Chapter 114: Cuckoo in the Nest

Before arriving, Ye Tiancheng had already received news about the assessment from the Shangjing Consortium.

In his view, this so-called comprehensive evaluation was undoubtedly aimed at Ye Tianlin.

Given the current situation, it had become perfectly clear: the Ye family and the overseas Hong family were bound to collaborate, and the Shangjing Consortium had to take a stance.

Naturally, the Consortium would not outright dismiss Ye Tianlin. Instead, they would use the assessment as a pretext to effectively push him out, sparing themselves the embarrassment while making their position clear and restoring ties with the Ye family.

In simple terms, Ye Tianlin was now completely cornered. Even the Shangjing Consortium refused to let him remain at Yunhai Chamber of Commerce, let alone offer any support.

Upon hearing this, Su Weimin and Gao Yulan’s expressions changed drastically. They involuntarily connected the dots, falling into a state of dread and losing all their previous confidence.

“I’ve said from the start, this assessment won’t be simple. Now we’re in trouble!” Su Weimin was in turmoil, his whole being restless and anxious.

“It’s over, it’s over. It has to be the Shangjing Consortium. They don’t want to make a scene, so they’re using the assessment to target my son-in-law,” Gao Yulan said, her face flushed with humiliation, utterly helpless and panicked.

The Su family members exchanged glances and then, almost simultaneously, broke into smiles.

The elder Su’s breathing grew rapid as he applauded heartily, laughing with great satisfaction. “Su Weimin, I don’t see how your family can continue to act so arrogantly now!”

“Ye Tianlin, oh Ye Tianlin, I never thought you’d end up a stray dog. Even the matriarch refuses to spare you a glance. I used to fear you, but now I see there was no reason at all!” Su Zhengjun grinned uncontrollably.

Su Yicai abandoned his earlier respectful tone and sneered with disdain. “No wonder you got into the Yunhai Chamber of Commerce. You thought you could leverage the Consortium’s power to challenge the matriarch. That’s pure arrogance. Now, you’re tasting the consequences.”

“The general manager of Yunhai’s business department? That won’t last long before you’re brought back down to earth. When that happens, you’ll have to grovel to us, maybe even shamelessly beg to come back to the Su family business!” Su Yixue was the most gleeful, his whole demeanor dripping with schadenfreude.

The relatives around them exchanged uneasy glances and quickly realigned their loyalties, all standing firmly behind Elder Su, their expressions strange and eyes filled with malice.

Seeing this, Su Weimin felt utterly hopeless, as if he wished for death itself.

He had believed that Ye Tianlin, the esteemed young master of the Ye family, had finally found his moment to stand tall after years of hardship.

But the reality...

Ye Tiancheng had come uninvited and shattered that fragile dream in an instant.

At this critical juncture, not only was Su Weimin plunged into despair, but Gao Yulan also looked ashen, bitterly regretting that they had never even tasted the fruits of their hopes before they vanished like smoke.

Yet, the couple deeply understood that this outcome was not Ye Tianlin’s fault, for he had acted all along for Su Rulan’s sake.

Had it been anyone else in his position, they would have abandoned everything without hesitation and accepted a promising future elsewhere.

But Ye Tianlin had chosen otherwise—he was willing to sacrifice all to stay by Su Rulan’s side. The couple had no grounds to blame him.

What infuriated them was Ye Tiancheng’s deliberate timing—coming during the Su family’s grand celebration to reveal the truth, his petty, triumphant expression stoking their anger beyond measure.

As expected, Ye Tiancheng continued, “Ye Tianlin, I should thank you. Were it not for your foolishness, how could I have seized this opportunity?”

“We have lived under the same Ye family roof all these years. You always overshadowed me. At times, I accepted this reality, but no one expected the young master’s position would suddenly fall into my hands!”

“Ha! You must be furious hearing this, but sadly, you’re powerless. To me, you’re insignificant. If not for the satisfaction of stepping on you, I wouldn’t even glance your way!”

“Once the cooperation with the overseas Hong family is fully underway, the credit will be mine. That will give me a solid foundation. By then, not even the matriarch can find a reason to remove me!”

“You, on the other hand, will be reduced to a miserable recluse, never to rise again. You’ll watch as I ascend higher and higher until I officially take over the Ye family and become the true patriarch!”

Leaning back, Ye Tiancheng laughed arrogantly, intoxicated by the thrill of usurping the throne, feeling an unprecedented joy.

Ye Tianlin’s voice was low and steady. “You’re celebrating too soon. Don’t forget—we will meet again tonight.”

That statement wiped the smile from Ye Tiancheng’s face instantly. After a moment’s thought, his expression darkened.

Meet again tonight?

Tonight was precisely when the top figures behind the overseas Hong family were scheduled to meet the matriarch in person.

Few were privy to this. How did Ye Tianlin know?

Could it be...