A sudden commotion erupted from the audience, with many widening their eyes and staring intently at Qin Chuan on stage, their expressions filled with disbelief.
They had speculated about the mysterious benefactor behind this gathering in many ways – who they were, their gender, their age – but they had never anticipated that the person would be so young.
Looking no older than twenty-two or twenty-three, many individuals of such an age were still enjoying themselves, living carefree lives, their greatest achievements perhaps being wooing a few pretty girls.
To think that such a young man claimed to be the mastermind behind this entire event was astonishing, almost unbelievable.
A buzz of excited chatter filled the air. Apart from the few who knew Qin Chuan's background, everyone else speculated that he must be the scion of a powerful faction, otherwise, he couldn't possibly be standing here.
"The Han family must have offended someone incredibly powerful, and this is their revenge!"
"Heaven has eyes! The Han family is really digging their own grave. I'm even more excited for this revenge now!"
"Who's to say otherwise? Before coming, I didn't have much hope for this gathering, but now it's completely different! Heh heh, I truly want to see the day the Han family's building crumbles..."
"It would be best if they were all arrested, that would truly vent our hatred!"
"Hahaha, those bastards from the Han family are finally getting what they deserve!"
The discussions below grew more intense. Qin Chuan and the other three on stage could hear them all, and for a moment, everyone, including Qin Chuan, wore a slightly peculiar expression.
Especially when Qin Chuan and the others' gazes met those of the Lin siblings, Shan Xiongjin, Wang Bailin, and others closest to them, they all revealed a look of astonishment.
This situation had truly exceeded everyone's expectations.
No one had imagined that merely his age would lead to such elaborate assumptions, making many who had been uncertain about this gathering suddenly feel motivated and enthusiastic.
This was a supremely good development, and so, as if by telepathy, no one stepped forward to explain.
"Everyone, the reason I, Qin, have gathered you all here today is simply to have a meal, to get to know each other better, and to strengthen our bonds."
On stage, Qin Chuan continued to speak.
"Because in the future, we will all become one big family, and each of you will be a part of it. I felt it necessary to have this simple little get-together."
"Tonight, eat, drink, and have fun to your heart's content. Don't worry if you get drunk; I've booked rooms for you all. Rest assured, you won't have to spend a single penny. All expenses tonight are on me!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the audience erupted into enthusiastic applause. Some who enjoyed hyping up the atmosphere even cheered loudly, and the atmosphere in the entire hall began to liven up.
Before long, plates of fine wine and delicious dishes were swiftly served, filling all the tables.
There were a total of over forty people attending the gathering tonight. Nearly all those whom Qin Chuan and his three companions had visited in separate groups in the past few days had managed to come, which was enough to show that everyone harbored considerable animosity towards the Han family.
Otherwise, so many people wouldn't have attended.
Once the food and wine were served, Qin Chuan, along with his elder brother Qin Yang, Zheng Chengdao, and Yao Dong, began to go from table to table, toasting the guests and getting acquainted.
Every time Qin Chuan approached a table, all the guests behaved with great respect. After completing the round of toasts, Qin Chuan returned to the table with the Lin siblings, Shan Xiongjin, and Wang Bailin.
"Come, everyone, it's my turn to toast you!"
Qin Chuan said with a smile as he sat down. Qin Yang, Zheng Chengdao, and Yao Dong then found seats at other tables, making an effort to mingle and get to know everyone.
"Boss Qin, you've misspoke. Strictly speaking, it should be us toasting you!"
Lin Ting, who was closest, said with a playful smile, her beautiful eyes twinkling.
"We were just discussing you earlier?"
Qin Chuan asked with a smile. "Discussing what about me? Were you secretly bad-mouthing me behind my back? Hmm?"
"Hahaha!!"
Laughter erupted from the crowd. Even Wang Bailin, the eldest among them, couldn't help but chuckle, finding this young man truly amusing.
"We were all praising you!"
"Saying that at such a young age, you've managed to build such a great enterprise, it's not due to luck but rather because you have the capability!"
Lin Ting said.
"Leaving aside other things, just being able to gather so many people together for this dinner tonight is something not everyone can achieve!"
Lin Xiang immediately added, "Who says otherwise? I admit I couldn't do this."
"Therefore, this toast should really be from us to you."
Shan Xiongjin chimed in.
Qin Chuan smiled modestly. "Not at all, not at all. This isn't something I achieved alone. My brothers have been a great help. Otherwise, if it were just me, even if I were split into several parts, I wouldn't have this much capability!"
"Come, everyone, let's toast together!"
Qin Chuan raised his glass, and everyone clinked theirs, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the conversation finally turned to serious matters.
"Boss Qin, besides contacting us, have you made any new breakthroughs recently?"
Shan Xiongjin was the first to ask.
"Yes!"
Qin Chuan replied directly.
As soon as he spoke, everyone stopped what they were doing, their eyes converging on him.
Shan Xiongjin had merely asked casually, but the unexpected outcome piqued everyone's interest.
"Tell us quickly, what kind of breakthrough is it?"
Wang Bailin also urged him on.
"I've found another very capable ally. She harbors an irreconcilable hatred for the Han family and has been plotting her revenge for years!"
Qin Chuan stated.
"Oh? Is she here tonight?"
Lin Xiang asked, instinctively scanning the room as if trying to spot this person.
Qin Chuan shook his head. "No, she's not here tonight."
The hopeful expressions on everyone's faces dimmed slightly with disappointment.
"However, it was from her that I obtained some explosive information about the Han family. If it can be substantiated, its impact will be no less than the combined efforts of your three families in retaliating against the Han family's industries in the future!"
Qin Chuan said.
This statement immediately reignited everyone's curiosity, and they eagerly pressed for details about this explosive intelligence and its immense power.
"Well... regarding this information, I cannot disclose it to you all for the time being, as I need to obtain permission from the other party before I can reveal it externally."
"But I can assure you that this matter is absolutely true and concerns the Han family's hard-earned reputation over the years. When the time comes for its implementation, I will need everyone's assistance."
After Qin Chuan's statement, the reactions from the crowd varied.
"Boss Qin, what kind of secret is this that you're even hiding it from us? We're all in this together now!"
Shan Xiongjin said, showing a hint of displeasure.
Qin Chuan shook his head. "It's not that I don't want to tell you, but the time is not right!"
"Currently, none of you wants to be the leading figure, fearing that a single misstep could invite fierce retaliation from the Han family. Therefore, I've decided that my ally and I will be the ones to take the lead!"
This statement made everyone present slightly awkward.
"Qin Chuan, it's not that we're afraid to act against the Han family, but we have too many concerns. This matter is too significant, and we cannot afford even the slightest oversight."
Wang Bailin explained.
Qin Chuan nodded. "I understand everyone's concerns, which is precisely why I said my ally and I will take the lead!"
"Once we begin our attack on the Han family, you all can follow suit. This way, we'll be two prongs: one attacking the Han family's reputation, and the other attacking their tangible assets."
"I'd like to see how the Han family can withstand this!"
As Qin Chuan spoke his last words, two sharp, icy glints shot out from his pitch-black eyes.
His gaze was so piercing and formidable that the Lin siblings, Shan Xiongjin, Wang Bailin, and the others present felt a chill run down their spines.