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◎The Yue family name is “Yue,” but it’s not your Yue Yunzong’s “Yue”—it’s mine!◎
A small cake in the deep night—soft, filling, and nourishing for both body and soul.
The gentle touch of tongues always seeks to bind its kind, intertwining and comforting each other.
The molten lava within the cracks finally boiled over, sparking fiery, radiant sparks.
At the top floor of Bofeng Group’s headquarters, amidst an uncertain night with storms brewing, they shared a deep and meaningful kiss.
________________________________________
As expected, the next day, several directors came to see Yue Jincheng. Among them were old subordinates who had followed Yue Puhui in earlier years. Though they had gradually stepped back from power after Yue Puhui’s retirement, their connections behind the scenes remained. While they couldn’t stir up major trouble, they could still create some waves.
On the surface, these individuals claimed to be living a life of leisure in retirement. But now, seemingly unfulfilled in their ambitions, they came forward to offer “advice” and “strategies,” essentially pressuring him for answers.
The door to the president’s office remained closed all day, opening only briefly for a few visitors.
The assistants who brought tea and water managed to enter a few times.
Colleagues asked about the situation inside, filled with concern.
The assistant found it odd and remarked, “President Yue is incredibly calm. He sits at his desk reviewing documents and checking quotations. Those old directors are more agitated, engaging in grand discussions. But President Yue remains composed, using stillness to counteract their agitation, showing no signs of stress or worry.”
Indeed.
As time wore on toward lunch, Yue Jincheng instructed via internal line to prepare two additional dishes in the employee cafeteria.
“These elders have spent half the morning imparting wisdom—it must have been exhausting. Make sure they eat heartily and replenish their energy for the afternoon ahead.”
One of the old directors nearly fainted in anger. “You’re making us eat in the cafeteria?”
Yue Jincheng replied, “Not just you—I’ll join you. Father has always taught that building a family business isn’t easy; we must unite and empathize with all employees who share in our progress. Today, consider this a nostalgic trip down memory lane—a reminder of past hardships and sweet reflections.”
What was meant to be a show of strength turned into punches landing on soft cotton. One by one, the directors left with dejected expressions.
After work hours, Yue Jincheng remained in his office.
Jiao Rui entered to remind him, “There have been several calls asking when you’ll be home. President Yue, would you like me to decline them or confirm your arrival?”
Yue Jincheng lit a match and ignited a cigarette.
Dealing with the old guard all day had taken its toll. He used the cigarette to ease his frustration, smoking only halfway before extinguishing it.
“Take the car. Have Lao Li drive Jiaxi to Man Yuan.”
________________________________________
The Yue Family Residence.
The family banquet aimed to maintain harmony among relationships on the surface.
Relatives murmured, “Why hasn’t Jincheng returned yet?”
“He’s been extremely busy with the company lately. Our eldest brother is stretched thin—he probably won’t make this meal.”
“Yes, the house has made several calls.”
Yue Yunzong pushed Yue Puhui’s wheelchair out, looking pleased with himself and in good spirits.
He glanced at the time and instructed the chef, “Since everyone’s saying so, let’s begin the meal.”
Just as he finished speaking, footsteps approached near the entrance.
Yue Jincheng took off his coat, handing it to the butler nearby. “Was traffic bad? It’s dry and hot today—the sugar water stewed today is quite good. Have some to soothe your throat.”
“Thank you.” Yue Jincheng accepted it with both hands, swallowing it quickly.
Everyone greeted him warmly: “Eldest Brother.”
“Jincheng.”
Yue Jincheng glanced at the dining table and walked over with ease. “Apologies to everyone for being late.”
Yue Yunzong said, “Our eldest brother handles countless matters daily. We should wait patiently.”
Yue Jincheng checked his watch. “Did I misremember the time, or are you so hungry you lost track? It’s still two minutes until six. I heard that in Paris, you competed with President Jiang for a mechanical watch, but he ended up taking your prized possession.”
Yue Yunzong’s face reddened slightly.
