“Huh? Four… maybe fifty-six?” Yan Shengyuan was caught off guard and answered uncertainly.

“Family Head, what time did you arrive?” Yan Yuhuai asked again.

Yan Tianli didn’t understand why Yan Yuhuai was asking this, but he answered, “4:52 p.m.”

“Then Elder Shengyuan arrived later than the Family Head, didn’t he?” Yan Yuhuai said. “By that logic, since the Family Head holds the highest position, shouldn’t everyone arrive earlier than him?”

“…” Yan Shengyuan was led in circles and couldn’t think of a rebuttal.

“There’s no such rule in the Yan family,” Yan Liquan said quickly. She, too, had arrived later than Yan Tianli.

“There’s also no rule that juniors must arrive earlier than elders,” Yan Yuhuai replied.

“That’s different! This is about respect for elders—” Yan Shengyuan hadn’t finished when he was interrupted.

“Elder Shengyuan, let’s end this here. There’s no need to keep harping on it and delay the meeting. We’re here to conduct business,” Yan Yining said. She glanced at Yan Yuhuai and raised an eyebrow. This guy usually acts so obedient in front of the elders and the Family Head. Not bothering to pretend today?

Yan Shengyuan and a few others still wanted to speak, but the Family Head intervened. “Alright. Yining is right. Let’s focus on the matter at hand.”

Yan Shengyuan had no choice but to fall silent.

“Those participating in the Three Great Families’ meeting have been arriving in Changyuan one after another. This time, our family is hosting. Aside from routine matters, the most important topic is the Yan family’s newly developed weapon: the Ignis Rail Cannon,” Yan Tianli began with the first key point of the meeting.

Though it was called ‘newly developed,’ everyone knew that the weapon had actually entered its final stages four years ago. Unfortunately, an accident occurred, forcing them to redo it.

The concept for the weapon was proposed by Yan Yaonan, a member of the Yan family, and it was later produced by the Yan family in collaboration with Artisan-Affinity Users.

Artisans could imbue objects with extraordinary powers. Some artisans could even work with other Ability Users, integrating their powers into items to further enhance their strength.

As a result, Yan Yaonan entered the council of elders and became an elder himself.

“It’s been a long time since the Yan family produced a demigod,” Yan Tianli said. As the only demigod in the family at present, he felt this acutely.

Why did the Three Great Families hold such exalted status? Because they possessed many powerful Ability Users. The Yan family still had many Ability Users, but few truly strong ones, leaving their position increasingly precarious.

“We need to prove the Yan family’s strength, and the Ignis Rail Cannon is that proof,” Yan Tianli said.

Everyone in the conference room looked at him, listening intently. They all understood the importance of this upcoming Three Great Families’ meeting.

“Next, let’s go over the agenda—” As the projection screen behind Yan Tianli lit up and he was about to call someone up, the conference room doors suddenly opened.

Yan Yaonan, a man in his thirties and the mind behind the Blazing Energy Rail Cannon, walked in. It was already 5:10 p.m., but being late wasn’t the real issue.

“The slides are still on the first page. You’re really good at wasting time,” Yan Yaonan said. Seeing no empty seats, he casually pulled over a chair.

At his words, flashes of displeasure crossed many faces, though no one spoke up.

Yan Yining curled her lips into a smile. He’s not wrong. Yan Yuhuai shot him a cold glance before looking away.

“Yaonan, shouldn’t you be discussing matters with government officials right now?” Yan Tianli demanded.

Like the Hayes and Haruwa families, the Yan family effectively held a status on par with the government of the country they resided in. Still, all Three Great Families maintained cooperative relationships with governments—mutually beneficial and respectful.

The new weapon would not only enhance the Yan family’s reputation but also elevate Changyuan’s status. As one of the lead developers of the Ignis Rail Cannon, Yan Yaonan had been sent by the Family Head to discuss the weapon’s release with Changyuan’s government officials.

By all accounts, Yan Yaonan shouldn’t have finished those discussions until at least seven o’clock. Yet here he was, just past five.

“There wasn’t much to talk about. The weapon was made by the Yan family, so we decide. The government’s opinions are just for reference. I already told them what needed to be done,” Yan Yaonan waved his hand dismissively.

Yan Tianli frowned. “So you didn’t really communicate with the government officials at all? You just gave them instructions and left?”

Like a superior assigning tasks to subordinates?

“That’s right. Is there a problem?” Yan Yaonan said.

“There is indeed a problem,” Yan Tianli replied.

Yan Liquan looked puzzled and spoke up. “What’s wrong with that?”

Another member added, “Haven’t we always done it this way before?”

Others chimed in one after another. None of them saw an issue.

Yan Tianli wanted to say more, but seeing the familiar, indifferent expressions around the room, he ultimately refrained from saying anything harsh.

Forget it. Times may be different now, but this habit can be changed later. Later.

“It just comes across as somewhat disrespectful to the government personnel. Be more careful next time. If the government contacts you again for further discussion, you can’t act like this,” Yan Tianli said with a soft sigh.

“Oh, okay,” Yan Yaonan replied. It was unclear whether he had taken it to heart.

Yan Yining let out a silent, mocking smile. Mo Ying, they’re still the same. Disappointing as ever.

Yan Yuhuai rested his chin on his hand, saying nothing.

But from another perspective, they never failed to meet expectations either—did they?