Chapter 56: My Turn to Act

Since the last time Ye Aotian and Lin Li clashed, Ye Aotian had watched helplessly as Lin Li escaped, while his own burst of potential achieved nothing at all. In his fury, Ye Aotian fainted on the spot. Yet even so, his spirit remained unyielding, convinced that one day he would reclaim his honor. As for Lin Li, once caught, Ye Aotian vowed to skin him alive, tear him limb from limb, and scatter his ashes to the wind.

For now, though, Ye Aotian needed to focus on gradually seizing control of the Leng family through another matter.

"Young master," reported a subordinate, "as you instructed, we've already taken control of the other investors. They've withdrawn all their funds."

"Shall we make our move now?"

Ye Aotian brushed the dust from his clothes and rose to his feet. After several days of recuperation, he had finally regained some strength. Though not yet fit for combat, as an ordinary person he appeared none the worse for wear.

"The Leng family is in dire need of support, and this project of theirs is absolutely critical. If we can help them weather this crisis, their family will rise to new heights."

Others might not realize the power of Leng Ningxue's project, but Ye Aotian knew it well. Among the four great families of River City, not one was weak; it was simply that the Leng family was currently beset by crises, making this the perfect moment for him to act.

"Chen Along, get everything ready. I’m going to pay a visit to the Leng family's patriarch—see if I can glean any useful information from them."

...

While Ye Aotian was preparing to approach the Leng family, Lin Li received word of these developments as well. Unlike Ye Aotian, Lin Li felt no sense of urgency. In his previous dealings with Leng Ningxue, he had always been on the back foot. If he wished to achieve his goals more swiftly, the best strategy was to place Leng Ningxue in a passive position.

He needed to force her to gather her people and make her realize just how perilous the situation had become. At present, only Lin Li and Ye Aotian were capable of intervening in all of River City. But if she had to choose between them, Lin Li was certain she would come to him—Ye Aotian’s recent actions had soured Leng Ningxue’s opinion of him beyond repair.

"If you keep waiting like this, aren't you worried someone else will seize the opportunity? By then, it’ll be too late for you to step in," said Su Lan, crouching on the floor and looking up at Lin Li.

Lin Li grinned. "Ouch... Heh, Sister Lan, you’re getting sharper by the day."

He narrowed his eyes. "The project is important, of course, but the key lies in controlling Leng Ningxue. With Leng Tianyi’s character, he’ll surely take this chance to drag her down and hand everything over to the men of the Leng family."

"If she truly wants to change her fate, her best option is to come to me—unless she’s really willing to beg Ye Aotian for help."

As he spoke, he gently caressed Su Lan’s long hair. "I’m in no rush. Let’s wait a little longer—patience will serve us well."

"When Leng Ningxue comes to me, that’s when the time is truly ripe."

A look of delight blossomed on his face.

...

"Brother Lin, are you home?" Fang Tai called from downstairs as he entered the villa. Soon after, he spotted Su Lan and Lin Li descending the stairs together. Noticing a trace of milk at the corner of Su Lan’s mouth, Fang Tai thought, No wonder she’s the lady of the house—she really knows how to take care of herself.

Lin Li eased himself onto the sofa, pressing a hand to his back. "What’s going on?"

"Brother Lin, what happened to you?" Fang Tai asked.

Lin Li waved him off. "The lady’s been working out lately and insists I join her. You know, I’m usually fit, but even I can’t keep up with a whole day of exercise."

Fang Tai looked bewildered, clearly not understanding Lin Li’s meaning. But he hurried to the point. "Brother Lin, you wanted me to keep an eye on the Leng family’s situation, right? I’ve just learned that Ye Aotian met with Leng Tianyi in secret. The two had a very cordial conversation and appear to have reached some kind of agreement."

Hearing this, Lin Li slapped the table. So it had come to this after all. He’d known Ye Aotian wouldn’t pass up such a golden opportunity. In fact, he suspected that the Leng family’s current crisis might well be Ye Aotian’s doing.

"We need to act quickly—sell off anything unnecessary. We need a large influx of funds right now."

"As long as we survive this ordeal, we’ll be perfectly positioned for what comes next."

This was not just an opportunity for Lin Li, but for the Qin family as well. By investing in this new energy project, they would establish a foundation for their future.

For now, though, few realized the true significance of what was unfolding.

...

Meanwhile, Leng Ningxue was deeply conflicted. Just days before, she had considered reaching out to Lin Li. But on reflection, she hoped to find another solution, not wanting to show weakness before him. Unexpectedly, the situation had taken a sharp turn for the worse within days.

Several investors who had previously agreed to participate suddenly backed out. Even within her family, many raised their voices in opposition, dismissing her efforts as futile.

Did she not know whether her actions were worthwhile? She continued because the dawn was so close—she couldn’t bear to give up now. Yet before she could do anything, her own family had already surrendered. Who could accept such a thing?

At that moment, Leng Tianyi brought her exciting news: someone was willing to invest in her project. The investor had insisted that if he were to put money into the venture, negotiations must be handled by Leng Ningxue personally.

Although Leng Tianyi had previously considered replacing her, he had to agree, for the sake of the group’s greater interests. Still, they decided to meet with this mysterious investor first.

Thus, Leng Ningxue accompanied Leng Tianyi to the meeting.

"I’ve heard this Mr. Ye is no ordinary man—with wealth to match," Leng Tianyi cautioned. "When we meet, you must be courteous and avoid any missteps. If you anger him, your project will be finished. As your father, this is the last time I’ll help you. If you fail to appreciate it, don’t blame me for being harsh."