Qian Menglin was naturally aware of the events that transpired on the cruise ship last night, which was why she posed the question.
Both Baize Group and the Wang Group, colossal entities in their own right, also leaned towards Ye Longlin.
Even with the Qian family’s immense influence in Star City, they could not suppress the Wang Group!
"It's Old Qian's birthday, and as his friend of many years, I naturally had to come. Does my niece not welcome me?"
Bai Wushuang said with a chuckle, a playful glint in his eyes.
He had mastered the art of evading the crucial points and highlighting the less important ones with utter finesse.
Qian Menglin replied with a smile, "Uncle Bai, I naturally trust you, but as for Madam Wang..."
They were all seasoned strategists, veterans of the complex world. What was there to elaborate on?
They all understood each other's intentions perfectly, so no one explicitly stated them.
At this moment, Ye Longlin approached, hands tucked casually into his pockets.
Upon seeing his expression, Qian Menglin's face immediately turned extremely grim.
Ye Longlin!
Why had he come?
Recalling the individuals she had deployed the previous night, Qian Menglin narrowed her eyes. Was he here to cause trouble today?
But that didn't make sense. She had instructed them not to act last night. Why was he here today?
"Those improperly dressed are not permitted entry."
Qian Hao suddenly spoke, his gaze filled with amusement. It was clear he was targeting Ye Longlin.
Ye Longlin cast a nonchalant glance. He was wearing a suit today, a gesture of respect towards them. He hadn't expected Qian Hao to provoke him further.
"If the blade from yesterday had missed by even a fraction, you would already be dead. What right do you have?"
Qian Hao's expression turned dark. His cold eyes fixed on Ye Longlin, and he said sternly, "This is not a place you can come to today. We have booked the entire venue!"
Ye Longlin tossed the invitation forward. It flew towards Qian Hao's face, and just as it was about to disfigure him, a figure stepped in front of him, catching the invitation between two fingers.
"Kid, do you know what would have happened if I hadn't been here?"
Seeing this elder appear, Qian Menglin’s face grew even more troubled.
This elder was precisely the one she had stationed near Ye Longlin for his protection last night. To think he would be of use so soon.
His question was entirely superfluous. Ye Longlin knew the consequences of his actions.
Qian Menglin's expression also turned cold. She said coldly, "Don't think that just because it's Father's birthday today, we won't dare to act against you. It would only take a word from the Qian family to make you disappear. Do you truly believe you have the right to bark at the Qian family?"
Bai Wushuang and Wang Meilan shrugged. They were content to watch the unfolding drama, wondering what right the Qian family truly had to make a move against such a person.
They had personally witnessed Ye Longlin and his subordinates walking on water. Shortly after, the cargo ship ahead sank, and they were spared disaster.
Ye Longlin's eyes fixed on her, his tone indifferent, "If you speak disrespectfully again, I guarantee your outcome will be far from pleasant."
This statement instantly silenced the venue!
Given his performance on the cruise ship, they truly did not dare to provoke Ye Longlin casually. After all, even the Ye family from Nan Province had returned in defeat at his hands.
His actions on the cruise ship were undeniable.
Qian Menglin studied him for a moment, then suddenly smiled, "Since Mr. Ye has graced the birthday banquet, there's no reason to shun him. Please."
Qian Menglin was no fool.
Ye Longlin entered the hotel first, followed closely by Wang Meilan and Bai Wushuang.
Blue Sea Blue Sky was a property owned by the Qian family and was also the only five-star hotel in Star City.
It exuded an air of sophistication and grandeur.
Inside, tables were arranged in the center, with people from various social strata seated according to their wealth. Many were engaged in lively conversations over drinks.
"I am sixty this year, and I have been active in the business world for nearly forty years. I started from humble beginnings, and through many years, I have reached this point, building the Qian family step by step until we stood at the pinnacle. I know better than anyone the sacrifices made, which is why I cherish this hard-won success even more."
"Today, in the presence of so many friends from Star City, I wish to announce one matter: I, Qian Wan, am officially stepping down from Qian Shi Group. Qian Shi Group will be handed over to my eldest daughter, Qian Menglin, who will temporarily serve as its president. Upon Qian Hao's graduation, Qian Shi Group will be transferred to Qian Hao's name. At that time, if any of you wish to cooperate, you may discuss terms with Qian Hao."
As Qian Wan spoke, Ye Longlin took a seat at the last table. Soon, a mother and daughter joined him.
Wang Xiulan explained in a soft voice, "Mr. Ye, this Qian Wan is no ordinary figure. In the last century, he started out with a construction company. During that era, if you were positioned correctly, even a pig could fly. The Qian family seized this opportunity and leaped to become a top-tier group company."
"Although they later legitimized their operations, fundamentally, the Qian family still carries traces of that initial nature."
Ye Longlin nodded, saying nothing further.
Wherever Ye Longlin sat, Bai Wushuang and Wang Meilan followed, subtly elevating Ye Longlin's status.
Of course, he didn't require anyone to underscore his importance.
"Heh, my Qian family is not like your established aristocratic clans. At the very least, my father built our family's fortune step by step, not through inherited assets from ancestors. In this regard alone, my Qian family is leagues ahead of yours!"
Qian Hao suddenly appeared behind them, a playful smirk on his lips. This was something his family took great pride in.
"Ye Longlin, do you truly believe the Qian family can be threatened by you? Do you think defeating the Nan Province Ye family makes you invincible? Let me tell you, a mere warrior cannot stir up waves. The scale of my Qian family is beyond your comprehension!"
Qian Hao's mocking voice reached him. Ye Longlin narrowed his eyes. How was this fellow omnipresent?
It was rather amusing.
"Haven't you heard the saying, 'A scholar's fury can spill blood five steps away'?"
His expression changed instantly, turning ugly. The arrogance he had displayed moments before vanished.
But the next moment, Qian Hao scoffed again, "What, are you planning to go on a killing spree here today? Heh, not that I look down on you, but everyone here today is either wealthy or influential in Star City. If you dare to make a move, you'll become a public enemy!"
"Do you dare?"
As he finished speaking, and before Ye Longlin could respond, a voice boomed from the entrance.
"Mr. Ye, you've come today too! That's wonderful. Why didn't you come last night? I waited for you in my room for a long time."