Facing Chen Yang's angry scolding, Jiang Xiaoxiao didn't get angry. She crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. What's said is said. What does it matter how fiercely he curses?

BOOM!

A wave of discussion erupted among the crowd.

"Such foul language. Doesn't he know what kind of event this is?"

"What a shameless disgrace. I'm embarrassed for him."

"He's just a worthless man living off a woman. What kind of upbringing can you possibly expect from him?"

"Someone like that shouldn't have been allowed in! The next banquet must have a character assessment."

Qin Qiu's face grew even paler. She angrily tugged on Chen Yang's sleeve and whispered, "Look at where you are! How could you say something like that?"

"You're right! I should have just slapped him instead!" Chen Yang retorted.

Qin Qiu was speechless.

「Meanwhile」

Standing on stage, the smug Kong Haoyan finally noticed Chen Yang. He was startled for a moment, then quickly went to inform Kong Yanxiang and Xu Yu.

The three huddled together for a brief discussion. Kong Haoyan then led the way over, with Xu Yu following behind, preening and posturing.

The surrounding guests, eager to curry favor, greeted them with fawning expressions. Putting the Kong Family aside, the Zhennan Prince Foundation alone was enough to make them bow their proud heads and try to leave a good impression. After all, if the foundation dared to use the Zhennan Prince's golden name, it meant they had some connection to the man himself. With that relationship in play, who would dare be anything but reverent?

Jiang Xiaoxiao was especially obsequious as she scurried over, saying in a servile tone, "Young Master Kong, hello. I am Jiang Xiaoxiao. I'm so happy to meet you here!"

Kong Haoyan ignored her, stopping directly in front of Chen Yang.

Seeing this, the onlookers naturally assumed Kong Haoyan had come because of the fifty million. For such a large sum, it was only normal for him to personally express his gratitude. However, they felt no envy, only amusement.

Jiang Xiaoxiao was practically overflowing with glee, wearing the expression of someone whose scheme had succeeded. Young Master Kong himself has shown up. Now you have to give up that fifty million, whether you want to or not.

"Prince..." Kong Haoyan began, but he snapped his mouth shut when he saw Chen Yang's eyebrows shoot up. He immediately understood and corrected himself. "Mr. Chen! I didn't expect you to be here! Why didn't you let me know beforehand? I would have arranged a proper welcome for you!"

Kong Haoyan bowed deeply, his attitude utterly reverent.

This sudden humility made Kong Haoyan seem like a different person. Where was the spirited and supremely confident man from moments ago? The sight left everyone around them stunned speechless, their jaws hanging open.

"What... What is going on?"

"Am I dreaming? Why would Young Master Kong bow to that good-for-nothing?"

A wave of sharp gasps rippled through the grand banquet hall. No one could believe their eyes.

Nearby, Xu Yu glanced at Jiang Xiaoxiao. "Were you the one who shouted out fifty million just now?"

"I..." Jiang Xiaoxiao's heart pounded violently as an ominous feeling washed over her.

"According to our rules here," Xu Yu stated coolly, "whoever calls the number, pays the donation."

Jiang Xiaoxiao was speechless.

"Go prepare the money. I'll have someone collect it before the banquet ends."

Jiang Xiaoxiao was speechless.

Suddenly, she was completely dumbfounded, feeling as if every last bit of her energy had been drained away. Her entire net worth was just over ten million. Where was she supposed to get fifty million to donate?

THUMP!

She collapsed onto the floor, her face ashen and her spirit broken.

Xu Yu chuckled and paid her no further mind. To dare set a trap for the great Zhennan Prince... she was practically asking to die!

Next, Xu Yu tried to get closer to Chen Yang. Wetting her seductive red lips, she moved past Kong Haoyan to stand less than a meter from Chen Yang and lavished him with praise. "Mr. Chen, you are in your prime, truly outstanding among your peers!"

Chen Yang gave her a cursory glance and remained silent.

Secretly delighted, Xu Yu ran her fingers through her bangs in a natural, alluring gesture, her face bearing a sophisticated and glamorous smile.

"Mr. Chen, after a thorough discussion among the senior management of the Zhennan Prince Foundation, we have decided to invite you to become our Deputy Director. We hope you will do us the honor," Xu Yu said with a sincere invitation.

The entire hall erupted in shock.

Deputy Director of the Zhennan Prince Foundation?

What an exalted position was that? What a future of limitless potential? But Chen Yang was a worthless bum! By what virtue was he worthy of an invitation from the Zhennan Prince Foundation?

Qin Qiu's beautiful eyes went wide with amazement, leaving her unable to utter a single word. Why is this happening? Even putting the Zhennan Prince Foundation aside, they're from the Kong Family! People from the esteemed Kong Family are being so respectful to Chen Yang? She racked her brain but couldn't come up with a single reason.

Everyone stared at Chen Yang with envy and jealousy. Why did he get such an incredible opportunity? He was already married to Qin Qiu, the most beautiful CEO in Lingjin City, which made them green with envy. Now, the Zhennan Prince Foundation wanted to appoint him as Deputy Director. Wasn't this a perfect example of a carp leaping over the dragon gate, a massive winner in life?

Why him? On what grounds?

Just as everyone assumed Chen Yang would accept without a second thought, he asked a strange question. "Where are the financial statements I requested?"

Not far away, Kong Haoyan and Kong Yanxiang felt a sudden tremor in their hearts. Despite the distance between them, their faces went pale, and they broke out in a cold sweat.

"Mr. Chen, could we perhaps discuss this in a more private place? My house, a hotel, anywhere would be fine!" Xu Yu said, struggling to keep her smile from faltering despite the pounding in her chest.

"It seems you truly didn't take my words to heart." Chen Yang rarely got angry, but at this moment, he was furious.

How could he not see they were trying to bribe him—or more accurately, recruit him into their scheme? Using my name to run a scam, then offering me a cut of the profits? Heh... Are they incredibly naive or just completely presumptuous?

"Mr. Chen, you can make any demand. I will agree unconditionally!" Xu Yu offered with a bewitching smile.

SLAP!

Chen Yang raised his hand. The force of the slap sent Xu Yu flying, her feet leaving the ground as she sailed through the air.

The explosive sound made everyone's heart leap into their throats.

This... this!

Everyone's eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. What was wrong with this guy? They had bowed to him, sincerely invited him to join their team, and even offered him the position of Deputy Director right off the bat. But instead of showing gratitude, he attacked them!

Has this guy gone completely mad?

The scene scared Kong Haoyan and Kong Yanxiang out of their wits. This isn't how the script was supposed to go! We offered such generous terms, so why won't he let this go?

"Mr. Chen, I just remembered I have something urgent to attend to. We'll talk another day!" Kong Haoyan said, turning to flee.

A corner of Chen Yang's mouth twitched. "Now that you're here, don't be in such a hurry to leave."

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