Chapter 52: Choosing Sides
Hua Lingrong wrapped her arm around Chu Nan's, a captivating smile on her face, as they walked slowly towards the front of the hall. At the same time, she whispered: "Why did you just arrive?"
A faint smile rose at the corner of Chu Nan's mouth: "Something interesting happened, I'll tell you in a bit."
Chu Nan's gaze swept across the hall, and when he saw Zheng Guangran, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. He then looked around at the others before withdrawing his gaze, smiling faintly: "I feel that many people have taken an interest in you; aren't you being too provocative?"
"What's wrong? Are you jealous?"
"Hehe, I don't dare, there's still a little loli at home!"
"Hmph, I knew it was the little loli from your household." Huā Língjiǔ stealthily stretched out her hand and teased Chǔ Nán's body, using that seductive voice to whisper, "Don't you know that a flower in the house is more fragrant than one in the wild?"
This fairy.
Zheng Guangran looked in the direction of Chu Nan, with a hint of hatred in his eyes. Because of Chu Nan, Zheng Guangran had lost face several times. This time, he came here and felt that several pairs of eyes seemed to be mocking him. If it weren't for the order from Eighth Master to stir up trouble, why would he come to give Hualingjiao a show?
Hua Linglong and Chu Nan walked onto the stage, facing everyone. Hua Linglong let go of Chu Nan's arm, smiling brightly as she looked out at the crowd below. Someone handed her a microphone, which she took with a smile, saying: "Hello everyone, today most of the big shots in Jiangwan City have all gathered here, and I, a humble woman, feel honored and grateful. Here, I'd like to thank everyone!"
"Director Hua, you're being too polite."
"Yes, Linglong, we've come all this way to show our support, isn't that right!"
"Haha, Hua Zong, from now on, if you have anything, just invite me anytime and I'll be there right away."
Chu Nan could tell that these elegant people present were all big shots in Jiangwan City, and yet they were so polite to Hua Linglong, which showed that Hua's influence in Jiangwan City was indeed not small.
"Anyway, I'm grateful that you're all here, it's a face-saving act for me. However, the main character today isn't me, but this person beside me. Let me introduce him to everyone. This young man is called Chu Nan, and his father's name might be familiar to some of you present. Even someone like me, a small woman, has heard of it - the once-famous Mr. Chu Changtian in Jiangwan City!"
The name of Chu Chang Tian was mentioned, and although not everyone present knew him, after all, Chu Chang Tian was a figure from 16 years ago. However, there were still some older people in the room who had experienced the era of Chu Chang Tian, and they couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. There were also some young people who, although they hadn't experienced that era themselves, had heard of Chu Chang Tian's great name, and they too began to discuss it eagerly.
There was a young family member who had never heard of this name, and couldn't help but say to the person next to him: "I've never heard of this name before, what's so special about it?"
An older entrepreneur said with a look of admiration: "You're still too young, it's normal if you haven't heard of him. After going home, you can ask your father about him. This Chu Changtian is really something, he's the most successful entrepreneur in Jiangwan City over the past few decades, and can be called a business genius!"
"So powerful?" The young man asked in doubt, "Then why haven't I heard of it, and now Jiangwan City seems to have no such person."
"What a pity he died young, gone too soon!"
Some people are shocked, some people are moved, some people sigh, and some people don't care.
Chu Nan took in the expressions of these people one by one, and a surge of pride arose in his heart. From their attitudes, he could see how majestic his father was back then, and yet he had been humiliated by the Zheng family. Yes, the Zheng family was indeed very influential in Jiangwan City now, but as Xiao Ling said, Jiangwan City was small, and in the grand scheme of Huaxia, what did the Zheng family amount to?
Chu Nan's gaze swept over Zheng Guangran below, thinking that the Zheng family would one day return to slap them in the face and make them realize how unwise it was to break off the engagement. The hatred between parents and children cannot be shared, and I will definitely investigate until the truth is revealed!
Hua Linglong smiled and said: "Mr. Chu Nan is the son of Mr. Chu Changtian, everyone knows that Mr. Chu Changtian was a great figure in his heyday, it's true that 'a tiger father has no dog son', Mr. Chu Nan has cured Wu Qingyuan, the old director, and Wu Changqing, and also cured many difficult diseases of the people, winning the title of 'Perfect Son' and 'Little God Doctor'. This time, Mr. Chu Nan signed up for the medical competition to compete for the championship, I, Hua Linglong, have already acted as his guarantor, this banquet is specially held to inform everyone!"
"You're so confident that you're willing to be a guarantor, no need to think about it, Chu is definitely the best in medical skills! It seems like this time's champion is already set!"
"This young man Chu is so excellent at such a young age, he's really the pride of our Jiangwan City, we must get to know him better later."
Some people started to flatter, and some people quietly looked in Zheng Guangran's direction. The things that Zheng Guangran lost face at Chu Nan and Hua Linglong had long been spread in high society, and many people already knew about it.
Zheng Guangran's face turned gloomy, and he silently turned around and left. Seeing Zheng Guangran's behavior, some people secretly speculated that the Zheng family and Hua Linglong had already fallen out, and it seemed that the Zheng family might not have the ability to resist Hua Linglong. However, the Zheng family had the support of Eighth Master behind them. Especially for those who were sensitive to the situation, thinking that Hua Linglong's power had greatly increased after swallowing Seventh Brother, they secretly suspected that Eighth Master and Hua Linglong would inevitably clash, and it wouldn't be long before it happened.
