Li Zhongyuan chuckled as he walked up to the girl: "So you're General Manager Luo from Haifeng Group. You're quite the idol among the younger generation. I apologize for the abruptness earlier. Zhang Zicheng, come here." It turned out that the young man who had been pestering her earlier was surnamed Zhang.
Zhang Zicheng walked respectfully to Li Zhongyuan with his head down, saying, "Commander Li."
Li Zhongyuan pointed at Luo Xiaowei and said, "Apologize to her and make sure that President Luo will not be harassed again."
Zhang Zicheng retorted in a low voice, "Commander Li, I..."
Li Zhongyuan kicked him: "What do you mean, 'I'm coming right now!" Zhang Zicheng had never been insulted like this before. If the person in front of him wasn't Li Zhongyuan, he would have pounced on him and fought to the death. But Li Zhongyuan was the head of the special forces who held military power. If he wanted to kill someone, he could do so without anyone knowing, or he could hold an anti-terrorism exercise on your turf. You would only have tears to cry.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Just who was this officer, that he could command Li Zhongyuan to do such a thing?
Zhang Zicheng walked up to Luo Xiaowei with a wronged expression, lowered his head, and said, "Miss Luo, I'm sorry."
Taking the opportunity, Li Zhongyuan said to Luo Xiaowei, "President Luo, let him off the hook. Young people don't know their place. Don't let Commander Yang hold a grudge against him, otherwise my grandfather will scold me to death. I'm in charge of maintaining order today."
Luo Xiaowei ignored Zhang Zicheng and waved to the officer, "Shiqi, stop fooling around. Let's sit over there. We'll leave after we've paid our respects to Grandpa Chen on his birthday."
Yang Shiqi snorted at Li Zhongyuan, waved away the four plainclothes officers who had suddenly appeared, and then took Luo Xiaowei's hand and led her to another place. Zhang Zicheng was still muttering, "What kind of people are they that they would make you, Commander Li, act like this?"
Bang! Li Zhongyuan casually slapped Zhang Zicheng across the face: "What do you know? Do you even know you almost caused trouble for the Chen family just now?"
Zhang Zicheng was stunned. Although Li Zhongyuan was terrifying, he shouldn't dare to slap him. After all, he was a gentleman in Shanghai. He had already lost face by being slapped by an officer and having to apologize to him in person. Now, being slapped by Li Zhongyuan on the spot was something even the most refined person couldn't stand.
Seeing that Zhang Zicheng was about to resist, Li Zhongyuan waved his hand without a word, and several soldiers dressed as waiters immediately ran over. "Drag him out. The Chen family will never allow him to come in again."
Zhang Zicheng saw his father approaching from afar and called out, "Dad, please help me!"
Li Zhongyuan sneered at the approaching official: "Your son is quite courageous. He angered Yang Shiqi by pestering Luo Xiaowei. You'd better deal with it yourself."
Zhang Zicheng's father, his face ashen, grabbed Zhang Zicheng by the ear and dragged him outside, saying, "I shouldn't have let you come. It's all your mother's fault for being soft-hearted. You've ruined me!"
Zhang Zicheng had already gone all out, "Dad, why? What is there to be afraid of about Luo Xiaowei?"
Seeing that they had left the inner circle, Zhang Zicheng's father kicked his son in the backside: "Are you ignorant? Even Li Zhongyuan wouldn't dare offend someone, and you're trying to mess with him? Did you get your head stuck in a door?"
"But I just like Luo Xiaowei. Besides, there are people Li Zhongyuan wouldn't dare to offend. He's just not giving you face, Father."
Zhang Zicheng's father trembled with anger: "You're usually so sensible, why do you act like this whenever you see a woman? What's wrong with you? You don't understand at all. If Li Zhongyuan dares to offend that officer, the oil field he's protecting in Africa will be captured by the rebels tomorrow. How he'll be punished is still unknown. Do you think he dares to offend him?"
Zhang Zicheng looked back at Luo Xiaowei with lingering affection, which shows how charming Luo Xiaowei was. Zhang Zicheng's father pulled his son, saying, "Sigh, let's go. I'm too embarrassed to stay here. I guess I'll be implicated by you this time. What an unfilial son!"
