Chapter 111

Chapter 111 - Thank You for Your Hospitality

“Today marks the day that the Soong family and the Leng family form a comprehensive strategic partnership. I warmly welcome everyone's presence,” Soong Leji announced.

“Indeed, today the Leng family and the Soong family unite as strategic allies,” echoed Leng Hongchang.

In the full view of the assembly, the two families proceeded to sign a series of agreements and charters.

About a quarter of an hour later, Soong Leji shifted the conversation, “Today is not only significant for the alliance between our Soong family and the Leng family but also marks the auspicious day of our families' union through marriage.”

Turning to Soong Yu, who stood behind him, Soong Leji said, “Your turn.”

Soong Yu was strikingly handsome.

With a fitting smile, he approached Leng Xue, all eyes fixed on him.

Nearly every lady present envied her.

Many harbored secret affections for Soong Yu.

Yet, not just anyone could aspire to marry him.

Leng Xue's breath quickened, her fists clenched tightly.

Before long, Soong Yu stood before Leng Xue. Gazing into her eyes, he confessed, “Leng Xue, from the moment I met you three years ago, you've captured my heart,” pointing to his chest as he spoke.

“How romantic,” someone sighed.

“He's declaring his love for her publicly,” another whispered.

“I hope my man will one day declare his love for me like that,” a third dreamily commented.

But Leng Xue felt no thrill of surprise.

She looked at Soong Yu, her nails biting into her palms.

“I long to wake up to your face every morning, so will you marry me?” Soong Yu proposed, dropping to one knee and presenting a glittering diamond ring.

All eyes turned to Leng Xue.

The moment was scripted for joyous acceptance, for Leng Xue to take Soong Yu's ring with delight and for an embrace to follow, with onlookers cheering for a kiss.

Yet, to everyone's astonishment, Leng Xue remained silent.

Leng Hongchang's face darkened.

“Leng Xue,” he prompted her.

Leng Xue lifted her head, locking eyes with Leng Hongchang.

Leng Hongchang couldn't help feeling tense.

“Because I placed a camera in your room.”

“Gang Cun has a pen that can block surveillance.”

Realizing his mistake, Soong Yu blurted out, “You tricked me into saying that.”

”Do you really think I needed to do that?” Ye Hao looked at Soong Yu. “If Gang Cun's pen actually worked, I wouldn't have been able to hear your conversation.”

Ye Hao's intention was clear: to further unsettle Soong Yu.

Hearing this, Soong Yu became despondent and cursed, “I never should have trusted him.”

“But for ten billion yuan, you agreed to his terms,” Ye Hao remarked coolly.

Soong Yu had no response.

“Arrest Soong Yu.” At Ye Hao's command, several figures sprang into action, pinning Soong Yu down.

“Stop,” Soong Leji interjected urgently.

“Do you have something to say?” Ye Hao fixed his gaze on Soong Leji.

“Perhaps there's been a misunderstanding,” Soong Leji insisted, unable to stand by and watch his son be taken to jail.

“You may be right,” Ye Hao said thoughtfully, stroking his chin. “This matter requires a thorough investigation. Is the Soong family aware of Soong Yu's betrayal?”

The room erupted into chaos.

Soong Leji realized the gravity of his error. If the Soong family drew the attention of the National Security Bureau, they would be embroiled in a major scandal.

“The Soong family had no knowledge of Soong Yu's actions,” Soong Leji asserted.

“Very well,” Ye Hao replied, though he was not inclined to let the matter drop so easily. “I will look into it thoroughly.”

“Take Soong Yu away,” Ye Hao ordered with a wave of his hand.

With Soong Yu in custody, Ye Hao turned his attention to Leng Hongchang. “Is the Leng family aware of this situation?”

“Not at all,” Leng Hongchang replied, startled.

Nobody wanted to be on the radar of the National Security Bureau.

“If you were unaware, then why did you enter into a strategic partnership with the Soong family?” Ye Hao's question caused Soong Leji's complexion to grow even paler.

Ye Hao appeared to have firmly concluded that the Soong family was involved in this matter.

Should Leng Hongchang become aware of this situation, he certainly wouldn't consider allying with the Soong family.

Yet, Ye Hao chose to remain silent. He lifted his glass in a distant toast to Zhou Wanqing.

“Thank you, Miss Zhou, for your generous hospitality.”