A short while later, the group walked out of the reception hall beaming, their faces glowing with joy.
"Patriarch Lu, our two families will transfer the first advance payment of one billion each to your company's account shortly."
Elder Chang gripped Lu Chen's hand and gave it a firm shake. "From now on, we're comrades-in-arms."
Though modest, Lu Chen remained neither servile nor overbearing. "Thank you, Elder Chang and Patriarch Song, for your support. From now on, this junior will have to climb the lofty branches of you two."
Patriarch Song exchanged a glance with Elder Chang, then burst into hearty laughter. "Patriarch Lu, you flatter us. It is we who need to borrow the east wind from you."
Lu Chen smiled. Seeing that it was getting late, he cupped his hands. "Then this junior shall take his leave. Please stay."
"Hey, no, no. How can we possibly send you off only this far?"
"That's right. We'll see Patriarch Lu out ourselves."
Sun Yourong could not help but fall silent when she saw the two patriarchs insist on seeing him off.
This treatment was not merely for a rising new power—it was clearly the etiquette reserved for a distinguished family.
The group boarded a sightseeing cart. They exchanged a few more pleasantries about the details of their cooperation along the way, and soon arrived at the gates of Chang Residence.
"Brother Lu, over here! Over here!"
Outside the gates, Wang Yiming had been waiting for quite some time. The moment he spotted Lu Chen, he raised an arm and called out repeatedly.
Lu Chen gave him a slight nod, then cupped his hands once more. "Then this junior shall take his leave. Take care, you two."
"Take care, young friend Lu! If you ever come to Haicheng again, no matter