It was not only Yin Chen—everyone present had the same thought flash through their minds.
Onstage, Dongfang Wan strode up.
Dongfang Lie still looked calm, smiling as ever, but Dongfang Feng at his side had already changed expression slightly.
He clasped his hands behind his back, yet someone still noticed—Dongfang Feng had quietly clenched his fists.
Yin Chen noticed as well.
He leaned subtly against Zong Cheng’s shoulder and murmured, “This is going to be interesting.”
Sure enough, under his second uncle Dongfang Lie’s gaze, Dongfang Wan began speaking slowly.
“I have been busy with company matters these past few days and did not have time to chat properly with you, Second Uncle. But you truly gave me a surprise. I just do not know whether it is a shock—or a delight.”
Dongfang Lie’s expression cooled slightly.
“What nonsense are you talking about? I have acknowledged my biological son. Should you not be happy for me? Otherwise I would be truly heartbroken, having raised you all these years in vain.”
There was a hint of warning in his eyes.
Dongfang Wan paid it no mind.
President Wu could not help whispering to Yin Chen, “Dongfang Wan is too impatient. Dongfang Lie did raise him for years. Even if he wanted to break away, this is not the time. He is not giving Dongfang Lie any face.”
Besides—
Now that Dongfang Lie had a biological son, Dongfang Wan would forever remain only a nephew.
A young man without solid backing challenging Dongfang Lie directly?
That was like smashing an egg against a rock.
Yin Chen remained relaxed. “If he does not speak up now, he will never get another chance.”
President Wu paused, considered it.
That did make sense.
Once the legitimate son appeared, the nephew would naturally fade out.
No one understood that better than Dongfang Wan.
So he ignored Dongfang Lie’s emotional appeal and subtle threat, merely chuckling.
“If he truly is your biological son, Second Uncle, then of course I would be happy for you. I only fear that someone is trying to pass off a wildcat as the crown prince. That would be a disgrace to the Dongfang family.”
The moment he finished speaking, Dongfang Feng could no longer hold back.
“Dongfang Wan, I know you are dissatisfied because I have been acknowledged and you lost your position as heir. But my father and I are biologically related. We even did a paternity test. Are you trying to slander us?”
Dongfang Wan smiled instead of growing angry.
“Seems you have some self-awareness. I did not even name anyone, yet you already know who I meant?”
“You!”
Dongfang Feng was furious.
“That is enough. There are many guests here. Do not let minor quarrels between brothers become a joke for outsiders.”
Dongfang Lie spoke slowly, attempting to smooth things over.
But plenty of people had no intention of letting him.
“Chairman Dongfang, since you invited us to witness the announcement of the new heir today, this can hardly be considered a minor quarrel.”
“That is right. Since we came to give you face, we would like clarity.”
Several voices rose from below the stage. Dongfang Lie’s face darkened.
He instinctively searched the crowd for suspicious figures—but saw none.
Of course he would not find them.
Yin Chen smiled to himself.
He had always believed in seeing things through. Since he had already given Dongfang Wan such generous gifts, tossing in a few extra “presents” was effortless.
Onstage, hearing those supportive voices made Dongfang Wan feel even more invigorated.
Yes.
If this was to be resolved, it had to be now.
He drew a deep breath.
“Second Uncle, forgive my bluntness, but everyone knows you lost the ability to have children. I do not dare accept this so-called brother.”
Yin Chen mentally gave him a thumbs-up.
He really dared to say it.
A warrior indeed.
Dongfang Lie’s face turned livid.
Seeing his expression, Dongfang Wan felt even more satisfied.
“And that is not all. I only learned after being busy these few days—you allowed him to acquire ZWG. Forgive me for speaking plainly, Second Uncle. He has not even been officially recognized yet, and he is already eyeing your money. Do you truly see no issue?”
Dongfang Feng looked flustered, quickly glancing at Dongfang Lie.
Dongfang Lie took a few deep breaths, cast him a reassuring look, then glared coldly at Dongfang Wan.
“It is merely ZWG. If he wants it, he can have it. Or are you saying I am biased? Did you not also get DF? Why throw a childish tantrum?”
Dongfang Wan sneered.
“Second Uncle must be joking. When did DF become mine? It has always only been in my name.”
The old man had guarded against him so thoroughly. Had he not uncovered certain truths later, he might have been sold and still helped count the money.
Dongfang Lie’s heart skipped.
When had this boy become so perceptive?
