However, voicing these thoughts might make him seem inconsiderate or unreasonable, so he could only deflect the matter for now.
“Indeed, this was already agreed upon during the cruise in international waters!” Among the guests, Old Master Qiu chuckled lightly.
The way the others looked at Old Master Qiu instantly changed—what an honor it was to accompany Master Jiang!
“Mr. Jiang, perhaps you could reconsider…” Tang Hongtu refused to give up, still hoping to persuade him.
But Old Master Tang waved his hand and said with a smile, “Let it go, Hongtu. This is a significant matter, and Master Jiang is a busy man. How could he give you an answer immediately?”
“For today, let’s leave it at this. It’s getting late—I should head back.”
With that, Jiang Tian took Zhao Xueqing’s hand, stood up, and walked away leisurely.
After seeing Jiang Tian and the others off, the Tang family members returned to the tearoom.
Tang Hongtu frowned after a moment of contemplation.
“Father, did we do something wrong today? Why is Master Jiang still refusing?”
“It’s all because of that brat Jianfeng! How did you raise your son?” Tang Weimin glared angrily at Tang Wannian.
“Second Brother, it’s not like you recognized Master Jiang’s capabilities back then either!” Tang Wannian retorted awkwardly, trying to justify himself.
“Master Jiang is a true dragon among men, with the bearing to encompass the world and command the sun and moon. How could he possibly care about Jianfeng’s petty provocations? That’s not the issue!”
Old Master Tang pondered for a moment before suggesting, “Hongtu, why not try reaching out to other martial arts masters?”
“No good!” Tang Hongtu shook his head bitterly. “Our superior once went to Hubei to invite the head of the Hong family, Hong Tianzhao, but he refused!”
“Hong Tianzhao has already reached the peak of the Transformation Realm!”
Old Master Tang’s eyes flickered with understanding. “He dominates Hubei alone, with assets worth billions. He’s grown accustomed to being a local emperor—naturally, he wouldn’t care for your invitation.”
He sighed before continuing, “The other masters are either too old or too senior in status. I doubt they’d agree either.”
“Are all martial arts masters as proud as Master? With such favorable terms, why wouldn’t they agree?” Tang Linglong interjected.
Old Master Tang’s expression turned grave as he sighed. “Martial arts masters are like celestial dragons—supreme figures who reign as local magnates. They’ve long since achieved fame and fortune, with vast family enterprises. Why would they ever leave their domains?”
He spoke with deep emotion:
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“The Wu family’s Wu Yingxiong dominates the southwest, his influence spanning Yunnan and Guizhou.”
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“Huo Qingtian commands both sides of the Yellow River, with all the heroes of the Central Plains bowing to him—they call him the ‘Pillar of the Central Plains.'”
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“The Ye family’s Ye Wudao rules the prosperous Yangtze River Delta, entrenched in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, his wealth rivaling nations—dubbed ‘The Leaf of Jiangnan.'”
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“And Northwest Li Tuofeng roams the deserts of Xinjiang, his gaze fierce and domineering, a true hegemon of his region.”
“But Master Jiang is still young and not yet famous—why would he refuse?” Tang Hongtu asked, unwilling to accept it.
If they could secure Jiang Tian’s support, the War Tiger unit might even rival the legendary Huaxia Dragon Group.
Not to mention, as the one who facilitated the connection, Tang Hongtu could expect a promotion, likely earning him a second general’s star.
“Given time, Master Jiang may even stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Ye Zhan Tian. Naturally, his standards are high.”
Old Master Tang’s words sent a collective chill down everyone’s spines.
“Master Jiang values family deeply—perhaps he can’t bear to part with his beloved wife and relatives.”
A glint of wisdom flashed in Old Master Tang’s eyes as he added calmly, “Have you heard? Zhao Pharmaceuticals is struggling, and the Jiang family in Jinling is also in crisis.”
“That’s right! On the gambling ship, Ye Gufeng made us pool billions to help the Jiang family!” Tang Wannian slapped his thigh excitedly.
Finally, something I can contribute to! All this talk of War Tiger, Dragon Group, and martial arts masters was way over my head.
“It seems that if we want to persuade Master Jiang, we should focus our efforts on the Jiang family,” Tang Guozhu said thoughtfully, his expression solemn.
“Yes, Master. I understand.”
Tang Hongtu and the other two nodded in unison, their faces serious.
That Evening, at the Zhao Family’s Lakeside Villa
Zhao Hucheng and Wei Fang called Jiang Tian, his wife, and Zhao Qianru into the study for a “family meeting.”
Zhao Qianru burst out laughing. “Dad, with just a handful of us and a small company, calling this a ‘family meeting’ is really stretching it!”