This incident was embarrassing and dishonorable. Word had spread in their circles, with people saying Yue Yunzong couldn’t afford the price.
“It’s no big deal. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have Jiao Rui bring it to you.” Yue Jincheng pulled out his chair and naturally took the head seat.
Yue Yunzong hadn’t expected him to carry such confidence and arrogance, showing no sign of fatigue or pressure.
“Elder Brother, forgive me for saying something you might not want to hear.”
“You’ve never held back before,” Yue Jincheng smiled lightly. “You know I don’t enjoy hearing it, yet you’ve never exercised restraint. Since we’re family, speak freely. I’m used to it.”
Yue Yunzong felt as though he’d been struck multiple times. His previous smug demeanor vanished instantly.
“The zinc prices have surged fiercely these past two days. The company’s hedging account floating losses have exceeded the warning line. Pricing contracts for physical goods were signed before this price surge, meaning the company is losing on both ends.” Yue Yunzong tapped the table. “We’re family, so let’s not beat around the bush. Elder Brother, continuing to hold these positions while incurring such losses will significantly impact Bofeng’s profits for the first half of the year.”
Yue Jincheng remained unfazed. “It’s only been two days—why are you so anxious? I’ve reviewed Liu Yun and Yu Yanqing’s analysis reports. There’s no strong support for zinc prices to continue rising. Why not hold the position patiently for a few more days?”
Yue Yunzong: “Elder Brother, I know you’re protective of those under you. But market trends—can they really be predicted accurately?”
Yue Jincheng looked at him, his tone neutral. “If they can’t predict accurately, then why are you so certain? What’s your reasoning for closing positions and cutting losses?”
“I…” Yue Yunzong was speechless, his expression worsening. “You’re the president of Bofeng. Whatever you say makes sense.”
“So, younger brother, do you think I’m being unreasonable?” Yue Jincheng’s question was sharp, leaving no room for retreat.
Yue Yunzong had hoped to use this issue to gain the upper hand, but Yue Jincheng showed no weakness.
The relatives at the table, skilled at reading the room, silently assessed the situation.
Since Yue Puhui’s illness, he had become a hands-off figurehead. Whenever Yue Jincheng was present, he feigned ignorance and refrained from interfering in any decisions.
Now, pretending to be confused and foolish like a child, he stared at the salmon on his plate.
Yue Yunzong swallowed his frustration. Fine—he was the one losing ground.
He decided to lay it all out. “Brother, before making the decision, I consistently opposed it. At the board meeting, you expressed your stance. I’ll ask one thing: If the decision fails and causes significant losses to the group, who will take responsibility—does that still stand?!”
Yue Jincheng nodded calmly. “Of course.”
Yue Yunzong’s lips trembled, his eyes cold and sharp. He forced out a single word: “Fine. Since you insist on holding firm, I’ve done my duty by advising you to this extent. My conscience is clear.”
Yue Jincheng didn’t back down. “If your conscience is clear, then go and do what you’re supposed to do, setting an example for the younger generation of the Yue family. When the time comes for you to step down, I hope you can also say these four words with integrity.”
This family banquet had been tainted with ulterior motives from the start.
The atmosphere plummeted to freezing, the aroma of the dishes solidified, and the hot food felt like icy blocks. Everyone ate in silence, chilled to the bone.
Leaving the Yue residence, a crescent moon hung high in the sky, a sharp brushstroke bringing an end to this turbulent night.
“President Yue, where to?” the driver asked.
Yue Jincheng glanced at the time. “Nanli Road.”
A quiet stretch amid the bustling city, the café was hidden. Low-saturation lighting cast a warm brown hue, accompanied by live jazz music, creating a dreamlike world.
By the window sat a man in his fifties, well-preserved, appearing no older than forty. Dressed in a gray hooded tracksuit, he exuded vitality.
“Uncle Xu.” Yue Jincheng greeted him.
Xu Wei was dissatisfied with the meeting place. “You know I hate coffee, and it’s too dim to even see people clearly.”
