Master Jin's son, Jin Xiangming, stood nearby, furious upon hearing that someone had intercepted dishes from his wedding banquet on his big day.
"Aunt Yue is right. Pulling such a stunt on my wedding day is a blatant slap to our Jin Family's face!"
"Dad, wait here. I’ll take some men to check it out. Let’s see who’s got a death wish, daring to act so arrogantly!"
Master Jin was initially angry too, but as he was about to lose his temper, Yang Yue and his son’s words made him pause and reconsider.
After all, he was a seasoned man of the world, having weathered countless storms. He instantly sensed something amiss.
Miss Liu’s men had been guarding the hallway—who would dare pull this off right under their noses? There had to be more to it.
"Don’t act rashly. Let me check first. This is a joyous occasion; we shouldn’t stir up conflict," Master Jin said thoughtfully.
With that, he turned and walked toward the door.
Jin Xiangming, though reluctant, followed, with Yang Yue close behind.
Meanwhile, Lame Kun’s table noticed the commotion. Exchanging glances, they all stood up and trailed after them.
They, too, wanted to see who had the audacity to provoke Master Jin on such a special day.
Guests in the hall began whispering among themselves.
"What’s going on? Why did Master Jin suddenly leave?"
"I heard someone intercepted the dishes. He’s going to demand an explanation."
"Tsk tsk, this is going to be interesting..."
However, when Master Jin stepped outside and saw the black-clad men of the Wanlong Society stopping the waiters and redirecting the dishes to the neighboring Qingyun Hall, he froze.
It was Miss Liu’s men?
But he hadn’t offended her!
And who was hosting an event in Qingyun Hall?
Could it be...
Master Jin’s expression darkened instantly.
He knew Miss Liu was just a college student, but he hadn’t expected her to choose the same day for her event—let alone intercept his banquet dishes.
Yang Yue, who had followed, also saw the scene. Watching the waiters carry the dishes into Qingyun Hall, she smirked.
Well, well!
That little girl had quite the nerve, daring to steal from Master Jin’s banquet. She must have a death wish.
"Master Jin, I know the people in Qingyun Hall—just a bunch of country bumpkins. Who’d have thought they’d be bold enough to take your dishes? I think they need a good lesson!" Yang Yue fanned the flames again.
But she failed to notice Master Jin’s growing fury.
She assumed her words had struck a chord, unaware that his anger wasn’t directed at the others—but at her.
Especially after the manager quietly briefed him on the situation, Master Jin was livid.
"What?!"
"You’re saying someone used my name to stop the waiters from serving Qingyun Hall?!"
After fully grasping the situation, Master Jin snapped, "Investigate this! I want to know who’s been using my name!"
With that, he immediately headed toward Qingyun Hall.
But after a few steps, he turned back and called for his son and daughter-in-law.
"Dad, where are we going?"
"To propose a toast."
"To whom?"
"Miss Liu."
"Dad, you’ve mentioned her before. She’s younger than me, right? Is she really worth you going in person?"
Raised under his father’s influence and dabbling in underworld circles, Jin Xiangming had an innate rebellious streak.
Though his father had warned him to be respectful and never offend Miss Liu, he’d always dismissed it.
What could a young girl possibly be capable of?
He’d asked why before, but Master Jin had refused to explain.
The truth was, Master Jin knew the underworld had no future.
He’d clawed his way up through blood and strife to earn his status and wealth, but he didn’t want his son following the same path.
After retirement, he hoped his son would run legitimate businesses and live a stable life—far from the violence and danger.
Naming him "Xiangming" (toward light) reflected his wish for his son to walk in the light, away from the shadows.
Ultimately, his silence stemmed from a father’s love.
Master Jin said gravely, "Let me put it this way—even your uncles have to smile politely when they see Miss Liu."
Jin Xiangming looked incredulous. "Seriously? Is she that powerful?"
Master Jin glared. "Enough! Behave yourself, or you’ll face the family rules. Understood?!"
Instantly subdued, Jin Xiangming dropped his disdain and obediently followed his father to Qingyun Hall.
Meanwhile, Hua Mao, Lame Kun, and others at the entrance had witnessed Miss Liu’s men intercepting the dishes.
Exchanging glances, their eyes gleamed with schadenfreude.
Master Jin must have offended Miss Liu—this could mean a major shift in the power balance.
Especially regarding the fight over Niu Ben’s assets; they might get a piece of the pie.
With that in mind, they all raised their glasses, ready to greet Miss Liu and curry favor.
Even some ambitious out-of-town merchants caught wind and made their move.
Yang Yue, still oblivious to the gravity of the situation, saw Master Jin heading to Qingyun Hall and hurried back to drag her husband, Yang Jianren, along—eager to watch her niece’s downfall.
Meanwhile, Qingyun Hall was buzzing with excitement.
Guests sat around round tables, feasting heartily.
Many marveled at the lavish spread, admitting they’d never seen such an extravagant banquet in their lives.
Each table had three whole lobsters—their bright red shells and plump meat made mouths water.
Normally, such premium dishes were served one at a time, but here, they came in threes!
This was pure luxury!
Besides lobster, there were delicacies like abalone and sea cucumber, also served in generous portions, leaving everyone thoroughly satisfied.
Many guests had never seen the ocean, let alone tasted seafood.
Today’s feast was an eye-opener.
Some had whispered that Liu Yutong’s family was just putting on a show, but faced with this feast, they shut their mouths and instead praised the family’s generosity and sincerity.
Once the dishes were mostly served, Liu Yutong and Yu Xin stood to toast their guests—using drinks instead of alcohol, of course.
At the main table, the atmosphere was lively.
Ma Da cracked open two lobster claws, carefully extracted the tender meat, and served it to his grandparents.
"Grandpa, Grandma, try this lobster meat—it's incredibly fresh!"
Grandpa was in a good mood as he took the shrimp, smiling at Ma Da. He casually asked, "Ma Da, I’ve heard there are quite a few troublemakers involved in shady circles around this county. You boys aren’t mixed up in that, are you?"
Ma Da quickly waved his hands. "Grandpa, come on, what era are we living in now? There’s no such thing as shady circles anymore! We’re all doing business with your eldest granddaughter—how could we possibly be involved in that kind of stuff? Besides, we even started a company, and it’s completely legitimate!"
Grandpa nodded in satisfaction. "Good, that’s good. You young people these days need to have the right mindset—stay on the straight and narrow. Don’t go following those no-good hoodlums who refuse to walk the right path and just cause trouble!"
As he spoke, Grandpa grew a bit nostalgic. "Things are so much better under the current system! Back in our day, troublemakers and gangsters would’ve been lined up and shot!"
Ma Da: "........"
