Su Ruiyi returned to the hotel in a foul mood, and Ouyang Chen bore the brunt of it.
Ouyang Chen: "Go to sleep, we have a flight back tomorrow."
Su Ruiyi sat by the computer, typing furiously. Her extensive knowledge finally had a place to be used!
Su Ruiyi: "You sleep, I'm angry and can't sleep. I'm going to expose their misdeeds!"
"I want them to be condemned! I'm also going to write to their headquarters! I want them to apologize to me face to face!!!"
Ouyang Chen: "Just for a bag?"
Su Ruiyi: "That's not an ordinary bag, it's a girl's dream!!! They snatched the bag, crushed my dream, and insulted my character. I can't stand it!"
Ouyang Chen: "Then why didn't you just buy it immediately?"
Su Ruiyi: "How was I supposed to know someone would come in and snatch it! Hey! Are you on my side or not!!!"
Ouyang Chen: "Yes, yes, yes, my dear lady, it's past midnight. Just a little longer and the sky will be dawn. Go to sleep, okay?"
Su Ruiyi: "If you want to sleep, you sleep by yourself!!!"
Ouyang Chen, unused to her tantrums, rolled over, pulled the covers over his head, and fell asleep to the sound of Su Ruiyi's furious typing...
***
"You're marrying him?!"
Michelle exclaimed in shock.
Mo Qingyun, however, remained composed, as if the decision was no big deal.
Michelle: "Are you crazy? Russel is crippled and looks ugly. You can find a better man."
Mo Qingyun: "I've already decided, and Russel proposed to me tonight."
Michelle: "He was drunk, you can't take it seriously."
Mo Qingyun: "So what."
Michelle: "You've only met him once!"
Mo Qingyun: "Isn't that romantic?"
Michelle: "Look at me and answer me, are you serious?"
Mo Qingyun: "Hahaha, what's the use of being serious? You were serious, and you became a widow."
Michelle: "You still shouldn't choose Russel."
Mo Qingyun: "If I marry him, he won't oppose me inheriting Tang. Maybe he'll even be happy."
Michelle: "He's never had a wife for a reason, you should reconsider."
Mo Qingyun: "It's better if there's a problem, I don't need those anyway."
Michelle: "You'd better think clearly, this isn't a game. If you really marry him, the entire Tang Empire will know."
Mo Qingyun: "I know, I want the whole world to know..."
Mo Qingyun gazed out the window. In the dark night sky, the stars shone even brighter, like diamonds.
She remembered things from a long, long time ago, remembered Sister Hong from Athena, and Amin and Apple, remembered the teachers at the orphanage and those children...
Finally, she couldn't help but remember Ouyang Chen, and Mr. Dinosaur on her phone.
Some came, some went, only she seemed like the most superfluous person in the world.
That bag lay behind Mo Qingyun. What was the use of its expensive price? Now, she could snatch it from Su Ruiyi if she wanted.
Suddenly, Mo Qingyun pulled out a small knife and slashed at the bag with force, once, twice, until the leather bag was ruined. Only then did she stop.
Why snatch it only to destroy it?
Because Mo Qingyun didn't like the bag. She just didn't want Su Ruiyi to have an easy time.
Then why not snatch Ouyang Chen back too?
Because her heart was filled with hatred, and love had vanished without a trace.
Therefore, she resented their happiness, resented their joy. Hurting Ouyang Chen and bullying Su Ruiyi could bring her a sliver of comfort...
***
AtL's ten-day team-building event in Hawaii finally concluded with a final group photo.
But for some people...
Xixi: "Uncle, Aunt has been playing on her computer since we got on the plane. Why is she still playing?"
Ouyang Chen, holding Xixi, glanced at Su Ruiyi next to him and sighed helplessly.
Ouyang Chen: "Xixi, do you know there's a big devil in this world called 'bags'? Wherever there are bags, girls lose their minds and go crazy..."
Xixi: "Ah? Then I don't want to meet the big devil, I don't want bags."
Ouyang Chen: "Yes, Xixi, you're a good girl."
Xixi: "Uncle, look, it's Daddy!!!"
Ouyang Chen looked out the window. A cloud looked remarkably like a small handgun. Xixi ran over excitedly, but bumped into the water next to Su Ruiyi, drenching her computer.
Su Ruiyi froze. She whispered, "I don't think I saved..."
Ouyang Chen burst out laughing. At this, Su Ruiyi completely lost her temper.
What else was there to write in a long treatise? What was the point of arguing with those netizens who might think a thousand-dollar bag was expensive?
She was just asking for trouble!
Xixi: "Uncle, what's wrong with Auntie?"
Ouyang Chen looked at Su Ruiyi, who was slumped in her seat, dazed, and gave Xixi a thumbs-up.
Ouyang Chen: "Xixi, you defeated the big devil for Auntie. She escaped from the big devil."
Xixi: "Yay!!!"
Su Ruiyi stretched out her arms, and Xixi hugged her.
Su Ruiyi: "It feels so much better holding Xixi than holding a bag."
