The Feng family suddenly proposed a collaboration with the Qin family’s company, offering very favorable terms which baffled Qin Lin. Nobody would complain about having too much money—missing a chance to make money was akin to foolishness. Yet, the olive branch extended by the Feng family made Qin Lin uneasy. If the Fengs weren’t known for their integrity, he might even suspect they were setting a trap with such generous partnership terms.
After making some inquiries, Qin Lin learned that this matter was connected to Feng Qi, the third master of the Feng family. He immediately sought out Feng Qi’s assistant for more details, only to be told how fortunate he was to have such a good son, which further confused him.
Back at home, Qin Lin found dinner ready. With the whole family gathered, Qin Lin used the mealtime to try to understand the situation.
Before Qin Zheng could speak, his mother interjected, “Could it be that Third Master Feng has taken a special liking to our Zheng’er?”
Qin Lin shook his head, “Although Zheng’er is indeed outstanding among his peers, he has always focused on his studies and never involved himself in company affairs. His academic achievements alone are hardly enough to impress someone of Third Master Feng’s caliber.”
Qin Zheng was silent for a few seconds and suddenly asked: “Dad, do you want to cooperate with the Feng family?”
Qin Lin replied honestly, “Only a fool would not want! But the terms offered by the Feng family are so generous they’re almost charitable. Without understanding the reason behind it, I wouldn’t feel at ease making money from this deal.”
His wife quickly said, “What’s there to be worried about? The Feng family is so wealthy that this little profit is nothing but a drop in the ocean for them.”
Ignoring his wife’s comment, Qin Lin looked hopefully at Qin Zheng, “You first tell us, why are the Fengs suddenly so friendly?”
After a few seconds of silence, Qin Zheng finally spoke, “If you really want to collaborate with the Feng family, you could talk to them again. There’s no need for them to give us special concessions, just proceed with the usual business terms.”
Hearing this, Qin Lin immediately looked appreciative, “That’s a good point, I was thinking the same.”
Qin Zheng’s mother didn’t quite understand her husband and son’s concerns. Since she typically stayed out of business matters, she chose to remain silent.
“Our family’s previous verbal marriage agreement with the Jiang family was an open secret in the circle,” Qin Lin looked at Qin Zheng and sighed. “Although your engagement with Jiang Ruo eventually fell through, we were also affected when the Feng family started attacking Jiang Huai’s company. But now, with the Feng family proposing a collaboration with us, it sends a signal. Even if we don’t make a profit this time, it can turn the situation around. Our family is sure to rise to a higher level if we can really keep up a partnership with the Feng family.”
As his father suddenly brought up the past, Qin Zheng could only remain silent, especially because he could understand his father’s concern and analysis.
“This is why it’s very important to know why the Feng family has suddenly changed their attitude towards our family. Is it because of Jiang Li?” Qin Lin pressed.
Hearing this, Qin Zheng’s mother’s eyes lit up, “Could there be something between you and Jiang Li?”
“Where did you get that idea? There’s absolutely nothing going on.” Qin Zheng looked helplessly at his mother.
Knowing he needed to clarify the situation to ease his father’s concern, Qin Zheng hesitated for a moment before summarizing the recent events.
“Is Jiang Zhou insane? To plot against his own sister’s kidney for a stranger?” Qin Zheng’s mother couldn’t believe such a crazy notion existed. Then, looking at her son with relief, she continued, “Fortunately, you have nothing to do with that Jiang Ruo anymore. Your life would never be peaceful if you had such a psychotic brother-in-law. No matter how much someone adored their sister, they normally wouldn’t go that far, right? Could it be that he has romantic feelings for Jiang Ruo? They aren’t blood-related, after all.”
Qin Lin also looked relieved, “You made the right choice this time. Since Jiang Zhou can do something as crazy as bribing a doctor, he might well do something even crazier. It was good that you informed Jiang Li in advance to be cautious.”
Qin Zheng’s mother patted her son on the shoulder, “That you made such a choice means you’ve completely given up on Jiang Ruo. It’s such a huge relief for me as your mother.”
She had indeed liked Jiang Ruo in the past, but that was because the Jiangs and the Qins were a good match. The children also had a mutual liking for each other, and in the past, Jiang Ruo was adorable and sweet, appearing to be a good-natured and innocent girl, so she had no objections.
But then the scandal of the fake and real daughter happened, followed by subsequent events that completely changed her view of Jiang Ruo. Now, even if Jiang Ruo were healthy, she would not agree to her son getting involved with her again, let alone now that she had become an invalid.
Fortunately, her son was clear-headed enough, or she might have been losing her hair over this issue.
“Personally, I think Jiang Li is quite good too. Although she’s a bit scheming, she knows how to be grateful and is the only princess of the Feng family. If you really have feelings for her…” She started.
“I’m full. I’m going to my room.” Qin Zheng put down his utensils and left the dining room.
Seeing her son leave without looking back, Qin Zheng’s mother looked puzzledly at her husband, “What does Zheng’er mean?”
Qin Lin placed a chicken leg in her bowl, “He’s grown up and has his own thoughts. Don’t nag him too much.”
His wife frowned, “Precisely because he’s grown up that I worry even more. What if he ends up like Third Master Feng and remains a bachelor well into his thirties?”
“…” Qin Lin was speechless. While he didn’t care about Feng Qi’s relationship status, he certainly would be worried if his only son ended up the same. But their Zheng’er had only just come of age; there was no need to think so far ahead.
Instead of worrying about these far-fetched issues, it would be better to think about how to sustain a long-term collaboration with the Feng family. After all, it was a rare opportunity, and he needed to secure it.
…
After informing Feng Qi about Jiang Zhou’s plan to obtain her kidney, Jiang Li continued with her driving lessons as usual, hoping to get her license as soon as possible. Throughout the lessons, she kept waiting for Jiang Zhou to make a move, thinking he would act quickly, but he remained inactive like a tortoise.
Could it be that Jiang Zhou was considering the third approach Tong Yi had speculated, directly choosing the most sinister plan? If that were the case, she would have to stay vigilant continuously, which would be exhausting.
When Tong Yi saw Jiang Li distracted, he advised, “We don’t need to worry about Jiang Zhou for now. Your third uncle has people watching him, nothing is going to happen. Let’s focus on our lessons.”
Jiang Li squinted her eyes, “I think you’re ready to take the test already. Why do you still come to practice driving every day?”
Tong Yi: “…” Liking someone too straightforward can be frustrating sometimes!
But this was okay, too, since he was not lacking in patience. As long as he stayed vigilant and kept trying, he would eventually win Jiang Xiao Li over.
“I’m just idle and have nothing better to do. You’re not getting tired of me, are you?” Tong Yi looked at Jiang Li with puppy eyes.
Jiang Li stood on tiptoes and ruffled his hair, “How could I possibly get tired of such a cute big nephew? Plus, I know you’re worried about your aunt’s safety, which is why you come here to keep me company even though you got nothing from the lessons.”
< Previous | TOC | Advanced TOC | Next>
Wants more chapters?
Click this page for the status of sponsored chapters.
Click this page for advanced chapters TOC.