Zhao Hucheng coughed awkwardly, but Wei Fang said sternly, “Be serious! With your brother-in-law here now, things are different!”
Zhao Hucheng cleared his throat. “Today, we’re announcing an important decision: From now on, Jiang Tian will be the chairman of Zhao Pharmaceuticals, overseeing everything!”
Jiang Tian immediately waved his hands. “Uncle, Aunt, I’m afraid I can’t accept. I know nothing about running a business!”
Zhao Hucheng smiled apologetically. “Son-in-law, I know you’re extraordinary with vast connections. Our company may be small, but with the Jiang family in trouble, this could be your chance to prove yourself here.”
Wei Fang added warmly, “That’s right! If you achieve success here, returning to the Jiang family in the future would be much easier—you might even take the helm!”
Jiang Tian shook his head with a wry smile. “Uncle, Aunt, please don’t bring this up again. I truly don’t have the time.”
The couple’s expressions fell, exchanging uneasy glances. Without Jiang Tian’s support, Zhao Pharmaceuticals was missing a golden opportunity.
Zhao Hucheng hesitated before saying guiltily, “Jiang Tian, if our past behavior upset you, just let it out! Hit me if you need to!”
“Uncle, don’t say that. Back then, my behavior warranted your doubts. It’s only natural.”
Jiang Tian’s tone was serene, free from resentment. “I simply have too many commitments right now.”
Zhao Hucheng realized the truth—Jiang Tian now stood as an equal to Old Master Tang, with countless powerful figures under his command. How could a small pharmaceutical company compare to his grand ambitions?
With a resigned sigh, he and Wei Fang relented.
Jiang Tian smiled. “But we’re family. If you ever need help, I won’t stand aside. Whether I take the position or not makes no difference.”
Zhao Hucheng brightened immediately. “Jiang Tian, that’s all we needed to hear! Xueqing, from now on, you’ll be the chairwoman, with your aunt as CEO to assist you!”
“Jiang Tian, am I really capable?” Xueqing hesitated, looking to him for guidance.
From R&D director to chairwoman—this was a monumental leap.
She knew this opportunity came solely because of Jiang Tian. Yet, it also meant greater challenges.
“Of course you are!” Wei Fang squeezed her hand warmly. “With Jiang Tian’s support and our full backing, you’ll do wonderfully!”
“Xueqing, don’t refuse!” Zhao Hucheng urged.
“Sis, you’ve got this! We believe in you!” Zhao Qianru cheered.
Jiang Tian finally spoke. “Xueqing, whatever you choose, I’ll support you.”
After a long pause, Zhao Xueqing nodded firmly. “Alright, I accept…”
Deep down, she preferred a quiet life, but she feared that if she didn’t strive harder, she might one day be left behind by Jiang Tian’s soaring rise.
In the Following Days…
Jiang Tian sketched numerous blueprints, finalizing the layout for the Spirit Gathering Array based on the villa’s feng shui.
With his beloved wife by his side, his heart was at peace, and his efficiency soared.
Then, one day, Zhao Xueqing rushed to him with a phone call. “It’s your mom!”
“Mom?” Jiang Tian’s eyes reddened, emotions surging.
Nervousness of homecoming. Since his rebirth, he had missed his parents terribly but lacked the courage to call—his guilt was too heavy.
If not for his past conflicts with an influential family in Beijing, the three great clans of Jinling wouldn’t have dared move against the Jiangs. In his past life, his parents had died because of him.
“Mom?” He answered the call.
“You little rascal! You better not be bullying Xueqing! Don’t think being a Jiang makes you special—Xueqing is gentle and kind, more than a match for you!”
“If you dare mistreat her, I’ll skin you alive!”
“Your grandfather’s decision to have you marry into the Zhao family was temporary. Don’t blame him. Once things settle, I’ll bring you and Xueqing home!”
“And no fooling around outside! None of those bar girls could compare to Xueqing—and who knows how clean they are? You’ll catch something!”
Jiang Tian’s face burned with embarrassment. “Mom, stop! Xueqing’s listening!”
“Ah! Xueqing’s there? I—I was just joking! Just a joke!” Zhang Wanqing laughed awkwardly.
“Mom, don’t worry!” Xueqing chimed in sweetly. “Jiang Tian’s been very well-behaved!”
“Good, good! As long as you two are happy and safe, I’ll have the energy to keep working!”
Jiang Tian’s throat tightened at his mother’s boundless love. Fighting back tears, he smiled.
“Mom, take care of yourself. Don’t overwork. And don’t worry—as long as I’m here, Medicine King Group won’t fall!”
