On the Ark.

Lin Ye: "..."

Speechless for a moment, I didn't know how to answer.

Fortunately, the receptionist had already finished her call and said with a smile, "You are very lucky. Our chairman, His Highness Haoguang Zhuqing, is in the company today. He will come to discuss cooperation matters with you personally later."

Bright light and blue candlelight?

Lin Ye felt that the name sounded familiar.

……

……

Author's BB: -115.

By the way, it's been a while since I last asked for monthly votes at the end of the month. Please vote for me, thank you!

Chapter 558 Will you come to my engagement ceremony?

When the chairman of "Dongri Pharmaceuticals" sat down opposite them with a smile, Lin Ye remembered where he had heard the name Haoguang Zhuqing before. The crown prince of Dongguo, the next emperor of Dongguo, and also the fiancé of Ying Li, the fourth princess of Yanguo, one of the protagonists of the engagement ceremony six days later.

You could say this is fate?

When Lin Ye confirmed Hao Guangzhu's identity, he wasn't particularly surprised. In the short few days he'd been in Yan Kingdom, he'd already seen the legendary Nian beast, which was currently sitting beside him eating snacks served by his secretary. He'd also met Yan Kingdom's fourth princess, who had cried and called him "brother" the night before. So, seeing the Crown Prince of the Eastern Kingdom now left Lin Ye completely unmoved; in fact, he even felt a little… well, he couldn't laugh. He just felt annoyed. He'd only intended to deal with it casually, but he'd bumped into this important figure.

"You must all be quite surprised," Hao Guangzhuqing said with a standard smile. "You didn't expect that 'Dongri Pharmaceutical' is actually a royal family enterprise, did you?"

Lin Ye nodded, then deliberately used a hoarse voice to say, "But what surprises us even more is that His Highness Haoguang has actually heard of us."

“Of course, Rhodes Island is quite famous in the West.” Haoguang Zhuqing smiled and waved his hand, saying, “A few years ago, before I was the Crown Prince, I attended a seminar in Victoria. At the seminar, I met one of the managers of Rhodes Island, Ms. Kal'tsit. It was through her that I learned about Rhodes Island and your contributions to the fight against Oripathy. Some people say that after Rhine Lab weakens, Rhodes Island has the potential to become the best pharmaceutical company in the West.”

Lin Ye was surprised that Hao Guang Zhu Qing knew Kal'tsit. No wonder he knew about Rhodes Island. But why didn't Kal'tsit mention this to him?

But even more surprised than Lin Ye was the Iron-Eating Beast.

She turned to look at Lin Ye and asked, "You guys are actually researching Oripathy?"

Haoguang Zhuqing was even more surprised: "You still don't know what your company does?"

Lin Ye coughed twice and said, "She's not a member of our company. She's a bodyguard and guide we hired. She's a local from Yan Country and doesn't know anything about this."

Hearing Lin Ye's words, the Iron-Eating Beast couldn't help but roll her eyes. She really wanted to complain, "You want a martial arts superstar of my caliber to be your bodyguard? You're really too arrogant. Do you really think you're the royal family of Yan?" Of course, she would never say those complaints out loud. Moreover, when she learned that Rhodes Island was a company researching drugs to combat Oripathy, her eyes changed slightly.

"A bodyguard?" Hao Guangzhuqing looked at the Iron-Eating Beast, pondered for a moment, and said, "I think you look a lot like a famous martial arts actor from Yan Kingdom."

"Cough cough cough." The Iron-Eating Beast coughed twice, and then said, "That's because she's my idol. I imitate her in my clothes and appearance, and I even have a race."

“I see.” Hao Guangzhuqing nodded, then looked at Grani and Nian and said, “And these two? If I remember correctly, this young lady is wearing a Victorian Mounted Police uniform, right? And this little girl, she’s very cute. Is she someone’s daughter? She’s very cute. I must say, Rhodes Island’s negotiation team is quite impressive.”

It must be said that as the Crown Prince of the Eastern Kingdom, Hao Guangzhuqing has a wide range of knowledge. He was able to see through Grani's identity as a Victorian RCMP officer at a glance and even asked about Nian. It was as if he had taken control of the situation in an instant, as if he was asking Lin Ye, "Are you guys really here to discuss cooperation?"

Lin Ye had no choice but to reveal his "identity," stating that he was the Doctor of Rhodes Island and the highest-ranking official of Rhodes Island.

"So you're Dr. Ian?" Hao Guangzhuqing looked at the business card Lin Ye handed him and then smiled. "I've heard so much about you. This signature is Ms. Kal'tsit's, isn't it? I recognize her handwriting."

Lin Ye was genuinely curious about how close Hao Guang Zhu Qing and Kal'tsit were, that he could even recognize Kal'tsit's handwriting.

