The atmosphere in the hall was oppressive.
A dozen or so of the Xu family's current leaders sat upright in their wooden chairs.
The family patriarch, Xu Qin Xue, was a balding man in his fifties with a square face. He looked at the family members seated around him, a trace of weariness and displeasure flashing in his eyes.
"I've heard plenty of rumblings from below these past few days. The Aquino family is our in-law ally. If we abandon this alliance, we won't be able to stand alone against the Fernando family, the Lopez family, Marcus, and Ayala."
Xu Ying Ming, the leader of the Eighth Branch, scoffed. "Heh. So keeping the alliance means we can stand against them? Do you think things are still the way they used to be? The Aquino family can barely hold its ground in Manila."
"Ying Ming, I heard you've been doing quite a bit of business with certain people in Port of Bais?" Xu Qin Xue asked with a mirthless smile.
Faced with the patriarch's questioning, Xu Ying Ming replied without hiding anything. "So what? At least I've brought the family a hefty sum. As the saying goes, he who understands the times is a hero. Third Uncle, you're old."
"Hmph! Short-sighted fool! I'm not senile enough to lose sight of the situation." Xu Qin Xue flew into a rage and slammed the table as he sprang to his feet.
But he failed to notice the cold disdain in Xu Ying Ming's eyes.
How can I save the family when I'm surrounded by a bunch of vermin? Xu Ying Ming's murderous intent grew stronger.
Then he gave a subtle look. Xu Ying Qi, another family leader sitting at the very back, met his gaze before pressing the controller in his pocket.
Xu