Those who witnessed the whole thing from afar shrank back in fright. Originally, quite a few people had their eyes on Luo Xiaowei. She was rich and beautiful, and if they could get her, they would be rich. However, Li Zhongyuan's performance made everyone back down. Even a powerful figure like him had to be respected. With that very flamboyant military officer protecting her, no one dared to harass Luo Xiaowei.
Chen Guangwei, Chen Guangmin, and Chen Yumin gathered together because Chen Kezong had instructed the three siblings to discuss matters together. This was also an opportunity for the three to strengthen their relationship. However, everyone did their own thing. Chen Guangmin had many people in the meeting, and Chen Yumin also had many helpers. Only Chen Guangwei was exhausted, because he was alone. Nominally, he was the eldest brother and the person in charge, but in reality, his orders were not carried out smoothly. He had to do many things himself, so it was no wonder he was tired.
Chen Guangmin said, "It's almost time. Let's go and ask Father to come out."
Chen Guangwei said, "Check if all the main guests have arrived. If not, explain the reason to Father in time, otherwise it will be difficult to explain when Father asks."
Chen Yumin said, "I checked the roster. All the first-class guests are here. Some of the second-class guests sent their gifts and left. They are not important."
Chen Guangwei said, "Then let's go invite our father and inform the host to get ready."
The host was Shanghai TV's most famous star, and he had to be highly focused on this birthday banquet. The atmosphere of the venue could not be too cheerful and lose its solemnity, failing to reflect Chen Kezong's majesty, nor could it be too lifeless and lose the joy of the birthday banquet.
The three siblings arrived at Chen Kezong's room. Chen Kezong was resting with his eyes closed. He could clearly know the situation outside through the surveillance, so it was expected that his children would come in at this time.
"Father, please come out and greet everyone, and announce the start of the birthday banquet," Chen Guangwei said. He wasn't in a good mood today because his wife and daughter had been turned away, but he still had to force a smile in front of his father.
Chen Kezong stood up, ready to make his debut. He wanted to show the elites from all over the country his energetic side and let them know that he was still capable of great things.
Knock, knock, knock. Someone was running very fast, but suddenly slowed down when they reached the door, afraid of disturbing Chen Kezong.
Chen Guangmin opened the door to check, his tone displeased, "What's the rush? Don't you know the old man is coming out?"
"Mr. Chen, you should go and see. Several guests are having a problem and want to leave."
Chen Kezong glared at his sons. He was about to make his appearance, and some of them wanted to leave. Wasn't that disrespecting him?
Chen Guangwei said, "I'll go out and take a look."
Chen Guangmin immediately followed suit: "I'll go too." He was afraid that if his older brother solved the problem, all the credit would fall on his older brother.
(Thanks to D**ID问天 and 皇族古神 for the donations, and thanks to 独孤玉 and 青春美丽疙瘩豆 for the monthly tickets.)
Volume 2 [538] The Confused Old Man
【538】Old Fool
If it were an ordinary person wanting to leave, Chen Guangmin would definitely let them go without saying a word, and might even scold them a couple of times. But these people who wanted to leave were all senior figures with a good reputation in the business world, and they were on good terms with his father. Chen Guangmin really didn't dare to offend them.
"Gentlemen, what's going on? Is there something about the Chen family that you're unhappy with?" Chen Guangwei asked.
An elderly man leading the group said, "Young master, you know me best because I'm in the tire industry."
Chen Guangwei nodded: "Yes, you have close business ties with Bafang Chemical Group, but what does that have to do with my father's birthday banquet?"
The other party said, "It doesn't matter, but I heard that Chairman Chen was supposed to come. Why didn't we see her? We came here specifically for Chairman Chen. If we don't see her, what's the point of us staying?"
Chen Guangmin didn't understand: "Chairman Chen?"
Chen Guangwei explained to his second brother, "Xinxin owns 70% of the shares in Bafang Chemical Group, and I own 30%."
Chen Guangmin was taken aback: "What? Chen Guangwei, you're being ridiculous!"
Chen Guangwei snorted: "Second brother, do you have any objections to Father's decision?" Chen Guangwei also knew how to use his father's authority to suppress Chen Guangmin. Sure enough, when Chen Guangmin heard that it was his father's decision, he didn't say a word. In fact, he knew the situation when Bafang Chemical Group was established. It was established in a state of almost complete poverty. The Chen family had more than 30% of the shares.