"To be honest, I had the intention to cooperate with your company several years ago," Hao Guangzhuqing said. "Currently, most of the drugs used in the East to combat Oripathy are imported from Yan and Ursus, and they are products of Rhine Lab. In terms of price and efficacy, they are only average and not outstanding. However, your company's products from several years ago seemed to have great potential to me. It's just that your company's production capacity was not large at that time, and it was not possible to supply the East... But now it seems that your company has solved the production capacity problem."

Lin Ye nodded.

Since the other party already expressed their intention to cooperate, the subsequent conversation became much simpler, as Lin Ye had received thorough training from Kal'tsit before coming. He considered the matter carefully, recalling the various data Kal'tsit had given him, and then reported it to Haoguang Zhuqing.

Haoguang Zhuqing listened and nodded, "While this production capacity isn't exactly outstanding, it's sufficient for our first collaboration."

Lin Ye initially thought that with only a few hours of training from Kal'tsit, he wouldn't be able to handle the job of negotiating business deals. However, when it actually started, he was surprised by how smoothly things went. Of course, it was also possible that the Eastern Kingdom's royal family was very wealthy, and Hao Guang Zhu Qing accepted all of their terms and prices. As a result, the most troublesome part of business negotiations—bargaining—was skipped entirely.

"I am very satisfied with your proposal," Hao Guangzhuqing said with a smile. "If neither of us has any objections, I can have my secretary draft the contract. Of course, you can also go back and discuss it further. Although our Eastern Country is not a high-incidence area for Oripathy, there are quite a few patients, making it a very large market. I can say with certainty that we can take as much as you supply."

Lin Ye found Hao Guangzhuqing's words somewhat strange. They were clearly discussing a drug deal, but it sounded like a drug transaction coming from Hao Guangzhuqing's mouth. However, he didn't have anything to say, so he just nodded. After chatting for a few more minutes, they naturally shifted the topic to the engagement ceremony a few days later.

“Dr. Ian, if you’re interested, why not come to my engagement party?” Hao Guangzhuqing said with a smile. “My fiancée is very beautiful, and I can even introduce her to His Highness Yingjie. You should know that he is the second prince of Yan Kingdom.”

Chapter 559 Ying Jie's Decision

Los Angeles, the Prince's Palace.

Ying Jie held a copy of "A Collection of Famous Generals of the Eastern Kingdom" in his hand, but because his mind was elsewhere, he hadn't turned a page in a long time. He didn't know how much time had passed before, in a fit of frustration, he slammed the book on the table, stood up, and went to the window for some fresh air. But even that didn't dispel much of his unease.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and the butler's voice rang out: "Your Highness, may this old minister come in?"

"Go in," Ying Jie said briefly.

The butler gently pushed the door open and entered, then walked behind Ying Jie and bowed silently.

Without turning his head, Ying Jie asked directly, "What is it? Just say it."

"His Highness the Crown Prince inquired of this old minister whether preparations for the Princess's engagement ceremony were complete," the steward reported. "He also said that His Majesty attaches great importance to this ceremony, and although he did not attend in person,..."

“None of his business.” Ying Jie interrupted the steward, saying, “This is a matter entrusted to me by the Emperor. We just need to report back to the Emperor.”

“This… I’m afraid it’s a bit inappropriate. After all, he is His Highness the First Prince, and we must maintain proper etiquette on the surface,” the steward said. “How about I reply? Let’s say that His Highness has made all the preparations and that His Highness can rest assured.”

Ying Jie replied listlessly, "Whatever."

This is so frustrating.

Ying Jie thought to himself.

Ever since learning that his good-for-nothing third brother was still alive, Ying Jie couldn't calm down. He couldn't fathom how the other had survived. Keep in mind, Ying Jie had hired a full twenty Oni Warriors from the Eastern Kingdom. This force should have been more than enough to intercept the fool, who was only protected by five Imperial Guards.

However, the fool still survived, which can only mean that either he overestimated those ghost warriors or he underestimated those five imperial guards. But thinking about it carefully, they were indeed skilled fighters who served the prince, and should not be underestimated.

"Your Highness." When the steward had told Ying Jie about two or three official matters without receiving a reply, he could only lower his voice and say, "Wei Yanwu of Longmen has news."

"Oh?" Ying Jie finally listened. "What did he say?"

"He promised not to investigate Princess Yingzhen any further."

Ying Jie snorted coldly: "He's quite sensible. But judging from this, he probably didn't recognize my silly brother's identity, and my silly brother didn't dare to tell him either."

"Didn't Wei Yanwu say that His Highness Yingzhen has lost his memory?"

"Amnesia?" Ying Jie glanced at the butler and said, "Would you believe such a stupid excuse?"

The butler seemed thoughtful: "You mean..."

“My silly younger brother has been afraid of me since he was a child. Every time he sees me, he wants to hide like an ostrich.” Ying Jie said calmly. “When he was a child, just hearing my name would make him tremble with fear. Now that he knows I am going to kill him and has managed to leave Yan Kingdom by luck, he should keep his distance from anything related to Yan Kingdom in order to survive. That’s why he pretended to have amnesia in front of Wei Yanwu.”

