Chen Wenhong arrived late and was unclear about the situation. She was still unconvinced, saying, "Dad, Brother Hao, Brother Jie, you're not helping Tianjiao, you're harming him!"
She was the eldest daughter of the Chen family, capable and held the financial reins of the family.
She had always wished to lead the Chen family with the Old Master's support.
As a woman, this would be difficult, but the allure of power made her unwilling to let go.
Therefore, her expression was already very grim at this moment.
"Wenhong, this decision will not be changed!" The Old Master finally spoke, his voice stern. "I know many of you are unconvinced, thinking I'm being biased?"
The Old Master surveyed the room and said, "In reality, you know nothing about Tianjiao! His own endeavors are far grander than the power and wealth of the Chen family!"
"If I hadn't forced him, he wouldn't have been willing to take over the Chen family."
These words from the Old Master stunned many, making them feel it was unbelievable.
They were half-believing.
At this moment, Chen Guangjie stood up, cleared his throat, and said, "Let me explain. Mr. Long of Longteng Group is Tianjiao! Everyone should know that the Chen family's enterprises are not even one-tenth the size of Longteng Group!"
At this, the crowd erupted in an uproar.
Chen Wenhong's expression changed.
Only Xu Shengqing looked bitter.
He knew the identity of Mr. Chen Fanlong. When he saw Chen Fan at the Chen family's doorstep yesterday and learned of Chen Fan's identity, he knew he no longer had the right to compete with Chen Fan.
"Next, Longteng Group will engage in deep cooperation with our family's enterprises," Chen Guangjie stated. "If you are unconvinced, put away your thoughts. Not only can you not compare to Tianjiao, but even we are sincerely convinced!"
"This... is it true?" Chen Tianyun asked incredulously, "Didn't Chen Tianjiao join the army? How did he become the founder of Longteng Group?"
"The reasons behind this are quite complex. Tianjiao has not yet retired and holds a very special position in the military. The specifics involve secrecy regulations. You just need to know this; do not spread it," Chen Guanghao warned sternly.
At this, the doubts of everyone vanished.
Chen Guanghao and Chen Guangjie, from the collateral branches of the Chen family, had vouched for Chen Fan. There was no room for their doubt, at least not at this family banquet where all their hidden thoughts had to be suppressed.
Chen Wenhong was still not giving up. "Mr. Long of Longteng is Tianjiao, who can prove it? That Mr. Long is said to be very mysterious. I need to see evidence!"
Old Master Chen was displeased. "Wenhong, if you want to lead the Chen family, do you have the ability?"
These words were quite harsh!
The Old Master might have been more polite to people like Chen Guanghao and Chen Guangjie from the collateral branches, but he had no such reservations with his own daughter.
Chen Fan smiled and pushed the specially prepared dish of diced chicken with dried tofu towards the Old Master. "Grandfather, you often have this dish. I prepared it specifically for you. Auntie and other relatives may have doubts and find it hard to accept, which is understandable."
The Old Master's expression softened. He tasted Chen Fan's dish, and his eyes lit up.
The flavor of this dish was on par with that of a five-star chef.
Chen Fan walked up to Chen Wenhong and made a video call to Han Shuying on his phone.
"Auntie, you should know Han Shuying of Longteng Group. Chat with her. If there are areas for cooperation, you can proceed at any time!"
The video call connected quickly, revealing Han Shuying's face. "Mr. Long?"
Chen Wenhong's pupils contracted.
As the executive president of Longteng Group, how could someone of Chen Wenhong's standing not know Han Shuying?
"Shuying, please meet Ms. Chen Wenhong, President of Jingdu Chen's Group. Arrange a meeting for us to discuss potential cooperation projects," Chen Fan said calmly.
Han Shuying immediately smiled and said, "Hello, Ms. Chen. Welcome to Longteng headquarters for an inspection!"
Chen Wenhong was speechless.
Chen Fan spoke again, "Also, I will be gifting my Dragon Card to an elder. Please arrange for someone to send another one over."
"Certainly, Mr. Long!"
Han Shuying quickly replied.
After hanging up the video call, Chen Fan said, "Everyone, Grandfather has asked me to manage the affairs of the Chen family. In truth, I have no intention of clinging to power. If anyone has the ability and wherewithal to make the Chen family better, I am willing to step down and yield my position."
"The prerequisite is gaining the approval of Grandfather and other family members!"
Chen Fan's expression was relaxed. He returned to his seat, picked up a glass of wine, and said, "Now, I'll toast you all. I hope the Chen family can unite and not cause Grandfather any more worries. That's all for now, please feel free to enjoy yourselves!"
The unconvinced younger generation fell silent. No matter how unacceptable they found it, they could no longer say anything, and could only raise their glasses.
Afterward, the atmosphere became somewhat subdued.
Chen Fan, however, chatted and laughed with the Old Master and Chen Guanghao.
The family banquet did not last long. The Old Master left after a brief meal.
Only then did some people approach Chen Fan with their wine glasses, striking up conversations.
Aside from a few elders like Chen Guanghao who were genuinely happy for Chen Fan, others also changed their demeanor, showing a desire to curry favor.
At eight o'clock in the evening, the family banquet dispersed.
However, several core members of the Chen family remained and chatted with Chen Fan for over an hour, introducing him to the specific situation of the Chen family and casually resolving some minor troubles. Then, they departed.
Chen Wenhong and her husband Dong Qihong stayed until the end.
"Tianjiao, you mean I will still be the chairman of the group?" Chen Wenhong confirmed with Chen Fan again, her expression now one of pleasant surprise.
Although Chen Fan had become the leader of the Chen family, he showed no intention of seizing power, which eased her previous reservations.
Chen Fan smiled and said, "Of course. Auntie has been doing a good job and will certainly remain the chairman."
"Oh, Tianjiao, you are truly magnanimous! Your grandfather's judgment of people is absolutely spot on. With you in charge, the Chen family will surely be in good hands!" Chen Wenhong also felt relieved.
After exchanging pleasantries, the couple left happily.
Chen Fan smiled and turned into the Old Master's study.
The Old Master was not yet asleep and had the old butler prepare a cup of tea.
Old Master Chen took a small sip, then turned to Chen Fan and asked, "Tianjiao, what do you think is the most crucial, core element of a top-tier aristocratic family?"
"Prestige, influence, and even connections!"
Chen Fan replied, "Grandfather, although you have retired, you have many former students and subordinates. Your past contributions and merits are the foundation upon which the Chen family stands."
"You see things very clearly. Wenhong and the others just don't understand; they are reluctant to part with wealth and even some positions."
The Old Master sighed. "I have always wondered who could lead the Chen family after I'm gone. Besides you, I had no other candidate in mind."
Chen Fan smiled. "Grandfather, you are in good health now. It's too early to be talking about this."
"A person without long-term planning will inevitably face immediate troubles. How can you say it's too early?" The Old Master paused and handed Chen Fan a notebook. "This is the cornerstone of the Chen family. I am now entrusting it to you. Use it well. I have marked most of it, and a lot of connections and favors were used in matters from three years ago!"
"Fortunately, you are the Undefeated Heavenly King. You have your own invincible prestige and connections in the military, which no top-tier aristocratic family can afford to ignore!"
Chen Fan opened the notebook and felt its weight in his hands.
"Take this, do what you want to do, and establish your prestige as the Invincible War God and the reputation of the Chen family, making the Chen family even more indispensable than it was three years ago."
Chen Fan said with a deep voice, "Yes, Grandfather!"