After thinking about these things, many clever people have a few more thoughts. Today is absolutely not just a simple meal. On the one hand, Hua Linglong is showing her support for Chu Nan, letting everyone understand that she is not afraid of Zheng Guangran, or rather, the Eighth Master behind him. On the other hand, it's also to make everyone take sides. Thinking about these things, some people can't help but regret coming today.
"Hua Zong, I just remembered that there's still something to take care of at home today. Alas, a few of my younger brothers were injured by others outside, it's really too humiliating. I'll head back and deal with it first."
The speaker was the big brother of Chengnan District, this big brother's strength compared to Seventh Brother, Poisonous Snake and Big Toothed Brother were all weaker, and compared to Hua Linglong and Eighth Master, it was even more worlds apart. Fortunately, he was clever and knew how to protect himself, which is why he could hold on until now.
Da Ya didn't know whether Scar Brother was being genuine or fake, but after hearing his words, he loudly shouted: "Scar Brother, if your younger brother has something going on, can't you just have your underlings handle it? Do you really need to go and deal with it yourself?"
He cursed inwardly, thinking that this guy was simply a blockhead with a brain full of cotton, lacking a screw loose. However, he didn't dare say so out loud, nor did he dare to make it clear. With a forced smile, he said: "No choice, this time the matter is quite serious, really can't continue staying here, Hua Zong, I'll take my leave."
Hua Linglong smiled and said: "Never mind, then Brother Scar can go first, and ask your brother to take care of me."
"Haha, thank you Director Hua for your concern. I reckon those few stinky brats will immediately recover from their injuries once they know Director Hua is asking about them."
This man was very resourceful and even if he wanted to leave, he didn't dare offend Huā Línglóng. After finishing speaking, he hastily left with his two subordinates.
"Hua Zong, I suddenly remembered that I also have some things..."
"Linglong, our company still has a contract that needs to be signed. I'll go ahead and congratulate this young brother on his victory in advance, so I'll take my leave first."
In the blink of an eye, a third of the people in the hall had left, and another third remained, but their expressions were always uneasy. There was also a group of people who may not have seen through it, and their minds were still confused. Perhaps they were some loyal allies of Yulinglong's side. The poisonous snake didn't know when he left, but Big Tooth Brother stayed behind, and he was the only underworld boss among several district bosses who remained.
Hua Linglong saw it with her own eyes, secretly sneering in her heart. It seemed that the prestige of the eighth master in Jiangwan City was still very heavy. Even if she took down Qiye's territory, she couldn't intimidate these underworld bosses. The reason why Daxiong stayed behind wasn't necessarily to support her; apart from being ruthless, he had always been a straightforward person who didn't think too much. She wanted to replace the eighth master, but it wouldn't be an easy task.
Chu Nan also saw this and understood why the Eighth Master was so confident today. In terms of strength and prestige, Hua Linglong is now in a strong position, making almost everyone in Jiangwan City fearful, but he still can't compare to that old man.
Even without these people, Hua Linglong's expression remained unchanged, and she smiled and said: "They all have something to do, so we don't need to worry about it. The remaining people are all friends of mine, Hua Linglong. Everyone eats well, drinks well, and has fun. Don't say that I, Hua Linglong, am not hospitable."
"Ha ha, what are you talking about, Boss Flower? I'm Big Tooth, and I've never been polite. I'll definitely have a few more bottles from you."
Hua Linglong smiled and said: "Dàyá gē, you can drink as much as you want, if you can't finish it, we can pack it up for you to take home!"
Everyone burst out laughing at this remark, dispelling a bit of the awkward atmosphere.
The waiter began to bring up the wine and dishes, and Hua Linglong took Chu Nan down to introduce them one by one. When introducing Deputy Director Lü, Lü Yun grabbed Chu Nan's hand and laughed: "Brother Chu, being able to be friends with Director Hua is a great fortune! I'd like to congratulate you in advance on making a big splash at the medical competition!"
Chu Nan smiled and said: "Since Director Lü has said so, I will definitely work hard."
Hua Linglong continued: "Chu big brother, this is Big Tooth Brother, one of the big brothers in our Jiangwan City!"
Dà yá grabbed Chǔ Nán's hand and laughed loudly: "Young man, not bad, not bad! Huā Zǒng's friend is also my friend, but you need to train your body well, it's still a bit thin."
Chu Nan smiled and said: "Big Tooth Brother, I'm not weak now. Last night, the two ghosts under Seventh Brother's command already knew."
Da Ya's face changed, and he stared at Chu Nan in surprise, his eyes wide with astonishment: "You're the young man from last night? Damn, I didn't expect it! That Second Ghost is no ordinary person. Brother, are you interested in working under me? Da Ya will never treat you unfairly!"
Others couldn't help but feel speechless, this big tooth, actually dug people in front of Hua Linglong, really a silly goods. However, this man was the one who almost single-handedly destroyed half of Seventh Brother's forces last night? Some people who understood the situation looked at Chu Nan with some changes in their eyes, adding a few more serious colors.