Yue Jincheng chuckled as he sat down. “Aside from you, who else here could possibly stand out more than me?”
“You, you…” Xu Wei laughed. “How did you turn out so different? Your mother was always humble and gentle. She’d blame me for not guiding you properly.”
His tone turned slightly melancholic.
Yue Jincheng ordered an Americano for himself and a sugar-free orange juice for Xu Wei.
“You’ve already helped me so much.”
“You’re her only son—her greatest concern. Her biggest wish was for you to lead a stable life, marry, have children, and succeed in your career. But look at you—you haven’t achieved any of it!”
Xu Wei was genuinely angry and regretful.
In their youth, he and Yue Jincheng’s mother, Yin Yunhan, had been childhood friends and grew up together as playmates. Over decades, countless stories unfolded between them. Why they didn’t end up together remains unknown. But if they could find peace apart, perhaps there was no regret.
The Xu family had long been a prominent maritime trading household, and their fortunes continued to rise smoothly.
The fate and ending of Yin Yunhan tugged at the heartstrings of anyone who heard it.
In her final days, Xu Wei came to visit her.
From a few meters away, their eyes met, as if they were still young.
The Yin family had always been small, with almost no relatives left to entrust. In essence, Yin Yunhan entrusted Yue Jincheng to Xu Wei, asking him to look after him in the future. She begged her old friend for help: life in the Yue household wasn’t easy for Yue Jincheng, and if things ever became unbearable, she hoped her friend could provide him shelter and sustenance.
Thus, Xu Wei took special care of Yue Jincheng, putting his efforts into action.
The Xu family controlled several shipping routes across the Malacca Strait, and Xu Wei had deep connections with various local forces. During the years when Yue Jincheng was sent abroad by Yue Puhui, he maintained contact with Xu Wei and, through his introductions, built his own covert network.
Yue Jincheng’s return to the Yue family and his swift seizure of power weren’t entirely above board or straightforward. Thus, his gratitude and respect for Xu Wei far surpassed that for Yue Puhui.
“I’ve heard that things have been unstable at Bofeng recently. What’s this? Is your younger brother still not giving up?” Xu Wei teased with a laugh. “The rumors reaching me are quite dramatic—there’s even talk of something called the ‘Anti-Jin Campaign.’”
Yue Jincheng’s expression remained calm. “It’s not the first time. Normally, I can turn a blind eye to minor disturbances. But this time, he crossed the line and lost all sense of propriety.”
Xu Wei handed him a document. “What you wanted has been clarified. These companies are all subsidiaries of the same entity, registered in Canada, with servers worldwide. They engage in illegal operations involving trade, inspections, land, guarantees—you name it. I don’t understand futures, but I traced the source of the funds—they all come from sub-accounts under Myrna.”
At the end of the list, Yue Jincheng recognized a familiar name in the client information.
“By the way, did you ask anyone else to investigate this?” Xu Wei asked.
“Hmm?” Yue Jincheng raised his head.
“My people were investigating, and they discovered someone else was also looking into it.” Xu Wei said, “He used an English name—Quentin.Yu.”
Silence hung for two seconds.
Yue Jincheng calmly said, “Yu Yanqing.”
Xu Wei understood. “Oh? So he’s an old acquaintance. A friend of yours?”
“A business partner.” Yue Jincheng’s expression shifted slightly.
Xu Wei’s sharp eyes gleamed knowingly. “Clearly, there’s more to it than just that.”
Yue Jincheng pressed his lips together. “A friend of Jiaxi’s.”
“The one pursuing her?” Xu Wei cut straight to the point, his words stinging. “Look at your reluctant expression—it’s rare to see you like this.”
Yue Jincheng fell silent.
________________________________________
Xu Wei burst into hearty laughter.
When it came to Fu Jiaxi, his thoughts were easiest to read.
“What about Yeheng? Any good news? Is he close to sealing the deal with Miss Li?” Yue Jincheng jabbed back. “I’ve prepared a wedding red envelope for years now. Don’t make me wait forever, Uncle Xu. No need to save money on my account.”
