Era: You're asked to cook a home-style dish, but you cook Wellington.

Two days later, the hustle and bustle of Yicheng was gradually left behind.

Two black sedans drove smoothly out of the city and headed towards the suburbs along the relatively smooth asphalt national highway.

The roadside is shaded by green trees, and the wheat fields ripple in the breeze. Occasionally, a passerby on a bicycle will brush past you.

This is Lincheng, the secluded residence of the Nangong family. Although it is remote, it is full of the warmth and life of everyday life.

As the car drove to the foot of the mountains in the suburbs, the surroundings became increasingly quiet, with self-built houses scattered among the trees, and the air filled with the fresh scent of grass and soil.

After getting off the bus, the group walked for about ten minutes and then the view suddenly opened up before them.

A grand and well-maintained old Chinese house comes into view, with a long stretch of blue brick walls and a simple and heavy vermilion gate. Two large stone lions stand at the entrance, their patterns ancient and simple, exuding the rustic charm of a family mansion.

Layers of eaves peek out from inside the courtyard walls, and ancient trees reach for the sky, their branches and leaves flourishing, making the entire residence appear tranquil and solemn.

This is the ancestral home of the Nangong family, the true foundation of a prominent clan.

"We're here, let's go."

Nangong Lian's expression at this moment was somewhat indescribable.

He really didn't want to come back if his sister hadn't insisted.

He sighed as he watched the two figures emerge from the courtyard gate.

Oh well, we're already at home, what else can we do?

Inside the reception room, a large group of people were already seated.

The two people at the head of the group were dressed in simple and elegant clothes, with graceful demeanor. Their eyebrows and eyes bore a striking resemblance to those of Nangong Hong and Nangong Lian, and they were their parents.

"Mom and Dad are back."

Nangong Hong stepped forward, walked to her father's side, and smiled broadly.

"Mom and Dad."

Nangong Lian walked forward reluctantly, head drooping.

"Look at your hair."

Nangong Ming, who was sitting in the main seat, spoke first.

As the head of the Nangong family, Nangong Ming was usually very steady in his actions. However, when he saw his two children dyeing their hair red and blue, he couldn't help but frown and scold them.

"Alright, don't you even look at the time? The child is tired outside, it's good that he has his own ideas, and you're still arguing about it."

"Young people, what doesn't like to look good? It's normal for them to dress in a trendy way."

Zhou Ruowei appeared much calmer, gently pulling her husband's arm and softly smoothing things over.

Her gaze fell on the brother and sister. Although her eyes lingered on their slightly fashionable hair color for a moment, she didn't say anything. Instead, she gently patted her daughter's shoulder with concern.

"Wow, you've lost a lot of weight recently. You must have suffered a lot."

"mom."

Nangong Hong spoke somewhat shyly, gesturing with her eyes.

"Haha, Hong girl is getting some experience."

"Yes, yes, we've seen the news. Hong's cooking is really good; it really makes the Nangong family proud."

"This kid did a good job, but he's still a bit behind his sister."

The solemn reception room was suddenly filled with laughter and cheerful conversation.

"Mom, we didn't come back alone this time. Let me introduce you. This is Gao Yang and Su Wanqing."

Nangong Hong was pointing at the two people below when Nangong Ming raised his hand.

"We know each other."

Gao Yang stepped forward and bowed slightly in greeting.

"Greetings, seniors. I am Gao Yang, and I apologize for disturbing your peace and quiet by visiting you today."

Su Wanqing nodded slightly, her demeanor dignified and gentle, devoid of her usual sharpness, appearing every bit the refined lady of a noble family.

Nangong Ming's gaze fell on Gao Yang, scrutinizing him closely, especially noticing the bandage still wrapped around his hand, which added a touch of admiration.

Although the Nangong family lived in seclusion, they were not out of touch with the times. Having seen the news these past two days, they naturally understood why Gao Yang was injured.

"No need for such formalities."

Nangong Ming gently supported her with his arm, his stern demeanor as the head of the family softening.

"I've heard Hong'er and Lian'er mention you before. You're young and promising, with extraordinary courage. You managed to stand firm during such a storm and even protect my two ignorant children. You're truly amazing."

Zhou Ruowei also greeted her with a smile.

"Don't stand, sit down. You must be tired from the long journey by car and walking. Tea and snacks have been prepared."