Chen Guangwei said to the group of people who supported Chen Xinxin: "Everyone, listen to me. I am very happy that my daughter has received everyone's support. However, she cannot attend today's birthday banquet for some reason. But you are all here to celebrate my father's birthday. My father will be coming out soon. It would be disrespectful for my father if you left at this time."
Someone scoffed, "President Chen, we naturally have the utmost respect for your father—not just lip service, but truly heartfelt respect. But our most respected Chairwoman Chen was turned away by her own family! We are indignant and will support her with our actions."
The relationship between Chen Guangwei and Chen Xinxin cannot be hidden at all. The resemblance between the two is astonishing, so some things are obvious even without being said.
Chen Guangwei remained silent. He felt even more aggrieved than the others in this matter. He had brought his wife and daughter home from afar, only to be told they couldn't come anymore. Not only did Chen Shuxian have objections, but he had also completely offended his daughter. All the work he had done in the past few days had been for nothing. However, the decision was made by his father, and Chen Guangwei had no choice.
Chen Guangmin said, "Since you're here to speak for that little vixen, you can leave if you want, but our Chen family will remember you from now on. Be careful what you do in the future, hehe..." Chen Guangmin threatened with a laugh.
A middle-aged man said in a rude tone, "What are you laughing at? Chen Guangmin, do you really think you're so capable? You want to deal with us, right? If you're so capable, go to the north and deal with us." After saying that, the middle-aged man led the way out. Their company headquarters were all in a northern city, so why should they be afraid of the Chen family?
Chen Guangmin looked embarrassed. He really couldn't do anything about it unless he sent someone to cause trouble in secret. But if the northerners got involved, he might end up losing more than he gained. He had indeed gone too far with his words just now.
Following these people, several others caught up and said, "It's pointless. Let's go too. The Chen family is fighting so fiercely internally. We outsiders shouldn't get involved. A family that's not united like this won't last long."
Many people left, and Chen Guangwei and Chen Guangmin became anxious. The two blocked the doorway, saying, "Gentlemen, what is this? Let's talk this over." If their father came out and saw that there were only a few people left, wouldn't that be a slap in his face?
Someone said, "What's there to discuss? Since Chairman Chen isn't coming, we're leaving too."
Another person said, "We came here hoping to establish a relationship with Chairman Chen and discuss business. Now you've shattered all our hopes. What are we doing here?" Almost all of these people were involved in the rubber industry.
At this moment, Chen Guangmin saw several pretty girls walking towards the door. They attracted the attention of many men along the way, and for a moment everyone stopped making a fuss and left, all watching them.
"Mr. Chen, you're busy, we're leaving now," the girl in the lead greeted them.
Chen Guangmin was somewhat surprised: "President Xu, you are a distinguished guest of my father. How can you leave at this time? Jiayuan Investment has made some big moves in various parts of the south over the past year. My father would very much like to get to know you."
Xu Xiaoya smiled faintly: "Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Grandpa Chen, but I came here specifically for Chen Xinxin. As you know, we are all quite young, and we wanted to get to know Chen Xinxin, who is the same age as us. However, your Chen family is not allowing us to have our wish, so there's no point in staying. Excuse me, please make way."
Following Xu Xiaoya were Luo Xiaowei, Liu Yiyi, Chen Xinyu, Yang Shiqi, and others. Luo Xiaowei worked in the electronics industry and wasn't considered very important by Southerners. However, someone like Chen Xinyu, who had a significant influence in the media, could mislead many people if she said something subtly negative about the Chen family. Then there was Yang Shiqi, who had risen to prominence over the past year. Now, even Li Zhongyuan had to rely on her. Li Zhongyuan was working for the Chen family, so his reliance on Yang Shiqi meant the Chen family was relying on her. If Yang Shiqi were displeased, something might happen at the oil fields in Africa.
Chen Guangmin blocked the way so that no one could leave. Now more and more people wanted to leave. Even if Chen Guangmin wished they would all get lost, he couldn't say it out loud. Otherwise, if his father came out and saw that the place was deserted, he would be among those who would be scolded by his father.
Chen Guangwei said to his second brother, "Go in and report to Father. I'll stay here and stop everyone."
Although he knew that Chen Guangmin would speak ill of him and his daughter to his father, Chen Guangwei couldn't bring up the request to his father in person because it involved his daughter, so he had to ask his second brother to do it.
