For the first time in his life, Jiang Li felt a great sense of threat.
He had always looked down on Fang Wenhua, primarily because Fang Wenhua and Lin Liwen had no descendants.
Although the Fang and Jiang families belonged to two different external groups, they were actually both industries of the Lin family. The capital support for their ventures had, in fact, come from the Lin family.
The Lin family was an established lineage, placing immense importance on inheritance.
This resulted in the Jiang family, despite the Fang Group's superior performance, always holding a higher standing with the Lin family.
Had things proceeded according to the normal script, upon the demise of the Lin family matriarch, the Lin family would undoubtedly have been taken over by the Jiang family.
Correspondingly, the Fang Group would have become a subsidiary of the Jiang family!
This was the reason Jiang Li had never taken Fang Wenhua seriously.
But now, things were different.
With Lin Liwen pregnant, it signaled that the Lin family's main branch now had new options.
The old matriarch was not foolish. Her consistent favoritism towards the Jiang family was solely due to the presence of her Lin bloodline within the Jiang family. Without that, in every other aspect, Fang Wenhua was superior to the Jiang family.
Now, the Jiang family's sole trump card had been completely overturned by a recent statement from Fang Wenhua's supporters.
At the front of the venue, watching Fang Wenhua on stage with high spirits, Jiang Li's fists clenched tightly.
Unfortunately, Fang Wenhua suddenly looked down at him from his elevated position, then offered him a smile full of unspoken meaning.
Was this a celebration of good news?
It was clearly a provocation to his Jiang family!
By publicly announcing such a private family matter, wasn't Fang Wenhua declaring war on the Jiang family?
However, Jiang Li reconsidered. Given Fang Wenhua's physical condition, it seemed impossible for him to have gotten Lin Liwen pregnant.
Could it be a case of using a donor?
Jiang Li harbored various suspicions. In the past, he would have openly voiced them, but now he had to "consider" Fang Wenhua's feelings.
Because, at present, Fang Wenhua had no reason to be apprehensive of them!
"Everyone, in addition to the joyous news above, I wish to express special gratitude to one person: Mr. Lin Xiao Tian!"
As Fang Wenhua's voice faded, a spotlight landed on Lin Xiao Tian nearby.
"Everyone probably remembers the Gu Yuan Dan our company launched; it was actually created by Xiao Tian."
"Xiao Tian is a divine doctor at the National Medical Hall, something some people present may already know. My wife was gravely ill, and Xiao Tian was the one who cured her. He saved my life, and I, Fang Wenhua, am not an ungrateful person. I will always remember this."
Fang Wenhua's speech had elevated Lin Xiao Tian to the heavens.
But any discerning individual could see that while Fang Wenhua outwardly thanked Lin Xiao Tian, the act of announcing it so publicly was a declaration of his stance. From this day forward, Lin Xiao Tian was on Fang Wenhua's side, under his protection.
Those who understood the implication began to applaud.
The reception continued, and Fang Wenhua delivered his passionate speech before taking Lin Xiao Tian around to make introductions.
Most of the attendees were influential figures from Qingzhou, which would be immensely beneficial for Lin Xiao Tian's future.
After a tour, Fang Wenhua finally arrived at Jiang Li's side.
"Xiao Tian, allow me to introduce you. This is Jiang Li from the Jiang family. You must have much to discuss," Fang Wenhua introduced.
Upon hearing Fang Wenhua's words, Jiang Li looked at Lin Xiao Tian with utter disdain.
He already knew Lin Xiao Tian's background; he was just an ordinary farmer with some skill. But remembering how Lin Xiao Tian had faltered in front of him before, Jiang Li's contempt for Lin Xiao Tian was deeply ingrained.
Jiang Li couldn't even be bothered to respond.
"What is going on? How did your father teach you? Don't you have any basic manners?"
Hearing this, Jiang Li immediately bristled with anger.
"Fang, how dare you speak so boldly? When did it become your place to tell me what to do?"
"By seniority, you should call me Uncle. Am I not even allowed to speak?" Fang Wenhua's expression remained calm.
"Uncle? Fang Wenhua, do you even deserve that title?" Jiang Li sneered. "Let me tell you, don't get too carried away. Who the Fang Group will belong to in the future is not for you to decide."
Fang Wenhua knew exactly what he meant, but he remained calm in the face of the provocation.
"Of course, the Fang Group will belong to the Fang family. Who else could it belong to? However, the future of your Jiang family is indeed uncertain."
"What do you mean? Are you threatening me?"
"No threat, just a reminder. When you go back, please relay a message to Old Jiang for me: tell him to discipline his son properly. If he cannot do it, then I will take over the responsibility of disciplining him."
"You..."
Jiang Li was furious, but seeing the cold expression on Fang Wenhua's face, he swallowed his words back.
Afraid to confront Fang Wenhua, Jiang Li decided to leave.
But before he could take a few steps, Fang Wenhua called out to him.
"What is this? I just mentioned your lack of manners, and it seems you haven't repented at all. Stop right there!"
Fang Wenhua's voice was not loud, but it was incredibly clear.
In an instant, the room fell silent.
The surrounding guests turned their gazes towards them.
Feeling the intense scrutiny, Jiang Li's anger reached its peak.
"What else do you want?" Jiang Li gritted out.
"I was introducing a guest to you just now. How should you respond? Do I need to teach you?"
Jiang Li glanced at Lin Xiao Tian.
He had no interest in meeting Lin Xiao Tian. This man whom he had once trampled upon was hardly worth his attention.
Moreover, Fang Wenhua had humiliated him in front of everyone, making him even less inclined to meet Lin Xiao Tian.
"I'm not interested. Fang Wenhua, who do you think you are? What right do you have to order me around?"
Fang Wenhua did not answer him but walked up to him.
Then, to everyone's astonishment.
*Slap!*
A resounding slap echoed.
Everyone was stunned.
Fang Wenhua had actually slapped the young master of the Jiang family in public?