Master Jin and his group came to visit Liu Yutong today with more than just socializing in mind—they were also hoping to take advantage of Niu Ben's downfall to claim a share of the spoils.
However, judging by the current situation, Liu Yutong seemed even more domineering than Niu Ben.
Not only did she show no intention of sharing the benefits, but she outright dismissed the three men and ruthlessly dealt with Zhuang Xingyan.
Apart from Master Jin, who remained composed, the other two were visibly restless.
If Master Jin hadn’t signaled with his eyes for Lame Kun not to act rashly, he might have slammed the table and stormed out.
After a moment, Master Jin finally spoke.
"Miss Liu, please make it clear—what do we need to do for you to give us a way out?"
Hearing this, Liu Yutong shook her head. "Master Jin, I think you’ve misunderstood. I never intended to go after you."
Her words left Master Jin and the other two stunned.
"But just now…"
Liu Yutong replied casually, "Oh, those four? I simply didn’t like them."
Master Jin and the others: "......"
"Since you’ve all shown sincerity, I won’t beat around the bush. I’m not interested in Niu Ben’s businesses—except for the supermarket."
"As for the rest, you can compete among yourselves. I won’t interfere."
"However, let me be clear—Wushui County is my hometown, and I want it to thrive. If anyone dares to cause trouble here…"
She didn’t finish, but the implication was obvious.
Wushui County, one of the three counties under Bright Pearl City, had a prime geographical advantage with well-connected transportation and great development potential.
Yet, due to people like Niu Ben, the business environment had deteriorated, deterring investors and leaving the county at the bottom.
It wasn’t until later anti-crime campaigns that things improved.
Liu Yutong naturally didn’t want Wushui County to repeat its past mistakes and hinder its progress.
This was also an indirect way of helping Qi Wei.
Cracking down on criminal gangs was one achievement, but improving public safety and boosting the economy was another.
After all, she had helped Qi Wei so much—shouldn’t he, in return, ensure justice for her?
It was a fair deal, and completely legal.
A win-win.
Upon hearing Liu Yutong’s words, Master Jin and his group looked surprised, even pleasantly so.
They had assumed Liu Yutong was an uncompromising tyrant.
Seems they had misjudged her.
Still, this demonstrated her tactics—first intimidation, then rewards. A masterful play.
"Miss Liu, you’re truly magnanimous! We’ll definitely follow the rules—right, everyone?"
"Absolutely! If my construction company lands a project, I’ll hire proper crews—no shady business!"
"Same here. Miss Liu, rest assured, we’ll do everything by the book!"
"......"
Once she had their assurances, Liu Yutong said no more and excused herself from the private room.
As for dining with them?
She had no interest in sharing a meal with a bunch of old men.
Back in her suite, Yu Xin eagerly approached, her face lit with excitement.
"Yutong, great news! The finance university confirmed they still have openings despite your mistaken application. They’ve coordinated to admit you."
Liu Yutong exhaled slightly in relief.
While she didn’t care much about diplomas, her grandparents back home certainly did.
As elders, they naturally wanted their descendants to succeed.
In their village, college students were still rare. A family with a child admitted to university was a matter of great pride, often celebrated with a grand banquet.
Originally, Liu Yutong hadn’t planned on holding one.
She knew her father’s nature—that gambling addict would seize the chance to extort money and then lose it all betting.
He might even skip paying the catering bill.
Such disgraceful behavior was right up his alley.
As Liu Yutong mulled over the admission notice, her Grandfather called from a neighbor’s landline, asking if she’d received hers.
He mentioned another village student who had gotten theirs and was preparing a big celebration.
His tone was laced with envy.
Liu Yutong instantly understood.
Her Grandfather wanted to host a banquet but hesitated to ask directly, knowing her reluctance.
Gradually, her heart softened.
"Grandfather, if you want to celebrate, let’s do it—and do it grandly, at the best hotel in the county!"
If nothing else, she wouldn’t let her grandparents live with regret.
Moreover, Liu Yutong knew the villagers’ petty, judgmental nature. Because of her father, her family had endured mockery and scorn.
Her grandparents pretended not to care—at their age, they no longer chased fame—but dignity still mattered.
No one liked being constantly criticized.
Yet their family had been cursed with a worthless, gambling son and a grandson who loafed around.
Only their granddaughter had made them proud by getting into college.
Naturally, her Grandfather wanted to show the village that their family, too, had accomplished descendants.
Hearing her suggest a county hotel banquet, Grandfather wavered.
"Maybe we shouldn’t. It’s fine without one."
A county celebration would bring more face, but their finances couldn’t handle it.
Recognizing his concern, Liu Yutong reassured him.
"Grandfather, don’t worry. Haven’t I told you? I’ve been doing business in the county and made good money. Plus, my high scores earned me scholarships. Money isn’t an issue."
"Really?"
"Grandfather, have I ever lied to you? Just leave it to me. But don’t invite Liu Jianyi or Liu Yushan."
Liu Jianyi and Liu Yushan were her father and brother.
"You’re right, granddaughter. They’d only embarrass us. We won’t let them ruin your day."
"Then I’ll pick an auspicious date for my brilliant granddaughter’s celebration!"
"......"
After hanging up, Liu Yutong turned to Yu Xin.
"Tell the hotel manager to reserve a banquet hall for the celebration."
"Got it, Yutong!"
As Yu Xin headed out, Liu Yutong called after her.
"Oh, and Yu Xin—invite your grandmother and her side of the family too. We’ll celebrate together."
Yu Xin’s relatives were few—ten tables at most.
The banquet hall could easily accommodate dozens more.
Tears welled in Yu Xin’s eyes as she thanked her profusely.
"Thank you, thank you, Yutong!"
Listening to Liu Yutong’s call had struck a chord.
Who wouldn’t want to share the joy of getting into college with their loved ones?
Due to family circumstances, she had no intention of throwing a graduation celebration banquet, as hosting one now would only result in a loss—at least for a family like theirs.
Most relatives would only give fifty or a hundred as a gift, some even as little as twenty. These amounts wouldn’t even cover the cost of the banquet tables, let alone the liquor and cigarettes, especially at a high-end hotel like this.
Even though she was now earning a salary, it still wasn’t enough to make a difference.
So she decided against it, purely to avoid adding pressure to her grandmother.
Elder Sister Tong had been so good to her.
She felt she could never leave Tong’s side in this lifetime—she wanted to stay by her forever.
