C5 Seeing Director Wang
Lin Xuan had just set down his phone when he noticed a new message from Wang Baifa glaring back at him:
"Hall Master, all is in order."
Pei Jinzheng, barely containing his laughter, approached Lin Xuan with a hand over his mouth.
"Really, Lin, haven't you embarrassed the Pei family enough?"
He casually flicked at Lin Xuan's crumpled collar as he spoke.
"Don't kid yourself. You're dealing with the C Group here. They're a titan of industry in all of A City!"
"You think you can get Pei Qiuyu to land the order? You won't even manage to get four dishes in your lifetime."
Pei Jinzheng gestured toward the dog food bowl nearby, "That's a better fit for you."
Laughter erupted from those around them.
"I can't... I'm laughing so hard it hurts!" Pei Qiusha was doubled over in hysterics.
For three years, not a soul in the Pei family had taken their foolish son-in-law, Lin Xuan, seriously.
Pei Jinzheng, in particular, seemed to take great pleasure in mocking him.
Lin Xuan straightened his collar with a finger and said icily, "Remember, you're calling me a fool for the last time."
"There won't be a next time!"
Pei Qiuyu was taken aback. What was going on with Lin Xuan today?
His actions were continuously unexpected.
"Think you're tough? Looks like you're asking for it..."
Pei Jinzheng's hand was poised to strike Lin Xuan when Old Lady Pei's voice cut through:
"Enough!
She smacked the table, "What's the time? I have no interest in this spectacle!"
"This order is crucial for the Pei family."
"Shasha, you and Ah Qiao are going to the C Group tomorrow. Secure that contract from Director Wang!"
"Grandma, you can count on me!" Pei Qiusha assured Old Lady Pei.
Beside her, Soong Qiao was already regretting his bravado, but it was too late to back down without becoming the family's laughingstock. He steeled himself for the challenge ahead.
Old Lady Pei turned to Pei Qiuyu and instructed, "You'll handle the negotiations tomorrow."
"Even though it seems hopeless, I'm giving you this opportunity. If you fail to secure the deal,"
"not only will the company pass to Jinzheng, but you'll also have to divorce this idiot and marry the heir of the L Group."
Lin Xuan responded with composure, "Qiuyu will certainly secure the order. Just wait and see."
With that, Lin Xuan took Pei Qiuyu by the hand and they left.
Pei Jinzheng called out from behind, "Remember, you still owe me a slap."
"If Pei Qiuyu fails to close the deal tomorrow, I'll happily deliver that slap!"
Without looking back, Lin Xuan replied, "Rest assured, you'll get that slap you're so eager for."
...
Once outside the Pei residence, Lee Moxiang fumed, "Lin Xuan, you're worthless! You've brought shame to our entire family."
"What were you thinking? If Qiuyu can't secure the order, where does that leave us?"
"No, Qiuyu, you must divorce this fool at once and marry the young master of the Lin family! Kick this idiot out!"
"Mom..."
Lin Xuan was cut off as Lee Moxiang snapped, "Don't you dare call me 'Mom'! I wish you were dead!"
"Mom, that's too harsh!"
Pei Qiuyu interjected, "Lin Xuan means well."
"He doesn't want to see me mistreated by the Pei family."
Lee Moxiang retorted in frustration, "What can he possibly do? Think he can charm an order into existence? He's a fool, and what? You're a fool too?"
"Let him be treated like a dog if he wants, but it's embarrassing for you! And your father and I have to share in the humiliation!"
Pei Qiuyu tried to reassure her, "Mom, please calm down. I've built up a network through my work over the years."
"If need be, I'll reach out to friends and old classmates. There's always a solution."
Lee Moxiang stamped her foot in exasperation, "I just don't know what sins I've committed to deserve this!"
"I still need to visit your dad at the hospital!"
With that, Lee Moxiang, clearly agitated, flagged down a taxi.
She quickly ushered Pei Qiuyu into the cab.
Pei Qiuyu glanced back at Lin Xuan and said, "Don't take Mom's words to heart, okay? She's always been one to speak without thinking."
