Chapter 99: Low-Key

Luo Jun thought he was hallucinating. Mu Qingcheng had actually admitted in front of so many people that she was Ling Tian's wife, her tone so firm and certain. He could never have imagined that the untouchable Mu Qingcheng would belong to Ling Tian, an ant from the lowest rungs of society. This was absurd.

Shaken by the brief shock, Luo Jun quickly recovered his composure and addressed Nangong Ye with barely contained excitement. "Young Master, this man just now spoke recklessly, calling out the old man's name and showing disrespect toward you. How do you propose we handle this? I believe we cannot afford to be lenient with him, or word of it will spread and tarnish the Nangong family's reputation."

Stirring up trouble and pouring oil on the fire was Luo Jun's specialty.

Nangong Ye spared Luo Jun a single glance before striding past him with a warm smile and taking Ling Tian's right hand firmly in his own. "Brother Ling, I intended to invite you to the family banquet, but feared disturbing you, so I extended the invitation to Miss Mu instead. I never expected you to be here as well."

Nangong Zhenyu soon joined them and greeted Ling Tian with courteous formality. "Mr. Ling, as the saying goes, no coincidence makes a book. Today our paths have crossed so serendipitously. It seems the fates of our families are intertwined. The banquet is ready; please join us for a meal."

Luo Jun's mind went blank, stunned by the scene unfolding before him. He had planned to provoke the Nangong family into eliminating Ling Tian, yet the family head treated him with such genuine courtesy. Could every word Ling Tian had spoken be true? When had this lowly ant become so formidable that he could converse on equal terms with one of the Four Great Families?

Not equal conversation, but genuine respect emanated from the Nangong family toward Ling Tian.

Nangong Xue'er approached with a floral scent, hugging Ling Tian's arm tightly. "Brother Ling Tian, it's been several days since we've seen each other. Where have you been lately?"

In treating Nangong Xue'er, Ling Tian's true qi had entered her body, fostering a deep familiarity with his presence and a growing dependence.

"Recovery is progressing well. In a few days, you will be fully healed," Ling Tian said gently, smiling at the pure and lively Nangong Xue'er. He felt affection and compassion for this delicate girl.

The onlookers, especially the rich second generations who had hoped to see Ling Tian humbled, now stood frozen in terror. A mere ant from the social bottom had risen beyond their reach in an instant, creating an unbearable chasm of shock.

"Qingcheng, you may dine here on my behalf. I have other matters to attend to," Ling Tian said calmly. He disliked formal settings, preferring his free-spirited, unrestrained nature.

Mu Qingcheng, playing the part of the devoted little wife, nodded obediently. "You go ahead. I will manage here."

Nangong Zhenyu, recognizing Ling Tian as a master beyond the ordinary, did not detain him. "Mr. Ling, please continue with your affairs. When you have time, please visit our home often."

Ling Tian replied indifferently, "Whenever I find the opportunity, I will come. Now, I must take my leave."

The crowd watching had descended into near frenzy. The once-cold beauty CEO had transformed into a gentle, obedient little wife.

Luo Jun still could not grasp the transformation. He had never imagined Ling Tian's overwhelming strength.

" Nangong Ye," Ling Tian called out.

"Boss, how may I assist you?" Nangong Ye answered immediately.

Ling Tian pointed at Luo Jun. "This man is overly arrogant. I suggest that retaining him in your company would create a detrimental influence. Do you understand?"

Nangong Ye nodded vigorously. "I understand. I will arrange it at once." He then dialed the human resources director and swiftly pronounced Luo Jun's fate.

The director, seeing the call from Nangong Ye, answered hurriedly. "Young Master, is there something I can do for you?"

"Does our company have anyone named Luo Jun?" Nangong Ye asked coldly.

"Yes, there is such a person—some talent, but poor character. The audit department informed me that he may have embezzled company funds and is currently under investigation."

Nangong Ye's expression darkened. Had Ling Tian not intervened, he would never have discovered the family insect.

"Conduct a thorough investigation. Arrange a lawyer to speak with him without naming names, and immediately terminate his employment contract," Nangong Ye instructed sternly.

After hanging up, Nangong Ye addressed Luo Jun directly. "Starting tomorrow, you need not report to the office. Regarding your embezzlement of company assets, I will arrange for a lawyer to discuss terms with you. Now, you may leave."

Luo Jun collapsed to the ground, eyes vacant, staring blankly at Nangong Ye. He had indeed embezzled funds, repeatedly. The audit department had investigated once before, but the theft had been concealed and quickly balanced, allowing the issue to remain undetected.

Lately, with the purchase of a car and a house, Luo Jun had diverted public funds. Without time to restore the accounts, an audit would expose everything.

"Boss, thank you," Nangong Ye said sincerely to Ling Tian. "It seems you were in the midst of a gathering?"

Ling Tian nodded. "A group of high school classmates I had not seen in years. We gathered today for some reunion."

Nangong Ye continued, "Consider this my treat. Enjoy yourselves freely. When you are satiated, I will arrange entertainment for you upstairs."

"Very well. I have other obligations, however. Please entertain my friends. Those few can be excluded, though." Ling Tian gestured toward the acquaintances of Luo Jun.

Nangong Ye instructed the attendants to escort the group away and dragged the limp Luo Jun to the trash heap before arranging a lavish feast for Ling Tian's classmates.

Some honest students murmured, "Ling Tian is truly impressive—one word and the Nangong family young master treated us to a grand dinner with entertainment. We finally have something to brag about."

"Luo Jun's earlier boast was spectacular, not even an exaggeration but a dragon roar. How did it end? Reduced to groveling before the Nangong family."

"Ling Tian remains the real powerhouse. He appears low-key yet commands immense respect. The family head was so courteous, and he even claimed our city's cold beauty CEO. Pure man, absolutely pure man."

"Luo Jun is not even worth the air he breathes next to Ling Tian!"

The students chattered animatedly, their discussion growing increasingly lively.