Chapter 27: The Investment Conference Begins

Time flies. In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

The Cloud Sea Sail Hotel is the only hotel in Cloud Sea built directly over the ocean. Overlooking the entire seascape, it ranks among the top three luxury hotels in the city. Today, the Wolong Bank is hosting an investment conference here to select a single investment partner, an event that has sent shockwaves throughout Cloud Sea. The city’s elite have flocked to the venue, and all eyes are fixed on this location.

Before long, the entire Xu family arrived.

"Han Long... have you submitted our letter of intent to the Wolong Bank yet?" Xu Jingnian asked his son-in-law as he stepped out of the car with Lan Fang and the others.

If they could secure an investment from Wolong Bank, the Xu family would soar to new heights, and becoming a first-tier family in Cloud Sea would not be out of the question. Unfortunately, the Xu family was only a third-rate clan with no real standing. It was only because Han Long claimed to have connections at the bank—promising he could leverage them to get the letter of intent delivered—that Xu Jingnian still harbored any illusions of success.

"Don't worry, Father-in-law," Han Long replied, dressed in a sharp suit and with his arm draped around Xu Lianzhi’s waist. He boasted, "The manager at Wolong Bank is a close friend of mine. I even had him put in a good word for the Xu family. We have a real shot!"

In truth, he didn't know the manager at all. He was merely posturing to show off his capabilities. Even if it didn't work out, he figured it would at least leave the impression that he had put in the effort.

Standing nearby was Xu Banxia. She wore a beautiful red spaghetti-strap gown that accentuated her graceful figure. Her dark hair cascaded like a waterfall, framing a cold, stunningly beautiful face. Her icy, refined temperament was truly captivating. Han Long felt his heart itch with desire, and despite holding Xu Lianzhi, his gaze repeatedly stole covetous glances at Xu Banxia.

At that moment, Lan Fang suddenly suggested, "Banxia, call Qin Feng and tell him to come over."

Xu Banxia froze, her lovely face stunned. "Mom, why call him here?"

"He is your fiancé, after all. He counts as part of the Xu family. How can he be absent on such an important occasion?" Lan Fang insisted with a smile. She was, naturally, very fond of this son-in-law.

Reluctantly, Xu Banxia tried to call Qin Feng, but the call wouldn't go through.

"Forget it!" Xu Jingnian said impatiently. "It doesn't matter if he comes or not, as long as Han Long gets things done!" With that, he led the way into the hotel, and the others followed.

Inside the lobby, a glance revealed that almost all the dignitaries of Cloud Sea were present. The hall was filled with distinguished guests and an air of immense prestige.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the entrance.

"Look, Song Yuting from the Song Group is here!" someone exclaimed.

All eyes in the hall turned toward the entrance. Song Yuting walked in gracefully. She wore a luxurious white off-shoulder gown that revealed her fair, delicate shoulders, her smooth, long hair falling to her waist. Her makeup was exquisite, and she was adorned with fine jewelry. With her stunning, refined features and regal temperament, she looked like a fairy descended to earth.

"So beautiful!"
"She truly is the number one cold beauty of Cloud Sea!"
"With looks and grace like that... even the top stars in the entertainment industry fall short!"

The crowd marveled at her beauty, captivated by her noble and aloof presence. Many men found themselves unable to look away.

"Wait," someone noted, "who is that young man beside her?"

People soon noticed a young man walking next to Song Yuting. He wore a crisp suit, his posture as straight as a pine, with handsome features and a distinguished air. He looked every bit the high-society gentleman. Seeing that he was a stranger to them, the guests began to whisper.

Ignoring the envious gazes, Song Yuting looked at Qin Feng beside her. "Are you sure Wolong Bank will give that sole investment spot to our Song Group?"

For the past few days, she had been suffocated by the mess at her company. Qin Feng had become her only hope, yet as the moment of truth approached, she felt increasingly uneasy.

"Of course," Qin Feng replied with a confident smile. "When have I ever failed to keep my word?"

"But I heard rumors that the Sun family is bragging everywhere that they have already been promised the deal," Song Yuting said, still feeling anxious.

