Chapter 206 A Few Things
The atmosphere was tense.
Dong Yin’s anger flared when her father was ignored by Ye Ci. She has been trying to get into contact with Ye Ci, hoping that she would help Thousand Sunsets out. Even if Ye Ci was not willing to lend her strength to Thousand Sunsets, she should help Dong Yin out because of their years of friendship. She has persuaded her father to invest more than half of their wealth into the game. Even if Unbridled Willow was not a threat, she still hoped that Thousand Sunsets could secure a spot in the First Five. This will bring a huge amount of profit to her family, and could preserve her relationship with Thousand Sunsets.
However, ever since their last gathering, Ye Ci has been ignoring her. All her messages and mails were rejected. She has even tried to get Liu Chang’s help to get into contact with Ye Ci, but her request was always denied by Liu Chang. At this point, it was it was as if Dong Yin was begging for their help.
Then again, even if she was indeed begging for their help, shouldn’t they give her face after she has begged for so long?
Dong Yin was annoyed. She was from a wealthy family, and was raised like a princess. She has never faced such a rejection in her life. Her father would even pluck down the stars from heaven if she asked for them. Ye Ci, on the other had, had coldly rejected her request. She felt humiliated and was angry at the same time. Thousand Sunsets had also hinted that if she was unable to settle things with Ye Ci, it would badly affect their relationship. It was a very desperate moment for Dong Yin.
A human would do almost anything out of desperation, even if it was something that was very out of character.
Dong Yin was the perfect example. With her request rejected by Ye Ci and her father completely ignored by her as well, the tiny volcano within her heart erupted, “Ye Ci, my dad is talking to you! How could you be so rude? Just what the hell do you think you’re doing? Haven’t your parents taught you some basic manners?”
Ye Nantian and Zuo Xiaolan were angered by Dong Yin’s statement, “Dong Yin, it’s not your place to question Ye Ci’s manners. Auntie knows that you’re young, so auntie will let it slide, but please don’t do that again. What will outsiders think about you if you behaved like that?”
Unlike Yi Cang, Dong Yin had a better control of her anger. She was interrupted by her mother before she could talk back, who glared at her, “Is it your turn to speak? Eat your food!” Dong Yin’s mother then smiled at Zuo Xiaolan, “Little Lan, I hope you don’t mind, I’ve been pampering Yin Yin too much. She’s always been like that, “ she then smiled at Ye Ci, “Little Ci, please don’t mind Yin Yin, she’s just a little pampered, please just give in to her a little.”
“Give in?” Liu Chang’s mother snorted, “It’s as if your daughter was the pearl in your palm but ours are weeds at the side of the road!”
Liu Chang’s mother shed all pretences of cordiality. She was no longer gentle with her words.
The face of Dong Yin’s mother immediately distorted into a mask of anger. She would have exploded in a fit of rage had it not been for the presence of her husband, who immediately attempted to defuse the tension, “What are you people doing? I’m talking to Little Ci, stop butting in.” and he smiled at Ye Ci, “Little Ci, do you think you can do it when you get back home later? There’s no time better than the present. Why don’t you settle this as soon as possible when you get home?”
Ye Ci raised her head and stared silently at Dong Yin’s father. The man has grown plump due to his recent success in his business exploits. There was not a single wrinkle on his face. Ye Ci could feel the calculative intention hidden behind his wide grin. She could not help but shudder. Wealth is such a terrible thing. Dong Yin’s father was not like this when she was younger. Since when had he changed so much?
Tan Polang who had previously remained silent could no longer hold himself back, he lifted his head and spoke to Dong Yin’s father with sarcasm clear in his tone, “Hah! There’s no better time than the present? Since when has my sister promised to help you out?”
The already tension filled atmosphere became even more tense. It was as if the air itself was frozen.
The expression on Dong Yin’s father’s face darkened, “You little brat! Since when is it your turn to speak? Little Ci has already promised to help! She-” he sneered coldly at Tan Polang.
“I didn’t even say anything just now. Uncle was the one who has been talking. I don’t even have the chance to speak up.” Ye Ci finally spoke up, cutting Dong Yin’s father off.
Dong Yin’s father’s expression darkened even further. He gazed intently at Ye Ci. It was the gaze of a viper, ready strike at any moment. However, Ye Ci was unfazed. She was used to situations like this. If she showed fear, if she backed down, she would not be Ye Ci.
