Volume One, Chapter Eight: A Turning Point for the Yun Family

Lin Bahu's heart tightened, and he immediately replied, "I acknowledge my mistake, and I promise never to repeat it."

Chu Ming waved his hand casually and said, "Enough, let them all come in. You go ahead and discuss the industrial park project with the Yun family."

"Yes, Young Master!" Lin Bahu answered with utmost respect.

He gave a command to his men, and the Yun family members promptly returned to the manor.

Lin Bahu approached Yun Tianding and Yun Xueyan, a gentle smile on his face. "Old Master Yun, Miss Yun, I must apologize for my earlier behavior. Please forgive any offense."

Lin Bahu's fierce reputation was well known throughout East City; never had the Yun family witnessed him so amiable and courteous. They were all somewhat bewildered, unable to make sense of the situation.

Yun Tianding glanced at Lin Bahu, then at Chu Ming, who sat there with an air of ease, and he began to suspect there was something unusual about the relationship between these two. Yet, he could not quite grasp what it was.

He collected himself and smiled. "You're too kind, Master Tiger. Whatever you require, the Yun family will do all we can to cooperate."

Lin Bahu grew serious. "You're joking, Old Master Yun. I, Lin Bahu, would never abuse my power. A mistake is a mistake. To show my sincerity, I have decided to hand over the North City Industrial Park project to the Yun family."

Yun Tianding was momentarily stunned, disbelief written across his face. "Master Tiger, you..."

The entire Yun clan was equally taken aback by Lin Bahu’s words, but their shock soon gave way to irrepressible joy.

The North City Industrial Park project had been in the works even before the Tiger Hall had entered East City. The four great families, including the Yuns, had vied fiercely for it. But in the end, none of them prevailed; the newly established Tiger Hall seized the development rights overnight.

Afterward, the other three families considered challenging Tiger Hall, but in the face of its meteoric rise, their plans quietly faded away.

Now, with the Yun family beset by a combined assault from the other three families, they faced an unprecedented crisis they could not withstand alone. Yet with the North City Industrial Park in their hands, the situation changed. The Yuns could rely on this project to contend with the others.

"As expected of Master Tiger—such a grand gesture! No wonder he commands such a formidable force as Tiger Hall."

"This project comes at the perfect time. The other three families would never have dreamed we’d receive such an opportunity."

"It seems our previous worries were unfounded. Master Tiger is truly extending a helping hand in our time of need."

"Once we take over the industrial park project from Tiger Hall, it will signify a partnership. The other families will have to think twice before making any moves against us."

The Yun family members chattered excitedly among themselves, their joy evident on every face.

Yun Cheng stepped forward. "Master Tiger, the Yun family will never forget such a favor. Whatever you may require in the future, we are at your service."

Lin Bahu cast him a cold glance. "Since when is it your place to speak for the Yun family?"

Yun Cheng stiffened, the words of gratitude he had prepared sticking in his throat. He dared not act out of turn, especially not before Lin Bahu.

Seeing Yun Cheng cowed, Lin Bahu did not pursue the matter further but looked again to Yun Tianding.

After a moment’s thought, Yun Tianding said, "Master Tiger, the North City Industrial Park is an enormous boon for our family, but are we truly worthy of such favor?"

Lin Bahu’s tone grew deeper. "Are you questioning my sincerity, Old Master Yun?"

Yun Tianding hastily explained, "You misunderstand. My only concern is that the Yun family might mismanage the project, especially as we now face the combined threat of the three other families."

Lin Bahu snorted with disdain. "If the three families dare to cause trouble with the industrial park, they’ll have to answer to me first!"

Yun Chao, seeing his father still hesitate, couldn’t help but urge, "Father, what are you waiting for? Hurry and accept Master Tiger’s offer—our family can’t afford to lose this project!"

Yun Mingyi also moved to his father’s side, grasping his arm. "Father, this is a golden opportunity for the Yun family. Don’t let it slip away."

Lin Bahu’s brow furrowed. "Hmm?"

Yun Chao and Yun Mingyi instantly fell silent and retreated behind Yun Tianding.

"Master Tiger, please don’t take offense at their words," Yun Tianding said. "Since you are so generous, the Yun family has no reason to refuse the North City Industrial Park project."

Lin Bahu nodded. "Good. This afternoon I will send someone to handle the handover with your family. I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t stay longer."

With that, he turned to leave.

Yun Tianding hesitated, then called out to him. "Master Tiger, wait."

Lin Bahu stopped instinctively and turned back. "Is there something else?"

"Since you’re here today, may I boldly ask you to serve as witness for my granddaughter’s engagement to her future husband," Yun Tianding explained.

A hint of curiosity flashed across Lin Bahu’s face as he looked at Yun Xueyan. "Oh?"

Yun Tianding smiled. "Xueyan has had a hard life, losing her parents young. She’s grown up at my side, and now she’s finally met a worthy match. Nothing could make me happier. Since you are here, I wish to announce that a month from now, I will host the wedding of Xueyan and Chu Ming."

His words sent a shock through the Yun family.

Yun Mingyi, stunned for a moment, blurted out, "Father, isn’t this too sudden? Xueyan is still young, and that boy—"

Lin Bahu glanced instinctively at Chu Ming, saw him nod his assent, then laughed heartily. "Very well! Since you invite me so sincerely, I will gladly be the witness. On the day of Miss Yun and Young Master Chu’s wedding, my Tiger Hall will deliver a grand gift."

Yun Mingyi saw Lin Bahu had spoken and swallowed the rest of his objections. The other relatives who had meant to join in the protest also fell silent. With Lin Bahu’s word, who dared go against it?

"Master Tiger, you are too kind. It is already our great fortune to have you as a witness—how could we accept a gift as well?" Yun Tianding protested.

Lin Bahu interrupted, "Old Master Yun, it is my honor to serve as witness. Please, say no more."

Others might remain ignorant of Chu Ming’s true identity, but Lin Bahu knew full well. The fact that Chu Ming had not held him accountable was already a blessing—he would never risk angering him further.

After hurried farewells, Lin Bahu departed the Yun family estate.

No sooner had he left than the Yun family members found their courage once more.