Chapter 12: The Grand Gathering of the Tianlong Family
The evening sky above the Tianlong Family estate was painted in hues of crimson and gold, a breathtaking sight that matched the grandeur unfolding inside. The family's main hall was illuminated by golden chandeliers, casting a regal glow over the polished marble floors and intricately carved wooden pillars. This was not just a gathering; it was a statement.
Tonight, the entire Tianlong Family had assembled, from influential elders to rising young talents. This was the first formal meeting since Su Chen had taken control, and the weight of the occasion was not lost on anyone. Every face in the room carried an expression of anticipation, curiosity, or concealed hostility.
At the head of the long banquet table, Su Chen sat like a king overseeing his court. Dressed in a black suit embroidered with golden dragon patterns, his presence alone demanded attention. Beside him sat Ye Meng, her striking beauty and confidence making her an undeniable presence in the room.
The murmurs of discontent were already simmering.
Tianlong Zhen, one of the senior elders, was the first to break the silence. His sharp gaze settled on Su Chen as he cleared his throat. "Young Master Su Chen, while none can deny your recent accomplishments, there have been… concerns regarding your methods."
Su Chen took a slow sip of his wine, completely unfazed. "Oh? Please, enlighten me."
A few heads turned toward Tianlong Wei, the head of the family's financial branch, who picked up where Zhen had left off. "For generations, the Tianlong Family has thrived by maintaining balance, operating from the shadows while exerting influence in key sectors. Your high-profile rise, however, has drawn too much attention. Rival families, business competitors, even government agencies—many forces are now watching us more closely than ever before."
Su Chen placed his wine glass down with an audible clink. His expression remained indifferent, yet the pressure in the room shifted.
"So you're saying that because I chose to seize opportunities instead of cowering in the shadows, the family is in danger?" His voice was calm, but the undercurrent of dominance was unmistakable. "Tell me, have any of our businesses suffered under my leadership?"
Silence.
Tianlong Wei's lips pressed into a thin line, but he did not answer.
Su Chen continued, his tone carrying the weight of absolute certainty. "In the past, this family played it safe—too safe. You allowed other forces to slowly chip away at our influence while we remained passive, afraid of drawing attention. And where did that get us?"
No one dared to speak, but the truth hung heavily in the air. Before Su Chen's return, the Tianlong Family's power had been slowly declining. Their once-feared name was becoming nothing more than a legend of the past.
"I am not like the past generations," Su Chen stated plainly. "I do not wait for opportunities—I create them. I do not fear enemies—I eliminate them." His gaze swept over the gathered family members. "And because of that, we are stronger than ever."
A tense silence followed, but the dissatisfaction in some of the elders' eyes remained.
Tianlong Hai, a stern-looking elder from one of the main branches, scoffed. "And what of the enemies you have made? The Chen Family has already started retaliating against us. Government officials have begun monitoring our activities more closely. You speak of strength, but strength without stability is recklessness."
Su Chen smirked. "Ah, the Chen Family…" He leaned back in his chair, his fingers lightly tapping against the armrest. "They have already lost before they even realized they were playing the wrong game."
Tianlong Hai frowned. "What do you mean?"
Su Chen chuckled, turning to Wang Jun, his trusted strategist, who had remained silent until now.
Wang Jun adjusted his glasses and calmly stated, "The Chen Family's retaliation efforts have already been countered. Their attempts to bribe officials? Neutralized. Their influence in the financial sector? We've undercut their market dominance. Their attempts to suppress our businesses? Reversed through strategic partnerships." He smiled slightly. "In short, they are fighting a battle they've already lost."
Tianlong Hai's expression stiffened, and a ripple of realization passed through the crowd. Some of the elders exchanged glances, finally understanding that Su Chen was not just relying on brute force—he was orchestrating the rise of the Tianlong Family with unparalleled precision.
Just as the tension was settling, another voice rose.
Tianlong Bo, a proud and arrogant branch leader, sneered. "Your arrogance is unbearable." He turned his sharp gaze toward Ye Meng. "And now, you let a woman speak on family matters? You disgrace our traditions, Su Chen."
A heavy silence fell over the hall. Ye Meng raised an eyebrow, but before she could retort, Su Chen spoke.
"Bo," Su Chen said casually, though the weight of his voice made the room feel colder. "You seem to have forgotten something very important."
Tianlong Bo scoffed. "And what would that be?"
The next moment, an invisible force crushed down on him. It was not physical, yet it felt like the air itself had become suffocating. The arrogant man gasped, his knees buckling as he struggled to breathe.
Su Chen didn't move, didn't raise his voice—his sheer presence alone was enough to silence any dissent.
"Know your place," Su Chen said, his voice sharp as a blade. "Ye Meng is my woman. Insulting her is the same as insulting me. Do not make the mistake of thinking I tolerate disrespect."
Tianlong Bo trembled, his face pale as he quickly lowered his head. "I-I meant no offense…"
The pressure vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Su Chen leaned back in his chair, taking another sip of wine.
"Good."
The message was clear. Su Chen did not tolerate challenges—not from his enemies, and certainly not from his own family.
After a brief, stunned silence, Ye Meng smirked and turned to Su Chen. "Well, that was fun."
He chuckled. "I do like to keep things interesting."
With the opposition silenced, Su Chen raised his glass. "Now, since we're all here, let's toast—to the Tianlong Family's continued rise."
One by one, the family members lifted their glasses, some reluctantly, others with newfound respect. The ones who had doubted Su Chen now understood one thing—he was not just a leader.
He was a ruler.
And under his rule, the Tianlong Family would either rise to greatness… or crumble under his will.