Ye Ci met his gaze without fear. This slightly intimidated Dong Yin’s father. That was not the gaze of a 19 year old girl. There was not a sign of the naivety that should be possessed by a youth. He could feel how cunning and how calculative Ye Ci was just by looking into her eyes. If he had no prior knowledge that Ye Ci was 19 years old year, Dong Yin’s father would have thought of Ye Ci to be a grown woman. Somebody with that gaze should be at least 30 years old.
The valiant shall emerge victorious when rivals meet, and speed is of the essence when two armies clashed.
Ye Ci was the one who emerged victorious in her staring match against Dong Yin’s father. It was not because of Ye Ci’s capabilities, and it did not mean that Dong Yin’s father was inferior to a silly little girl. He lost because of his greed and desire.
A person filled with his or her selfish desires would always be at a disadvantage when the person took on somebody without selfish desires. This was probably what the saying “the righteous will stand firm”.
Dong Yin’s father pulled out a cheque book and wrote down a few numbers on the cheque. He then placed it on the the Lazy Susan and spun the cheque towards Ye Ci, “Little Ci, as long as you’re willing the to help, you can have this cheque.”
“Old Dong, what are you doing?” Ye Nantian’s face soured as soon as he saw the cheque, “Don’t involve money into our friendship! What do you think we are?”
“Dad, mom, don’t worry.” Ye Ci cut her father off. Ye Nantian was surprised by how calm his daughter was. His daughter had matured without him noticing! She could even stand her ground now.
Ye Nantian shared a look with Zuo Xiaolan and sighed. There was nothing else he could say.
Ye Ci stared silently the numbers written on the cheque: 200,000
It was a huge sum of money for a poor family. Although such amount was like pocket change to Dong Yin’s family, but in their perspective, this money was something that meant a world to a poor family like Ye Ci’s.
Bai Mo who was sitting beside Ye Ci stole a glance at the cheque and broke out in laughter. 200,000 was the basic monthly salary of their guild officers. The sponsored dungeon clearing team could earn this amount easily in the span of two days.
Tan Polang had to inch closer as he was further away. He laughed as well when he say the figure written on the cheque, “Ah thought it was a huge sum, but it’s only 200,000…”
Those words were like a slap to Dong Yin’s father’s face. The room became deathly silent as each and every one of the waited for a response from Ye Ci. Just then, Bai Mo’s tablet computer beeped, and he immediately set his chopsticks down to check the message on his tablet. He then handed it over to Ye Ci.
Ye Ci’s mood lightened when she saw the smile on Bai Mo’s face. There would definitely be good news. When Ye Ci took the tablet from Bai Mo, she could see the message displayed on its screen: The position of Castle Ruins First Five in the Eastern Continent has been finalized.
The names of the five guilds could be found in the article below. Other than Upwards Ho! which had achieved First Clear, Wolf Pack, Tang Dynasty, Blade of Destiny and Steel-Blooded Battle Spear were also listed. Steel-Blooded Battle Spear was the only guild that piqued her interest among the four other guilds. Who was the one who has managed to secure in the First Five?
Was it Unbridled Willow? Or could it be Thousand Sunsets?
Although Ye Ci was more biased against Thousand Sunsets, she knew that nothing was certain in this world. If Unbridled Willow was the one who lost, Ye Ci would definitely cough up blood.
Fortunately for Ye Ci, the heavens was smiling down upon her. She was relieved to see the names of Unbridled Willow and Zero Arsenic in the team roster.
She handed the tablet back to Bai Mo, and returned the cheque to Dong Yin’s father with a smile, “Uncle Dong, I think you have too little confidence in the team that you’ve invested in. Upwards Ho! secured its First Clear through sheer dumb luck. Surely you know that our foundation is not as firm as a guild as large as Steel-Blooded Battle Spear. Truth to be told, I would need the permission of the guild leader before I could help you out. After all, I am the Vice Leader of Upwards Ho!. What will my members think of me if I help Steel-Blooded Battle Spear out in their dungeon clearing? Surely you know that there are regulations in every guild. It’s not that I don’t want to help, but I have my own difficulties. I was thinking if I should ask my Guild Leader to grant me permission to help Steel-Blooded Battle Spear out. But…”
With that, Ye Ci’s smile broadened. Dong Yin’s father immediately followed up with a question, “But what?”
