Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Arrival of the Ten Great Families

Yang Manli exclaimed excitedly, “Dad, you truly have influence.”

Old Master Yang smiled without saying a word, but it was clear to anyone that he was in excellent spirits. The people around him kept showering him with compliments, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Before long, Wang Yang entered with steady steps. Behind him followed several alluring women in cheongsams, each bearing a gift in her hands.

“Dad, aren’t all these presents priceless treasures?” Yang Manli said, her eyes alight with envy.

“Of course. Do you see that pair of blue-and-white porcelain bowls? That alone is worth a million. Come on, help me over there,” Old Master Yang said, brimming with energy.

Immediately, Yang Manli supported his arm and led him toward Wang Yang.

Wang Yang cast a nonchalant glance at Old Master Yang and offered a perfunctory congratulation. “Congratulations, Old Master Yang.”

Old Master Yang dared not put on airs, for everyone knew the Wang family had risen to power over the Tong family and was now a force to be reckoned with. He quickly lowered his tone. “It is my great honor to have you here, Sir Wang.”

He then turned and sternly urged Yang Manli, “Aren’t you going to greet him?”

Clearly, Old Master Yang wanted to seize this opportunity for the Yang family to latch onto the Wang family.

But before Yang Manli could speak, Wang Yang’s gaze shifted to a table in the farthest corner. His eyes lit up, and he strode over.

“Dad, what’s going on with Sir Wang?” Yang Manli asked.

“I’m not sure, perhaps he’s run into an old acquaintance,” Old Master Yang replied, curiosity piqued.

Wang Yang approached Yang Junqi’s table. He first offered a respectful glance to Lin Yi, then turned to Yang Junqi.

“May I ask, are you Miss Yang Junqi?” Wang Yang inquired warmly.

“Huh?”

Even someone as composed as Yang Junqi was thrown off guard. In fact, it wasn’t just her—everyone present was equally baffled. This was supposed to be a banquet for Old Master Yang, so why was Wang Yang heading for the least regarded table?

Yang Junqi quickly stood up. “Yes, Sir Wang. Is there something you need?”

“Indeed. The Wang family presents a pair of Warring States agate bracelets, a pair of Song dynasty blue-and-white porcelain bowls, and a three-story prime storefront on Zijin Street,” Wang Yang declared solemnly.

His words caused many faces to change color. Zijin Street was the most prosperous district in Jiang Province, with prices reaching eighty thousand per square meter. That single storefront alone was worth tens of millions. The Wang family truly lived up to its reputation, their generosity was astounding.

Old Master Yang’s once-proud expression gradually stiffened, and Yang Manli’s face darkened. No one had expected that Wang Yang’s visit was actually for Yang Junqi.

“Why... why are you giving this to me?” Yang Junqi asked cautiously.

“You have found favor with a powerful patron,” Wang Yang replied, though he didn’t elaborate, as Lin Yi had said he preferred to keep a low profile for now.

“A patron?” Yang Junqi exchanged a glance with Yang Yujia. Neither could recall ever currying favor with anyone powerful—if they had, they wouldn’t have been so mistreated by the Yang family.

Suddenly, Yang Yujia thought of Lin Yi, remembering that he was acquainted with the Wang family’s young heiress.

But then again, it seemed unlikely. Old Master Wang was a figure of great stature, and Lin Yi was just a junior—how could he have warranted such a personal visit and such lavish gifts?

Yet, to everyone’s surprise, this was only the beginning.

At that moment, the doorman’s shout rang from outside.

“The Song family, second most powerful in Jiang Province, Mr. Song Yu has arrived!”

“The Bai family, third in Jiang Province, Mr. Bai Zhan has arrived!”

...

Now all ten great families had arrived.

Old Master Yang was thrilled once more. After all, the Wang family’s rise was recent and they had little connection, but the other nine families all had some dealings with the Yangs.

He greeted them enthusiastically. “Greetings, Master Song.”

Song Yu smiled. “You’re as energetic as ever, Old Master. Congratulations on your promotion to director.”

“Haha,” Old Master Yang laughed heartily.

But then Song Yu asked, “Old Master, where is your third daughter, Yang Junqi?”

Old Master Yang’s smile froze instantly. Yang Manli couldn’t help but ask, “Mr. Song, what do you want with my little sister?”

