Chapter 346 Lord Qi Arrives
The moment Zhou Sinian's words fell, the entire Liu family mansion fell silent. No one had expected Zhou Sinian to suddenly erupt and publicly scold and slap Zhang Heng.
And now, it wasn't just about slapping Zhang Heng. Everyone heard Zhou Sinian's words and realized he had directly stood in opposition to Liu Mingtian, publicly slapping Liu Mingtian.
Liu Mingtian's face flushed. He hadn't expected Zhou Sinian to erupt in his own home during a banquet meant to welcome him.
This was akin to pointing at his nose and scolding him, and furthermore, claiming he couldn't be transferred back to Qingzhou City. The atmosphere instantly became incredibly awkward and silent.
Liu Ran, standing to the side, was utterly bewildered. She hadn't expected Zhou Sinian to suddenly fly into a rage for her Yang Yang Yang Company, scolding Zhang Heng on the spot. And for her Yang Yang Yang Company, he had actually turned his back on her uncle.
For a moment, everyone was extremely awkward.
The administrators of Qingzhou City finally realized they had likely misstepped by flattering the wrong person.
They had rushed here to attend the banquet and congratulate Liu Mingtian, hoping to curry favor with him in advance. But now, they realized that doing so might have offended Zhou Sinian.
As Zhou Sinian had said, at least for now, Zhou Sinian was the highest-ranking administrator in all of Qingzhou City.
If these people truly overstepped and offended Zhou Sinian, they wouldn't have an easy time for at least the next while.
At that moment, the various administrators of Qingzhou City began to retreat. In such situations, it was wise to protect oneself. They had to choose a neutral stance to weather this crisis.
Therefore, they all withdrew, choosing to stand aside and remain neutral. This way, they wouldn't offend Zhou Sinian or Liu Mingtian, and only then could their careers proceed more smoothly.
The atmosphere in the Liu family courtyard completely changed. The most awkward person was Zhang Heng.
Zhang Heng quickly said to Zhou Sinian pitifully, "Lord Zhou, there is indeed a misunderstanding here. Lord Liu, Lord Liu, please explain to me. This production batch issue, I did it entirely for you!"
Liu Mingtian's brows furrowed tightly. He looked coldly at Zhou Sinian and asked, "Zhou Sinian, what do you mean by this?"
"In our Liu family residence, in front of so many people, you dare to say such things? Yes, I haven't returned to Jiang Province yet, but I believe you know very well what my position is in Yunnan?"
"I am your superior. Is this how you speak to me?"
Zhou Sinian sneered, "Liu Mingtian, please open your eyes and see. This is Qingzhou City. If you had returned quietly and retired honorably, I would have certainly hosted you cordially."
"But what did you do? As soon as you arrived, you suppressed enterprises in my Qingzhou City, suppressing the most famous Yang Yang Yang Company in Qingzhou City right now. What do you want?"
"Are you interfering in my Qingzhou City's affairs? Suppressing the economic development of my Qingzhou City? What are your intentions?"
Liu Mingtian quickly said, "I have not suppressed any enterprises in Qingzhou City, nor do I intend to interfere in Qingzhou City's affairs now. It's just that Yang Yang Yang Company and I are part of an internal family dispute. It's our Liu family's own business. Is there perhaps a misunderstanding?"
"Lord Zhou, we can discuss this in private. I assure you I have no intention of immediately interfering in Qingzhou City's affairs."
"Moreover, I will be taking up a position in Qingzhou City and Jiang Province in the future. How could I possibly suppress local enterprises? I'd be supporting them!"
"Regarding Yang Yang Yang Company, it was only due to our internal Liu family matters that this decision was made. It seems there truly is a misunderstanding. Why don't the two of us have a drink and clear up this misunderstanding?"
Liu Mingtian willingly lowered his stance. He didn't want to openly conflict with Zhou Sinian at this time. In Liu Mingtian's mind, Zhou Sinian would definitely not make a big fuss over a Yang Yang Yang Company.
However, Zhou Sinian merely sneered. He said, "Liu Mingtian, what you're saying is wrong. Yang Yang Yang Company is a rising star in our Qingzhou City region, a recent star enterprise. It brings huge tax revenue and profits to our Qingzhou City every year. Regardless of the reason, you are not allowed to interfere with Yang Yang Yang Company's affairs."
"I'm making it clear today: I will handle Yang Yang Yang Company's matters. The production batch must be rescinded tomorrow."
Zhou Sinian's words were blunt and gave Liu Mingtian no face at all. The reason was simple: Zhou Sinian knew very well that the priority was to cling to Chen Yang's leg and avenge Chen Yang.
As for Liu Mingtian, who was an administrator in Yunnan, Zhou Sinian truly didn't fear him.
Liu Mingtian listened to Zhou Sinian's words, his anger boiling. His face turned red with rage.
Before, he thought he could bring down Yang Yang Yang Company with just one word and make Liu Ran and Chen Yang obediently yield.
But he never expected that Zhou Sinian, the highest administrator of Qingzhou City, would act like a fool, stubbornly protecting Yang Yang Yang Company as if it were his own enterprise.
Liu Mingtian couldn't understand. He remembered Zhou Sinian wasn't an idiot, so why was he acting so erratically now?
Liu Mingtian was also completely enraged. His face flushed red, and he pointed at Zhou Sinian, saying, "Zhou Sinian, I showed you respect before, but you showed me no respect at all. Since that's the case, let me tell you, I am determined to return to Qingzhou City."
"You won't be in your position for more than three months. When I'm transferred back to work in Jiang Province, you'll see what happens."
Zhou Sinian coldly said, "First, ask yourself if your transfer will be successful!"
"Also, even if you do return after three months, at least for these three months, I, Zhou Sinian, will still be managing Qingzhou City."
"As long as I am in office for one day, I, Zhou Sinian, will be responsible for the enterprises of my Qingzhou City to the very end."
"Today's banquet has truly opened my eyes. Some people, in order to flatter and seek temporary advantage, have completely abandoned their principles."
"Listen up, everyone. I, Zhou Sinian, am now the highest administrator of Qingzhou City. If anyone dares to abuse their power in the future and suppress Yang Yang Yang Company under the guise of being an administrator, then don't blame me, Zhou Sinian, for being impolite."
Liu Mingtian's face turned red, and the Liu family members were even more dejected.
Yang Long stood in place, clenching his fists tightly. He couldn't believe it, couldn't accept it.
He hadn't expected that even with his uncle Liu Mingtian's return, Yang Yang Yang Company would still be unshakable. How could this be? How was this possible?
Just then, a announcement sounded from the entrance. Someone loudly exclaimed, "Lord of the Seven Provinces of Jiangnan Military—Lord Qi Daohuo is here to offer his congratulations."
Upon hearing Qi Daohuo's name, Zhou Sinian and Liu Mingtian were both startled.
Liu Mingtian's face instantly lit up with joy. He immediately let out a cold snort, looked at Zhou Sinian with immense pride, and said with a sneer, "Zhou Sinian, aren't you very capable? When Lord Qi arrives, let's see what else you have to say!"
Then, Liu Mingtian loudly declared, "Quickly form ranks to welcome Lord Qi!"