“But… An official announcement had just been released. Steel-Blooded Battle Spear has managed to secure a spot in Castle Ruins First Five after all! There’s not even a need for me to help them out,” Ye Ci shrugged, “Uncle Dong is such a smart investor. You’ve invested on the black horse of the Eastern Continent. I’m sure you’ll be able to earn a lot out of that!”
“Steel-Blooded Battle Spear has secured a spot in the First Five?” the question came out of the mouths of Dong Yin’s and Yi Cang’s famiy members in perfect synchronization.
“Of course, I saw it just now.” Ye Ci extended her arm towards Bai Mo, motioning for his tablet computer.
Before Bai Mo could turn on the screen of his tablet, Yi Cang had already pulled out his own device, “There’s no need. I can do it on my own.”
Yi Cang, and the rest of his and Dong Yin’s family membered shared the same grave expression on their faces. It was a view that Ye Ci enjoyed.
The rest of the attendees, with the exception of Ye Ci and Bai Mo, had no knowledge of the power struggle between Thousand Sunsets and Unbridled Willow. They were baffled by the sour expressions of Dong Yin’s and Yi Cang’s family. “What’s with their looks? Haven’t your daughter told them that the Steel-Blooded Battle Spear thing has secured First Five?”
Ye Nantian was baffled as well, “How would I know? I’ve never played that game at all, not to mention investing in that game. We know nothing about that game.”
Just then, Yi Cang’s mother let out a loud wail, “Oh my God! What did I tell you?”
Before she could continue, Yi Cang’s father gave her a nudge, and she snapped out of it.. She bit her lip tightly, and her face was pale as snow.
Ye Ci smiled when she noticed the darkened expressions of Dong Yin’s and Yi Cang’s family, “Am I right? Steel-Blooded Battle Spear has secured First Five.”
“Yes, yes.” Dong Yin’s father’s had a dark look on his face, and perspirations formed on his forehead. He was extremely anxious, and his anxiety was mirrored by the members of his family.
Ye Ci acted as if she was oblivious to the scene unfolding in front of her. She motioned for the waiter on duty to pour everybody some wine. She lifted her glass, and proposed a toast to Dong Yin’s father, “Allow me to congratulate you, Uncle Dong. It seems that your investment in Steel-Blooded Battle Spear turns out to be a smashing success!”
Dong Yin’s father fumbled with his glass absentmindedly, “Yes, yes.” sweat was dripping down from his forehead.
“Then, Uncle Dong, since Steel-Blooded Battle Spear has secured a spot in the First Five, you no longer require my help, am I right?” Ye Ci blinked innocently.
“There’s no need.” the face of Dong Yin’s father grew even paler. He raised his glass, and gulped down its content. It was as if he has grown older all of a sudden, “There’s no need.”
“Hurry, eat up. The dishes will not be tasty when they grow cold.” Ye Ci nodded, and stole a glance at Dong Yin and Yi Cang. The former slumped lifelessly on her chair, as if she had become a soulless doll, while the latter’s face was a sheet of white. The obnoxious, arrogant aura of a spoiled young master around Yi Cang had already disappeared.
Ye Ci then smiled at her parents and the parents of Liu Chang, “Dad, mom, uncle, auntie, help yourselves with the food. We can order more if it’s not enough.”
The four of them were confused. They did not have a single clue about what had just transpired. In a situation like this, they opted to just digging into their food silently.
Dong Yin’s father let out a long sigh. Forcing a smile, he bade farewell to the two couples that were still confused, “Old Ye, Old Liu, I’ve just remembered that there’s something I have to tend to. I’ll take my leave.”
“Why don’t you leave after we’ve finished the meal?”
“It’s alright. There’s really something that I need to attend to.” Dong Yin’s father stood up and headed for the door. Ye Ci noticed that his previously confident strides were gone, replaced by wobbly steps. He might even have fallen over if Dong Yin’s mother did not support him.
Yi Cang’s family took their leave as well, shortly after Dong Yin’s family left the room.
Only Ye Ci’s and Liu Chang’s families were left in the once-bustling room.
The adults of both families were confused, “What’s with them?”
Ye Ci shrugged, showing a confused look, “How would I know?”
Liu Chang even requested the waiter on duty to open the windows to let in some fresh air.