The managers quickly stepped forward and attentively led them to seats and served them tea.

The reception room was grand and elegant, with antique mahogany furniture and several landscape paintings by famous artists hanging on the walls. The air was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood and tea, exuding the composure and tranquility of a prominent family.

As everyone took their seats, the atmosphere in the reception room suddenly changed.

Gao Yang understood that Su Wanqing's visits here were never for reminiscing. Although she hadn't said what she was going to do on the way, judging from the entourage, it must be something special.

as predicted.

Su Wanqing took a sip of tea and put down the teacup.

"Senior Nangong, to make a long story short, I still hope that the Nangong family can join forces with our Su family."

"Although my Su family is not all-powerful, we are still among the most influential in China. The Nangong family is full of talented people, especially in the catering industry. Our strong alliance is in the best interests of both of us."

"What! She came here actually to join forces with us!"

Nangong Lian and Nangong Hong looked at Su Wanqing in shock, then at their father.

The two exchanged a glance, realizing this was no small matter.

The reason why the Nangong family has survived to this day is largely due to their non-alignment. If they were to openly announce their choice to the outside world, the long-standing balance would eventually be broken.

Nangong Ming, who was at the head of the table, had a much longer-term vision.

The Nangong family is a large clan with many members, and they appear to be a harmonious and happy family.

But the truth is, the long-term deficit was already dragging the family down. If it weren't for the wealth left by their ancestors and the reforms over the generations, they probably wouldn't have made it this far.

The escape of Nangong Lian and Nangong Hong was a result of him turning a blind eye.

He understood that if the Nangong family wanted to survive, the existing reforms were far from enough; at the very least, a complete reshuffling of the entire clan was needed.

But this will inevitably infringe on the interests of some people.

His gaze swept over the other elders of the Nangong family without making a sound, and he fell into deep thought.

"Senior, I understand what you're thinking. You simply believe this move is too risky. But if you don't move forward, you fall behind. With the reform and opening up, the whole country is full of vitality. If the Nangong family sticks to the old ways, it will inevitably be eliminated by the times."

"My visit here is both my personal decision and a consideration for the Su family as a whole. We need allies like the Nangong family, and we will show our utmost sincerity to help the Nangong family overcome this difficult time."

Su Wanqing spoke with force and conviction, but her eyes were clearly also lingering on the other members of the Nangong clan.

During a private conversation with Nangong Ming, Nangong Ming had already shown his attitude; he fully supported the reform.

However, as the head of the family, there are some things he cannot say, at least not openly.

He looked at Su Wanqing.

"My Nangong family has a large population. What guarantee does your Su family have that we won't suffer any losses?"

He was clearly saying this to someone else.

Su Wanqing naturally understood his meaning, stood up to look him in the eye, and then her gaze swept over everyone present.

"My Su family naturally has the resources. The reason is simple: you have nothing to offer."

These words caused an uproar in the room.

"Young lady of the Su family, I've heard of your reputation in business, but being too arrogant in other areas isn't a good thing."

The speaker was Nangong Qinglang, the second son of the Nangong family.

Nangong Qinglang's face was gloomy. He had heard about the previous cooperation with the Su family and had always disagreed with it.

In his view, the ancestral laws should not be changed, and maintaining the status quo is the best way out for the Nangong family. He only refrained from making a move today because of his elder brother. He did not expect this little girl to be so rude.

"Patriarch, the Su family has shown no sincerity in cooperating. I suggest you reconsider."

He stood up and looked at Nangong Ming, his eyes full of impatience.

His words resonated with many, with at least half of the people standing up in agreement: "Please, Master, consider this carefully."

Su Wanqing looked around and her gaze fell on Nangong Ming.

A smile appeared on Nangong Ming's lips as he met Su Wanqing's gaze.

"The objective has been achieved."

He thought to himself, but didn't show it on his face.

Su Wanqing continued, "Your Nangong family just has more people, but when it comes to cooking, not a single one of you can compete."

She paused, deliberately drawing hatred.

"Even less than Gao Yang, who is standing next to me."

In an instant, everyone's eyes turned to Gao Yang, who was drinking tea.

Gao Yang's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly. He slowly put the teacup down, looked at Su Wanqing, and silently asked himself a question.

Good heavens, Su Wanqing, is this why you brought me to the Nangong family!