Within the entire nation, there were virtually no individuals who dared to confront Ye Longlin head-on.
Even in the capital city, the seasoned powerhouses who dominated the scene adhered to a single principle: to keep their distance.
After approximately one minute, Ye Longlin stepped forward and arrived before Li Zhengyi.
Li Zhengyi lowered his gaze, clearly able to see Ye Longlin's impeccably polished leather shoes.
Following this, a prolonged silence ensued.
Li Zhengyi's psychological defenses gradually crumbled under the weight of the silence.
"Marshal Ye, I apologize. I made a mistake... It was Zhou Tao, Zhou Tao who instructed me to stage a scene, to ruin Xia Mingzhong's reputation. He promised me ten million, and I couldn't resist the temptation... I implore you, considering this matter did not transpire as planned, to spare my life. May your magnanimity overlook my petty offense and let me go."
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
Three resounding kowtows echoed.
Ye Longlin looked down at him, his tone indifferent as he asked, "If I hadn't appeared, would this matter have unfolded according to your plan?"
This...
Upon hearing this, Li Zhengyi was at a loss for words and could only sigh, a look of despair appearing in his eyes.
In reality, it was as he said. According to their plan, had Ye Longlin not been present, Xia Mingzhong's reputation would undoubtedly have been ruined that day. This was a fact, as they had meticulously planned it and would not allow anything to disrupt it.
Li Zhengyi's appearance was merely the final push, meant to send Xia Mingzhong into the abyss.
Therefore, if Ye Longlin had not intervened, Xia Mingzhong would have been disgraced and branded a shameful plagiarist in the art world!
"When Zhou Tao approached me, I refused outright. Xia Mingzhong had the potential to become the president of the art world, and he was a highly respected elder in the field. However, Zhou Tao later offered me a sum I couldn't refuse."
"That is why I agreed to such an absurd scheme. Ultimately, the fault lies with Zhou Tao. Please spare my life."
Li Zhengyi trembled uncontrollably, the thought of the worst possible outcome sending shivers through his entire body, his eyes filled with terror.
Ye Longlin's gaze shifted to Zhou Tao, with a hint of curiosity. "I am genuinely curious. After my grandfather retired, that position remained yours. Why would you still want to ruin my grandfather's reputation? From what I know, my grandfather never did anything to you."
Zhou Tao's words struck him like thunder, making his heart pound with a mixture of shock and fear.
At this moment, Pang Yun slowly regained consciousness. Seeing everyone kneeling on the ground, he did not dare to hesitate and quickly knelt down as well.
Ye Longlin's gaze remained fixed on Pang Yun as he spoke coldly, "Did you not just pledge your head as a guarantee?"
Pang Yun, having just woken up, dared not look up. Fear flickered in his eyes, and his body trembled, leaving him speechless.
"I have always been one to fulfill others' wishes. Since you have stated it so firmly, I have no choice but to grant your request."
As his words fell.
Li Zhengyi, Zhou Tao, and all the guests present involuntarily gasped.
This person!
He was the most dazzling figure of this era, a truly peerless individual!
No one present ever imagined they would witness such an existence in their lifetime!
Their hearts were filled with a myriad of complex emotions.
They had believed their plan was flawless, that once the calligraphy and painting exhibition began, Xia Mingzhong's reputation would be in tatters. But what was the outcome?
This extraordinary figure had personally graced the event, and crucially, he was Xia Mingzhong's grandson!
The Xia family had ascended to the heavens in an instant!
No, this was far more than just an ascent!
If the Xia family was once a mere earthworm on the ground, they had now transformed into a dragon, soaring through the nine heavens.
*Click—*
The sound of a firearm being cocked echoed.
Mu Hanqi, holding the little girl, walked out. Ye Longlin then produced another silencer and slowly screwed it onto the barrel.
Witnessing this, Pang Yun's fear intensified, his hair standing on end.
Xia Mingzhong frowned slightly at Ye Longlin's actions and stopped him. "Little Ye, let it be. Killing is never good, especially since he is, after all, my disciple."
Ye Longlin hesitated for a moment. If it were up to him, he would have made Pang Yun honor his promise. But with his grandfather's words, Ye Longlin could only comply.
He put away the firearm, ceasing his action.
"With my grandfather's intercession on your behalf, this matter will be dropped. Of course, I also hope that today's events will not appear in any newspapers or media. If I discover any inaccurate reporting, you will have to be prepared to pay the price, understand?"
Ye Longlin spoke slowly, intending to warn the press present. After all, in this era where news often began with a picture and relied entirely on fabrication, anything could be invented.
He did not linger, and no one even noticed when he departed.
When everyone finally came to their senses, they realized that he was gone.
A collective sigh of relief swept through the venue.
Concurrently, vehicles bearing official plates from the Mayor's office began to arrive outside. Middle-aged individuals in administrative jackets alighted from the cars and hurried inside.
A dignified man leading the group strode into the Hua Gallery.
"The Commander of the Three Armed Forces was here? Where is he?"
The leader surveyed the surroundings and asked in a commanding voice.
As Li Zhengyi rose, he saw the man and quickly stepped forward. "Mayor Jin, they have already left. The Commander of the Three Armed Forces is Xia Mingzhong's grandson."
Had it not been for this incident, they might never have known that the top brass of the military was actually Xia Mingzhong's grandson.
Mayor Jin nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Xia Shijie, do you know about this matter?"
Xia Shijie was the second of Xia Mingzhong's remaining two sons, currently holding the highest position in education.
Xia Shijie appeared bewildered. He had never heard of such a connection within his own family.
Therefore, he shook his head and replied, "I am not aware."
Li Zhengyi continued, "Director Xia, if my guess is correct, Marshal Ye should be your sister's child."
Upon hearing this, Xia Shijie's pupils contracted sharply. He seemed to recall something, and a look of shock appeared on his face.
Mayor Jin noticed the change in his expression. After a moment of contemplation, he stated, "Old Xia, you may take the day off today. Ascertain the truth of this matter and report back to me tomorrow."
Xia Shijie nodded. "Understood, Mayor Jin. Rest assured, if this matter is true, I will report it to you truthfully."