It must have been Jiang Guangming who wanted to harm Yang Jun, inciting matters in front of the Old Master, who likely did not stop Jiang Guangming's intentions. Perhaps Jiang Guangming also used the Old Master as a shield.
Next, the eldest daughter and the second daughter each came to toast their parents, then proceeded to toast the other guests at the table. They encountered the same dilemma: how to toast Jiang Chen and whether or not to include him. However, both families devised a solution. When toasting Jiang Chen, they had their sons speak, addressing him as Cousin Jiang Chen, which made toasting him less awkward. The adults merely raised their glasses in agreement, cleverly reducing the discomfort.
After the lunch banquet, guests began to leave. Old Master Jiang requested that the Jiang family stay for dinner together. As Old Qin was leaving, he told Jiang Chen that he would be staying overnight in Qingcheng at the Qin's Restaurant. He hoped Jiang Chen would join him for a free stay and they could return to Nangang together the next day. Jiang Chen agreed, finding it convenient to ride back with Old Qin.
Once all the other guests had departed, Old Master Jiang convened a family meeting. Only Hu Yina and her two children were absent; everyone else attended. Jiang Chen, having lost both parents and being the chairman of two clothing companies, was included in this family meeting.
Such meetings typically occur after the New Year and before the end of the holiday season. Given the significant changes within the family and Jiang Jingsheng's sense that things were amiss—especially with family members being so divided—he decided to hold an impromptu meeting.
Jiang Jingsheng spoke first. “Dear relatives! This year our family has faced two major tragedies: Yang Jun's passing and Jiang Liang's death. Both of these relatives died in Nangang, so I ask Guangming and Jiang Chen to discuss the situation so we can present a united front within our family. If we do not speak with one voice, we risk being exploited by outsiders! Guangming, please go ahead.”
Jiang Guangming stood up; aside from Old Master Jiang, he was the eldest present and it was fitting for him to speak next. He sensed that retaliating against Jiang Chen today was unlikely; it was clear that the Old Master wanted family unity. He understood this well.
“Next, I will share what I know. On the surface, Yang Jun died of a heart attack, but in reality, he was murdered by Lin Shihui. Lin Shihui’s suicide was not only due to pressure from employees demanding repayment but also out of fear that the truth about Yang Jun's death would be revealed.”
“He did this in a bid for control over Dongsheng Company because he was coerced and tempted by Wan's Group. Wan's Group is one of the largest enterprises in Jiangnan Province. Its chairman, Wan Haoyu, is ambitious and aims to dominate the national clothing market for substantial monopoly profits.”
“However, this individual does not intend to operate according to market principles. He seeks shortcuts by acquiring various clothing companies at low prices. The biggest obstacle in this process is Dongsheng Company. Thus, Wan Haoyu colluded with Lin Shihui to eliminate Yang Jun!”
“I possess some information but failed to prevent this tragedy from occurring in time. For this, I feel deeply remorseful and apologize to Jiang Chen.”
“An apology won’t suffice. Rest assured that those who deserve punishment will receive it,” Jiang Chen replied coolly.
“Now let’s discuss Jiang Liang’s death,” Jiang Jingsheng urged to maintain momentum.
“My son Jiang Liang’s death is straightforward; he was injured in a brawl and later jumped off a building while hospitalized.”
Lin Ping was astonished by her husband’s statement and wanted to interject but was silenced by Old Master Jiang’s stern gaze.
“Now let’s hear from Jiang Chen.”
“Alright. My father’s death and Jiang Liang’s death have already been clarified by Uncle Ming. I have no objections or additions. The perpetrator Lin Shihui has already committed suicide; he got what he deserved. Next up is Wan's Group—I will not let them off easily!”
Others expressed similar sentiments, lamenting the deaths of Yang Jun and Jiang Liang, while condemning Lin Shihui and the Wan's Group for their roles in the tragedy. Jiang Jingsheng felt satisfied with the overall tone of the discussions; this was the unity he had hoped to see within the family. In previous meetings, there had been no such cohesion, primarily directed at Yang Jun, which Jiang Jingsheng had not minded.
However, things were different now. Jiang Chen appeared to be quite extraordinary. Pushing him to the opposing side of the family would be a terrifying prospect, and it would play right into someone else's hands. Today, Old Qin had come for a birthday celebration, likely with this very purpose in mind.
Jiang Jingsheng made a concluding statement. “Well, dear family members, everyone has spoken, and I feel great! We have unified our thoughts, and we must present a consistent front to the outside world. The Wan's Group is a powerful company that we cannot provoke at this time. Jiang Chen, I advise you to steer clear of them for now; do not rush into revenge!”
“Grandfather, I understand,” Jiang Chen replied ambiguously, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Jiang Jingsheng’s advice. Hmph, the Wan's Group is nothing in my eyes!
“Guangming, what are your plans moving forward?”
“Dad, I want to stay in Qingcheng and not go to Nangang!” Jiang Guangming knew that returning to Nangang would only lead to trouble for him. Whether it was with Jiang Chen or Wan Haoyu, he understood that neither would let him off easily.
“Very well then, today’s meeting ends here! You all can enjoy some free time before we gather for dinner.”
Jiang Jingsheng recognized that merely holding this meeting would not realistically eliminate the rift between Jiang Guangming and Jiang Chen. Thus, he supported Jiang Guangming's decision to remain in Qingcheng. Going to Nangang could result in a confrontation with Jiang Chen, and even if Jiang Chen chose not to confront him, the Wan family would likely take action.
At dinner, everyone squeezed around a single table. This time, seating was arranged according to seniority and age, which made Jiang Guangming and his peers feel somewhat more comfortable.
No one dared mock Jiang Chen anymore; he maintained a facade of harmony with them. He respectfully toasted each elder at the table. Jiang Chen hoped for unity within the Jiang family; if Jiang Guangming ceased to provoke him, he would let it go. As for his grandfather, even if he truly was as Jiang Guangming described him, there was little he could do about it. For now, his focus was on dealing with the Wan's Group.
After dinner, as per his agreement with Old Qin, Jiang Chen headed towards the Qin's Hotel in Qingcheng. Having grown up in Qingcheng, he was quite familiar with the area. The hotel wasn’t too far from the Jiang residence, so he decided to walk.
As he approached his destination and crossed an intersection, a black Pulsar car suddenly sped toward him.
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