At this moment, the Liu family manor was bustling with guests, as many figures from Liancheng City took this opportunity to visit and congratulate the old master of the Liu family.

Inside the villa in the front yard of the Liu family, guests filled the place, and the sounds of congratulations were endless. Those seated here were all notable figures in Liancheng City.

The old master of the Liu family sat in the seat that signified the host's identity, flanked by the two brothers, Liu Chunnan and Liu Chunbei.

The guests present were all prominent figures in Liancheng City, from both the business and political circles.

The highest-ranking among them was a middle-aged man named Zhou Hong, the chief of the Liancheng City Police Department. His status was extraordinary, and he was surrounded by guests toasting him.

Seeing this grand occasion, the old master of the Liu family nodded with satisfaction, as if the Liu family had returned to its former glory.

In the past, as the leading family in Liancheng City, the Liu family's annual banquets were grand affairs.

The top figures in Liancheng City would almost always come to congratulate the Liu family, but with the passing of the previous head of the family.

Since the current old master took over the Liu family, it had gradually declined, becoming less impressive each year.

In recent years, the annual banquets were attended only by some minor figures in Liancheng City, which did not match the grandeur of the Liu family's reputation.

Now, with the presence of someone as significant as Zhou Hong at the Liu family's annual banquet, the old master was very pleased.

"Congratulations to the old master for good health!"

"May the old master live as long as the Southern Mountains!"

The guests raised their glasses to congratulate the old master.

Inside the villa, joy filled the air, and outside, it was equally lively, with the younger generation of the Liu family each greeting some guests.

Despite the bustling atmosphere inside and out, Liu Yuan and his wife were nowhere to be seen.

After the congratulatory voices in the villa quieted down, Chief Zhou smiled and signaled to a subordinate to present a gift to the old master.

It was two exquisite boxes.

When the boxes were opened, one contained a pair of priceless jade pendants.

The other gift box held a finely crafted gold hairpin inlaid with jade.

Everyone looked at each other, unsure of what Chief Zhou's intentions were.

It was known that such gifts were only given between families when proposing marriage.

However, the old master of the Liu family and the brothers Liu Chunnan and Liu Chunbei smiled, seemingly unsurprised by Chief Zhou's actions.

Zhou Hong had served as the chief in Liancheng City for many years, and it was well known that his wife had passed away.

It was said that Zhou Hong had married three times, and each wife mysteriously died within a few years of marriage.

There was a rumor that this high-ranking Chief Zhou had a peculiar hobby.

He enjoyed playing tricks and tormenting women, and his previous wives all committed suicide under the strain.

Although this rumor was unverified, it was likely true.

Everyone speculated whether Chief Zhou had his eyes on the Liu family's daughter.

Sure enough, under the curious gazes of the crowd, Zhou Hong slowly spoke, "Old master, today I, Zhou Hong, present this gift as a betrothal gift, wishing to unite with your granddaughter Liu Yingying in a match made in heaven. I hope for your favor."

As soon as Zhou Hong finished speaking, everyone was astonished, not expecting that Zhou Hong had set his sights on the eldest daughter of the Liu family, Liu Yingying.

It was well known that although Liu Yingying was unmarried, she had a five-year-old daughter.

In past years, the Liu family had become the laughingstock of Liancheng City because of this.

Everyone had assumed that Zhou Hong wanted to marry another young lady of the Liu family, not expecting it to be Liu Yingying.

However, despite having a daughter, Liu Yingying was indeed beautiful, which explained why Chief Zhou was interested in her.

In fact, during a chance encounter at a business meeting, Zhou Hong had been stunned by Liu Yingying's beauty.

Later, he learned that she was a Liu family lady and already had a daughter.

But Zhou Hong didn't care about that; such a beautiful woman could perfectly satisfy his secret peculiarities.

The old master of the Liu family nodded with gratification and said, "Our Liu family agrees to this matter!"

This was something the Liu family had already discussed with Zhou Hong, and now it was just a formality.

As a figure of real power in Liancheng City, if the Liu family could indeed form an alliance through marriage with him.

It would undoubtedly be a strong boost for the Liu family's future development, and the old master agreed to the marriage without hesitation.

This was also why the old master had Liu Yuan bring back Liu Yingying with the Liu family's offerings.

The old master had already decided that Liu Yingying would marry Zhou Hong.

With the old master's decision, Liu Chunnan went up to accept the gifts brought by Zhou Hong.

Zhou Hong also showed a knowing smile.

The surrounding guests offered their congratulations.

"Congratulations to Chief Zhou on finding a good match..."

"Congratulations to the old master on finding a dragon-like son-in-law..."

Everyone sighed inwardly, feeling that this decision by the Liu family would surely elevate them further.

But it was a pity for Liu Yingying, such a beautiful woman, to be ruined by Zhou Hong, likely following in the footsteps of his previous wives.

Liu Chunnan, on the other hand, was overjoyed.

Although his abilities were not outstanding, and the Liu family had been declining under his leadership for years.

He knew how to please the old master, hitting the mark with every decision.

This was something he had orchestrated, and the old master was very satisfied, showing a look of approval.

Marrying Liu Yingying to Chief Zhou was a win-win situation for him.

Not only could he acquire Mengsi Cosmetics Company, but he could also solidify his position as the head of the Liu family.

Importantly, Zhou Hong was a significant figure in Liancheng City, and with his connections, various projects would be easily secured.

As for Liu Yingying's fate, it was not within his consideration.

The Liu family manor was vast, with the front yard bustling and the backyard silent.

The front yard of the Liu family was a modern Western-style villa, while the backyard was a large desolate courtyard.

It was filled with old-fashioned blue-brick houses from decades ago, weathered and full of age.

In one of the rooms, Liu Yingying awoke groggily, and upon taking in her surroundings, her face turned pale.

This place was not unfamiliar to her; having grown up in the Liu family, she naturally knew the terrifying nature of the backyard.

It was considered a forbidden area for the Liu family, and no one came here without reason.

This was where the Liu family detained some clan members and even executed family laws.

Each desolate room here had unknowingly buried countless Liu family souls over the years.

As a child, Liu Yingying once wandered here and witnessed a scene that haunted her for life.

An old man was once detained here, and she saw him strangled to death with a rope by the Liu family's enforcer.

Later, she learned that the old man was the current old master's brother, who had been detained here after failing to compete for the family head position.

He was eventually ordered to be strangled to death.

Since then, she had been filled with fear of the Liu family, losing the warmth she once felt.

"Mama, Koko is scared."

Beside her, Koko looked at the now-awake Liu Yingying and cried out, her innocent face full of terror.