Chapter 17: The Chen Family Coming-of-Age Ceremony
"Young Master Chen awakened an SS-Class Natural Type ability. He's the only one in the entire Eastern Alliance. This talent is enough to support the future of the Chen family!"
"Isn't that right? It's said that the Chen family is backed by a military general. Coupled with Chen Chen's talent, the Chen family is taking off!"
"Old Master Chen played this move beautifully. Using the east wind of the awakening to set the heir stabilizes people's hearts and reveals his trump card to the outside world. High move!"
.....
After Chen Guodong finished his announcement, everyone present nodded in agreement.
It wasn't just to flatter the Chen family; it was truly because the card of Chen Chen was too hard—an SS-Class Natural Type ability was inherently rare.
Coupled with the seemingly uncomplicated relationship with the Ling family in the capital, it was enough to make the Chen family's voice in Lanjiang soar.
Moreover, the Chen family had been pressed step by step by the Jiang and Li families in recent years.
They urgently needed a strong heir to stabilize the situation, and Chen Chen's appearance was timely.
Chen Guodong watched everyone's reaction, and the corners of his tight mouth finally relaxed a little.
He glanced at Chen Chen beside him, seeing his son still maintaining that submissive appearance, and his eyes couldn't help but warm a little.
This child is not only exceptionally talented but also has a calm and sensible personality. He is usually very filial to me. I can rest assured handing the family business to him.
Sensing his father's gaze, Chen Chen bowed slightly, his posture impeccably humble. However, under his lowered eyelids, a trace of coldness flashed fleetingly.
This old bastard is finally willing to hand over the family property!
To the side, Zhang Li was chatting with the noble ladies of various families, a smile of shared honor on her face.
Just then, the butler trotted in, a look of nervousness on his face: "Master, Mr. Zhou Mingyuan, the Mayor of Lanjiang, has arrived!"
The whole hall instantly fell silent.
As the parent official of Lanjiang, Zhou Mingyuan had always been the object of wooing by various forces.
Although the Chen family sent an invitation, they didn't expect him to actually come in person.
After all, this was just an internal occasion for the Chen family to decide on an heir. It didn't meet the specifications for the mayor to personally offer congratulations.
"Why would Mayor Zhou come?" someone muttered in a low voice.
"Could it be that the Jiang or Li family made a move and invited the mayor to apply pressure?"
"It's hard to say. The Chen family just decided on an heir, and the mayor arrives immediately. I'm afraid the comer is not kind."
Chen Guodong's heart also sank.
He didn't have much interaction with Zhou Mingyuan.
He only knew that this mayor was good at balancing various forces and would absolutely not watch helplessly as the Chen family dominated alone.
Could it be that his decision to name an heir was too hasty and aroused the other party's vigilance?
He suppressed his doubts and got up to welcome him: "Mayor Zhou, your presence brings light to my humble dwelling. Chen has failed to welcome you from afar; please forgive me, please forgive me."
Zhou Mingyuan wore a crisp suit, followed by a middle-aged man in his early thirties who carried a hint of killing intent between his brows.
Seeing Chen Guodong, Zhou Mingyuan revealed a fawning smile on his face: "Master Chen is hosting a happy event today; how could I not come to join in the fun? Congratulations, congratulations."
Seeing this, Chen Guodong was stunned. The other party was so enthusiastic it confused him.
"Mayor Zhou is too polite. Please come inside." Chen Guodong turned sideways to lead the way.
But his gaze swept imperceptibly over the middle-aged man behind him.
Judging by Zhou Mingyuan's attitude, this person's identity was likely extraordinary.
The two walked side by side into the hall. The originally buzzing guests instantly fell silent, their gazes casting over in unison.
Seeing the smiles on both their faces, it didn't look like a conflict was about to start.
Everyone secretly speculated: Could it be that the Chen family has secretly connected with the mayor?
It seems the rumors that the Chen family has military backing are true!
After taking their seats, Chen Guodong tentatively asked: "Mayor Zhou, who is this?"
Zhou Mingyuan smiled and turned sideways to introduce: "I forgot to introduce him. This is the General of the 8th Border Defense District of the Great Wall."
"Surname Zhang, single given name Feng."
"Border Defense General?"
"The 8th District?!"
As soon as these words came out, the whole room was shocked.
Who didn't know that the General of the 8th District was Ling Xiao of the Ling family in the capital?
The four words "Capital Ling Family" were enough to shake the hearts of everyone present.
That was a true top-tier aristocratic family, far beyond what the few families in Lanjiang could compare to!
Chen Guodong rejoiced in his heart. This is the person sent by Ling Xiao.
