Everyone present was young. Though they usually maintained a serious demeanor, they found Hu Li quite approachable as long as they didn't touch his bottom line. So, upon learning that Hu Li already had someone he loved, they were eager to meet her.

Unexpectedly, they couldn’t meet her just yet, and they felt nothing but regret.

"Then for tomorrow's banquet, would the family head need us to prepare a companion for you?" asked a chubby man around thirty, with an unusually expressionless face.

Everyone was stunned, including Hu Da, who looked as if he had seen a ghost. Hu Li was a very domineering person, and it was surprising to see Hu Lie being so forthright.

Realizing the incredulous looks from the others, the chubby Hu Lie blushed and explained nervously, "I didn't mean anything by it. I just thought it would be more reliable if one of our own prepared the companion…" The others suddenly understood and returned to their original expressions.

Initially, Hu Li was displeased by Hu Lie's interference in his private matters, but after hearing his explanation, his expression softened. However, he wasn't planning to bring a companion to the banquet tomorrow. He would be the main focus, and his leading lady, Huayan, was back inland.

"I don't need a companion for the banquet tomorrow. If there are any questions, ask now; if not, you may leave."

Though surprised by Hu Li's decision, no one dared to object after seeing his expression. The successors then reported matters that needed immediate attention.

Hu Li subsequently reassigned their tasks. For now, their work locations would be in Germany, as Hu Li needed their strong support after taking over, and they needed time to familiarize themselves with the heads of their own families and transfer responsibilities. This would ensure a smooth internal transition within the Hu family.

Being the head of the Hu family was not easy. Without a consistent display of strong deterrence, even if you took the position, you'd soon be defeated, and your life would be at risk.

Though Hu Li appeared calm and composed these past few days, he had developed ulcers inside his mouth, a fact even Hu Da was unaware of. Hu Li didn't want others to detect any emotional fluctuations, lest someone took advantage of it.

The meeting continued until the midnight chimes rang, and then everyone left. Normally cautious and reserved, Hu Lie commanded a certain respect among his peers. Hu Can, the provocative woman, and several others gathered around him, worried about Hu Li’s need for a companion tomorrow.

"Brother Lie, the family head not bringing a companion tomorrow will definitely cause trouble. What should we do?" Hu Can asked, frustrated.

The matter of a companion could be minor or major. If it was before the crisis, they wouldn’t worry about anyone daring to spread rumors about Hu Li because of it. But now, with the family’s morale still recovering, some might seize this chance to permanently bring the Hu family down.

The others also frowned, their faces showing concern.

Hu Lie looked at them and finally broke his silence, suggesting, "We have women here. If you’re around the family head, what can others say?"

"Ah, we have seven or eight women here. Do we all just surround the family head?" Hu Can exclaimed.

She was happy to stand by Hu Li's side, but knowing he already had someone he loved, Hu Can, despite her bold and carefree nature, understood not to harbor greedy or improper thoughts about feelings.

Her rare look of surprise made the group laugh heartily, and even Hu Lie's usually calm eyes showed a hint of amusement.

"Since it's just to avoid leaving the family head's side empty, whether all of you are there or just a few doesn't matter," Hu Lie said.

"Well, if we really do this and the family head gets angry, Brother Lie, you’ll have to shield us," Hu Can replied with a smile. The other women echoed her sentiments, while the men watched the scene unfold with amusement.

Still, if Hu Lie truly faced Hu Li's wrath, they wouldn’t leave him to bear it alone. Loyalty, responsibility, and unity were principles these branch successors had ingrained from day one.

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Three days earlier, back inland, Huayan was playing with Hu Chen in Haibin City, unaware that Hu Li had taken over as the family head. Although Hu Er knew, he kept it secret on Hu Li's orders to avoid worrying her.

"Uncle, ride... ride," Hu Chen said. They had just come out of the aquarium and were heading to the ski resort where Huayan had spent Christmas with Hu Li. Huayan held Hu Chen, while Hu Er, carrying new toys for Hu Chen, protected them.

After taking the calcium supplement Huayan prepared, Hu Chen immediately kicked his legs powerfully and stood up, turning to look at Hu Er, much to Huayan’s worry.

With a stern face, Huayan scolded, "Hu Chen, do you think you're still a little baby of seven or eight pounds? How dare you think about riding!"

"Young Mistress, the little master is still so young. It's fine," Hu Er said, quickly defending Hu Chen, who had him wrapped around his finger with those sparkling eyes.

