Chapter 124: Is It Possible Not to Avenge This Grudge?

It was not just Lin Yousheng; the others in the facility were also beginning to have second thoughts. Xiao Qimin, in particular, felt the weight of his situation, as the Xiao family was not entirely under his control to begin with. He had merely been swept up in the reckless schemes of these men, but the fallout he had now triggered was becoming increasingly difficult for the Xiao family to manage.

Xiao Mei’er had repeatedly emphasized that this matter must be resolved properly at any cost; otherwise, they would face even more severe disasters. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, Xiao Qimin felt a deep sense of self-reproach. If he hadn't been foolish enough to agree to Leng Tianyi’s proposal, the Xiao family would not be in this predicament. In fact, they could have emerged as the ultimate beneficiaries while the other three families saw their reputations plummet. But alas, there is no medicine for regret in this world. Even though he realized his past actions were misguided, it was now beyond his power to reverse them. Xiao Qimin only hoped to cut his losses and prevent the situation from deteriorating further, lest he be unable to answer to Xiao Mei’er.

"I agree. This kid is truly cunning. Perhaps we really should find another way to resolve this," Ning Rusheng sighed from the side. Like Xiao Qimin, he was deeply concerned about his reputation. After all, the Ning family was a medical dynasty; if they could not even preserve their own name, how could they face the public? Lin Li had struck them where they were most vulnerable—at the very heart of their interests. Even though they were keenly aware of this, they were currently helpless against Lin Li’s tactics.

Listening to their responses, Leng Tianyi gritted his teeth in hatred. That cursed Lin Li! It was because of him that every step of his plan had failed. If he didn't teach this brat a lesson, he would surely think his influence was limitless. "Listen, brothers, when we were struggling to make our mark in Jiangcheng, this kid wasn't even in the picture. Now that he’s pulled a few minor tricks, are you really going to admit defeat?"

Ning Rusheng was furious. With their combined power, it was not as if they had no chance of dealing with this troublesome opponent. But if they bowed down now, it would mean they would never be able to hold their heads high again. Whether the four great families were stronger or if Lin Li’s methods were more ruthless would depend on who could hold out until the very end.

"Leng Tianyi, there is absolutely no need for this. We are all getting on in years; these things should be left to the next generation," Lin Yousheng sighed. "Besides, we were the ones in the wrong from the start. You insisted on seizing a project from others; of course they would do everything in their power to stop us."

Hearing this, Leng Tianyi’s eyes widened in disbelief. Good grief—at a time like this, was he actually going to speak up for the other side?

"I can't worry about that now. As far as I'm concerned, this is the only way to handle it," Leng Tianyi retorted. "For years, the four great families have held the economic lifeline of Jiangcheng. If we lose this advantage now, who will ever respect us again? Are you all really prepared to stop doing business?"

Lin Yousheng sneered. He knew exactly what was going through their minds. As long as everything went according to plan, things would resolve as smoothly as he had envisioned. "Even if we want to do business, we should at least consider our reputations. We can't let our names be tarnished in our old age."

The others nodded in agreement, but Leng Tianyi remained firm. "Think what you want, but I am not changing my mind. Since Lin Li used these tactics to threaten me, I will certainly retaliate. These young people think their wings are strong enough to challenge us. This is the perfect time to prove ourselves and show them who really controls this era. Just because we are old doesn't mean we are out of options."

...

What exactly the heads of the four great families discussed, Lin Li did not know. Nor, for him, was it the point. He knew Leng Tianyi would not give up easily; if anyone among the four families hated him the most, it was undoubtedly Leng Tianyi. Lin Li had caused him plenty of trouble in the past, and he knew Leng Tianyi despised him to the core.

Unfortunately, with his current abilities, Leng Tianyi was no threat to Lin Li. That was precisely why he was trying to leverage the power of the four families to apply pressure.

"The public opinion online has completely turned in your favor," Su Lan said, standing behind Lin Li and gently massaging his shoulders. Lin Li could feel her incredible suppleness pressing against his head; what an astonishing asset she was. Lost in thought, Lin Li grabbed Su Lan’s hand and pulled her into his lap. "Are you worried, Lan-jie?"

"I know you had your own plan when you took on the Tianxin District project," Su Lan asked, "but the road ahead is fraught with difficulties. You’ve already stirred up quite a bit of trouble, and who knows what the future holds? Are you truly confident you can handle these people?"

She looked at him earnestly, genuinely worried that he might encounter real trouble. But Lin Li was as confident as ever. While the situation was indeed murky, he had never once lost a game played against the wind.

"Don't worry. These old veterans of the four families won't surrender so easily; they will try everything to investigate the matter thoroughly. But they will soon realize they are completely outmatched," Lin Li said with a confident smirk, his hands beginning to wander downward. "But before that, I have some urgent business to attend to. Lan-jie, you haven't tried this in the office yet, have you?"

As he spoke, he tilted her chin up and kissed her. Su Lan was already completely intoxicated by his masculine charm. Indeed, a confident man was the most alluring of all. It seemed as though they would never lose.