With the Madam’s bodyguard’s words, it was enough to seal the deal. Jiang Yuan was most likely a murderer.
After all, given the Madam’s status, she would never speak without basis, nor would she have her bodyguard say such inexplicable things in that setting.
Yet, for some reason, the people present still found it hard to believe.
Mostly because Liu Yutong’s men in black looked far too menacing—they didn’t seem like employees at all, but more like underworld figures.
The most intimidating such figures they had ever seen.
Liu Yutong turned to face the crowd. “You’ve all seen it. I say he’s a murderer, so he’s a murderer.
As for my people, they’re just a group of good citizens who love to act bravely for justice.”
Everyone: “…”
Fine, Miss Liu says it is what it is.
We’ll believe you, alright?
Zhou Yun stood frozen in place, staring at the dramatic scene unfolding before her, still unwilling to accept it.
Just minutes ago, she had been shouting that Liu Yutong was a gangster, brandishing photos and threatening to ruin her reputation.
But now?
The Madam was gone, and the Madam’s bodyguard had even sided with Liu Yutong, testifying on her behalf.
From start to finish, she had been nothing but a clown, utterly ridiculous.
“No! It’s impossible!”
Zhou Yun staggered back two steps, unable to process this reality.
Then, as if grabbing at a final straw, she whipped around to look at her grandfather, Zhou Liren, still in the crowd.
“Grandfather, you saw it too! She really is shady—those men in black are her thugs! Say something! Expose her, now—”
“Shut up!”
Zhou Liren slapped her hard across the face, the sound cutting through the air.
If he had been clinging to a shred of hope before, wanting to gamble on this, now he understood completely: Liu Yutong was not someone the Zhou family could afford to provoke.
The Madam’s bodyguard spoke for the Madam herself, and his words were a clear signal to everyone: She backs Liu Yutong.
So this matter had to end here—it absolutely had to.
After delivering the slap, Zhou Liren clasped his hands toward Liu Yutong.
“Miss Liu, my granddaughter is young and ignorant. She has offended you. I apologize here and now. When we return, I will discipline her strictly, and she will never trouble you again.”
With that, he waved his hand, ordering his men to drag away the numb-faced Zhou Yun, who no longer resisted. She was utterly numbed.
After handling his granddaughter, Zhou Liren turned to Old Madam Jiang. “Old Madam Jiang, today’s incident was my clan’s rashness. I will come another day to formally apologize.”
His apologies done, he wasted no time and left with the Zhou family. The birthday banquet had only just begun, but they had lost all face to stay.
Liu Yutong did not stop him.
After all, there was no deep-seated enmity between her and the Zhou family. In fact, thanks to Zhou Yun’s outburst, she had firmly established her authority among the elite circles of the capital.
From now on, no one would dare underestimate her, and she could expect fewer obstacles in her business dealings here.
Liu Yutong turned her gaze to Jiang Yuan, sprawled on the ground.
The once kind-faced man was now battered and swollen, lying like a dead dog.
Gao Min’s punches had been brutal.
“Sis, that’s enough.” Liu Yutong reached out and stopped Gao Min from striking again.
Only then did Gao Min lower her fist, her eyes reddened.
Eleven years.
Since the day their father died, she had been waiting for this moment: to capture this beast and avenge him.
“Little sister… I… I just can’t hold it in… sob sob sob…”
Liu Yutong embraced her, offering comfort.
She understood.
If it were her, she might be even fiercer, even crazier.
But they were at the Jiang estate in the capital, not in Pearl City.
The Madam’s bodyguard had already hinted that here in the capital, one must act with restraint—they needed to respect the host’s dignity.
“Yun Cheng.”
“Here.”
“Have him taken away, sent to Pearl City overnight, and notify the people in Harbor City to act. Don’t let anyone escape.”
“Understood.”
Yun Cheng waved his hand, and several men in black stepped forward, dragging Jiang Yuan away.
Just then, the silent Old Madam Jiang spoke up.
“Hold on.”
Liu Yutong turned to face her.
Leaning on her cane, supported by Jiang Chao and Jiang Lan, Old Madam Jiang approached slowly.
“Young lady, don’t you owe me an explanation?”
Liu Yutong replied, “Grandma Jiang, I helped catch a vicious murderer and protected everyone’s safety. Isn’t that explanation enough?”
Old Madam Jiang shook her head. “Today’s events stirred up quite a stir, but I am willing to let it go—on one condition.”
“Please, speak. If it’s reasonable, I don’t mind apologizing.”
Old Madam Jiang waved dismissively. “No need for apologies. I’m not so senile as to demand that.”
“I have only one request: from now on, you and your sister must visit the Jiang family often.”
At this, everyone in the room was stunned.
What did Old Madam Jiang mean by that?
Was she actively trying to win over Liu Yutong?
No, not exactly—it was more like she was using this opportunity to bring Liu Yutong and Gao Min into the Jiang family’s orbit.
Truly a masterful move by the matriarch!
Liu Yutong paused briefly, then smiled and agreed. “Grandma Jiang, I’ll hold you to that. Whenever I come to the capital, I’ll definitely visit you.”
Finally, Old Madam Jiang’s face broke into a satisfied smile. She nodded and, with the support of her children, turned to head inside.
Lin Dong and Jiang Lu, standing in the crowd, watched with immense pride.
That girl had made them so proud!
Not only had she not failed, but she had also earned the favor of the Madam and Old Madam Jiang.
With her leading the way, the Lin family could surely revive!
Jiang Yuan was taken away.
After much back-and-forth, the birthday banquet regained its lively atmosphere.
Following the meal, the guests began to leave one by one.
Before departing, each of them deliberately approached Liu Yutong, offering polite greetings, handing over business cards, and exchanging pleasantries.
“Miss Liu, I’ve heard so much about you. Let’s stay in touch!”
“Miss Liu, here’s my card. If you ever need anything in the capital, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Miss Liu, you truly surpass many men with your courage!”
“...”
Liu Yutong accepted each card graciously.
After all, these people were influential figures in the capital. Her sister Gao Min would need to interact with them to develop her business here.
More friends meant fewer enemies.
When most of the guests had left, Liu Yutong was about to get into her car when a timid voice came from nearby.
“Uh… Sister Yutong.”
She turned to see Lin Mian.
This eighteen-year-old boy was looking at her with sparkling eyes.
“What’s up?”
Lin Mian hesitated before summoning his courage. “Sister Yutong, can I… can I become as strong as you one day?”
Liu Yutong laughed upon hearing this. “Yes.”
“As long as you’re willing to work hard and keep at it, you’ll become a very capable person someday too.”
Lin Mian’s eyes grew even brighter. “Really?”
“Really.”
“Sister Yutong, I’ll remember that. I’m going to work hard.”
Standing nearby, Lin Feng felt a pang of jealousy.
That brat—usually so quiet and tight-lipped—had somehow picked the perfect moment to suck up.
No way. He had to suck up too!
But just as Lin Feng was about to step forward and say something, Liu Yutong shot him a glare, shutting him down instantly. He could only climb into the car with a look of pitiful grievance.