Chen Guangmin didn't dare to hesitate and immediately ran back to his father's room in the villa. By then, Chen Kezong had already seen what was happening outside. His face had lost its rosy hue and was now flushed with anger.
Chen Guangmin lowered his head and called out, "Dad, did you see and hear everything?" Even if Chen Kezong didn't see or hear anything, someone should have informed him. Everyone in this villa was Chen Kezong's bodyguard.
Chen Kezong's lips were trembling. He wanted to get angry, but the people outside wouldn't let him yell at them, even though he held a high position.
Chen Guangmin said, "Dad, can't you see? These people are all acting on my elder brother's orders; they're here to force me to resign."
Chen Kezong snorted: "Your older brother doesn't have that guts."
Chen Guangmin said, "He doesn't have one, but the vixen he gave birth to definitely does. Besides, she has Zhao Qiang by her side. Look closely, these troublemakers are mostly guests from the north. I told you, we can't invite them."
Chen Kezong said coldly, "Are you complaining or blaming me?"
Chen Guangmin immediately lowered his head: "I dare not."
Knock, knock, knock. Someone knocked on the door. Chen Guangmin opened it and said, "Li Zhongyuan? What are you and your sister doing here?"
Li Zhongyuan said rudely, "Second Uncle, do we need your permission to come see Grandpa? You're meddling too much."
Chen Kezong said from inside the house, "Guangmin, let them in."
Chen Weimin made way for them. He really didn't like his sister's two children. He had previously asked his two sons to try to persuade Li Zhongyuan to help him keep Zhao Qiang occupied, but Li Zhongyuan pretended not to understand and didn't respond. As it happened, Zhao Qiang stayed in Shanghai obediently, so the matter was dropped.
"Grandpa."
Chen Kezong nodded. "Zhongyuan, Jingjing, sit down. Is there something you want to say to your grandfather?"
Li Jingjing said, "Yes, Grandpa, we don't understand why you won't let Chen Xinxin attend the banquet. Since you've already let my uncle meet with them, what are you still hesitating about? I can only say you're getting senile."
Li Jingjing's words were utterly impolite, and Chen Guangmin's expression changed: "How dare you be so presumptuous! Do you know who you're talking to?"
Li Jingjing said, "Second Uncle, don't try to pressure me with your seniority. I feel uncomfortable if I don't say this."
Chen Guangmin stepped forward and raised his hand: "I'll teach you a lesson for Yumin, you unfilial son."
Li Zhongyuan grabbed Chen Guangmin's hand: "Second Uncle, if you want to hit my sister, you have to ask me first."
Chen Guangmin trembled with anger. He turned to Chen Kezong and said, "Dad, you saw it all. My sister's family is plotting a rebellion."
"Shut up!" Chen Kezong roared, and Chen Guangmin immediately retreated to the side and lowered his head obediently.
Chen Kezong said to Li Jingjing, "Tell me what's going on, don't treat your grandfather like a fool."
Li Jingjing said, "Grandpa, I'm sure you're getting senile. Let my brother tell me, you're still clinging to things from decades ago, unable to see the current situation. You're pushing the Chen family into an abyss."
Chen Guangmin disagreed again, interrupting, "Li Jingjing, watch your mouth! If you dare mention those three words again, I'll really beat you up!"
Chen Kezong said, "If you interrupt again, I'll really beat you up."
Chen Guangmin argued, "Dad, she said you're senile."
Chen Kezong said, "Everyone makes mistakes and sometimes fails to see the big picture. It's good that someone dares to point it out."
Li Jingjing said, "Grandpa, I still support you because of your attitude. Do you know what mistake you made? You've been too arrogant."
Chen Guangmin gritted his teeth in anger. In his opinion, Li Jingjing had simply lost her mind, daring to say such things to Chen Kezong.
Li Jingjing said, "Grandpa, don't be in such a hurry to scold me. There's a reason why I said you're arrogant. Look at the development of the North. Their technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and their capital is so abundant that it's unimaginable. They can target any company they want, and that company has to obediently bow down. That's what power is. Then look at us in the South. We haven't made any progress in years. We argue endlessly over trivial matters. Especially you, you old feudal and stubborn old man. My uncle's little troubles have been over for so many years. What are you still fussing about?"