Before the Ling family's gates.
Dong Jinghua's car stopped, followed by Zhang Jia's motorcade.
Although Zhang Jia only had four people, he drove three cars, which was quite a show of prestige!
Many people around also came up to greet Zhang Jia. Notably, there were quite a few from the war zone, clearly showing respect for Zhu Shan!
After all, Zhu Shan was the second-in-command of the Jiangbei War Zone, and Zhang Jia was his sworn brother, so many sought to curry favor with him!
As a result, Dong Jinghua's side suddenly appeared deserted.
While dealing with the crowd, Zhang Jia glanced back at Dong Jinghua with a disdainful sneer. "Heh, Director Dong, do you need me to introduce you to anyone? Oh, is this your first time at the Ling family's? It's best to get acquainted with the hosts first!"
Everyone turned to look at Dong Jinghua.
Many people sensed the animosity between Zhang Jia and Dong Jinghua!
Coupled with recent rumors, it was clear that many already knew Dong Jinghua's identity. At this point, quite a few people came forward to greet Dong Jinghua.
However, most of them were merely polite on the surface, and very few from the war zone came over.
Instead, there were more people from the four major families of Jiangbei!
Zhang Jia's smile grew even more smug. Dong Jinghua, however, merely smiled faintly at him. "Heh, no need to trouble yourself, Vice Director Zhang. You have so many friends to greet, how could I possibly impose?"
As soon as she finished speaking, many members of the Ling family arrived.
But these people all came to welcome Zhang Jia.
For a moment, no one paid attention to Dong Jinghua. Zhang Jia became even more triumphant, repeatedly saying to the Ling family members beside him, "Hey, hey, don't just greet me. I'm just a vice director. This is our Director Dong! Be careful if you neglect her, Director Dong might get upset!"
Upon hearing this, the Ling family members finally approached Dong Jinghua.
"Heh, it's fine. I, Dong Jinghua, am never narrow-minded. It's my first time here, and I've troubled all you friends from the Ling family!"
Dong Jinghua's lighthearted remark immediately won the favor of many Ling family members.
Moreover, her words implied to everyone present that the only truly petty person here was Zhang Jia!
No one wanted to associate with a narrow-minded person!
At this, Zhang Jia's expression turned even uglier. He put away his smugness. His network in Jiangbei was indeed not simple, but the most important thing today was not to foster relationships with these people. Today was about souring Dong Jinghua's relationship with the Ling family!
With that, Zhang Jia proactively approached Dong Jinghua and said, "Heh, Director Dong, I heard that this afternoon, in one of your shops, an employee died. And it was said that she offended the future bride of the Ling family's upcoming wedding, who is the eldest daughter of the Tang family from Hanjiang!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the Ling family disciples' expressions changed drastically, and their gazes towards Dong Jinghua became very unfriendly.
Dong Jinghua naturally noticed the unfriendly looks directed at her immediately. Her heart sank, but her expression remained as calm as water. She turned to look at Zhang Jia and smiled faintly. "Heh, Vice Director Zhang's news is quite well-informed. But do you think if such a thing had really happened, the Ling family would still invite me to the banquet? Haha!"
With that, Dong Jinghua suddenly burst into laughter.
Zhang Jia's mouth twitched, and his face looked unpleasant. The Ling family disciples beside him indeed showed signs of confusion. After exchanging glances, they prepared to welcome Dong Jinghua inside!
After all, many Ling family disciples knew that Dong Jinghua's status was not simple. She would be a significant figure in the Jiangbei National Martial Arts Hall in the future, and they had to treat her well!
But just then, Yang Fei walked out with a cold expression. The surrounding Ling family disciples all dodged!
"Mr. Yang!"
Many bowed in greeting.
When Zhang Jia saw this, his eyes widened. He clearly had no idea that the Ling family had someone named Yang Fei!
Many people around also began to whisper amongst themselves, clearly not knowing who Yang Fei was.
However, seeing the reverence the Ling family disciples showed Yang Fei, they naturally became very curious. They couldn't help but inquire with those around them, but none of them could explain Yang Fei's origins!
Dong Jinghua's eyes lit up when she saw Yang Fei. She saw the commotion around her clearly. Without further ado, and ignoring Zhang Jia, she put on a smiling face and walked towards Yang Fei!
"Heh, Mr. Yang, we meet again!"
"Mm, Director Dong, please follow me!"
Yang Fei said in a deep voice, his face showing little emotion.
Zhang Jia's face became even more unsightly.
Dong Jinghua knew someone he didn't recognize, and judging by the person's status, his position in the Ling family was clearly not low!
The people whispering around had been doing so for some time. Clearly, none of them knew Yang Fei's identity!
At this, Zhang Jia could no longer suppress his curiosity. He approached a Ling family disciple and asked in a low voice, "Who is this Mr. Yang?"
That Ling family disciple held some status within the Ling family. His main responsibility here today was to welcome guests, and he was very familiar with the identities of the arriving guests. Therefore, Zhang Jia felt he had asked the right person. He didn't recognize Yang Fei, so he shouldn't be a member of the Ling family; he should be attending the banquet!
However, upon hearing Zhang Jia's question, the Ling family disciple's smile became somewhat unnatural. He then shook his head and said to Zhang Jia, "I don't know who Mr. Yang is either. You should ask our Patriarch about this matter."
"What?" Zhang Jia almost exclaimed. Was Yang Fei's identity so extraordinary?
He had to ask the Patriarch?!
"Your new Patriarch?"
Zhang Jia's face darkened. If the Yang Fei from before had a good relationship with the new Patriarch, and he specifically came out to welcome Dong Jinghua, it could only mean one thing: Dong Jinghua had already established a very good relationship with the Ling family. This fellow was already far ahead of him!
In that case, the situation would be very unfavorable to him!
Therefore, Zhang Jia absolutely did not want this to happen.
The Ling family disciple smiled wryly and shook his head. "Our Patriarch has not changed. It's just that the position of family head has changed. The Patriarch is still the same person!"
Zhang Jia was stunned. He didn't know this news. But when he thought about how Ling Zhigao had sent him an invitation earlier, didn't that prove that Ling Zhigao's status in the Ling family was still very high?
Patriarch!
So, Ling Zhigao hadn't retired at all, but had retreated behind the scenes, and his status remained very high!
Did Yang Fei have a good relationship with the new family head?
This matter was uncertain. To Zhang Jia, this seemed like good news. However, there was also bad news: Ling Zhigao's status had not diminished. Then, if Ling Zhigao remembered any impolite remarks Zhang Jia had made during their previous phone call, would he hold a grudge?
Thinking of this, and looking at the invitation in his hand, Zhang Jia was full of worry.
It seemed he had offended Ling Zhigao. Now, his only hope lay with the new family head. Regardless of Ling Zhigao's situation, he had to solidify his relationship with the Ling family, and he absolutely could not give Dong Jinghua any opportunities!