After kneeling three times, Xiao Hailong’s humiliation brought tears to his eyes.


But he dared not act out.


He knew his grandmother must be deeply disappointed in him right now, and he couldn’t risk angering her further.


Grandma Xiao, seeing Xiao Hailong kneel and apologize, finally felt a sense of relief.


It wasn’t that she wanted her grandson to kowtow to Ye Chen, whom she viewed as useless. The key issue was that the oath he swore implicated her own life.


As someone who believed in karma and divine retribution, the idea of Xiao Hailong breaking his oath left her deeply unsettled.


She glanced at Xiao Hailong and said lightly, “Hailong, let this be a lesson for you. In the future, don’t make reckless bets over things you’re not certain of. And if you do bet, don’t involve your family in the consequences.”


Xiao Hailong forced a bitter smile. “Yes, Grandma, I understand. I won’t do it again…”


As he spoke, he shot a venomous glare at Ye Chen, thinking, You worthless piece of trash, you made me kneel and lose face. I’ll get even with you someday!


Grandma Xiao then shifted her focus and said, “Today is a moment to celebrate. Churan has secured this contract, which is a great success for the Xiao family. Everyone must work hard to seize this opportunity and build a strong relationship with the Emgrand Group!”


Ye Chen reminded her, “Grandma, since Churan has secured the project, doesn’t that mean she should now be appointed as the company’s director?”


Grandma Xiao’s expression shifted slightly. She had indeed promised that whoever secured the contract would become the director.


But she had never liked Xiao Churan, and her disdain for Ye Chen, her useless husband, made her hesitate.


If Xiao Churan were elevated, she might become difficult to control in the future.


For a moment, Grandma Xiao considered going back on her promise. After all, she hadn’t sworn an oath when she made it, so she felt justified in retracting it.


However, she knew she couldn’t do so immediately after Xiao Churan had secured the contract. She said instead, “Here’s what we’ll do. Tomorrow evening, I’ll host a banquet and invite Jinling’s most prominent figures. At the banquet, I’ll formally announce our partnership with the Emgrand Group and the appointment of the new director.”


Hearing this, Ye Chen nodded in satisfaction.


Xiao Churan also smiled gently. It seemed her position as director was finally secured. She would no longer have to endure being marginalized, and her parents could hold their heads high.


Grandma Xiao turned to Xiao Churan and said, “Churan, there’s one more thing I need your help with.”


Xiao Churan quickly replied, “Grandma, please tell me.”


Grandma Xiao said, “I’d like you to contact the chairman of the Emgrand Group and invite him to tomorrow’s banquet.”


After a pause, she added with great anticipation, “If he attends, it would be a tremendous honor for our Xiao family and greatly enhance our reputation!”


Xiao Churan hesitated for a moment and said, “But Grandma… when I went to the Emgrand Group, I only met Vice Chair Wang Dongxue, not the chairman. Besides, hosting a banquet right after securing the project might come across as too eager…”


“So what?!” Grandma Xiao snapped. “I want the entire city to know that we’re now tied to the Emgrand Group. The Xiao family is about to rise!”


She continued, “Even if the chairman can’t come, inviting Wang Dongxue would also be great. As the second-in-command at the Emgrand Group, having her attend would still give us plenty of face.”


Grandma Xiao was already beaming with excitement.


The thought of those who once looked down on the Xiao family having to curry favor with them filled her with joy.


The Xiao family, under her leadership, would reach new heights!


Xiao Churan thought for a moment before hesitantly agreeing, “Alright, I’ll try…”


“Not try—make it happen!” Grandma Xiao demanded.


Xiao Churan nodded lightly but then turned to Ye Chen and whispered anxiously, “What if the chairman refuses to come? What if even Wang Dongxue declines?”


Ye Chen chuckled and said, “Give it a shot. Don’t you have Wang Dongxue’s number? Who knows, maybe they’ll agree right away.”


The Xiao family’s banquet wasn’t just a chance to show off their new connection with the Emgrand Group; it was also where Xiao Churan’s promotion to director would be announced.


For Ye Chen, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to show support for his wife.


Little did Xiao Churan know, her husband was the chairman of the Emgrand Group.


Sighing in frustration, she said, “But he’s the chairman of the Emgrand Group and supposedly a young master from a prestigious Yanjing family. How could someone like that have time to attend our banquet?”


Ye Chen smiled mischievously. “Who knows? Maybe he’s just at home cooking, doing laundry, and spending time with his wife.”


Xiao Churan gave him a sideways glance and said, “You think everyone’s like you?”


Ye Chen nodded with a grin. “It’s possible the chairman of the Emgrand Group is exactly like me.”


Xiao Churan rolled her eyes playfully. “Hah! As if that’s possible!”