The two announcements from Dihao Group completely set Jinling ablaze.
When the Xiao family heard that Dihao had changed ownership, they finally understood why the Wangs had been kicked out.
Evidently, Dihao's new owner looked down on families like the Wangs.
But who exactly was this Young Master Ye? He was incredible! Buying a tens-of-billions Dihao Group on a whim—even Jinling's richest man wouldn't splurge like that!
Suddenly, countless families grew eager. Some longed to connect with this mysterious Young Master Ye, while others dreamed of arranging a marriage between their daughters and him.
Moreover, Dihao's announcement of a 2-billion-yuan hotel project sent shockwaves through Jinling's construction and decoration industry!
2 billion yuan! Even getting a fraction of the project could mean huge profits.
Countless companies wanted a piece of the pie—including the money-obsessed Grandma Xiao.
Grandma Xiao was beside herself with excitement. A 2-billion-yuan project was the perfect opportunity! If the Xiaos could secure a contract, their status would soar.
She immediately ordered a family meeting that night to discuss how to break into Dihao's new project. Everyone had to attend.
That evening, at the Xiao family villa. Since Grandma demanded everyone's presence, Ye Chen went with his wife, Xiao Churan. He knew the meeting was about scheming to profit from Dihao's project, and he wanted to seize the chance to boost Churan's status in the family.
As soon as they arrived, Xiao Churan's cousin, Xiao Hailong, sneered, "Damn, Ye Chen, you've got some nerve showing your face to Grandma!"
Xiao Churan retorted coldly, "Shut up. Grandma ordered all Xiao family members to come. Ye Chen is my husband, so he's part of the family too."
Xiao Hailong laughed, "He's no Xiao! Just a live-in son-in-law!"
Ye Chen rubbed his nose and told Churan, "Forget it, honey. Don't stoop to his level. Let's go in before Grandma waits too long."
Churan nodded, gave Hailong a frosty look, and led Ye Chen inside. Hailong's face darkened—he'd make them pay later.
In the meeting hall, Ye Chen and Churan took a corner seat. Soon, Grandma Xiao entered, and the meeting began.
Sitting in the main seat, she rapped the table and declared triumphantly, "The Xiaos have waited years for a chance to join Jinling's elite! Now, it's finally here!"
She continued loudly, "Dihao Group is launching a 2-billion-yuan project. Whoever secures a partnership will benefit immensely! This is Dihao's first major project under new ownership—a golden opportunity for us. If we can cooperate with Dihao and impress their new owner, the Xiaos' future will be limitless!"
Despite her enthusiasm, the family members seemed unenthused. The Xiaos had longed to partner with Dihao for ages, but Dihao had always ignored them. How could they possibly land a share of this new project?
Seeing the silence, Grandma snapped, "What, are you all mute? Don't you have the confidence to snag even scraps from a 2-billion project?"
Everyone glanced at each other, too afraid to speak.
Gritting her teeth, Grandma added, "I'll make a promise: anyone who secures 30 million yuan in cooperation from Dihao will become the company's director!"
This stunned the crowd. Grandma had always been autocratic and never established a director position, as it held vast power—practically the role of heir apparent. Offering such a position showed her desperation for the Dihao project.
But the director title was tempting only if the task were feasible. In the Xiaos' eyes, partnering with Dihao for 30 million yuan was impossible. Even if Grandma went herself, Dihao's executives wouldn't meet her, let alone discuss 合作 (cooperation).
The hall fell dead silent.
Grandma demanded angrily, "As descendants of the Xiaos, isn't there anyone willing to share the family's burden?" Her gaze fixed on Xiao Hailong. "Hailong, I'm putting this task in your hands."
Hailong forced a laugh. "Grandma, even the Wangs were kicked out by Dihao. We're weaker than them—how can we get a contract?"
Grandma cursed, "Useless! Denying yourself before even trying—you're worse than that good-for-nothing Ye Chen!"
Truthfully, Grandma had no confidence either, but she refused to remain a second-rate family leader. She dreamed of elevating the Xiaos, and this project was their only shot. Even if impossible, she wouldn't give up.
She'd hoped Hailong, as the eldest grandson, would take the task bravely, but he was backing down.
Hailong was frustrated too—who wanted an impossible mission? He'd likely get thrown out before even entering Dihao's doors, only to be mocked. So he was determined to refuse.
After scolding Hailong, Grandma shouted, "What about the rest of you? No one dares take this on?"
Ye Chen gently elbowed Xiao Churan and whispered, "Honey, take the task."
Churan whispered back, "Are you crazy? Dihao would never partner with a small company like ours!"
Ye Chen smiled confidently. "Trust me, you can do it. Seize this chance—your status in the Xiao family will skyrocket."
For some reason, Churan found herself believing him. She stood and said to Grandma, "Grandma, I… I'd like to give it a shot."