Xu Wei shook his head with a smile. “Mutual harm, huh? Both of you are troublemakers. Enough of this headache-inducing talk. Forget about you—I’ve been waiting to become a grandfather for years. If I were younger, I’d have tied Shuxin down and made her my daughter-in-law.”
This was clearly a joke. Xu Wei’s only son, Xu Yeheng, now managed the entire family business. Beyond the Xu family’s deep roots in maritime operations, he had expanded their foreign trade ventures significantly. Every year, Yue Jincheng would make time to visit Xu Wei, and whenever Xu Yeheng wasn’t traveling for work, he joined them for meals and reminiscing.
Xu Yeheng, the favored son, handsome and composed, was also a hopeless romantic.
Since his youth, he had harbored feelings for a woman who had rejected his confession outright. Later, when her family fell from grace, everyone distanced themselves from her.
But he found ways to keep her close, hiring her as his secretary. Despite spending every day together, he maintained propriety. However, this time, hearing that Miss Li seemed to be hitting it off with another suitor, Xu Yeheng couldn’t sit still—he was losing his mind.
Xu Wei changed the subject. “Next time, don’t come alone. Bring Jiayi along—I haven’t seen the little guy in ages.”
“If you like Jiayi so much, tell Yeheng to hurry up.”
Xu Wei frowned. “You brat, always stirring the pot.”
Yue Jincheng laughed brightly.
“By the way, your younger brother—his ex-wife and daughter have returned to the country recently.” Xu Wei asked curiously, “Does his current wife know?”
Yue Jincheng’s tone was calm. “I never meddle in others’ family affairs. Everyone sweeps their own doorstep snow—it’s not my place to say.”
________________________________________
Meanwhile—
Yue Yunzong’s attitude grew increasingly aggressive. The next day, the zinc futures contract continued its upward surge, further expanding Bofeng’s losses.
Yue Yunzong first targeted Liu Yun and Fu Jiaxi, calling an internal meeting to criticize and berate them. He even suspended them from their positions, sending them to the HR department to await reassignment.
With their departure, they naturally became scapegoats. All blame and accusations would fall on them, while Yue Yunzong would step in as the hero, ready to salvage the situation.
Fu Jiaxi was the first to resist, confronting Yue Yunzong. “Why are you suspending Liu and me? First, this decision didn’t go through a formal meeting, nor was an OA process submitted. Second, fluctuations are normal in market conditions, but this is clearly abnormal! Based on past experience, this phenomenon won’t last long. Yunzong, I beg you—give us, give Bofeng, give the market more time.”
Yue Yunzong threw the ashtray to the ground, shattering it into pieces. “More time? So the company can lose tens of millions more? Fu Jiaxi, I’m formally warning you—no matter whose backing you rely on, after this, I’ll make sure you can’t stay at Bofeng!”
“Yunzong! Why scare her like this?” Liu Yun slammed the table, shielding Fu Jiaxi behind him. “What’s wrong with her offering her professional opinion?! Her intentions have always been for the company’s benefit! Let’s not talk about others—I’ll ask Director Jin Ming. As the head of operations, has he ever monitored the trading floor? Has he attended training sessions? Does he truly understand the business structure?! All I see is his prejudice against Fu Jiaxi, his suppression of her, and his disregard for every suggestion she submits! Do you think she wants to rely on someone else’s influence? It’s all because of your unwillingness to take responsibility!”
For a moment, the air froze.
Yue Yunzong’s face paled, his confidence wilting under the weight of his suit and tie.
After a long silence, his eyes hardened. “Fine. I’ll let you both die knowing.”
________________________________________
In the president’s office.
An hour later, Yu Yanqing sent Yue Jincheng a list. “We’ve identified the person behind it. Here are the detailed transaction records.”
Yue Jincheng opened the file, and sure enough, on the scanned signature sheet, three bold characters stood out:
Yue Yunzong.
Yu Yanqing: “What’s the next step?”
