Chapter 729 - Day II

"First off, regarding Ming Zhi Yi's business direction, we can interfere with the industrial link and interrupt his movements..."

"Those will not affect him much…"

"Even small troubles can be troublesome if they keep popping up. It will at least keep him busy…"

And so on.

As the heads continued to discuss their plans further into detail, Guan Gu Ri was still silently watching at the side. 

In his heart, he was stunned. 

Because what the Xiong Heiress had said to him yesterday night was starting to come to reality.

...

Yesterday night.

The young heiress looked at Guan Gu Ri.

"If the plaque is handed to the Guan family, you will also receive the other three families' protection at the same time. This will delay Ming Zhi Yi's full frontal attack on the Guan family."

Guan Gu Ri was still confused. "But will the other heads be willing to hand over the plaque to me? Even if it is shared, it is still far different from owning it. Their pride and the family's honor--"

"Do not worry about it. If it is at another time, this kind of shared ownership between our families will not happen. But right now, we share a common enemy. For them, they are still not clear about Ming Zhi Yi's strengths. They are all cautious and old-fashioned people. If they are given enough warning and a clear path shows up at the right timing, then there is no doubt that they will take it."

Guan Gu Ri's worries lessened a bit. He was just about to sigh in relief when Linfeng's stern voice sounded.

"I will do it instead, Zhi'er."

"No. Only I can do this."

"Let me do this instead of you." Linfeng did not back down.

Xiong Zhi sighed. "You know very well, Linfeng, why I am the only one who can do this."

Guan Gu Ri, Tang Yin, and Lu Yin Ze: …?

Xiong Zhi noticed their confusion. She sighed.

"Think of yourself doing what is planned. Have you not realized how unlikely and uncharacteristic it will be if you do so? I also am the one who raised the red card, and have the right for an introductory speech." She shrugged. "Honestly, if it is me, it will not be surprising for everyone. I think it is clear how many people see me as the eccentric person who bought a dress and a ring on a whim at a very ridiculous price. Besides, I have the Xiong family backing me."

She looked at Linfeng.

"If it is you, Linfeng, it will not bode well for the other five kings. We cannot drag them into this fight."

Guan Gu Ri was still confused. 

Why were these two even arguing over this?

Linfeng's frowning face deepened. "But doing this is very dangerous. You will enter Ming Zhi Yi's line of sight. You will get his attention and even his rage. He will likely do something to vent his anger. I can't let you stand alone in harm's way."

"But you will be by my side, won't you? I know that you will not let anything happen to me. Besides, it is fine even if I catch his attention. It is better if he knows that a young heiress dares to interrupt his plan for the sake of the alliance's balance. He will not be suspicious of it, because he will not have the time to."

Guan Gu Ri finally realized why the two were fighting. 

It turned out, just talking in public in front of Ming Zhi Yi could put them in harm's way? 

What kind of person exactly was that Ming Zhi Yi? 

Suddenly, the thought of Gunan, his dead brother Little Huan, and grandfather appeared in his mind.

…Right. Ming Zhi Yi was a very dangerous and clever person. A truly cunning madman.

Guan Gu Ri clenched his fists. His eyes were deep.

He was too powerless to even defend himself and his family against that man, even though he was surnamed Guan. His capable grandfather was also fooled for a very long time. 

Then this young heiress too…

Meanwhile, Linfeng stared at Xiong Zhi's stubborn expression. Finally, after seeing that she would not give in, the man helplessly sighed. 

"Fine. However, do not ever leave my sight."

"Of course. You really did not need to worry too much, because Ming Zhi Yi will soon be too preoccupied by the legendary families' matters."

Xiong Zhi turned to Guan Gu Ri. "Your position as the head will come in handy at that time then. You must rally up the heads to go on an all-out strike when it comes to Ming Zhi Yi. It is better if they do not give him a chance to breathe, so we can attack swiftly and smoothly from behind."

....

In the room, Guan Gu Ri closed his eyes calmly.

He remembered the scene earlier during the auction.

Unexpectedly, the difference between him and the Xiong heiress was large. The woman's courage was huge. She was very bold too.

But he was no longer the same as before. He was now the head of a family. Furthermore, he also had allies he could trust. 

Guan Gu Ri opened his eyes. 

He took the chance to speak at the momentary lull in the elders' conversation. 

"Headmasters, please allow me to speak."

"?" 

Three greying heads turned to look at him questioningly. 

Guan Gu Ri: "Since we are all boldly declaring war to Ming Zhi Yi and his confidantes, then I suggest that we go all out from the start."

"All out?"

"Yes. An all-out war where we also risk our family names altogether. How does that sound?"

*****

After finally spotting the figure she was eyeing since yesterday, she approached his direction. Seeing the target's back at close proximity, she turned around and bumped her own back to him.

'?'

Ethan turned around and saw a woman's head. 

The woman also turned her head.

With a hand on her mouth, Tang Yin faked an innocent expression of 'why are you bumping into me?'.

Ethan recognized her and apologized. "Oh, I am sorry, my lady. Are you hurt?"

"No. I am fine. We meet again, Sir Ethan." Tang Yin smiled what she thought was her best smile--feminine, bashful, yet joyful at the same time.

"Yes. You remembered me." Ethan's eyes lit up.

"Of course, we shared a drink." While speaking, Tang Yin looked around. 

She commented. "I know this song. I once danced it during my high school senior party."

Ethan's eyes lit up once more. Bowing like a gentleman, he immediately offered his hand. 

"How about reliving your memories while dancing with me?"

Tang Yin showed an expression of surprise and shyness. "Oh my. I did not mean to..."

"Haha. I am not asking because of a whim. In truth, when I saw Young Miss Tang Yin, I knew already that I should bring you to the dance floor and share a dance together. Would you please allow this gentleman's wish to come true?"

Tang Yi chuckled while trying hard not to roll her eyes. "Goodness, you really do have a sweet mouth. How can I possibly reject a good man like you?"

With smiles on their faces, Tang Yin and Ethan went to the dance floor gracefully.

Secretly, Tang Yin adjusted her bracelet and tapped on it twice.