***
"You're serious?"
This was the question everyone asked in disbelief as they prepared to attend Axe's funeral!
It felt like Axe and Michelle had appeared together on the runway just yesterday, how could he have suddenly passed away?!
Hassan: "This is truly bad news."
Gu Yilong: "It seems we need to get Michelle to attend the Bilderberg meeting."
Hassan: "Oh, no... I can't get along with her."
Gu Yilong: "Axe didn't die recently. They've been hiding this for so long. It seems Axe's era is truly over."
Hassan: "She will definitely put pressure on me at Bilderberg using the Tang Empire's influence."
Gu Yilong: "Hassan, do you remember Ouyang Chen?"
Hassan: "Of course, that interesting young man. I heard he was depressed for two to three years, I wonder how he is now?"
Gu Yilong: "We need to find Leon. We must get Ouyang Chen in before Michelle enters Bilderberg."
Hassan: "Why?"
Gu Yilong: "We need more people to counter the Tang Empire's influence. Otherwise, Bilderberg will become a pawn for the Tang Empire to exploit the world."
Hassan: "If I can escape the Tang Empire's pressure, I am willing to do my best to help you bring Ouyang Chen in."
Gu Yilong: "No, it's to help all of us merchants who are unwilling to be suppressed by the Tang Empire any longer."
Gu Yilong was visionary.
Precisely because of his understanding of the Tang Empire, he knew that some people in the Bilderberg Club, upon learning of the Tang Empire's return, would greatly expand their influence, as everyone here existed for their own self-interest.
Then, as soon as they knew that Michelle, as the head of the Tang Empire, would lead her followers to completely obey her commands upon her arrival here.
The remaining members would have no choice but to hand over their interests willingly...
Gu Yilong saw through the game rules here. He had to curb the emergence of such a hegemon to ensure that the remaining members, including himself, received the protection they deserved.
As for Hassan, his oil-producing country had been bullied by hegemons for many years. Now, he no longer wanted to be a obedient dog; he wanted autonomy!
Therefore, where there is oppression, there is resistance!
Hassan decided to join Gu Yilong in resisting the Tang Empire's re-entry!
***
A month later, everyone was suddenly invited to Axe's funeral, but bizarrely, no coffin was ever seen throughout the entire ceremony.
However, some lackeys had long anticipated this day. It seemed they wouldn't even bother to leave Axe with his final dignity. This was the perfect opportunity to force Michelle to step down!
Michelle: "Everyone, thank you for waiting."
The church doors opened, and Michelle and her entourage walked in. As Axe's widow, how could she dare to appear after all the guests had arrived?!
However, this only added to her sins. She was even more disrespectful to Axe than those people!
Everyone: "Where is Axe's coffin?"
Michelle: "He has been interred."
The crowd began to whisper. What kind of logic was this? Who buries someone without letting their brothers have one last look?
Michelle: "You've always been suspicious, haven't you? Now you don't need to guess. Today, I'm here to tell you that he is indeed gone."
Everyone: "Then that's good, let's re-elect the Tang!"
Everyone: "Yes, let's re-elect!"
Everyone: "Re-elect!"
Michelle looked at the crowd. She had indeed forgotten how Hui Heng Xing Ren had died. Now that Axe was truly gone, they were rebelling again.
Lin Yi suddenly fired a shot into the air, and silence finally fell in the church.
Michelle: "Today, in front of all of you, I will fulfill your wish."
At this, the crowd almost cheered, but they managed to restrain themselves.
Lawyer Yan: "According to Article 110 of the Tang Empire's Regulations, Chapter One, when the acting Tang voluntarily relinquishes the Tang position, the new Tang position shall be inherited through election or return."
Lawyer Yan looked up at everyone below and continued, "According to Article 57 of Chapter Ten of the Tang Empire's Regulations, in the case of returning the Tang position, if the Tang is deceased, it shall be immediately inherited by their blood relatives."
At this moment, someone from the crowd shouted, "Then let's elect!"
Yes, they all assumed the Tang position could only be continued through election. After all, Mo Qingyun sat silently at the very front, her back to them all.
No one would particularly notice the beautiful woman wearing a black veil. Even if they did, they would dismiss her as Michelle's friend or something similar.
Michelle smiled and extended her hand towards Mo Qingyun. This was her moment to make her entrance.
The crowd began to murmur again. Who was this woman?!
Michelle: "Since everyone is here, I will directly announce that I have chosen to return the Tang position to Axe's... sister."
Everyone: "What? Impossible! Axe has no sister!!!"
Lawyer Yan: "Quiet, everyone!!! This is a blood relation report. The lady before you is Axe's biological sister."
With a "whoosh," the entire church erupted. Axe had a sister? How did they not know? This woman had never appeared in the Tang Empire, so how could she suddenly show up?!
Everyone: "Liars! Impossible!"
Mo Qingyun: "Those who question my identity are opposing me inheriting my brother's position, correct?"
Everyone: "We don't believe you, we want to re-elect!"
