"The Qu Family spent three generations establishing themselves on this land. With their vast number of descendants, they successfully forged alliances through marriage, intertwining with local powers and becoming a formidable force. This is the result of historical circumstances and the process of consolidation. But it must be said, the Qu Family is exceptionally shrewd, a trait clearly seen in every generation of their descendants."
"Their views on education differ from ours. To them, only the strong are respected, and the winner takes all. Losers have no right to linger here." Max Mo summarized, "That's why they still carry a bandit-like air. Fratricide is common; it's said that the sixth son of the Third Madam was a casualty of sibling rivalry."
"Starting from the third generation, this competition became open and direct. Now, it's been passed down for six generations, and Qu Zhengming is the seventh. Almost every patriarch's rise has been accompanied by bloodshed and fighting, ultimately stepping over his brothers' corpses to reach the top. So, calling the Qu Family a low-budget version of the Nine Dragons Succession Battle is quite fitting."
"Malaysia's laws allow polygamy—a man can have up to four wives. Of course, they have many lovers outside as well, continually producing heirs. Over the past century, the Qu Family has grown to over two thousand documented members. If united, they'd be a terrifying force. So you see, the local political scene is actually happy to see such a large family fighting internally. Some officials even meddle, supporting one heir against the others."
"So this birthday banquet is a real mix—every kind of person is here, from all walks of life," Max Mo said. "But don't worry, even though this isn't our main turf, those people still have to treat us respectfully. The power behind us is far more than just an ordinary family."
Max Mo wore an expression of pride.
Sophie Mo felt the same way.
The Mo siblings weren't backed by just any family—their support came from a massive national machine.
So no matter how much these people tried to stir things up, they wouldn't dare act out in front of such a powerful machine.
"Even though they won't dare mess with us directly, they might try to use our influence to strike at their own rivals. That's why I came to warn you—don't let them use you as a shield or leverage." Max Mo said.
Cecilia Gu understood that Max Mo was worried she'd get caught up in the Qin family's troubles.
The Qin family had already gotten involved, and it would be easy for them to use her connections as leverage for their own schemes.
That was probably also part of Qu Zhengming's plan.
He'd made himself known to her several times, clearly trying to pull her into this mess.
Unfortunately for him, that wasn't going to happen this time.
Cecilia Gu admired Qu Zhengming's patience and cunning, but she wouldn't let herself be used. If he tried, he'd pay the price.
"When I first arrived, I saw someone claiming to be a Yin family relative getting close to Zachary Qu. Did you know about this, Cecilia?" Max Mo asked, turning to her.
Cecilia Gu nodded helplessly. "I just found out too. Charles asked me to come over because of this. He doesn't want anyone using the Yin family name for their own benefit, but he also wants to protect them, since they really are our relatives."
"I see," Max Mo said, raising his eyebrows as if he'd guessed Charles's true motive for sending Cecilia over.
Knowing Charles, he wouldn't be so kind for no reason.
So, if Charles was willing to let Cecilia take a risk and come here, there had to be something he wanted to gain.
Forget it—out of respect for Cecilia, he wouldn't stand in Charles's way.
No doubt Charles had already factored this into his calculations.
He'd probably guessed that sooner or later, he'd figure out the twists and turns, and take action. That's why he sent Cecilia—just a reminder not to compete with him.
Ha, that guy—after all these years, he's still just as sly and petty.
He might not compete, but anything gained shouldn't just go Charles's way.
Several thoughts flashed through Max Mo's mind, but he smiled warmly and said, "As long as you know what's going on, that's good. If you need any help, just ask. Sophie, are you sharing a room with Cecilia now? That's good—with you two together, I can relax a bit. Lisa Li is staying next door, so keep an eye out for her."
Sophie Mo rolled her eyes. "I can't be bothered with your drama."
"Just think of it as helping a stray cat or dog," Max Mo said with a laugh. "Consider it your brother asking for a favor."
"Fine," Sophie Mo said helplessly. "You put it that way—what else can I say?"
"We're going to be staying at the Qu Family estate for several days, so be careful," Max Mo said quietly. "Make sure someone checks all your food and drinks—don't let your guard down. I bought a plot next to the estate, and my people are there. If you don't feel safe, go eat over there."
"It's probably not that dramatic for now," Cecilia Gu replied. "Let's wait and see."
"Fair enough," Max Mo said, though he was reluctant to leave—he wished he could spend more time with Cecilia.
But he couldn't.
As CEO of the Mo Consortium and heir to the Mo Family, he was always in the spotlight.
He couldn't afford to draw attention to Cecilia.
He had to protect her.
"You two should rest for now—I'll head back," Max Mo said. "The welcome banquet is coming up soon, and all sorts of shady characters will show up. Be careful, and make sure everyone around you stays alert."
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"Got it!" Sophie Mo said, digging at her ear. "Bro, are you hitting menopause or something?"
"You're asking for it," Max Mo said with a laugh, pinching his sister's cheek. "I'm off."
Cecilia Gu stood up to see Max Mo out.
At the door, Max Mo suddenly stopped, pulled a small device from his pocket, and handed it to Cecilia. "It's a tracker—keep it on you, just in case."
Cecilia took it without a second thought.
She trusted Max Mo completely.
"If you run out of supplies, just call. My estate next door has everything you might need," Max Mo reminded her again, unable to rest easy.
"Got it," Cecilia Gu replied with a smile.
Max Mo couldn't find another reason to linger, so he finally turned and left.
Sophie Mo flopped onto the couch and said, "My brother's only in his thirties, but he acts like an old man."
"He's just worried about you," Cecilia Gu said with a smile to Sophie Mo. "No matter how old you get, you'll always be a kid in his eyes."
Sophie Mo didn't argue, just squinted at the window. "Wow, a lot of people showed up."
Cecilia Gu followed her gaze—there were more cars parked in the courtyard.
Looks like the estate would be packed tonight.
At that very moment—
In a room on the first floor of the estate, Quentin Qin sat across from Qu Zhengming, frowning. "My cousin didn't come, but sent his wife instead. What's that supposed to mean?"
Qu Zhengming chuckled. "Mr. Yin is always Mr. Yin—your father is still your father. He saw through our connection and sent his own wife to show his stance. I wanted to borrow the Yin family's influence, but that's not happening now!"
Quentin Qin blushed. "I—I didn't expect things to turn out this way."
"It's fine. Even if we can't borrow the Yin family's influence, as long as they don't side with my brothers, it's enough." Qu Zhengming's eyes turned cold, a murderous glint flashing. "Of all the guests here tonight, which ones have pledged themselves to my brothers?"
"Here's the list," Quentin Qin said, handing a sheet of paper to Qu Zhengming. "Your brothers are quick! In just half a day, they've already won over several people. I have no idea what promises they made, but they sure got support fast."
Qu Zhengming sneered. "Support? Maybe not. The promises they made only count if they become the Qu Family patriarch. What I can offer right now is simple: I can guarantee their safe return."