"The official submits

Guan Zhengshan had only come to Yang Chen with a tentative hope, never expecting that Yang Chen would actually spare the Guan family. 

Soon, all members of the Guan family returned home. 

It wasn't until this moment that Guan Zhengshan truly woke up from his nightmare. The days he had spent in the death row cell had been a living hell—several times, he had been on the verge of suicide. 

"Grandfather, this time, I almost died in there. All of this was because of that bastard Yang Chen. We can't let him off the hook," Guan Xuesong said through gritted teeth, his face bruised and swollen from the beatings he had endured during his imprisonment. 

*Slap!* 

Before he could finish speaking, Guan Zhengshan struck him across the face and roared, "From now on, if anyone dares to offend Mr. Yang, they can get the hell out of this family. If you want to die, don't drag the Guan family down with you!" 

Guan Xuesong was Guan Zhengshan's most beloved grandson, even groomed as the future heir of the family. Yet now, just for speaking ill of someone, he had been publicly humiliated. 

Guan Zhengshan swept his gaze over the others and said coldly, "The only reason we were released was because Mr. Yang chose to be merciful. Otherwise, we'd either be dead or still rotting in that hellhole." 

Only then did the Guan family members realize that their release had been entirely due to Yang Chen's leniency. 

Guan Xuesong shuddered in fear, recalling the horrors of the death row cell. A chill ran down his spine as he quickly said, "Grandfather, don't worry. I'll never dare to cross Mr. Yang again." 

The others also hurriedly voiced their compliance: "Patriarch, rest assured, we will never provoke Mr. Yang again." 

These privileged members of the Guan family, accustomed to a life of luxury, had never experienced the terror of death row. The mere thought of those dark days made them never want to go back. 

"From today onward, the Guan family will follow Mr. Yang's lead. When you see him, you will show him even greater respect than you do me. Understood?" Guan Zhengshan reiterated sternly. 

Everyone sensed the gravity in his tone and immediately responded, "Understood!" 

"Grandfather, what about Xuefeng?" Guan Xuesong suddenly remembered Guan Xuefeng. The entire family's ordeal had been caused by him kidnapping Yang Chen's daughter. 

During the birthday banquet, Guan Xuefeng had been brought in by Ma Chao, already beaten half to death. He was now in the intensive care unit. 

A flicker of pain crossed Guan Zhengshan's eyes, but after a long silence, he finally spoke: "Notify the hospital to cease treatment." 

His words were nothing short of a death sentence for Guan Xuefeng. 

The Guan family members were stunned, but deep down, they all understood. If not for Guan Xuefeng, the family would never have nearly been wiped out. Many of them harbored nothing but hatred for him. 

Guan Xuesong looked devastated. No matter what, Guan Xuefeng was his younger brother. But faced with the overwhelming power of that man, he was powerless—and dared not even entertain thoughts of revenge. 

The news of Guan Xuefeng's abandoned treatment soon reached Yang Chen's ears. 

"Guan Zhengshan, you didn't disappoint me," Yang Chen murmured with a faint smile as he stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows. 

"Brother Chen, do you think the Guan family will pull the same act as the Yang family—pretending to submit while scheming behind our backs?" Ma Chao asked, frowning. 

Yang Chen smirked. "In the face of absolute power, betrayal is meaningless. I'm only using them to build my business empire." 

*Knock, knock.* 

"Chairman, Yang Wei is here," Sun Tian announced cautiously from the doorway. 

Since Yang Chen had handed over control of Yanchen Group to Qin Yi, Sun Tian had been promoted to her secretary. 

"Let him in," Yang Chen said indifferently. 

Soon, Yang Wei was escorted inside. 

"Mr. Yang, long time no see!" Yang Wei greeted with a smile, though his tone lacked any real respect. 

Without waiting for an invitation, he casually took a seat on the sofa. 

Yang Chen didn't react, merely asking, "What brings you here?" 

"I came to discuss a partnership with you," Yang Wei replied. 

"Aren't we already cooperating?" Yang Chen's lips curled slightly as he studied Yang Wei. The man's lack of deference made his intentions obvious. 

Yang Wei chuckled. "I believe there are still some issues with our previous agreement. Today, I'd like to revisit the profit-sharing terms." 

Yang Chen remained silent, watching Yang Wei's performance with amusement. 

"Originally, we gave you 49% of Longhe Construction because of Yanchen Group's influence. But now that the branch manager in Jiangzhou has been arrested, Yanchen Group no longer qualifies as a partner for the Yang family." 

Yang Wei crossed his legs, exuding arrogance. "However, the Yang family isn't one to burn bridges. After internal discussions, we've proposed two options." 

"First, you return all 49% of Longhe Construction's shares, and our cooperation ends. Second, the partnership continues, but you must invest an additional 100 million, reducing your stake to 5%." 

Yang Chen still didn't respond, merely observing Yang Wei as if he were a clown. 

"Oh, and one more thing. Xuefeng Group, under the Guan family, has already agreed to partner with us. We're also in talks with other Guan enterprises. Soon, all of the Guan family's assets will become our partners." 

Yang Wei smirked. "You still have a chance to cooperate now. Once we secure all of the Guan family's businesses, you'll be left with nothing." 

"It seems the Yang family has forgotten one thing," Yang Chen suddenly said, a faint smile playing on his lips. 

"What?" Yang Wei frowned. 

Yang Chen's voice was calm. "I never said I wanted to cooperate with the Yang family." 

Yang Wei's expression darkened. "So you're choosing the first option? In that case, return the shares of Longhe Construction." 

"And if I refuse?" Yang Chen's tone was teasing. 

"Yang Chen, Yanchen Group is nothing like it was under the Yu family's control. You're just a discarded waste of the family, acting all high and mighty only because you're in Jiangzhou." 

Yang Wei sneered. "If you return the shares, the Yang family might teach you how to behave. Otherwise, don't blame us for being ruthless." 

"You've misunderstood. I never intended to cooperate with the Yang family—I wanted the Yang family to submit to me." 

Yang Chen grinned. "But now, it seems the Yang family has chosen betrayal?" 

"Bullshit!" Yang Wei snapped. "When did the Yang family ever agree to submit to you? The Guan family's assets will soon belong to us. What right do you have to demand our submission?" 

"Does the Guan family know about the Yang family's grand plans to swallow their businesses?" Yang Chen asked lightly. 

"The Guan family is finished. For all we know, Guan Zhengshan is already in hell. What can he do to us?" 

Yang Wei laughed coldly. "In fact, we should thank you. Without you, the Yang family wouldn't have had such an easy time taking over the Guan family." 

"What bold words. I, Guan Zhengshan, am still alive and well, yet you're already sending me to hell?" 

The moment Yang Wei finished speaking, a figure strode into the room. 

At the sight of Guan Zhengshan, Yang Wei's face paled in shock. "Y-You're still alive?!" 

Guan Zhengshan cast him a frosty glance before turning to Yang Chen and bowing slightly. 

"Mr. Yang, the Guan family's assets have been fully accounted for. Here are the detailed records and contracts. Once you sign, everything belonging to the Guan family will become your personal property."