"Hu Chen, tell me yourself, do you want to play horsey?" Huayan smiled like a big bad wolf. Hu Chen's little eyes twinkled, and he immediately patted his chest and said in his babyish voice, "Chen Chen is a good boy who loves mommy and won't play horsey."

"You little charmer, I wonder how many girls you'll enchant when you grow up," Huayan laughed, kissing Hu Chen on his chubby cheek.

Hu Chen didn't understand what she meant and, puzzled for a moment, hugged Huayan's neck and curiously looked at the bells hanging in the shop entrances, the people dressed in various styles, and the cars passing by.

"Young Mistress, the young master is really smart. It's rare for a child this young to speak so clearly," said Hu Er.

"Aren't other children like this?"

In her past life, she had entered the orphanage at seven or eight years old. The headmaster usually didn't let children her age interact with younger ones, fearing they might hurt the fragile babies. When she grew up, she worked several jobs at once, too busy to care about such things.

She had never personally confirmed what young children were supposed to be like, so she didn't find it surprising that Hu Chen could talk and run.

"No. The young master is more like a three- or four-year-old."

After careful consideration, Huayan thought it might be related to her absorption of jade essence. Ever since she absorbed it, she had felt extremely comfortable both physically and mentally, and she hadn't been sick for a long time.

"Maybe he inherited Hu Li's abnormality."

"Abnormality..." Suddenly, Hu Chen's clear voice chimed in, his bright eyes fixed on Huayan, waiting for an explanation. This was a problem left by Huayan's habit of using adult language when talking to Hu Chen.

Occasionally, when Hu Chen asked such questions, she would explain seriously. But now, with a sullen face, Huayan was not ready to explain. Unreasonably, she said, "I order you to forget this word immediately." A few seconds later, she asked, "Have you forgotten it?"

Though he didn't understand the situation, Hu Chen obediently replied like a little kitten, "Forgotten."

This scene made Hu Er laugh out loud. He remarked, "Young Mistress, your interaction with the young master is really unique. And the young master is so obedient to you."

Just now, at the aquarium, when Huayan left Hu Chen for a while, he had turned a cold face and sent away the little girl who had tried to talk to him.

He had only said a few words, but they had made the girl cry: "You're ugly, go away."

Hu Er was right. As he grew older, Hu Chen dared to confront Hu Li, but he always obeyed Huayan unconditionally, no matter what. Fortunately, Huayan was not a capricious or unreasonable mother, so she never made Hu Chen do anything inappropriate.

No matter the time, Hu Chen was always a dutiful child to Huayan. Whenever Hu Li was too busy to accompany Huayan on shopping or outings, Hu Chen would eagerly volunteer, tirelessly following Huayan from one shop to another.

"I've just gotten used to it. I always feel like he understands everything I say, so I forget he's still a little child," Huayan said, then asked about Hu Li's reaction to receiving Hu Chen's photos.

"I heard from Hu Da that the master cherishes those photos very much. He personally turned them into paintings and keeps them safe. Whenever he has time, he takes a look. But don't worry, Young Mistress, Hu Da said the master deleted the photos and stored the paintings in a very secure place."

"Will Hu Li be able to come back for the New Year?" Hearing this, Huayan felt both happy and sad. A family that should be together couldn't be united. Even keeping her son's photos required such caution.

"The master should be able to come back soon to see you and the young master," Hu Er said, though he could only say so much. He vaguely sensed that his master's patience was running thin and that he might return sooner rather than later.

At that time, the Young Mistress and the young master might have to go to Germany with the master.

"I hope so, otherwise I really worry he'll miss too much of Hu Chen's growth."

Just as Huayan brought a contented Hu Chen back to their rest base, Hu Li's first banquet as the family head began.

In a private castle estate in Italy, under the moonlight, Ivan and Barlow were also discussing the banquet.

“I didn’t expect that our future master would invite people from the Ke family and the Cai family,” Ivan said, his tone revealing a bit of admiration.

“Didn't they ask for your opinion? How did you respond?” Barlow, holding a glass of red liquid, comfortably bathed in the moonlight. He had long predicted Hu Li's actions, so he wasn't surprised now.

Ivan’s animal-like eyes gleamed, and he smiled, “With the master being so tactful, how could I undermine him?” A hint of mischief flashed across his face.

He had no interest in playing with the lowly Ke and Cai families, but it was a good opportunity for the future master to practice.