He should be here for the marriage!
Zhang Feng stood up. "Master Chen, I've heard much about you. General Ling asked me to give you her regards."
"You are too polite, too polite." The smile on Chen Guodong's face almost overflowed.
He hurriedly poured a cup of tea for Zhang Feng, his tone carrying uncontrollable warmth: "General Zhang came from afar and even took the trouble to bring a message for General Ling. It truly makes Chen feel overwhelmed with favor."
Zhang Feng nodded slightly, his posture neither humble nor arrogant: "Master Chen is polite. General Ling said that the Lanjiang Chen family has been quite stable locally over these years, and she remembers some old sentiments."
Hearing this in Chen Guodong's ears was tantamount to supreme affirmation.
To the side, Zhang Li rolled her eyes and naturally steered the topic toward the engagement."Speaking of which, we still have to thank General Ling for her care over these years."
"It is a blessing cultivated over several lifetimes for our Chen family that our Chen'er could be engaged to Miss Yue of the Ling family."
Zhang Li's words were half claiming credit and half probing.
Her gaze inadvertently glanced at Zhang Feng, wanting to see some clues from his face.
Zhang Feng's fingers holding the teacup paused slightly. As expected, here it comes, he thought secretly.
He looked up, his face devoid of any extra expression, and said in a flat tone: "I have heard a little about the engagement."
"General Ling's meaning is that a twisted melon is not sweet. It still depends on the intentions of the juniors themselves."
His words were ambiguous; he neither admitted nor directly denied it.
Hearing this, Chen Guodong's heart skipped a beat, and the joy that had just risen faded a little.
But on second thought, Zhang Feng didn't directly say the engagement was broken, which meant there was still room!
And he didn't say there was anything inappropriate about the name "Chen Chen"!
Maybe Ling Xiao also felt that Chen Chen's current talent was worthy of Ling Yue, so she let Zhang Feng come to see the situation
.
Thinking of this, he relaxed again and laughed: "General Zhang is right! Young people's affairs should be decided by themselves."
"My Chen Chen has now awakened an SS-Class ability. He definitely won't let Miss Yue suffer in the future."
The surrounding guests pricked up their ears. Although they couldn't hear the specific content clearly, the words "engagement" and "Ling family's Miss Yue" were clearly transmitted.
Combined with Zhang Feng's attitude, how could they not understand?
"My god! Not only is the Chen family related to General Ling Xiao, but Young Master Chen also has an engagement with that genius girl Ling Yue of the Ling family?"
"That is the direct line of the Ling family in the capital! Chen Chen is going to ascend to the heavens in one step!"
"No wonder General Zhang came personally. Is this to support the Chen family and solidify this marriage?"
The discussions were even louder than before. The gazes looking at Chen Chen held envy, but even more awe.
Everyone knew that once this engagement was solidified, the Chen family could walk sideways in Lanjiang.
Zhou Mingyuan sat to the side, steadying the hand holding his teacup, a trace of understanding flashing in his eyes.
As expected!
The Chen family not only had the military behind them but also connected with a top-tier family in the capital.
His move today was correct; he had to build a good relationship with the Chen family.
Chen Guodong's heart burned hot from everyone's reaction.
He urged Zhang Li to pull Chen Chen to his side and enthusiastically pushed him next to Zhang Feng.
"General Zhang, come, let me introduce you. This is my son, Chen Chen."
"He is the son of my ex-wife Lin Lan, lucky enough to be engaged to the Ling family."
He deliberately pointed out the name "Lin Lan" and pushed Chen Chen in front of Zhang Feng.
Zhang Li also hurriedly chimed in, grinning from ear to ear: "Chen'er is not only sensible but also has good talent. He is definitely qualified to match Miss Yue."
"Chen'er, hurry up and greet him."
Before the coming-of-age ceremony, Zhang Li had already briefed Chen Chen.
Knowing he was to replace Chen Yu and seize the engagement, Chen Chen felt a burst of heat in his heart at the thought that Ling Yue was not only a genius but also reportedly a top beauty.
But for now, he still had to act this part well.
Chen Chen sat down following his parents' force, a just-right shy smile on his face, and bowed slightly to Zhang Feng: "Hello, General Zhang."
Zhang Feng smiled and nodded, but looking at Chen Chen in front of him, he couldn't stop muttering in his heart.
'I have seen photos of Lin Lan.'
'This Chen Chen doesn't look like her either?'
'Not only was he muttering, but the guests present were also muttering. Isn't this Chen Chen... Zhang Li's son?!'
Just then.
"Yes"
The butler's anxious shout came: "Wait a minute! You are not allowed in!"
(To be Continued)