Chapter 120: Ye Tianlin Finally Arrives

At this moment, the entire hall fell into complete silence, all eyes fixed intently, waiting for Hong Jianian to announce the answer.

The matriarch’s expression grew increasingly grave, her impatience barely concealed. Who could possess such overwhelming power?

Hong Jianian raised his hand, glanced at his watch, and said, “There are about ten minutes left. That person will arrive on time, so there’s no need to rush.”

“I ask everyone to take their seats and wait quietly for their arrival.”

“After all, this matter has consumed that person’s great effort. I cannot reveal this surprise before they arrive.”

Having spoken, Hong Jianian gestured, and a wave of anticipation rippled through the assembled families, their curiosity piqued and eagerness barely restrained.

Yet, what Hong Jianian said was true. Given the circumstances, it was only proper to wait for the protagonist’s appearance before unveiling anything. Besides, ten minutes was hardly a long wait.

One by one, the guests took their places according to rank and status.

The matriarch sat in the front row, slowly calming her emotions, her mind still swirling with questions about Ye Tianlin—what connection could he possibly have?

Could he be the hidden power behind the Overseas Hong family?

To the matriarch, such a notion seemed utterly far-fetched, like a tale from a faraway land.

Still, after much contemplation, she could draw no conclusion. She could only wait, hoping that when the truth came to light, everything would become clear.

Meanwhile, the three elders led by Master Ye sat quietly, their solemnity unbroken.

Jiang Yingxia sat in the middle, submerged in the crowd, her demeanor utterly dispirited.

In stark contrast, Ye Tiancheng wore a panicked expression, his eyes flashing with terror and trembling faintly.

Perhaps others could not yet understand Hong Jianian’s behavior, but Ye Tiancheng had already pieced together the truth behind it.

Ye Tianlin was very likely the hidden power behind the Overseas Hong family.

The Shangjing Consortium was Ye Tianlin’s secret masterpiece, hidden for years.

Yet before Ye Tianlin’s arrival, Ye Tiancheng still clung to a sliver of hope.

Perhaps the person arriving would not be Ye Tianlin. Maybe they had mistaken the identity, taken the wrong path all along.

Even if that hope was but a thread, he would never surrender it prematurely.

Because if hope shattered, his position as the new young master would be lost, and disaster would surely follow, bringing an unknown, tragic end.

He recalled how at the Su family villa, he had already cut off all escape routes, burning bridges with no way back. He was truly the one with no retreat.

“No, I cannot give up so easily!”

“Ye Tianlin hasn’t come yet. Why should I be this panicked?”

“Before he arrives, everything is unknown. Just as Master Ye said, I should have confidence in myself!”

Ye Tiancheng lowered his voice, gripping his thigh tightly, forcing himself not to succumb to panic, endlessly reassuring himself.

Time passed.

One minute, two minutes, three minutes...

At last, ten minutes elapsed. Everyone diverted their gaze toward the main door, which remained unmoved, showing no sign of opening.

“Master Hong, what’s going on? Why hasn’t he arrived yet?” The matriarch’s impatience grew.

Hong Jianian furrowed his brow, a trace of confusion on his face. Without hesitation, he picked up his phone to inquire personally.

When the call ended, Hong Jianian bowed apologetically and said, “My apologies. That person encountered some trouble on the way and is currently handling it. They will need more time. Please, everyone, be patient a while longer.”

Upon hearing this, many members of the families grew restless.

Hong Jianian’s suspense was one thing, but now they had to wait even longer. Their anticipation was stretched thin.

“Master Hong, why not just tell us who this person is? So we can prepare ourselves.” Master Ye suddenly stood up and spoke.

One by one, the others voiced their agreement.

Hong Jianian pressed his hand down, silencing the growing clamor. “Sorry, I don’t have the authority to decide this. If you don’t want to spoil the cooperation, it’s best to listen to me, sit down, and wait. Besides, you’re not the only ones waiting. Our Overseas Hong family members are waiting too.”

Master Ye’s face stiffened. Reluctantly, he sat back down.

Seeing this, the matriarch said nothing further and quietly resumed her seat.

Ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty minutes...

Time slipped by slowly. After a long wait of two hours, finally, a stir came from outside, as if many people had arrived together.

Hong Jianian’s expression brightened. He raised his hand and pointed toward the door. “They’re here!”

In an instant, everyone rose to greet them.

The matriarch gripped her cane tightly, eyes fixed on the entrance.

The three elders led by Master Ye were filled with intense anticipation, their eyes shining with excitement.

Ye Tiancheng clenched his fists, struggling to suppress his trembling. Gritting his teeth, he murmured, “Heaven protect me, Bodhisattva protect me. Please, let it not be Ye Tianlin. I hope it’s someone else. Otherwise, I’m finished. I don’t want to be kicked out as young master just after a few days.”

At that moment, the large door moved, slowly opening.

A group of figures entered, all wearing badges on their chests.

And that badge was unmistakably the emblem of the Shangjing Consortium!

Among them appeared the figure of Shen Wanjun, a clear sign that every senior executive of the consortium was present—none absent.

“How could people from the Shangjing Consortium come here?” The matriarch was stunned.

“What is going on?” Master Ye was shocked to the core. Could it be that the consortium was involved in this cooperation, which is why Hong Jianian mentioned Ye Tianlin?

Before he could finish his thought, Hong Jianian took an identical badge from his pocket and pinned it on his chest, solemnly explaining, “Because... the Overseas Hong family is indeed a subsidiary of the Shangjing Consortium!”

The hall erupted in uproar, like a storm breaking.

“Such...” The matriarch was caught off guard, her doubts beginning to unravel into understanding.

At that very moment, a familiar voice came from outside.

“Grandmother, I wonder what you think at this moment?”

Hearing this voice, everyone was left in disbelief, their faces pale with shock.