The steward suddenly realized, and then flattered, "As expected of Your Highness, your mind is meticulous. This old minister admires you."

“There’s no such meticulous explanation. I just know my silly younger brother too well,” Ying Jie asked. “Did Wei Yanwu reveal his whereabouts?”

"I said so."

“It’s in Ursus, right?” Ying Jie said. “Which city exactly? Let Wei Yanwu find out. After Fourth Sister marries into the Eastern Kingdom, I’ll figure out how to deal with him.”

The steward hesitated for a moment: "Wei Yanwu said that His Highness Yingzhen is very likely not in Ursus at this time."

Where is it?

"In... Yan Kingdom."

Ying Jie whirled around, glaring at the butler: "What did you say? Where is he?!"

The steward said, "Wei Yanwu said that His Highness Yingzhen is very likely to return to Yan Kingdom. This is something His Highness Yingzhen mentioned to him before."

"Yan Guo, he's back?! How is that possible!" Ying Jie slammed his hand on the table, instantly cracking several pieces of the sturdy mahogany. "How could he dare to come back? And why didn't you tell me sooner!"

"This old minister has only just received the news," the steward said. "And there is no evidence yet to prove that His Highness Yingzhen has returned to Yan Kingdom, so I cannot tell whether this is true or false news for the time being. I thought I would confirm with Wei Yanwu first before informing you."

"Confirm, definitely confirm!" Ying Jie braced his hands on the table, calming himself down slightly, and then said in a low voice, "But Wei Yanwu has no reason to lie to me about this, nor would he dare to. He said my silly younger brother went back to Yan, and he probably has evidence."

The steward was puzzled: "But how dare he return to Yan Kingdom?"

“Yes, how could he dare to go back to Yan?” Ying Jie straightened up, put his hands behind his back, closed his eyes and pondered, “That little brat, how could he possibly dare to go back to Yan? How could he possibly dare to go back to Yan… especially at this time, at this time…”

Ying Jie suddenly opened his eyes.

"Ying Li's engagement ceremony," Ying Jie said in a low voice. "It can only be this."

"The Fourth Princess's engagement ceremony?" The butler was quite surprised.

“Yes, it can only be Ying Li’s engagement ceremony.” Ying Jie said with a sneer, “That little brat, he only dared to bare his teeth in front of me when he stood up for Ying Li, like a stupid dog. The only reason he chose to come back at this time is for Ying Li’s engagement ceremony.”

The steward thought for a moment and said, "Indeed, Prince Yingzhen and Prince Yingli have had a very good relationship since childhood. But what does he want to do now? And what can he do?"

"Who knows?" Ying Jie squinted. "That brainless little brat, who knows what he's thinking right now? But what he's thinking isn't important, what's important is what I'm doing. This engagement ceremony of Ying Li was entrusted to me by the Emperor, and I absolutely cannot let this kid ruin it... Since my silly little brother doesn't want to die abroad, then let him rest in peace in his hometown."

The steward understood Ying Jie's meaning, so he also asked in a low voice, "Then what do you plan to do? Even if Prince Ying Zhen is in Luocheng, Luocheng is so big, it will not be easy for us to find Prince Ying Zhen, and this matter cannot be made public. If you use the Imperial Guards, His Majesty will definitely find out."

“Who said I was going to use the Imperial Guards?” Ying Jie said. “Isn’t there the Court of Judicial Review? My father has given me a portion of the power of the Court of Judicial Review and the Censorate.”

The steward's eyes widened: "But you intend to use the Dali Temple to kill Prince Yingzhen?"

"Who said he's still His Highness?" Ying Zhen glanced at the steward and said softly, "The Third Prince of Da Yan died five years ago, didn't he? How many criminals has the Censorate secretly executed?"

The steward hesitated, "But even the Censorate wouldn't be able to find His Highness Yingzhen so quickly, would they?"

"No. Don't forget what Yingzhen came to Yan Kingdom for?" Yingzhen sneered. "I don't believe my foolish younger brother can resist seeing his dear sister."

……

……

Author's Note: Only two updates today. Since many people wanted to see Jingzhe appear, I looked up her information. Originally, I wasn't interested in her character art, but her background seemed quite interesting, so I thought it could be incorporated to enrich the story and made some minor changes.

Also, as I said, I don't practice orthopedics. Sibling affection and orthopedics are not the same thing, okay?

Illustration stamp

Since many people have been unable to find the illustrations, I'll create a separate chapter to show them.

One is the completed product, and the other is a semi-finished product. Some people asked why the semi-finished product was also released; that's to whet your appetite, of course.

If you can't see the illustration, refresh the page a few times.

One hundred words, one hundred words, one hundred words, one hundred words.