The Magic Metropolis!
realm of martial arts and the business community experienced an unprecedented upheaval. The Chen clan was obliterated overnight, their vast assets swiftly absorbed into the Wang and Ning families. Within hours, the market value of these two conglomerates surged past 800 billion yuan.
The martial arts world was thrown into chaos. Whispers circulated that the Chen family had incurred the wrath of a master - level fighter—an expert whose power transcended ordinary limits. In his fury, this master crippled every member of the Chen household who dared resist. Even the patriarch, Chen Ankun, unleashed his latent potential to achieve master - level strength—but despite his efforts, he was slain in a single strike by the master. Panic rippled through the martial arts community.
Meanwhile, the seismic shifts in the business world crowned the Wang and Ning families as the undisputed rulers of the Magic Metropolis's commercial scene. While larger conglomerates existed elsewhere, they were controlled by diverse shareholders. In contrast, the Wangs and Nings operated as tight - knit family enterprises, free from interference by financial syndicates.
And at the center of all this upheaval? Su Ming! At this very moment, he lay napping in his villa at Yujing Garden.
"Su Ming, it's time to leave!" Ning Fengqing called from the living room.
Three days had passed since the Leng Yueling incident. During this period, Su Ming had regained his composure. Ning Fengqing had visited frequently, prompting him to hand over a spare key rather than repeatedly opening the door for her.
Now, the agreed - upon departure time had arrived, and Ning Fengqing stood waiting at the villa.
"Coming!" Su Ming responded, rising from bed, washing his face hastily, and descending from the second floor.
Side by side, the pair left the villa and boarded a car prepared by the Ning family. At the airport, surrounded by well - wishers including Ning Cangyun and Wang Daoqian, Su Ming boarded the plane.
"Phew…" Once seated aboard the aircraft, Su Ming finally exhaled deeply. Being escorted onto the plane by dozens of people was an entirely new experience—and not one he found particularly comfortable. But what could he do? After all, the Wang and Ning clans had pledged their unwavering allegiance to him. In the world of martial arts, loyalty demanded absolute devotion.
Ping! Just as Su Ming reached for his phone to turn it off, a notification flashed across the screen.
"My goodness, twenty billion? I thought it was only ten!" Su Ming stared at the string of digits, momentarily stunned. Though he now held forty percent of Wanhua Real Estate—worth hundreds of billions—this was the first time his personal account balance looked so impressive.
"Just keep it," Ning Fengqing said with a chuckle. "You're a grandmaster; surely you're worth more than that. Besides, our Ning family now follows your lead. If you wanted a hundred billion, we'd make it happen!"
"Fair enough," Su Ming replied, closing his phone without further hesitation.
Soon, the plane soared into the clouds. A few hours later, it touched down in Jiangzhou. Ning Fengqing had arranged transportation ahead of time, and the two set off immediately.
Back at Yunshang Yuefu, Su Ming retrieved The Jade Forest Food Guide, placed it in his car, and drove off to meet Gao Xiang. There, Gao Xiang, Li Gao, Zhao Mingzhu, and Liu Xing—the deliveryman turned partner—were bustling about the food court. Their joy at seeing Su Ming was palpable.
After taking a quick tour of the thriving establishment, Su Ming decided not to disturb them further and headed straight to Hongda Enterprises. Upon arrival, Chairman Su Shan greeted him with a respectful bow. Inside the office, Lin Yixue sat working diligently, while someone else stood quietly beside her—none other than Fan Qianqian, recently graduated.
"Ah, Su Ming, you're back!" Fan Qianqian exclaimed upon spotting him.
With a graceful motion, Lin Yixue rose from her seat and embraced Su Ming warmly. Beside them, Fan Qianqian lowered her gaze, her expression tinged with disappointment.
"I knew you'd return today, but I didn't expect you to come straight here," Lin Yixue remarked, smiling brightly.
"Hmm?" Su Ming sensed an undertone in her words. Something felt amiss—he couldn't respond carelessly, lest he cause trouble.
Of course, Lin Yixue was no fool. She must have known about his history with Fan Qianqian. And judging by her demeanor, she seemed intent on nurturing Fan Qianqian's growth. This woman… truly remarkable!
Lin Yixue gave him a sly glance, noting his conflicted expression. Then, breaking the tension, she said, "Enough of that. After work, treat us to dinner!"
"Sure thing. Let's head to Bai Xian Lou."
At that moment, Lin Yixue turned to Fan Qianqian. "Qianqian, the person you've been longing for is finally here. Don't you have something to say?"
Fan Qianqian's cheeks flushed crimson.
"Hehe…" Lin Yixue giggled softly.
Ding dong dong… Thankfully, Su Ming's phone rang, shattering the awkward silence. It was his mother calling. Without delay, he answered.
"Mom!"
Her voice came through clearly: "Son, there's less than a month until the New Year. When are you coming home?"
"I'll be there soon," Su Ming replied. "I'm swamped right now, but it's only an hour's drive."
"Alright. Just call ahead when you're coming. Oh, and are you bringing anyone with you?"
"Just me—and maybe Xiangzi," Su Ming added casually.
A brief pause followed. Then, her tone shifted. "Su Ming, a true man knows how to shoulder responsibilities. Do you understand what I mean?"
Alarm bells rang in Su Ming's mind. Quickly, he switched the call to speakerphone, holding the device slightly away.
Beside him, Lin Yixue and Fan Qianqian exchanged puzzled glances, curious about the unfolding conversation.
"I understand, Mom," Su Ming replied cautiously.
Instantly, her voice grew stern. "Understand? If you really understood, you'd bring a girlfriend home! You're almost thirty, and if you show up alone, don't bother coming back at all!"
Su Ming froze. Good thing he'd acted quickly.
Lin Yixue and Fan Qianqian stifled laughter behind their hands, amused by his predicament.
"That's all for now. Remember my words!" With that, the line went dead.
Slowly, Su Ming lowered the phone, his eyes drifting toward Lin Yixue and Fan Qianqian.
Ping! A system prompt appeared.
"Choice triggered!"
- Option 1: Bring Lin Yixue home for the New Year. Reward: Legendary Business Acumen.
- Option 2: Bring Fan Qianqian home for the New Year. Reward: Rare Blue Diamond Necklace.
Su Ming hesitated. This was shaping up to be the toughest decision of his life—a dilemma akin to choosing between saving your mother or your lover from drowning.