Yue Jincheng: “Let him be.”
When the afternoon trading session began, zinc prices surged again with unstoppable momentum.
Yue Yunzong made a commotion, storming directly into the president’s office, demanding an urgent high-level meeting.
His urgency carried a desperate determination, as if ready to burn everything to the ground.
In contrast, Yue Jincheng remained calm, accepting Yue Yunzong’s heated rhetoric and emotional outbursts.
Yue Yunzong mocked his composure. “How convenient for you to remain silent, forgetting your earlier promises at the emergency board meeting. Are you trying to avoid taking responsibility for this disastrous decision?”
Yue Jincheng’s gaze was icy, drenching Yue Yunzong with cool disdain.
“I intended to give you one last chance to retreat, but it seems you’re unwilling to save yourself.”
Yue Yunzong frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Jiao Rui.”
The office door opened, and Jiao Rui entered with a stack of documents.
“President Yue, Director Yunzong.” He nodded in greeting before continuing. “The investigation team from the CSRC will arrive in fifteen minutes. Director Yunzong, will you personally meet them and explain, or wait for their notification?”
Yue Yunzong’s face darkened. “What do you mean?”
Yue Jincheng gestured with his eyes.
Jiao Rui, following orders, flipped through the documents page by page, explaining clearly. “These are the transaction details of all bank accounts under Myrna for the past month. Your specific transactions, Director Yunzong, have been highlighted. There are also supplementary materials. This evidence proves that the abnormal fluctuations in zinc contracts were caused by your concentrated use of funds, continuous buying and selling, and manipulation of trading volumes, disrupting the healthy functioning of the market.”
Yue Yunzong’s demeanor shifted dramatically.
“These materials will be handed over to the investigation team upon their arrival,” Jiao Rui said. “I don’t want to believe it either, but the facts are clear. The investigation team will provide you with a satisfactory response.”
Yue Yunzong’s breathing quickened, his entire face trembling. “You… you…”
Yue Jincheng looked at him coldly. “Brother, you were too eager. To trip me up, you resorted to reckless measures. Had I not delayed, had I not pushed you, you wouldn’t have lost your composure and forgotten your limits. Time and again, you increased your funding and manipulated trades recklessly, leaving traces.”
Yue Yunzong finally realized, his voice venomous. “You planned this deliberately?!”
After the incident, Yue Jincheng remained calm, offering few comments. No matter the pressure or questioning, he stood firm like a mountain pine.
Fu Jiaxi’s fierce protests were the key to provoking him.
No wonder she appeared fearless during every discussion. Yue Yunzong had assumed her arrogance stemmed from having backers, but it turned out—it was all an act!
Short-selling the futures market with overseas capital wasn’t simple. The sheer volume of funds alone could crush him.
Small-scale trial runs were manageable, but intervening against the trend was akin to fighting with one’s back to the wall.
Yue Yunzong couldn’t endure such prolonged attrition.
Thus, when Fu Jiaxi insisted on giving it more time and refused to immediately close positions and cut losses, he panicked, wanting a swift resolution at any cost.
It was precisely these short-term, high-frequency, large-scale fund movements that left traces, drawing regulatory scrutiny.
Yue Yunzong’s face turned pale, bloodshot eyes blazing red.
Yue Jincheng’s presence loomed larger, advancing step by step. “Only by closing positions and cutting losses does it become an actual loss. Then, using the most severe risk level in management regulations, you could rightfully hold me accountable. Spreading rumors like ‘Anti-Jin Campaign,’ ‘Abusing public resources for personal gain,’ and ‘Choosing beauty over the empire’—all exaggerated and unrestrained—were meant to condemn me harshly during the accountability analysis meeting.”
Yue Yunzong stumbled backward, his temples throbbing painfully. “You… fine, Yue Jincheng, you… you’re ruthless.”
Yue Jincheng lifted his chin slightly, his gaze imperious. “Remember this. The Yue family bears the name Yue—but it’s not your Yue, Yunzong. It’s mine!”
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