Chapter 108: The Banquet

It was clear that Ye Xing disliked this kind of occasion. Had he truly considered Poison Island’s kid a friend, he wouldn’t have bothered to come out at all. Yet, he merely nodded slightly to her before turning away again; his thirst for strength was far greater than Ye Chen’s.

At that moment, amid the crowd, three individuals—obviously the hosts of the banquet—ascended the stage. Seeing Ye Chen’s face darken, they were not overly surprised, having received prior notice and made preparations. They launched into a lengthy, unnecessary opening speech.

The others found it somewhat tedious, but in the end, they gave a perfunctory round of applause out of courtesy. Hearing the applause, the three on stage immediately assumed they had considerable support. They believed that if they secured the approval of more than half the attendees, they could gain control over all of the Star Group’s liquid assets as well as a small portion of its less significant enterprises.

Though most of the assets were firmly fixed under Ye Chen’s inheritance, losing these would be akin to a mighty tree shedding some branches—something that could be regrown with time. Nevertheless, as one of the world’s top three organizations, the Star Group’s liquid capital alone was sufficient for them to establish a prestigious conglomerate.

If that happened, they would be in full control without needing to obey others’ commands. Should Ye Chen perish, with no heir to the Star Group, naturally, they would gain even more. They had considered this strategy before. However, Fan Bo was no ordinary steward; if truly provoked, he would not hesitate to bring about mutual destruction, rendering all their efforts futile.

The man standing in the center forced a tear from his eye, pain evident in his voice: “Everyone here should know that the head of the Star Group recently passed away while investigating the spatial tremors.”

The banquet guests all knew this news and reacted differently. Isaac Ray Pelham Westcott, executive director of DEM Corporation, wore a look of lingering fear. These two men had been his nightmare not long ago—had luck not been on his side, he wouldn’t be standing here now.

Beside him, his secretary Allen steadied him, concerned for his health. Westcott was barely holding himself upright; both bore pallid faces and serious internal injuries, forcing themselves to be present.

The others were absorbed by the three’s speech on stage and failed to notice the two men’s condition. The speakers continued: “Though this is a sorrowful announcement, the Star Group must continue. Unfortunately, the sole heir is only ten years old, clearly unfit to lead. Therefore, as the eldest elders of the Star Group, we have decided to temporarily manage affairs, allowing him to enjoy his childhood. When he comes of age, all authority will be returned to him.”

None present were fools; they immediately grasped the true meaning: these three intended to seize power until Ye Chen matured. The promise of returning authority upon his adulthood was nothing but empty words—no one would relinquish control once obtained. Outsiders watched with keen interest, eager to witness the internal power struggle within the Star Group.

“He’s here, as expected,” Ye Chen thought, calming Poison Island’s kid beside him who was nearly ready to draw a blade and charge the stage. He pressed a button on his earpiece, and the loudspeakers fell silent, leaving only the harsh voices of the three on stage audible.

“Let me interrupt,” Ye Chen’s calm voice spread throughout the banquet hall. “Though I don’t wish to disrupt your speech, the Star Group belongs to our family. Outsiders have no right to interfere. Even management falls to Fan Bo, who knows everything inside and out. There’s no need for your involvement.”

“There’s no need to worry about my age either,” Ye Chen continued. “Though only ten, I have already assisted my parents in handling some affairs, so I am capable.”

Before he could finish, the three interrupted him, but Ye Chen merely smiled lightly. He had never intended to argue extensively; the speech’s impact alone was usually minimal.

“Nevertheless, entrusting the leadership of the Star Group to a ten-year-old is reckless. Any misstep could cause massive losses. The Star Group is no playground for children.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. The Star Group belongs to the young master. No one inside has the right to question that,” their words drew a cold snort from Fan Bo, clearly displeased.

“The Star Group affects many lives. We firmly oppose a ten-year-old leading us. Beginning now, all senior members will vote. If we secure the majority, we may obtain the Star Group’s liquid funds, as clearly stipulated.”

“If you truly secure a majority, we won’t object,” Ye Chen sneered.

This stunned the others. Apart from a few prearranged allies, all neutrals and some previously bribed individuals sided with Ye Chen. This was unexpected! They had agreed to conspire together to seize assets—why the sudden reversal? As the losing side, their faces darkened. Failing in such a plot would invite the other’s enmity, making their continued presence in the Star Group impossible and inviting retaliation.

They had prepared to inflict severe damage even at the cost of their own lives, yet Ye Chen suddenly spoke: “The outcome is clear. In light of your past contributions, surrender all your rights. I will compensate you accordingly. You may use the money to start a company or travel. Beyond that, it is no longer our concern.”

Ye Chen’s generous offer seemed unreal to them—when had losers ever been treated so well? In truth, Ye Chen wished to avoid greater losses caused by their disruption. The money was trivial to him; with his Golden Rule ability, he could earn it back anytime.

The favorable terms prompted them to relinquish their power without hesitation. They did not fear Ye Chen’s betrayal; with so many influential figures present worldwide, breaking promises would bring far worse repercussions than any payment.

Others sighed involuntarily—Ye Chen was still too young to choose such a method to resolve matters, yet in some ways, it was indeed the best approach. A chestnut-haired girl stood beside her father, gazing at Ye Chen with eyes full of admiration.