unwilling to return it?" Ye Longlin's interest was piqued.
A high-ranking member behind him scoffed, "The Fang family is gone. The ownership of their assets is determined by the business world, not individuals. Fang Cunxin, a mere ant, even if it were returned to her, could she manage it? If not, why not follow the rules?
Furthermore, she has already left South Province. The company's ownership was never hers to interfere with. Why bring it up again now? Mr. Ye, I respect you as a soldier, which is why you are qualified to be here. Otherwise, do you truly think the doors of my Zhang family can be entered so easily?"
Zhang Jiabao remained silent, but Ye Longlin chuckled. "I think you've mistaken one fact. Let me reiterate, I came to the Lu family for two reasons: the incident at the hotel, and the ownership of the Fang family company."
After a pause, he continued, "The Zhang family's development to this point in South Province has not been easy. I hope you will handle certain matters with caution. After all, your Zhang family is far from being an overlord in South Province.
Since you are not an overlord, do not presume to be noble, lest you provoke someone you cannot afford to offend someday and bring about your clan's destruction."
The high-ranking member couldn't help but speak, "Are you threatening my Zhang family?"
As soon as the words fell, he immediately signaled those around him to step forward and take Ye Longlin down.
Yuan Gang and Xuan Niao moved swiftly, daggers in hand, slicing through the crowd. Blood lines appeared on everyone's throats, an incredibly terrifying sight.
When the attack concluded, the two stood behind Ye Longlin like javelins.
Zhang Jiabao's face twitched violently. Looking at the blood lines on everyone's necks, the atmosphere became heavy.
"Yuan Gang, Xuan Niao."
"With their skills, they can send you on your way within ten seconds. Even if your Zhang family wants to protect you, they won't be able to."
Zhang Jiabao couldn't help but take a deep breath. His demeanor and attitude were astonishingly calm.
They did not know Ye Longlin's identity, because after the incident, the chief assistant had ordered the destruction of the surveillance footage from the lobby. Consequently, Yuan Gang and Xuan Niao were known as Three-Star General Venerables, and when Ye Longlin was mentioned, Manager Zhang and Xuan Niao were deeply apprehensive.
Just then, the Zhang family's recognized Second Master and Third Master returned, which also brought Zhang Jiabao some relief.
"Causing trouble in my Zhang family, you don't want your head anymore?"
"Heh, Second Brother, keep your voice down. With that rasping voice of yours, you'll scare the gentleman to death in a moment."
Two teasing voices came from outside the door, and soon two figures appeared.
Both were in military uniforms, with one star on their shoulders.
They were merely two generals, hardly worth their attention.
"If you believe they can protect you, then you will likely be disappointed. If they attack, no one in your Zhang family can approach within ten seconds. So, Old Man Zhang, do you want to guess how many seconds it will take for me to eliminate you?"
Ye Longlin said with a smile. Facing such a large family, he needed to employ both soft and hard tactics.
However, now that the Zhang family's Second and Third Masters had returned, iron-fisted methods were clearly needed!
The Zhang family's Second Master was powerfully built, moving with a forceful and expansive gait.
The Zhang family's Third Master was slender but exuded a sense of contained power.
"Are you the one causing trouble at my hotel?"
The Second Master Zhang looked down at Ye Longlin, a sneer on his lips. He was merely a young man.
The Third Master Zhang didn't even glance at him, lowering his eyes and whispering something in Zhang Jiabao's ear.
"Kid, I have a short temper. You'd better speak carefully, otherwise I don't know when my fist, as big as a sandbag, will land on your head. I can't be held responsible then."
Xuan Niao looked up. Just an ant.
Seeing them return, Zhang Jiabao gained confidence and chuckled, "Your audacity is unmatched in all of South Province."
Ye Longlin said calmly, "The Zhang family's understated arrogance and tyranny are also unmatched in South Province."
Zhang Jiabao smiled and said, "The Zhang family is here. Even if I return the Fang family's assets to you, how can you protect them? You are just a soldier, how can you understand the workings of the business world? In the end, it will only benefit others.
At that time, countless people will come after you. Can you deal with the Zhang family? Can you deal with everyone else?"
Zhang Jiabao was right. The Zhang family had immense influence in South Province. Perhaps today he could leave the Fang family's assets with the Zhang family, but once this news got out, countless people would covet the Fang family's mining company.
He could defend against it for a while, but not forever.
Ye Longlin finally sighed, fumbling for a ring and putting it on his middle finger.
"It is indeed troublesome. Therefore, your Zhang family must undertake its operation."
This statement angered many of the Zhang family members present. Having the Zhang family manage it was an insult to them!
After all, the Zhang family was a military family!
However, the Second Master Zhang suddenly calmed down, his gaze fixed on Ye Longlin's middle finger, precisely where a silver, shimmering ring was.
The Second Master Zhang could clearly feel his composure crumbling. His widened pupils began to dim. If he was not mistaken, this was the Dragon Ring.
And this fellow's surname was Ye?