Dongfang Wan continued.
“Moreover, perhaps there is something you do not yet know.”
He smiled maliciously.
“If this son of yours is truly yours, then how is it that his parents remain so affectionate and recently even traveled abroad? They are just ordinary dual-income workers. How did they suddenly afford international travel?”
He held up several photographs.
A smiling couple faced the camera, radiating happiness.
Dongfang Lie instinctively turned toward Dongfang Feng.
Dongfang Feng looked panicked and confused.
He did not know.
He truly did not.
“Tsk.”
From below the stage, Yin Chen clicked his tongue softly.
What a pity, he thought.
This moment deserved soda, sunflower seeds, and a small stool.
“Was that your doing?”
Zong Cheng’s voice suddenly sounded beside him. Yin Chen paused.
He turned to look at him.
Zong Cheng looked slightly nervous, but he was almost certain.
Yin Chen arched a brow. “You think it was me?”
Zong Cheng nodded slowly.
“Why?” Yin Chen asked, curious.
Zong Cheng looked at him—and inexplicably blushed.
Yin Chen was baffled. What did that have to do with anything?
After clearing his throat, Zong Cheng said softly, “You like teasing people.”
For example, you tease me the most.
They stared at each other.
Three full seconds passed.
Yin Chen was speechless. “That is it?”
Just that?
Zong Cheng faltered slightly under his gaze, turning his face aside.
“Is that not enough?”
…It was enough.
Yin Chen looked away and reflected for a second.
Had he teased Zong Cheng that obviously?
In any case—
Yes, it was him.
Or rather—
He had instructed Attorney Gao and Brian to handle it.
Attorney Gao arranged the overseas travel package.
Brian played the enthusiastic tourist who took the photos.
Perfect.
Yin Chen glanced back at the stage.
Did Dongfang Wan and Dongfang Lie truly think he would spare them?
He was no philanthropist.
Dongfang Lie had not expected Dongfang Wan to produce such evidence.
And he wavered.
He had kept his son hidden with the boy’s mother for appearances’ sake.
He believed his first love still cared for him deeply and would raise their son well.
But now—
The smiling image of his first love and her husband pierced him.
He was certain Dongfang Feng was his son.
Yet another thought slowly emerged—
What if his son had already bonded with someone else’s family?
What if he sought him out only for money and power?
Otherwise, why suddenly insist on reconnecting?
If so—
Dongfang Lie’s heart sank.
Had he been raising someone else’s son all along?
The situation onstage shifted abruptly.
Dongfang Feng stood helpless.
Dongfang Wan appeared confident but was gambling everything.
Dongfang Lie thought in silence, expressionless, before speaking slowly.
“You see? Today was merely to inform everyone that I have acknowledged my son. Why create such chaos? Is the company no longer busy? Do you not need to oversee it?”
The moment he spoke, both Dongfang Wan and Dongfang Feng changed expression.
Dongfang Feng looked stunned.
Dongfang Wan could not suppress a flicker of joy.
The audience buzzed.
Did this mean the announcement of the new heir was suspended?
Indeed, Dongfang Lie soon ushered both men away with decisive authority.
The banquet ended hastily, anticlimactic.
But it was clear to all—the position of Dongfang Group’s future heir would remain uncertain for some time.
“Old Dongfang did not disappoint me,” Yin Chen said cheerfully as he walked out.
Zong Cheng, walking beside him, had begun to understand his intentions.
“You want them to tear each other apart?”
Smart.
Yin Chen nodded. “The Dongfang family wanted to deal with me. Then I will return the favor.”
Zong Cheng slowed.
Yin Chen did not notice at first, then turned back. “Why did you stop?”
Zong Cheng looked at him, expression complicated.
Only then did Yin Chen sense something was off.
After a moment, Zong Cheng lowered his eyes and stepped closer.
“You said the Dongfang family wanted to deal with you?”
Yin Chen blinked. What was wrong with that?
“I only knew about Dongfang Wan,” Zong Cheng said quietly.
Yin Chen realized the problem.
Zong Cheng looked aggrieved.
“Why did you not tell me?”
He hesitated, then added softly, “Am I not your boyfriend?”
Behind them, President Wu—who had been about to ask Zong Cheng for contact information—froze.
Instinctively, he tugged his daughter aside.
Wu Mei whispered in his ear, “I thought he was the dominant one. Could it be President Yin is actually on top?”
President Wu turned slowly to look at her.
What exactly are you talking about?