At that moment, Young Master Ji said directly, "Mr. Walker, whatever the Su family can offer you, we can offer as well. I wonder if this matter is still open for discussion?"
He was now humbling himself to make a plea, with Shen Zhehao standing by his side.
But Walker retorted, "Do you think we at Global International care about the paltry benefits you're offering? Today's banquet is concluded. We're leaving!"
Walker haughtily strode past the two men, only departing after personally greeting Su Qingxue.
Shen Zhehao and Young Master Ji knew they were in a tough position and would inevitably be punished when they returned.
Witnessing this scene, Ye Fan wore a satisfied expression.
Once outside, an excited Su Qingxue asked Ye Fan, "Why is Walker so afraid of you?"
Ye Fan replied, "Perhaps it's simply a man's imposing presence! He saw my striking looks and commanding aura, so he became afraid and helplessly submitted to my handsome charm and authority."
"Hmph, I don't believe that one bit!"
Su Qingxue pouted. It was a rare display of petulance from the ice-cold beauty, and Ye Fan inwardly cheered. He knew everything had been worth it.
Then, Ye Fan asked, "Where's the Token?"
"Right here!" Su Qingxue teased, dangling it before him.
Ye Fan reached for it, but Su Qingxue pulled it back. "You have to tell me the truth first, or I won't give it to you!"
"If you like it, you can have it," Ye Fan said with a smile.
But Su Qingxue tossed it to him and pouted, "It's not like I care about it! I hate you!"
"Hahaha, I just love that you hate me but can't do anything about it!" Ye Fan roared with laughter at her.
Immediately, Su Qingxue pinched his ear hard.
Ye Fan hurriedly begged for mercy, "I was wrong, I was wrong, my dear wife!"
The words slipped out. Instantly, Su Qingxue's face turned crimson, and Ye Fan felt awkward as well.
This time, Su Qingxue surprisingly didn't object. Previously, she would have surely exploded in anger. But why did it sound so pleasant to my ears this time?
Could it be that I truly like him? Su Qingxue couldn't deny it outright. After all, the thought had indeed flickered through her mind.
***
"Damn it, how could it turn out like this!" Young Master Ji said with annoyance.
Shen Zhehao chimed in, "What kind of backing does the Su family have to make Walker bow and scrape like that?"
"There must be a reason, but we don't know what it is," Young Master Ji said. "I think we should investigate thoroughly. We absolutely cannot let the Su family succeed! Don't worry, it's impossible for the Su family to have an easy time of it, because we aren't their only opponents. Perhaps we can contact the Su family's old rivals and have them accelerate their attacks. Otherwise, this situation will be very unfavorable for us."
Shen Zhehao nodded, agreeing with the proposal. The two immediately began to prepare their investigation.
Ye Fan and Su Qingxue returned home. By then, Su Qingxue truly couldn't figure out Ye Fan's identity. I used to think he only married me because he was the nephew of my father's friend, and Dad couldn't refuse his friend's earnest request. But now, it's clearly not that simple. A mere Token was enough to make a corporate president like Walker bow his head. Ye Fan is definitely no ordinary man.
She had asked about Ye Fan's identity, but he had simply said he used to be an arms dealer and had worked with the head of Global International.
But that couldn't be the whole story. If that were all, it wouldn't be enough to make Walker submit.
「The next day」
Ye Fan pondered how to handle Shen Zhehao and Young Master Ji. If he didn't get rid of them, they would continue to be a minor nuisance.
But what method should I use? I need to think this through. I could just assassinate them—deal with them silently and leave no trace. But that doesn't feel like my style.
Then, he came up with another idea: he would have the "God of Stocks" step in.
After three days of investigating, Shen Zhehao and Young Master Ji still hadn't found any leads. But the matter with the Su family couldn't be delayed; once their collaboration with Global International truly began, the Ji and Shen families would lose all opportunity. They assumed both parties were likely preparing the cooperation agreements now.
"It seems we must resort to drastic measures," Young Master Ji said finally. "We must ruin the Su family before they can partner with Global International!"
"That's right, it's the only way," Shen Zhehao said apprehensively. "I tried talking to Walker again, but he won't even take my calls now."
"Walker is rich and powerful, so it's normal for him to ignore us," Young Master Ji said. "If we ruin the Su family, Walker will have no one to partner with. He'll have to choose us in the end."
"Are you suggesting we make a move on the stock market?" asked Shen Zhehao.
"Exactly. It's the most direct way to cripple the Su family's economic lifeline!" Young Master Ji nodded.
"When do we start?" Shen Zhehao asked.
"Right now," Young Master Ji declared. "I've already united with our allies in the business world. With your Shen Family and my Ji Family, two exceptionally powerful families, joining forces, taking down a single Su family won't be a problem!"
"Good!" Shen Zhehao nodded.
With that, the two began their preparations.
***
「The next day」
Su Qingxue had been feeling excited, preparing for further collaboration with Walker. But then the Su family's stocks took an ominous turn; they were under siege.
Su Qingxue grew frantic. She could only try to plug the financial holes, but the breach was not one that could be easily filled. It seemed someone had decided to burn their bridges and go all-in against the Su family. The cost for their opponent was huge, as they also faced the danger of being attacked. However, by uniting, multiple parties could greatly diminish that risk. For the Su family, however, this was like having snow fall on top of frost.
"What's wrong?" Ye Fan asked. "You've been restless all day."
Su Qingxue explained the situation to him.
Ye Fan hadn't expected that just as he was about to deal with those two, they had already made a preemptive strike against the Su family.
"Leave this to me," he told Su Qingxue. "How long can your family hold out?"
"Three days at most!" she replied anxiously.
"Three days is enough. I'll ask Anderson for help!"
"Anderson? The Wall Street 'God of Stocks,' second only to Warren Buffett?" Su Qingxue asked excitedly.
"That's right, him," Ye Fan said. "That old fox owes me his life, and now it's time for him to repay the debt."
"Stop joking," Su Qingxue said, simply unable to believe him. "Anderson would never help. He's incredibly proud. He's even refused to help prime ministers and presidents from various countries. The man's a legend."
Ye Fan chuckled. "How about we make a bet?"
"What kind of bet?"
"Let's bet that Anderson can not only turn the tide but also drive our opponents into bankruptcy. If I win, you have to call me 'husband'."
"And if you lose?" Su Qingxue asked.
"I'll call you 'wife'!" Ye Fan grinned. Su Qingxue looked like she wanted to punch him square in the nose.
"Just watch," Ye Fan said, and immediately contacted Anderson.
Onboard a luxurious yacht somewhere in the Americas, Anderson was relaxing with supermodels when he received a call from Ye Fan. He answered at once.
This titan rarely called him, and Anderson never dared to initiate contact himself. To receive a call from this man out of the blue was a huge surprise.
"May I ask for what reason Lord King has called me?" Anderson asked respectfully.