The news that the Zhu family head was about to convene a board meeting soon reached the ears of the Zhu family's collateral branches.
In Luofeng Courtyard.
Just as the Zhu family head had predicted, the area was surrounded by people, layer upon layer.
Zhu Rong sat in the innermost position.
Listening to the news from his subordinates, Zhu Rong sneered contemptuously.
"My good brother truly doesn't see the coffin without shedding tears."
"If he had compromised earlier, none of this would have happened. He had to be invited three times and asked four times."
Zhu Rong was a distant cousin of the Zhu family head.
By rights, the further one's relationship was from the direct line, the less resources one received, and the harder it was to rise.
However, Zhu Rong's branch was very capable.
Every generation produced several martial artists.
He also kept a large number of retainers.
Therefore, Zhu Rong held considerable influence within the entire Zhu family.
His increasing strength only made Zhu Rong's ambitions grow.
When the Zhu family collaborated with the Xie family a while ago, and those people went to cause trouble,
Zhu Rong was not unaware.
He simply wanted to observe the situation and see how many trump cards the Zhu family head still held.
Now that the matter had been settled, Zhu Rong had some understanding of the Zhu family head's trump cards.
This was why he decided to make his move now.
The talk of unequal profit distribution was all an excuse.
What Zhu Rong truly desired had always been the position of family head!
"Even so, we must still be cautious."
"That old man is always full of schemes. Who knows what he's planning this time?"
Someone beside him advised. However, Zhu Rong dismissed the words as if they were wind.
Not only did he not listen, but he also said with great displeasure:
"Even if he has the intention, he is powerless."
"His only precious daughter is in our hands. What other thoughts can he have?"
Zhu Rong's expression was exceedingly arrogant.
As he spoke, he deliberately glanced at Zhu Ling'er beside him.
His eyes were full of smugness.
Earlier, when they tried to capture the Zhu family head,
He had regretted not capturing the Zhu family head, and that Zhu Ling'er had blocked them.
However, now he was immensely proud that he had captured Zhu Ling'er instead of the Zhu family head.
The Zhu family head, with his stubborn nature, might not have agreed to their terms even if captured.
But by capturing Zhu Ling'er, his only treasure, it was different.
No matter how resolute the Zhu family head was, for the sake of his beloved daughter's life, he would have to accept their terms.
At this moment, Zhu Ling'er, tied to a chair, heard Zhu Rong and the others talking and couldn't help but turn her face away.
She secretly prayed in her heart, hoping the Zhu family head would not listen to the "deal" these people were talking about.
Zhu Ling'er had been here for a day and a night.
Zhu Rong and the others spoke without her being present,
So Zhu Ling'er was very clear.
Even if the Zhu family head truly handed over the position of family head,
They, father and daughter, would not survive.
The moment the agreement was signed, the Zhu family head would be apprehended and brutally murdered.
And Zhu Ling'er, far away in Luofeng Courtyard, would not escape the same fate.
"Alright, we'll set off now and see if my good brother has relinquished his position."
Zhu Rong immediately put on his jacket and stood up to walk out.
The others, seeing Zhu Rong leave, followed him.
While Zhu Rong was away,
Zhu Ling'er finally had the chance to observe the layout of Luofeng Courtyard.
At the security booth at the entrance,
The three patrolling teams were all martial artists arranged by Zhu Rong.
And in this grand hall, the surroundings were packed layer upon layer!
If the Zhu family head wanted to rescue Zhu Ling'er, he would have to overcome numerous obstacles.
Most importantly,
The layout of Luofeng Courtyard was easy to defend and difficult to attack.
Even if the Zhu family head brought all the remaining martial artists of the Zhu family, it would likely be futile.
Thinking of this, Zhu Ling'er couldn't help but feel anxious.
She heard Zhu Rong say that the Zhu family head had convened a board meeting and was prepared to abdicate.
What were the Zhu family head's plans?
Would he follow Zhu Rong's instructions?
Or did he have other plans?
At this moment, the Zhu family head was unaware that Zhu Ling'er was worrying about him.
He arrived at the company, accompanied by the remaining retainers of his household.
The Zhu family had many martial artists to begin with.
Even after the battle with the Shi family, the number of remaining martial artists was not to be underestimated.
These martial artists surrounded the company, layer upon layer.
Passersby couldn't help but take a second glance,
Wondering if something major had happened!
Just as the Zhu family head was ready, Zhu Rong finally arrived with his men!
Seeing the formation, Zhu Rong paused, not entering immediately.
"What does my good brother mean by this?" Zhu Rong couldn't help but frown.
To display so many martial artists so openly,
Did he intend to fight them to the death?
But that didn't seem right.
If the Zhu family head planned to trap them, he should have hidden these martial artists.
And revealed his hand only after Zhu Rong and his party had entered!
"After all, his daughter is in our hands. We're not afraid of whatever tricks he plays."
"Let's go in first."
Zhu Rong calmed himself and stepped towards the company.
Of course, Zhu Rong was also afraid of death.
Despite his words, he still notified Luofeng Courtyard to dispatch reinforcements.
In case they were outmaneuvered by the Zhu family head later, they would still have a chance to escape.
The Zhu family head was waiting in the conference room.
As soon as Zhu Rong arrived, the two cousins were at loggerheads!
"Good brother, bringing so many people here, you've really scared me to death."
Zhu Rong said to the Zhu family head with a half-smile.
The Zhu family head chuckled and tapped his fingers on the table, "Then you dare to walk in, that shows great courage."
Facing the Zhu family head's taunt, Zhu Rong directly sat in the main seat of the conference room.
He then said nonchalantly, "We are brothers, and I believe my brother would not harm me."
The confidence in saying these words was none other than because Zhu Ling'er was in his hands!
The Zhu family head clenched his fist abruptly, staring intently at Zhu Rong, his entire being like a coiled leopard.
His eyes were filled with hatred!
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.
Then he handed over the agreement he had prepared and said slowly, "This is the equity transaction agreement I have drafted."
"As soon as you sign this, the company and the entire Zhu family will be yours."
Zhu Rong took the agreement, his breathing slightly rapid.
He had waited for this day for many years!
Ever since the Zhu family head took office, Zhu Rong had harbored the ambition to seize power.
It was just that.
The Zhu family head was at the height of his power then, and most of the family supported him.
He, Zhu Rong, had no leverage over the Zhu family head.
This had delayed him until now.
Now.
The Zhu family head had Zhu Ling'er as a weakness, coupled with the dissatisfaction caused by the previous collaboration with the Xie family among most of the Zhu family.
This allowed Zhu Rong to implement his plan!
Looking at the words on the agreement and then at the Zhu family head's suppressed demeanor,
Zhu Rong couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.