Bai Mo chuckled and offered an explanation to the adults, “I guess they really have something to do. You know, people like us will never understand what’s going on in the minds of those rich people.”
“You’ve got a point.” the adults believed Bai Mo explanation. They cast their worries aside and began enjoying the food heartily.
Ye Nantian, Zuo Xiaolan and Liu Chang’s parents were close friends, but they were not as close with the parents of Dong Yin and Yi Cang. They kept their distance after the families and Dong Yin and Yi Cang became wealthy to avoid rumors that they’re trying to curry favors from people of higher status. Because of that fact, Ye Ci’s family had always had a closer relationship with Liu Chang’s family.
With the recent conflict between Liu Chang’s and Yi Cang’s family, there had always been a slight tension in the atmosphere. Everything was so beautiful after the two families left.
Ye Ci narrowed her eyes, enjoying the peace and tranquility.
The remaining two families said their goodbyes after the meal. Ye Nantian and ZuoXiaolan drove to the restaurant, fully intending to drive the three youngsters home after the banquet. However, they left when Ye Ci and Bai Mo claimed that they were going to a bookstore nearby. Tan Polang’s request to tag along was denied as he had a lot of unfinished homework and an upcoming exam.
Ye Ci and Bai Mo could see Tan Polang’s dejected expression even as Ye Nantian drove away, “Don’t you pity Polang?”
“If he did badly in his exam, I can guarantee that he’ll be in a worse position.” Ye Ci showed no pity towards Tan Polang. After all, she knew her parents well. Tan Polang would be in a world of suffering if he did not rank among the top 20 in his grade during the exam.
Bai Mo nodded with a knowing look, his pity towards Tan Polang dispersed immediately, “You’re right. A student must place studying as his priority.”
Ye Ci narrowed her eyes as she reminisced about Tan Polang’s dejected expression. Bai Mo’s words were like music to the ears. Wahahaha!
“Why did you ask me to bring my tablet along just now? Don’t tell me… You’ve predicted that this would happen?”
“Do you seriously think that I’m a goddess or something?” Ye Ci snorted, “I didn’t even know that we’ll be eating with them!”
“Then why did you make me bring my tablet along?”
“I went online before going to sleep yesterday, and received a private message from Unbridled Willow. He told me that they’re going to challenge the fifth BOSS, and will not log out of the game until they succeed. I did not know if they would succeed back then, but when there was no official report about the Castle Ruins First Five when I woke up this morning, and guessed that they were still trying to defeat the BOSS. That was why I told you to bring your tablet along just in case. I wanted to know if something happens. Who knows I’ll be so lucky.”
“If they had not defeated the BOSS just now, how would you have responded to Dong Yin’s father?”
“Of course I would decline his offer. Then again, I was thinking of a good way to decline, but thank God I don’t have to!” Ye Ci narrowed her eyes. She had a sudden feeling that the Goddess of Fate was by her side the moment she reincarnated.
“Such dogshit luck you have.”
Ye Ci paid no mind to Bai Mo’s comment, and let out a laugh, “So what if I have dogshit luck? How many of us have the chance of stepping on dog poo in the middle of the street?”
Ye Ci’s summer holiday started officially at that night. However, a few things happened to her before she could enjoy her holiday. The Fate officials had finally announced the name of the player who defeated Werebeast Shaman Buru. Although Ye Ci was able to make quite some money out of the bet, but as a result, she had to live through the painful experienced of being teased in the World Channel.
This was how it unfolded:
Ye Ci logged into the game after the banquet, and appeared in Red Lake City. A message immediately appeared in the World Channel, “I’ve spotted Gongzi You in Red Lake City at the coordinates 729: 163: 454”
Before she could even react, Ye Ci was surrounded by a huge crowd. Each and every one of them stared at Ye Ci, and she stared back at them as well. Oh how awkward the situation was for Ye Ci, and how embarrassed she was.
The incident has not even reached its boiling point yet.
Just as Ye Ci was surrounded at all sides with people taking photos of her and even people trying to hit on her, a message from a certain despicable someone appeared in the World Channel.
[World] (Genesis) Fleeting Time: Aiya, Little Gongzi, why did you not tell me when you went on such a dangerous adventure? I could’ve been your escort!
