Tang Guozhong stood at the back of the group, looking a bit displeased. Today was Tang Yumeng's engagement, and it was already significant that the old man came personally. It seemed he placed a lot of importance on this event. It appeared that there were still variables in this matter. His own son, Xiao Qiang, was quite disappointing, always silent and rarely got to see the old man, let alone try to win his favor. Therefore, Tang Guozhong seemed quite helpless.

"Xiao Qiang, you need to learn to be more proactive, understand?" Behind him, Tang Guozhong earnestly advised.

"Dad, I'm trying my best." Tang Xiaoqiang said helplessly, "Please don't force me to do things that I don't like."

"What is there to like or dislike?" Tang Guozhong said, "Since you're born into this family, you must strive to climb to the top and aim to become the head of the family. Otherwise, you'll always be ordered around and become a pawn in someone else's hands, understand?"

"I know, I've heard this till I'm sick of it." Tang Xiaoqiang said very helplessly.

Next up was a banquet.

The chef was busily working, quickly bringing out dishes that had been prepared in advance from the kitchen to the dining table.

The dining room of the Tang family was very grand and luxurious. A European palace-style luxurious dining table could accommodate twenty-two people at once. Of course, this particular dining room was only used during family gatherings. Usually, Mr. and Mrs. Tang would dine at a smaller table. Inside this dining room, the lighting was bright, making it appear very radiant. Beside it were tall floor-to-ceiling windows with off-white blinds.

The center of the table was adorned with decorative flowers and some small ornaments.

During the Tang family's gatherings, each person has their serving, so there was no issue of the table being too large and not being able to reach the dishes. Tang Zhenguo sat on the head chair, and Mr. Chen, the General, sat beside him. Tang Guohua and his brothers sat closely on the right side of Tang Zhenguo. Lin Chuan and Tang Yumeng followed them closely. As for the other children of the Tang family, they sat opposite. Tang Xiaoqiang sat directly opposite Lin Chuan, as his father had instructed him to do so.

Although he was seated next to Mr. Chen, the General, that position was the closest to the head of the Tang family.

Lin Chuan caught Tang Xiaoqiang's gaze and gave him a friendly smile. Tang Xiaoqiang, feeling shy, a 28-year-old man, appeared quite bashful, and he returned a friendly look. Tang Yumeng laughed and said, "That's my cousin, the others beside him are also cousins. He's the oldest, and the youngest is only eight years old."

"Hmm." Lin Chuan nodded.

With the dishes served, everyone began to eat.

"Xiao Qiang, quickly pour wine for the two grandfathers," Tang Guozhong hurriedly instructed.

"Oh!" Tang Xiaoqiang nodded and got up to pour wine for the old man.

Tang Zhenguo raised his glass and said, "Come, come, let's raise our glasses together, considering it Lin Chuan and Tang Yumeng's engagement ceremony."

"Okay." Tang Guohua nodded. Everyone also raised their glasses.

After the first glass, Mr. Chen the General laughed and said, "Not bad, not bad, this wine is good."

"Of course!" Tang Zhenguo laughed heartily, "It's a good wine my son has treasured for years."

"But alas, it can't compare to the top-quality Moutai from my wine cellar!" Mr. Chen the General unexpectedly replied, leaving Tang Zhenguo feeling as if he had swallowed a green-headed fly.

"You old rascal." Tang Zhenguo couldn't help but curse, "You're really asking for a scolding."

"Haha..." Upon hearing this, Mr. Chen the General burst into laughter.

Everyone laughed heartily, after all, today was a grand day. It was a festive day, a day worthy of raising a glass in celebration.

At this moment, Tang Xiaoqiang stood up with his glass in hand and timidly said, "To the two grandfathers, uncle, and uncles, I toast this glass to you first, wishing you good health and everlasting happiness."

"Good, Xiao Qiang has grown sensible," Tang Zhenguo was very pleased upon hearing this.

Beside him, Tang Guozhong was overjoyed, not expecting his son to take the initiative to propose a toast, and spoke so politely, making him seem very well-mannered.

Then, everyone raised their glasses and drank this toast.

Tang Xiaoqiang raised his glass again, a hint of blush on his face, and said, "This...second glass of wine, I toast to my sister and my future brother-in-law, wishing you eternal happiness and growing old together. Of course, most importantly, may you have a house full of children and grandchildren, so my uncle can enjoy the joys of family every day."

"Haha, this child is really sensible." Everyone burst into laughter.

Tang Guozhong was also beaming with pride. For now, it seems that Tang Zhongguo's son, Tang Xiaoqiang, is the strongest contender. As long as his son performs well, he definitely has a chance to vie for the position of family head. So, Tang Guozhong has been encouraging his son to showcase himself and to become the person his grandfather favors. However, all along, Tang Xiaoqiang has never been good at expressing himself and always appeared timid and shy.

