"Of course, it's nothing. I'm thinking about future development. As you know, our family's business has been limited to the Balak Kingdom and hasn't been able to expand. Do you know why that is?" Yuan Changqing raised the issue.
Catherine thought for a moment and replied, "You don't need to tell me, I think I can answer this one. The main reason is that our business hasn't been around for long—only about seven years in total. We also started out quite weak, so development wasn't easy."
"In recent years, our family has grown gradually, especially after a few Soul Saints emerged. Am I right?"
Yuan Changqing nodded. "Yes, exactly. That's why our business is mainly rooted in the Balak Kingdom. There's also the issue of manpower, which has become a bottleneck for further growth."
"Now that you're already at the Contra level, if we don't provoke any major powers or Titled Douluo, there's no one we need to fear."
Hearing this, Catherine looked proud and smiled happily.
She said, "Then what do you plan to say to my father and the others?"
Yuan Changqing replied, "I'm thinking about establishing a business alliance. As you know, while we do have some business in Tiandou City, it's mostly through cooperation with your parents' family. If both our families want to truly grow, we need to work even more closely together."
"Also, since we now have good relations with Dugu Bo's family, what do you think about bringing them into the alliance as well?"
Catherine said, "I'm not entirely sure—you should discuss that with my parents. But I do think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Now that Dugu Bo is a Titled Douluo, if we face any trouble in the future, he would be a powerful trump card, wouldn't he?"
Yuan Changqing nodded. "Exactly. So, how about we visit your family together and ask what they think?"
"Sure, you decide the time."
"Alright, I'll first talk to Grandpa and the others. I'll invite him over, and I'll also speak to the old Poison Douluo. Once we're all together, we can discuss it properly."
…
Half a month later, Yuan Changqing's grandfather, Yuan Tao, and his uncle, Ye Xiaofan, arrived at his home in Tiandou City. After receiving his urgent letter, they had rushed over without delay.
Grandpa said, "Changqing, your letter gave us a general idea, but you weren't very clear. Why exactly did you call us here?"
Yuan Changqing then explained the situation. "Grandpa, Uncle, as you both know, the family business has hit a development bottleneck. That's the main reason I called you here."
His uncle was the most experienced in business. Yuan Changqing's younger sister-in-law was currently in charge of operations in the Balak Kingdom, while his father, Yuan Fei, and uncle handled the logistics.
His uncle said, "What Changqing said is true. Our business in the Balak Kingdom has now entered a stable phase."
Yuan Changqing added, "Yes, and the Balak Kingdom is too small to support our continued development. As the family grows, we need more resources for talent cultivation, and a shortage of manpower is making expansion difficult."
Grandpa asked, "So, have you come up with any solution?"
Yuan Changqing nodded. "Yes, I have an idea—that's why I asked you here."
"Alright," Grandpa said. "Tell us, and your uncle and I will listen."
"Well, we've already been cooperating with Catherine's family in some businesses here in Tiandou City. I think we can deepen that cooperation and grow together. That way, we can ease the manpower issue and strengthen both families."
Looking at his uncle, Yuan Changqing continued, "Uncle, you also know Dugu Bo. I've built a good relationship with his family. My idea is to invite the Dugu family to join us and form a three-family business alliance."
Grandpa thought for a moment, then said, "That's not a bad idea. I've heard of Dugu Bo—your uncle mentioned he's a Poison Douluo. But will his family agree?"
Yuan Changqing replied, "I'll ask them first. If they're open to it, we can then sit down together and formally discuss the alliance."
"Alright," Grandpa agreed. "Then talk to Poison Douluo first. We'll discuss the rest afterward."
"Okay, Grandpa. I'll visit him tomorrow. In the meantime, you and Uncle can stay in Tiandou City for a few days and have a look around."
…
The next day, Yuan Changqing visited Dugu Bo's house alone. When he arrived, only Dugu Xin and his wife were home.
"Brother Dugu, why isn't your father here?" Yuan Changqing asked.
Dugu Xin sighed, "He went to register his title at the Spirit Hall."
"Oh, so the old Poison Douluo actually went. You didn't try to stop him?"
Dugu Xin looked helpless. "Of course we did—Feiyan and I both tried, but he wouldn't listen."
For a moment, the atmosphere turned quiet. Sensing the mood, Hua Feiyan smiled and said, "Dr. Yuan, why did you come alone today? Why didn't Catherine and Yuyan come along?"
Yuan Changqing quickly replied, "They're busy at the clinic. If you're free, you should invite them out."
"Sure, I'll make plans with them. Us sisters still enjoy going out shopping together."
"It's good to get out more instead of staying cooped up in the clinic all day."
"Agreed. Alright, you two go ahead and talk. I've got some things to do."
Sensing that Yuan Changqing likely had serious matters to discuss, Hua Feiyan excused herself.
Once she left, Dugu Xin said, "Brother Yuan, what brings you here today?"
"Haha, Brother Dugu, you know I wouldn't come without a reason. I wanted to talk with both you and your father, but I didn't expect him to be away."
"It's fine," Dugu Xin said. "You can talk to me. My father rarely handles family matters now—Feiyan and I are in charge."
"That's perfect then. I came today specifically to discuss a proposal with your family."
Dugu Xin handed Yuan Changqing a cup of tea and said, "Please, have some tea. We can talk while we drink."
Taking a sip, Yuan Changqing sighed, "Brother Dugu, you really know how to enjoy life."
"Haha, you're joking. Aren't you enjoying it too? With two beautiful women at home, life must be pretty sweet."
"Hehe, Brother Dugu, sounds like you're a little jealous. Maybe I'll tell your wife that."
Dugu Xin quickly begged for mercy. "Brother Yuan, please don't! Let's stick to business, okay?"
They both burst into laughter.