"You haven't had dinner yet, go home and make yourself some noodles!"
Lin Xuan couldn't help but smile. Even in the midst of her own concerns, Pei Qiuyu was still considerate of his feelings, warming his heart.
Shortly after they departed, a convoy of luxury cars arrived in a flash.
Maybachs, Bentleys, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Koenigseggs—it was like a parade of opulence, all pulling up before Lin Xuan.
The car doors swung open, and the occupants hurried out, bowing deeply to Lin Xuan.
"The Hall Master has returned; please accept our apologies for the delay!"
Lin Xuan surveyed the group. Among them were world-leading tycoons, military powerhouses, and heads of international assassin organizations.
Each individual was influential enough to cause a stir with a mere gesture, yet they all showed Lin Xuan the utmost respect.
They had come swiftly from all corners of the globe upon hearing of Lin Xuan's awakening.
And even now, other international power players were en route in their private jets.
Lin Xuan's brow furrowed as he asked, "Didn't I instruct you to keep my awakening confidential?"
Wang Baifa immediately dropped to one knee, "Hall Master, the Nine-star General rank conferred by the International United Nations is celebrated with a Zen Ceremony every three years!"
"With the Hall Master's timely reappearance, coinciding with the seventh of next month, right before the Zen Ceremony, it seems like destiny—and the collective anticipation of many."
"Should the Hall Master not attend in person, it would mean relinquishing the generalship. The Sky Dragon Palace is vast, and surely the Hall Master wouldn't want to see it fall into disarray once more?"
"Hall Master!"
In that moment, all the dignitaries knelt on one knee, gazing up at Lin Xuan in reverence.
Lin Xuan inhaled deeply and said, "Alright. But we still have a week until the seventh of next month."
"Until then, my identity must remain a secret. If anyone leaks it, I will show no mercy."
"The Hall Master's command!"
The crowd roared in agreement.
Lin Xuan nodded, his mind on the Pei family's relentless attempts to force Pei Qiuyu into another marriage. He declared:
"Pei Qiuyu has been my wife for three years. It's perfect timing—I'll throw a wedding of the century for us on the day of the celebration."
"Wang Baifa, arrange a bridal gift tomorrow and deliver it to the Pei family."
"Understood!"
With a wave of his hand, Lin Xuan dismissed them, "That will be all."
Quickly, the heavy hitters dispersed, leaving no trace of the gathering behind.
Lin Xuan silently vowed, 'Qiuyu, from today forward, I, Lin Xuan, will not be as I was before!
I'll ensure no one dares to underestimate you!
I'll make you the happiest woman on earth!'"
The following morning.
After breakfast, Pei Qiuyu drove with Lin Xuan to the C Group headquarters.
No sooner had they parked than a white Maserati pulled up opposite them.
Stepping out of their car, Lin Xuan and Pei Qiuyu were confronted by a flamboyantly dressed woman with thick makeup, accompanied by a man in a suit.
It was her cousin, Pei Qiusha, and her fiancé, Soong Qiao.
Pei Qiusha spotted them immediately and shrieked, "Oh my, look who we have here!"
"Pei Qiuyu, I thought you were only trying to impress grandma. I never expected you'd actually show up."
"Don't bother, Director Wang won't give you the time of day! Just take your idiot and go home!"
"Shut your mouth," Lin Xuan interjected icily.
"You dare insult me?"
Fuming, Pei Qiusha clutched Soong Qiao's arm and demanded, "Qiao, punch him!"
"Alright..."
Soong Qiao straightened his suit, but as he moved to step forward, Lin Xuan's chilling stare sent a shiver down his spine, and he halted mid-stride.
He whispered, "Listen, Shasha, let's not stoop to arguing with this idiot."
"We've got important business to take care of."
Pei Qiusha stood tall and declared, "Exactly, we're off to meet with Director Wang. My brother will take care of him when we get back!"
Just then, Lin Xuan interjected, "The person Director Wang won't be seeing is you."