Mo Qingyun: "Lawyer Yan, please read Article 239 of Chapter Ten of the regulations."
Lawyer Yan: "During the correct inheritance process, if any member disobeys the Tang, the Tang has the right to revoke their position in the Tang Empire and process all assets related to the Tang Empire."
Mo Qingyun smiled, her friendly reminder carrying a sinister warning.
Everyone: "What is this rule? We've never heard of it!"
Lawyer Yan: "Article 5 of Chapter One of the Regulations states that any Tang has the right to amend and add regulations, provided that it is immediately implemented with the approval of more than half of the family members."
Everyone: "So it hasn't been implemented?"
Mo Qingyun: "Then let's vote now. The family member representatives are also here. Those who agree to my addition of this rule, please raise your hand."
The loudest protestors were not all members of the Tang Empire's families, but it was evident that some family representatives had formed private alliances, otherwise, they wouldn't dare to yell at Michelle in such an important occasion.
The crowd was silent, everyone looking around hopefully. Several major families exchanged glances, as if signaling each other.
Suddenly...
Russel of the Onassis family raised his hand.
Mo Qingyun blew him a kiss and invited him to the stage.
Mo Qingyun: "Oh, my dear, you really didn't have to do this."
Russel, leaning on his cane, limped slowly to Mo Qingyun's side, then put his arm around her waist and kissed her.
Russel began to call out other families, asking if they objected.
With the backing of a member of this ancient family, some wavering families also raised their hands.
However, the situation was a tie, meaning no one had won.
Michelle: "I have an announcement to make."
Russel interrupted Michelle.
Russel: "I'll say it."
Mo Qingyun was slightly stunned. This man had become a bit arrogant lately, but she had to endure it to use him to safely navigate the inheritance period.
Russel: "I am going to marry Axe's sister."
The church erupted in chaos once again. Was this a celebration or a funeral?
The Onassis family was consistently crude, unlike a gentleman of high society. But they shouldn't be announcing their happy occasion at Axe's funeral.
Moreover, he was going to marry that woman who had suddenly appeared?!
Russel: "Yes, she will marry me and become a woman of the Onassis family, so I support her inheriting Axe's Tang position."
That's right, Russel had looked down on Michelle from the beginning and had never acknowledged Michelle's contributions to the Tang Empire.
As for why he supported another woman, it wasn't just because Axe's sister had the right to inherit, but also because he had calculated his own advantage.
By marrying Axe's sister, he could control her and, consequently, control the Tang Empire!
Therefore, rather than participating in the noisy opposition and potentially electing someone uncontrollable, it was better to do Mo Qingyun a favor.
Later, he could hold her by the throat, and no one would cry out for her even if he whipped her.
Now, the votes below had indeed shifted.
Lawyer Yan: "More than half the votes have been cast. The Tang Empire's new regulations are officially in effect."
Mo Qingyun: "Then..."
Russel: "Then let's expel those who opposed the new Tang."
Mo Qingyun's eyes widened as she tilted her head to look at Russel. This detestable man truly thought he had the right to command the people below?
Russel: "You won't blame me for stealing your thunder, my dear."
Mo Qingyun: "Oh no, of course not."
Russel: "Then, since that's the case, I have another announcement to make."
More news? Mo Qingyun gradually felt the situation spiraling out of control. Russel was a troublesome man!
Russel: "The Onassis family's Umbrella's biological weapon project will be restarted..."
Mo Qingyun nearly stumbled!
Of course, as shocked as she was, were everyone present, and Michelle!!!
Umbrella was a project codename that the old Tang had urgently halted.
Although he had also been involved in such a biological weapon project, due to the immense safety risks discovered, he had been forced to ban the Onassis family, who were the primary responsible party for the project.
Now, Russel was going to restart this project?! This was undoubtedly him overstepping his bounds!!!
Mo Qingyun: "You can't do this, why didn't you tell me in advance?"
Russel: "Do you think I can't sense you're using me? You want to inherit the Tang position, I can help you. Now it's time for you to repay the favor, my dear!"
Mo Qingyun gasped for air. Russel had overstepped!
But she had no choice, otherwise, she would lose her brother's Tang Empire!
She still had to seek revenge and couldn't give up now!
Michelle also signaled with her eyes. She pulled Mo Qingyun aside and whispered, "Stop him, you can't let that project restart! More people will die!!"
Mo Qingyun shook off Michelle's hand. She warned Michelle that she was no longer the Tang and had no right to lecture her on what to do and what not to do!
Michelle stood frozen. Had she truly raised a tiger that would devour her? Mo Qingyun shouldn't have become like Russel!
Michelle: "Mo Qingyun, you can't let the project restart, oppose him!!"
But Mo Qingyun coldly watched as Michelle was forcibly dragged away by people below.
Russel: "That's right, I like smart women."
Mo Qingyun: "Of course I'm on your side, so let's cooperate happily, shall we?"
Russel laughed heartily. Betraying Michelle? Only now did he begin to trust this new Tang.