The messaged caused an uproar in the World Channel, the Eastern and Western Continent, and ‘Upwards Ho!’ as well. Ye Ci was speechless. The crowd that surrounded her grew in numbers, while a lot of players began their gossipping.
If Gongzi You and Fleeting Time who were from opposing continents got married, how would the wedding ceremony be conducted?
Of course, Ye Ci did not even have to pay attention to anything other than the ‘Upwards Ho!’ guild channel to know how trigger happy players could be. There was already a heated discussion going on in the Guild Channel.
“Old Mo, do you think that I can be the best man if they got married?” Let Go Of That Girl was so happy that he almost broke into tears”
“You? A best man? With that height?” he was immediately ridiculed by Ideal Height 1.7m.
“What? Do you think you’ll get to be the bridesmaid? People can’t even see you when you stand beside an Elf!” Let Go Of That Girl immediately retorted in the defence of the dignity of the Dwarven race.
“Aiya, I’ll definitely be the bridesmaid!” exclaimed Fruit Jelly, “I got Lemon to make me a new dress and have never gotten the chance to wear it. Here comes the opportunity!”
“Hmm.. I think I’ll get somebody to forge me a new set of armor as well so that I’ll be even more handsome. After all, I’ll be the one who is going to lead her into the church.” Bai Mo’s imagination was already running wild.
Of course, that was not the only thing discussed. Purity Essence immediately took the chance to clear his name, “See? See? I told you there’s nothing going on between me and Gongzi! Do you believe me now?”
“Yeah, I think we’ve been wrong about you.”
Ye Ci could no longer hold in her anger, “I see that all of you are very free! Alright then! I’ll be taking 10% off of the earnings from the sponsored dungeon clearing for 2 months straight!”
“Aiya! The bride is gathering money for her dowry! Take my money please!” Icy Cold Little Hands gave her support to Ye Ci, “It’s alright! If you have a lot of dowry, you won’t be bullied by your husband’s family.”
“Yup, yup… Take our money!” Little Icy Cold Hands showed his support to his wife.
“Don’t you worry, the guild will give you a huge sum of dowry when you get married.” Timely Rain who was the guild’s treasurer spoke up as well.
Ye Ci was confounded by the content of the Guild Channel. She was utterly speechless. She then made the decision to ignore the conversation entirely.
She then made a reply in the World Channel.
[World] (Upwards Ho!) Gongzi You: Fleeting Time, you asshole! I’ll kill you until you have 0 level left!
She immediately received a reply from Fleeting Time.
[World] (Genesis) Fleeting Time: My deepest apologies. It’ll be an honor to die by your hands.
The turmoil in the World Channel immediately reached a new height. Literally every female player who was following the gossip squealed at the response.
Ye Ci was hit by a sudden realization. She was no match for Fleeting Time when it came to trash talking. Staying silent was her best option.
At the same time, Absalom was staring dumbfoundedly at Fleeting Time, who was sitting on the ground, laughing uncontrollably, “Oi, are you done? We’re still trying to clear a dungeon here…” his mouth twitched.
“Right, right.” Fleeting TIme nodded. However, he did not show any intention of getting up from the ground, and his laughter continued.
The guild members stared silently at Fleeting Time. They were confused by his sudden outburst of laughter.
“Say, it it really THAT funny? She’s calling you an asshole!” Absalom could not understand why Fleeting could allow Gongzi You to throw insults after insults at him without getting angry. The anger that he should have shown was replaced by glee.
“Ai, you’ll never understand how it feels like to get scolded by that person. I’m sure the look on her face will be very interesting.” Fleeting Time narrowed his eyes as he imagined how Ye Ci’s expression would be. He then broke into yet another laughter.
There were two things in the guild member’s mind at that moment:
1. There was something going on between Fleeting Time and Gongzi You.
2. A normal player will never understand the twisted sense of humor of a God-tier player.
Yup, that was the first thing that happened to Ye Ci.
As for the following events… Ye Nantian and Zuo Xiaolan finally decided to start playing Fate. They were intrigued by the words of Dong Yin’s and Yi Cang’s parents about the wonders of Fate, and made the the decision to try it out themselves.
When they were having tea break one afternoon, Zuo Xiaolan and Ye Nantian finally found their courage to voice out their desire to play Fate. However, they were still slightly embarrassed by that matter.