Qin Feng chuckled. "You won't even let them have a daydream?"

He had deliberately planted the rumors about the Sun family being the "inside choice." The Sun family had actually believed it. That was fine. The more they believed it, the happier they would be—and in the end, the harder they would fall.

Suddenly, a voice of surprise cut through: "Qin Feng? Why are you here?"

Qin Feng turned to see Xu Banxia walking toward them. For some reason, seeing Qin Feng make such a high-profile entrance with Song Yuting—a pair that looked quite like a match made in heaven—left her feeling deeply uncomfortable.

"Banxia, you're here too?" Lan Fang, noticing her daughter's displeasure, quickly chimed in, "Banxia was just trying to call you earlier."

"Was I?" Qin Feng pulled out his phone, the screen dark, and scratched his head, explaining to Xu Banxia, "I'm sorry... look, my phone ran out of battery."

"So, what are you doing here?" Xu Banxia asked coldly.

Qin Feng gave a helpless smile. "I was invited by Ms. Song Yuting to attend the investment conference with her."

Xu Banxia’s brows furrowed tightly. She was in an abysmal mood. Qin Feng had asked her for time off just to accompany Song Yuting to this conference? When had his relationship with this woman become so close?

"Hmph," Xu Jingnian snorted, looking annoyed. "Qin Feng, you really should learn a thing or two from Han Long. He’s been running around doing everything for the Xu family. Thanks to his connection with a manager at Wolong Bank, he got our letter of intent delivered, giving us a real chance."

Han Long coughed self-importantly. "I am a part of the Xu family; naturally, I must contribute. Unlike some people who wander around aimlessly, not knowing what they're doing!" He cast a deliberate glance at Qin Feng.

Qin Feng laughed. "Han Long, that’s impressive. Since you're so capable, tell me—which manager do you know? I happen to know several of them myself."

Han Long’s face flushed red. He had only been bragging to his father-in-law; he didn't know any managers. He couldn't answer. He quickly countered, "Kid, why would I tell you who I know? Besides, who do you think you are? Claiming you know the managers at Wolong Bank... you don't even blink when you lie!"

Seeing him flustered after being called out, Qin Feng gave a look of disdain. Only Xu Jingnian would believe this guy’s tall tales.

Just then, a voice filled with gnashing teeth erupted from nearby: "Qin Feng! You really showed up! I’m going to kill you today!"

The crowd jumped and turned to look. It was Sun Zihang. He was being pushed into the hall in a wheelchair. Though he was dressed in a suit, he looked pathetic, his face bruised and swollen. He stared at Qin Feng with eyes burning with rage.

"Young Master Sun?"
"What’s going on?"
"He seems to hate that kid—do they have some history?"

The guests began to murmur. Song Yuting grew nervous. While others didn't know, she was well aware that after Sun Zihang tried to drug her, Qin Feng had taken revenge by ruining Sun Zihang’s manhood. It was clear the man had come for retribution.

Qin Feng, however, remained unfazed. "If it isn't Young Master Sun. We just parted ways at the bar, and we're meeting again so soon? Cloud Sea really is a small place!"

Sun Zihang, having suffered repeatedly at Qin Feng’s hands, gritted his teeth. "You brat! You only got away with it last time because Third Master Chen was protecting you! He’s not here today—let’s see how you escape!"

Qin Feng chuckled. "Is that so? I’m curious, how does a cripple plan to kill me?"

As soon as he finished, an angry, sinister voice boomed through the hall: "Boy! You have repeatedly bullied my son—do you really think there is no one left in the Sun family!"

Sun Yongkang had entered. He stared at Qin Feng with a piercing, murderous aura. Behind him stood five powerful-looking martial artists.

"Oh my god!"
"Sun Yongkang is here too!"
"Judging by this, are they planning to start a fight in the middle of the conference?"

The crowd gasped, everyone breaking into a cold sweat for Qin Feng. Sun Yongkang was famous for being fiercely protective of his son. Having hurt his child, Qin Feng would likely not be leaving the hotel in one piece today.