The grand banquet hall of the Tianlong Family estate was filled with dazzling lights, the clinking of fine crystal glasses, and the murmurs of powerful figures engaging in veiled conversations. The long banquet tables were adorned with the finest cuisine, an extravagant display of the family's immense wealth and influence. Yet, beneath this facade of luxury, the air was thick with unspoken hostility.
Su Chen sat at the head of the main table, his presence alone making many of the gathered family members uneasy. Dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, he radiated an aura of dominance that few could withstand. On his right sat Ye Meng, elegantly composed yet sharp-eyed, ready to support him in this internal battlefield.
The Tianlong Family was vast, composed of numerous branches that had, over the years, accumulated their own wealth and power. Many of these figures, especially the older generation, viewed Su Chen's rapid rise with apprehension. His high-profile actions, his disregard for traditional power structures, and his overwhelming influence had unsettled them.
Wang Jun, ever the sharp strategist, observed the family members carefully. "Young Master, be prepared. Several of them will challenge your authority tonight."
Su Chen smirked, sipping his wine. "Let them."
At that moment, an elder at the far end of the table stood up. It was Tianlong Zhao, one of the oldest and most conservative members of the family. His voice was steady, but there was no mistaking the discontent in his tone.
"Su Chen, while we acknowledge your… contributions, we must question whether your methods are truly in the best interest of the Tianlong Family. Your high-profile actions have brought both attention and enemies. Do you not think it is time for more… restraint?"
Several other elders nodded in agreement. Tianlong Wei, another influential figure, added, "Our family has thrived for generations through careful management, not reckless domination. You may be powerful, but power alone does not define leadership."
Ye Meng narrowed her eyes, about to speak, but Su Chen raised a hand to stop her. He placed his glass down and leaned forward slightly, his smirk widening.
"So what you're saying," he said lazily, "is that my actions have disrupted your comfortable positions?"
A tense silence spread across the hall.
Tianlong Zhao's expression darkened. "We are saying that stability is more important than personal ambition. You may be strong, but the family does not belong to you alone."
Su Chen chuckled. "Stability?" He glanced around the room. "Do you mean the kind of stability where the Tianlong Family remains stagnant while others rise above us? The kind where we let our enemies make the first move before we react?"
His voice turned cold. "If you think I have no restraint, then you're mistaken. If I were truly reckless, half of you wouldn't be standing here today."
The weight of his words sent a chill through the room. Everyone knew that Su Chen was not bluffing. His overwhelming strength was enough to crush anyone who stood in his way.
At that moment, a younger member of the family, Tianlong Rui, stood up hesitantly. "B-But shouldn't we consider the bigger picture? We—"
Su Chen's gaze locked onto him, sharp as a blade. Tianlong Rui immediately sat back down, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Wang Jun chuckled softly, shaking his head. "It seems that some of you have forgotten that without Su Chen, the Tianlong Family would have already fallen into ruin."
Tianlong Wei scowled. "Then tell us, Su Chen, what is your grand vision for this family? Do you expect all of us to bow down to you unconditionally?"
Su Chen leaned back, exuding absolute confidence. "Not bow down. Follow."
A murmur ran through the hall.
"I don't need blind loyalty," he continued. "But those who try to oppose me, who attempt to hinder progress out of selfishness—" His eyes gleamed with an icy light. "—will be dealt with accordingly."
The room fell into absolute silence.
Then, after a long pause, Tianlong Zhao let out a sigh. "I see… so that is your answer."
He sat back down, unwilling to continue the confrontation. Others followed suit, realizing that pushing further would be a mistake.
Su Chen picked up his wine glass once more. "Good. Now that we understand each other, let's enjoy the banquet, shall we?"
The evening continued, but the storm had been set in motion. Those who opposed him would not remain silent forever.
And Su Chen welcomed the challenge.