C15 The 15th Chapter Was an Invitation.

"They've arrived!"

The voice was cool, devoid of any hint of welcome or emotion.

Old Master Tang spoke with detached interest, "Take a seat. We were just discussing your situation."

"My situation?"

Tang Xueqi managed a wry smile as she reluctantly took a seat.

A man in a suit with a pallid face and an icy demeanor spoke up, "Yes, your situation. We've deliberated and concluded that Tang's Group has been floundering under your leadership. It would be best if you relinquished the management rights."

He was Tang Feng's father, Tang Jujiu.

On the other side, a gaunt middle-aged man with the look of someone who had indulged too much in drink sneered, "What's best? Tang Xueqi, you must surrender the management rights today!"

This was Tang Yun's father, Tang Loong, a man known for his excesses and volatile temper.

Without allowing Tang Xueqi a chance to respond, he insisted, "We're thinking of the Tang family's best interests. If your husband had the competence, handing the rights to Luo Yun wouldn't be an issue. But he's incompetent, and you can't continue to hold onto those rights. Hand them over to us."

"This..." Tang Xueqi faltered.

Tang Loong's eyes, murky with severity, bore into her. "What's there to hesitate about? Are you waiting for us to be reduced to begging before you're satisfied?"

"No, Uncle Loong, you've got it wrong," Tang Xueqi began.

But Tang Loong cut her off, "Wrong? We see exactly what's happening with Tang's Group. If you're not up to the task, don't cling to power."

"Tang Xueqi, just hand over the management rights. If you do, we're still family, and I'm advising you as your uncle, for your sake and the Tang family's," Tang Jujiu added earnestly.

They were in perfect accord.

Wang Yulan was growing desperate. The management rights couldn't just be handed over.

She interjected, "Can't we discuss this calmly? There's no need for such panic. We're all family here, Luo Yun excluded."

Luo Yun shot Wang Yulan a glance. Her words were preposterous!

Yet, when it came down to it, there was some truth to them.

Tang Loong mocked, "Discuss? Fine. Tang Xueqi, unless I'm mistaken, you owe Tian Cai Company one and a half billion yuan. If you're so keen on keeping the management rights, clear the debt within three days. Then we'll acknowledge your capability."

Tian Cai Company?

Tang Xueqi was about to explain.

The debt to Tian Cai Company wasn't urgent; the money was tied up in goods that needed to be sold to be converted into cash.

How could it be done in three days?

She didn't get a chance to finish.

"Alright, that's settled," Old Master Tang interjected abruptly. "I've heard that Director Wu from Yunhai City is hosting a banquet for a young man known as Worm soon. Are you aware of his identity?"

"But the Tian Cai Company's debt..." Tang Xueqi tried again.

Tang Jujiu cut in, "Of course we know. The Zhang family has been dealt with by Worm. The details are unclear, but his identity is undoubtedly significant. It appears he's connected to the military."

"Director Wu truly is a titan of Yunhai City. Those in real estate sure have deep pockets, even managing to invite Lord Worm," Tang Yun remarked with evident admiration.

The others nodded in agreement, casually discussing the banquet.

Tang Xueqi, however, couldn't get a word in, her face clouded with frustration.

Luo Yun quirked an eyebrow. "Is the situation with Tian Cai Company that bad?"

"We haven't been able to convert the money into capital yet, so repayment is an issue," Tang Xueqi replied, her voice tinged with helplessness. "With enough time, repayment wouldn't be an issue, especially since Tian Cai Company isn't pressing us. It's the Tang family's internal urgency that's the problem."

Luo Yun was about to respond when he was interrupted by a sudden call. "Luo Yun?"

He turned, surprised to see Tang Loong addressing him.

With a smug look, Tang Loong said, "Luo Yun, I've heard Lord Worm is around our age. Yet, look at him—Director Wu is throwing a banquet in his honor. And then there's you. We're both young, but why such a stark difference?"

Luo Yun's eyebrows lifted. "Why bring this up out of the blue?"

He sensed an ulterior motive behind Tang Loong's words, which seemed out of place.

Tang Loong's comment about age wasn't something to take at face value. After all, Jiang Ziya had only begun his journey when he was well into his years.

As expected, Tang Loong chuckled. "Ah, you've gotten sharper. I won't keep it a secret any longer. I've been fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the banquet."

The revelation left the room in a brief silence.

Old Master Tang expressed his disbelief. "Is that so?"

It was hard for him to imagine Tang Loong, known for his frivolous lifestyle, attending Director Wu's banquet.

Tang Jujiu was equally taken aback.

Tang Loong continued with confidence, "Absolutely. Why would I lie about this?"

He produced a gold-embossed invitation that appeared to have been carried around for some time, judging by the slight creases.

For Tang Loong, this invitation was a powerful token, one that commanded respect from anyone who understood its significance.

With a wistful sigh, he turned to Luo Yun. "Look at him, then look at yourself. You might think I'm just out drinking all day, but that's networking, making connections. Get it?"

"And how is that relevant to me?" Luo Yun inquired.

Tang Loong faltered, having expected a comeback from Luo Yun, which would have given him the chance to flaunt the invitation and metaphorically slap Luo Yun with it. But Luo Yun's response was not what he anticipated.

A truly confident person wouldn't be provoked by such remarks.

Luo Yun, unfazed, said, "I'm not sure what you're getting at, but if you're using that invitation to make a point, I could attend that banquet too."

"You?" Tang Loong's frustration vanished, replaced by laughter. "You were just praised for being smarter, and now you're talking nonsense? You, at the banquet?"

Old Master Tang also gave Luo Yun a disapproving look. The idea was preposterous. They hadn't received invitations themselves; the notion that Luo Yun, of all people, could be invited was beyond belief.

Luo Yun furrowed his brow and shot them a look. "What's the issue?"

"Give it a rest, Luo Yun. Quit playing tough. If even a fool like you got an invite, where does that leave us?" Tang Jujiu grumbled.

He took a look at the invitation card, feeling a twinge of discomfort. Despite all his hard work, he hadn't received one.

And Tang Loong, that good-for-nothing, gets invited?