Song Yu made no attempt to hide it. “Your third daughter is destined to soar. Naturally, we must come to offer our congratulations.”

Everyone was shocked. Previously, Old Master Wang had brought gifts for Yang Junqi, and now Song Yu was here for the same reason. The guests began to speculate what sort of backer Yang Junqi had found, to draw the attention of all ten great families.

It was common knowledge that any one of these families could shake the entire province with a single move.

Song Yu scanned the room and spotted Lin Yi, calmly eating fruit in the corner. He quickly walked over, the other family heads following suit.

“The Song family presents a pair of emerald bracelets.”

“The Bai family presents a nine-eyed Dzi bead bracelet.”

...

Once again, everyone gasped. Emerald bracelets and nine-eyed Dzi beads—none of these items were worth less than ten million.

“My goodness, what luck has Yang Junqi struck to be so courted by the ten great families?” someone said, jealousy evident in their voice.

Yang Li and Song Qi were dumbfounded, especially Song Qi, who couldn’t understand how his father could bear to give away such an expensive gift. Even when Old Master Yang had celebrated a milestone birthday, Song Yu had given only antiques worth a million.

Yang Junqi and Yang Yujia were already dizzy from the shower of gifts; they still hadn’t figured out what was happening. They wanted to refuse, but doing so would mean publicly disrespecting the ten great families.

“Accept them,” Lin Yi said calmly.

It was also a chance for him to repay the kindness Yang Junqi had shown him.

The ten family heads quickly chimed in, “Yes, yes, the gentleman is right.”

“Then I’ll accept them, thank you for your generosity,” Yang Junqi said with a smile.

“Don’t mention it, Miss Yang, it’s our pleasure. Here’s my card—if you ever need anything, just call.”

“Our Bai family may not be number one, but we do have some connections in the medicinal herb business.”

The ten great families all made their positions clear—their intentions unmistakable.

Now everyone understood: the third Miss Yang was about to become a phoenix, no longer someone the Yang family could push around.

Yang Yujia, usually so aloof, now wore a faint smile, clearly in high spirits.

“So happy?” Lin Yi asked with a smile.

“Hmph, not telling you,” Yang Yujia replied playfully.

While Yang Junqi and Yang Yujia basked in their good fortune, Old Master Yang and Yang Manli looked decidedly less pleased. But at this point, no one was paying attention to them—all eyes were on Yang Junqi.

No one could have imagined that what should have been a celebration for Old Master Yang had instead become Yang Junqi’s moment of triumph.

...

After leaving the Yang residence, Lin Yi didn’t immediately return to Lancheng. He sat in a Volkswagen, with Wang Yang at his side.

“You did well this time,” Lin Yi said.

Wang Yang beamed. “Thank you for your praise, Teacher.”

Lin Yi smiled faintly. “There’s one more thing I need you to do.”

Wang Yang immediately patted his chest in assurance. “Just say the word, Teacher.”

“I need you to go to the stone forest in Shan Province and make a record of every cave with stalactites. I have great need of them,” Lin Yi instructed.

“Yes, sir.” Wang Yang didn’t ask further; he knew that if Lin Yi wanted to tell him more, he would.

“All right, take me back to Lancheng.”

...

When Lin Yi returned to Lancheng, he got a call from Lu Lu.

“Lin Yi, are you free? My cake shop is opening today,” Lu Lu said excitedly.

“I’m free,” Lin Yi replied, thinking it would be nice to bring Dou Dou along for some treats.

“That’s great,” Lu Lu cheered.

After hanging up, Lin Yi returned home, only to find that Dou Dou had brought a classmate over—something Lin Yi hadn’t seen before.

“Lin Yi, let me introduce you. This is Li Xiaonan, my best friend,” Lin Dou Dou said. “Xiaonan, this is Lin Yi—my childhood friend.”

“Hello, Lin Yi.” Li Xiaonan offered her hand confidently. She wore a white shirt and denim skirt, her legs long and straight, big eyes shining, and a ponytail making her look lively and spirited.

“Hello.” Lin Yi smiled gently. He noticed a small red plum blossom on Li Xiaonan’s palm. After a brief handshake, Lin Yi let go and turned to Lin Dou Dou. “Dou Dou, would you like some cake?”