“Little Ci, do you think it’s inappropriate for your father and I to play the game?” Zuo Xiaolan was slightly worried. After all, she was a 50 year old woman. For her to play a video game… She had never played one, even in her youth.
“Auntie, uncle, you think too much. There is a lot of players who are way older than you, but they still enjoy the game.” said Bai Mo as he took a sip of the green bean soup.
Tan Polang spoke up as well, “The father of our principal was 80 years old, but nobody thought badly of him when he started playing the game. What are you afraid of?”
Noting that it was a rare chance for her parents to even think of playing the game, Ye Ci began counseling them with a smile on her face, “It’s nothing. Don’t think too much about it. If the both of you don’t like farming and fighting against monsters, you can be Life Players! Didn’t you two want to be a tailor and a chef?”
“We’ve never been able to reach an agreement until now. We’ve decided that I’ll be the tailor while you’re father will be the chef.” Zuo Xiaolan let out an embarrassed laugh, “We wanted to try the game out when we heard that we could earn money by playing the game from the parents of Yi Cang and Dong Yin.”
“As long as you enjoy it, it’s fine.” Ye Ci nodded. She then talked to Bai Mo about buying gaming cabins for her parents. This caused much sorrow to Tan Polang. As a student with an impending exam, he was not allowed to log into the game.
Ye Ci dug out the contract for the storefront that she previously bought in Red Lake City. She would hand them to her parents once they logged into the game. It did not matter if they were unable to earn money out of it. She wanted her parents to be happy, and hoped that her parents could understand what she was doing. That alone was enough for her.
As a reincarnator, she did not want to exclude her parents from her life. She wanted to be just like any other daughter out there. She wanted to make her parents happy, and this was the perfect chance.
There was one more interesting thing that happened to Ye Ci.
Truth to be told, it had nothing to do with Ye Ci, but she was still shocked when she received the news.
Green Hill’s Moon sat on a chair, carefully slicing the a piece of roasted ostrich meat. He put a slice into his mouth, and savored the taste. He then took a sip of wine before letting out a sigh, “Hai… You have such a high status in Red Lake City. How will I be able to achieve a status like this in my home city? I’m willing to die for it!”
Ye Ci purse her lips, and began slowly eating the dishes laid out in front of her, “Why did you want to meet me out of the blue? Was it just so that I can treat you to a meal? Green Hill’s Moon, this is not how you should be spending your time.”
“Oi, don’t be like that. Gongzi, you know me.I might be wasting my time if it’s somebody else, but if it’s you… I’m sure it’s worth it.” there was a glint in Green Hill’s Moon’s eyes.
“That’s because you’re looking at me as a source of your income. Of course it’s worth it!”
“Aiya, can you not be so straightforward? I’m embarrassed.” of course, despite his words, Green Hill’s Moon was not embarrassed at all.
“So, what is it?”
“I’m always one to finish what I started. I’m here to tell you about how that thing you wanted me to investigated ended.”
Ye Ci narrowed her eyes, “What thing?”
“That thing about Unbridled Willow of course!” Green Hill’s Moon chuckled, “Aren’t you curious about how the power struggle between Unbridled Willow and Thousand Sunsets ended?”
“How it ended? There can only be one victor. Since Unbridled Willow was the one who secured a spot in the Castle Ruins First Five, Thousand Sunsets would definitely be in deep shit.” Ye Ci laughed. Such things were well within her prediction.
“Do you think I’ll ask you out if things are that simple?”
“Oh?” Ye Ci was momentarily stunned. Have things taken a different turn?
“Although Thousand Sunsets was no longer favored by the Old Master, he was still someone who was groomed by him for many years. His foundation within the family is very firm, there’s no way something as trivial as this is able to complete destroy his standing. The Old Master has decided to split Steel-Blooded Battle Spear into two, and handed each half to Unbridled Willow and Thousand Sunsets.”
Ye Ci pursed her lips and said with a voice full of sarcasm, “So you’re telling me that Thousand Sunsets got something good out of his blunder?”
“That would be impossible. The First Five decided the flow of a huge amount of money. Members of the family were betting on the outcome of this conflict. Thousand Sunsets’ defeat cost him a fortune. He was badly hurt. On the other hand, despite his victory and the huge amount of funds he managed to secure, Unbridled Willow did not have much of a foothold within the family. He won the battle, but the war is far from over.”