Today, he actually dared to stand up and express his inner thoughts, which is indeed a big step forward.

"Xiaoqiang, you've really grown up." Tang Zhenguo nodded and said, "Being able to boldly express your inner thoughts is indeed commendable."

Receiving the old man's praise, Tang Guozhong was even more delighted. He hurriedly said, "Dad, this child has always been excellent, kind, intelligent, and talented. He has already become a key member of the Tang family and will be able to do more for the Tang family in the future."

"Hmm, not bad." Tang Zhenguo nodded.

"So..." Tang Guozhong seized the moment and quickly said, "I want...to ask you for a favor."

"What favor?" Tang Zhenguo looked seriously at Tang Guozhong. After all, it's his own son, and no one understands his son's thoughts better than he does. The eldest is honest and decent, although he values power heavily, he doesn't do excessive things. The second values power and wealth heavily and likes to have ulterior motives. Both sons are not saints, and the third, Tang Guoqing, is kind and decent but is obsessed with art and culture rather than career pursuits.

"I want Xiaoqiang to take the position of General Manager of Tang Group," Tang Guozhong said, "After all, the child is already grown, and Tang Group has always lacked an outstanding talent. Xiaoqiang, being from our Tang family, would benefit from gaining some experience in that position, don't you think?"

"It could work." Tang Zhenguo nodded.

Tang Guohua originally wanted to say something but eventually backed down. At this time, it seemed inappropriate to undermine his second brother. Besides, Tang Group really has been lacking a suitable candidate for General Manager, so Tang Xiaoqiang taking that role is understandable, only...

"Second brother, isn't Xiaoqiang a bit too young?" Tang Guohua finally couldn't help but speak up, though his tone was very gentle and his expression rather tactful, "After all, the elders of Tang Group have worked hard under the old man. I'm afraid Xiaoqiang might not be able to handle them."

"It's precisely because Xiaoqiang is so young that he needs more opportunities to gain experience." Tang Guozhong said cheerfully, "Gradually, he will get used to it. Xiaoqiang, hurry up and thank your grandpa, your uncle, and your uncle."

"Yes!" Tang Xiaoqiang, upon hearing this, felt a bit awkward. He was still a bit shy, and the sudden appointment as General Manager of Tang Group made him somewhat reluctant. Once he took on this role, he might have to live under the spotlight and become the focus of the entire nation.

From the outside world's perspective, whoever takes this role inevitably has a great chance of becoming the head of the Tang family in the future. Therefore, this position is incredibly important.

Lin Chuan felt a bit puzzled as to why Tang Xiaoqiang seemed so uncomfortable with such an important position. However, Lin Chuan did not inquire further and instead held Tang Yumeng's hand. Both of them were very happy to receive the family's blessings, being accepted by the Tang family was an extremely challenging task. If it weren't for the General backing them and his army of 800,000 supporting them, he might not have been able to marry Tang Yumeng smoothly.

The journey was tough, but at least it was successful, at least it was achieved.

The family banquet was very joyful, without any discord or noise.

The old General did not drink excessively but rather drank with moderation. The family only consumed two jin of white wine, which wasn't much. After the third round of toasting, the old General stood up and said, "Alright, the matter is settled, I should be heading back."

"You're leaving just like that?" Tang Zhenguo asked.

"Yes, there are many things going on recently." The old General smiled, turned to Lin Chuan, and said, "Lin Chuan, come visit my residence when you get the chance."

"Yes!" Lin Chuan immediately nodded.

After that, the old General bid farewell to the Tang family.

Once the old General left, the Tang family became much livelier. After all, they were all family, and they spoke more freely. Although Lin Chuan was still an outsider to some extent, he was engaged to Tang Yumeng, so in a way, Lin Chuan wasn't considered an outsider.

The family was very lively, but the lively atmosphere didn't last long. Soon, Tang Zhenguo left the Tang family with his people. Tang Guozhong and Tang Guoqing also took their children and left Tang Guohua's home. Each person in the Tang family had their own mansion, and they were not far apart. For instance, Tang Guoqing's home was in this villa community in the Prince's Mansion area. However, his home was not as luxurious as Tang Guohua's, with neither as much land area.

After everyone left, Tang Guohua went upstairs to rest, being assisted by Mrs. Tang.

Finally, the large hall was left with only Lin Chuan and Tang Yumeng. Besides them, there were a few busy maids. And Uncle Liu moved quickly nearby. Uncle Liu is the butler of the Tang family, managing many things in the house. Everything from paying the maids' salaries to cleaning the leaves in the front and back yards needs Uncle Liu to personally arrange. Large or small, Uncle Liu must ensure everything is in order. As a result, Uncle Liu is very meticulous and thoughtful.

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