Return to the City: The Strongest King
Chapter 407 - 408: Regretting Terribly

Chapter 407: Chapter 408: Regretting Terribly

At this moment, Ding Yuelin remembered the phrase Song Xiaodong had said, "You’re out of your league trying to associate with us."

At the time, he had taken it as a joke. Given the Ding family’s influence in Tiannan, it seemed almost impossible for someone to utter those words. Yet, there was indeed one person who had the power to do so—Song Xiaodong. His name was already well-known throughout the Ding family, from top to bottom. Everyone was afraid of offending Song Xiaodong, fearing he would no longer treat the old master and extend his life.

Ding Yuelin remembered the name as well, but for some unknown reason, he had failed to connect this Song Xiaodong with the one in his family. Perhaps he believed that such an impressive figure like Song Xiaodong would not appear in such a small mountain village. Or maybe, it was because he had grown so accustomed to the Ding family’s superiority that he simply forgot at the moment.

Regardless, Ding Yuelin was now filled with regret. He knew all too well that if the Ding family found out he had offended Song Xiaodong, they would know what his fate would be. Everything he owned could be stripped away completely—no more days of glory, no more women surrounding him. He absolutely could not bear such a loss.

And now, the situation had escalated so dramatically, it was obviously deliberate on Song Xiaodong’s part—targeting him specifically. Especially by having the Ding family summoned, it was an even more direct attack on him.

Even more terrifying, and nearly causing Ding Yuelin to fall to the ground in fear, was the arrival of several important figures of the Ding family’s "Shan" generation. Aside from the old master, the Ding family’s power now resided mainly in this group. Their abundant presence was enough to show just how seriously the Ding family valued Song Xiaodong—it wasn’t just lip service but genuine respect.

In the eyes of the Ding family, Song Xiaodong was a member of a grand lineage, but they all had their social status as well, with officials, businessmen, and talents from various fields. To the average person, the group that arrived would either be officials or the exceedingly wealthy, a sight to dazzle any onlooker.

These individuals all made their way to greet Song Xiaodong first, clearly showing he was the reason for their visit, and then went on to greet Song Xiaodong’s Second Uncle and other relatives.

"This one is the Director of the Municipal Health Bureau! This one is the Chairman of Huaqing Company..."

Second Uncle shook hands with each of them, and their attitude towards him was humble and appreciative, which made Second Uncle’s face glow with excitement. Any of these figures were people he would not have dared to look at before, and now they were all smiling and greeting him.

He had never met so many important figures in his life, never had so many shake his hand and be so courteous to him. He had never experienced such glory and all he could do was smile, not even knowing what he was saying.

It wasn’t just Second Uncle. Including Second Auntie, Third Uncle, and Third Auntie, along with their sons and daughters-in-law, everyone felt honored. Especially upon seeing shock on the faces of neighbors and friends, they felt light as air, so proud and dignified.

Song Xiaoru and Miao Qingqing were truly startled too. They all knew Song Xiaodong held great power, as evidenced by the last time he had raised funds for the company within days, securing a major portion of the company’s shares.

However, having never witnessed it firsthand, they didn’t know the full extent of Song Xiaodong’s power. But now, with almost all the key figures of the Ding family’s "Shan" generation rushing over, and the politeness they showed toward Song Xiaodong, they truly realized the magnitude of his influence. They saw beyond Song Xiaodong’s usual light-hearted and playful demeanor to his awe-inspiring stature.

This made Miao Qingqing feel as if she was reaching above her station, as though it was her honor to be Song Xiaodong’s girlfriend, despite being the CEO of a conglomerate.

Miao Xuanxuan was meanwhile dazzled, loving to see Song Xiaodong in such an imposing light. If possible, she wished she could throw herself into his arms at that moment and let him take advantage of her.

Xiao Yingying, on the other hand, was the most composed of all. Firstly, she had good control over her emotions, and secondly, in her heart, Song Xiaodong had always been an extraordinary figure. Whatever the circumstances, she felt it was only natural and was not as shocked as Miao Qingqing and the others.

The most uncomfortable person there was Ding Yuelin, hiding behind the crowd, fearing the Ding family would spot him, with cold sweat on his forehead and weak knees. Song Yu, holding his arm, could feel the change in his body and cautiously asked, "Yuelin, nothing’s going to happen, right?"

Ding Yuelin hesitated, then whispered, "Song Yu, you’ll need to speak to your brother later, or I’m done for this time."

"Really?" Song Yu frowned, looking quite reluctant, and asked, "What’s so special about that Song Xiaodong anyway?"

"Who knows his real influence, but our Ding family needs to rely on him right now. So many of the Ding family showing up all of a sudden—it’s obviously his doing, and the aim is to deal with me."

"The Ding family can’t be that obedient to him?" Song Yu still found it hard to believe, having heard countless tales of the Ding family’s prestige from Ding Yuelin, and couldn’t imagine that one Song Xiaodong, no matter how powerful, could command the entire Ding family.

"What do you know? If we admit our mistakes now, we might get off lightly, but if later he comes after us, we’re done for. I’ll be stripped of everything, and you won’t have a penny to spend either."

Upon hearing this, Song Yu was struck to the core and quickly said, "Alright, alright, I’ll talk to my dad right away."

"Yes, yes, have Uncle come with you, too," Ding Yuelin urged. "That way, they might show some leniency."

As the Ding family members were speaking with Song Xiaodong, three people emerged from the crowd, one of whom was Ding Yuelin. Ding Shanyue frowned slightly and asked, "Yuelin, why have you come?"

Ding Yuelin’s mouth twitched, and he stepped forward hastily, saying to Song Xiaodong, "Mr. Song, I did not recognize you earlier and have offended you greatly. Please forgive my ignorance and not hold it against me."

The Ding family members had been quite puzzled as to why they were summoned en masse to attend a relative’s baby’s full-moon celebration for Song Xiaodong, but seeing Ding Yuelin now, they immediately understood. Their faces darkened.