"If that's the case, why should we make enemies of such a powerful figure?" Feng Tianyi continued, his tone calm yet resolute.

"Times have changed, and the sky over Ninghai should change too."

"Instead of thinking about how to fight, we should think about... how to coexist."

The Wang family patriarch couldn't help but ask, "Patriarch Feng, do you mean we should bow down to that Qin Yang?"

Feng Tianyi glanced at him and said indifferently, "Lower your head? No."

"It's cooperation."

He paused, his gaze falling on the heads of the Xia and Qin families.

The head of the Xia family was a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses and a refined demeanor.

The head of the Qin family was a beautiful woman with an elegant demeanor and well-maintained appearance.

These two families are relatively low-key among the eight major families, but their strength should not be underestimated.

“Brother Xia, Madam Qin,” Feng Tianyi said.

“I propose that your two families represent the remaining six families to make contact with the Chen family and with Miss Chen Yuqi.”

The Xia family head pushed up his glasses: "What does the Feng family head mean?"

Feng Tianyi smiled slightly: "It's not a confrontation, but a test, and also an invitation."

"Let's find out what the Chen family is up to and see what kind of role Mr. Qin wants to play in Ninghai."

“If possible, we are not incapable of accepting a new ‘family’.”

"After all, it's always better to have one more friend than one more invincible enemy, isn't it?"

His gaze was deep, as if he could already see into the distant future.

"Rather than letting Ninghai descend into complete chaos and be taken advantage of by external forces, we should proactively accept this force and integrate it into our existing system."

"Of course, that is, on the premise that he is willing to abide by the new rules."

Feng Tianyi's words caused the family heads present to fall into deep thought.

Although there was still resentment and humiliation in her heart, she had to admit that Feng Tianyi's suggestion was perhaps the safest and wisest choice at present.

A direct confrontation with Qin Yang would be a slim chance of victory and would come at a heavy price.

If they could be won over, or at least reach some level of understanding, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome for stabilizing the situation in Ninghai and protecting the interests of their respective families.

Ultimately, under Feng Tianyi's leadership, the six major families reached an agreement.

The Xia and Qin families extended an invitation to Chen Yuqi to meet.

...

Chen's Group Headquarters, President's Office.

After finishing dealing with the backlog of documents, Chen Yuqi picked up her coffee and took a small sip.

She hadn't slept all night, but her spirits were unusually high.

Although the destruction of the Ye family was a harrowing process, it ultimately cleared away the biggest obstacle for the Chen family in Ninghai.

She knew that the real test was about to begin.

How to integrate the vast resources left by the Ye family?

How should we respond to the possible reactions from other families?

How to get along with the unpredictable Qin Yang?

Just then, there was a knock on the office door.

"Please come in."

Her personal assistant strode in, a strange look on her face.

"Mr. Chen, the Xia family and the Qin family just sent invitations."

"The Xia family? The Qin family?" Chen Yuqi frowned slightly.

These two families have always kept a low profile among the eight major families and rarely take the initiative to participate in disputes.

At this sensitive time, why did they suddenly send out invitations?

The assistant handed over two beautifully crafted, gold-embossed invitations.

"Yes, they have jointly invited you to have dinner at 'Wangjiang Pavilion' tonight."

"It means I want to talk to you about the future development of Ninghai."

Chen Yuqi accepted the invitation, her slender fingers gently tracing the delicate patterns on it.

What are your thoughts on Ninghai's future development?

She probably wanted to represent the remaining six major families to test her background, or rather, to test Qin Yang's attitude.

This was undoubtedly a trap.

To go or not to go?

Going there means facing the pressure and tests of the six major families alone, with unknown risks.

Not going would make the Chen family appear cowardly, and would likely provoke even stronger backlash and suspicion.

Chen Yuqi's gaze fell on the window.

Sunlight pierced through the clouds, shining on the rows of tall buildings and reflecting a cold luster.

Ninghai may appear calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging beneath.

Chen Yuqi and the Chen family behind her are now at the center of the storm.

There's no way to retreat!

After a long silence, a resolute glint flashed in Chen Yuqi's eyes.

"Reply to them that I will be on time."

The assistant asked with some concern, "Mr. Chen, isn't this too risky? Should we consult Mr. Qin?"

Chen Yuqi shook her head.

Qin Yang couldn't protect her from the storms of life forever.

Some paths she must walk alone, and some challenges she must face alone.

This is her responsibility as the head of the Chen family, and it is also the price she must pay if she wants to truly gain a foothold and even stand shoulder to shoulder with that man.

"No need." Chen Yuqi's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

"This is a matter for the Chen family; I will handle it myself."

The assistant said no more and bowed as he withdrew.

Chen Yuqi was the only one left in the office.

She picked up her phone, her fingertips hovering over the screen for a moment.

In the end, she still edited a message and sent it out.

The message was very simple, consisting of only a few words:

Tonight, the Xia and Qin families have invited me to a banquet at Wangjiang Pavilion.

She did not seek Qin Yang's help, nor did she ask for his opinion.

I just wanted to let him know.

This was a subconscious action, perhaps to let him know her whereabouts, or perhaps deep down, she still longed for that faint sense of protection and security.

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