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In the end, Qin Xiao didn’t plan to personally deal with Wen Xian and Dong You. Instead, he handed them over to the police. Whatever they had done, the law would decide. He couldn’t be the one to pass judgment.
Because Su Ling was gentle toward him, this “criminal,” he retained a final trace of mercy.
The law would make them pay for their actions. The blade of slaughter in his hand, the latent violence, was silently sealed away.
He would save it for a lifetime, for the girl he loved. He wanted to become someone she thought highly of.
Wen Xian originally intended for Zheng Yingjun’s biological daughter to become Qin Xiao’s hidden mistress, while the adopted child from the Dong family would handle the “bastard.” She lied to Qin Xiao and Su Ling but told Zheng Xiaoya early on that Su Ling was the child who hadn’t died back then. However, her plans fell through, and she exhausted all the resources left by the old master of the family; now, she had nothing.
On the day she was taken away, Wen Xian no longer carried any semblance of a noblewoman. Her eyes were bloodshot as she screamed, “Qin Xiao, I’m your mother! You’re insane! How can you do this to me for that woman!”
Qin Xiao placed a finger against his lips. “Shh.”
He curved his lips slightly, though there wasn’t a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Madam Wen is right. I am insane. That’s why you’re still alive to face judgment. When you’re in prison, remember to hate me, not her. Don’t make any more mistakes—madmen are very petty.”
Her shadow disappeared entirely. He caressed the roses, softly clicking his tongue.
By early September, Old Master Dong’s seventieth birthday was approaching.
Qin Xiao received an invitation. He lowered his gaze and smiled faintly, thinking it was time to send the little princess back home. Her true “prince” would surely have an interesting reaction, while he, the evil dragon, only needed to smile.
At that moment, his little princess had returned to her own apartment.
Tang Zi came to visit her, brimming with excitement. “Why did you suddenly announce you were going abroad and temporarily leaving the entertainment industry? Qing Jie and I were both shocked. You don’t know how popular you are now—it’s such a pity if you stop acting.”
Su Ling mumbled awkwardly, struggling to stick to the lies Qin Xiao, that scoundrel, had taught her.
She didn’t know how Qin Xiao managed it, but somehow Su Ling’s previous “announcement” of temporarily leaving the industry was tacitly accepted by Starlight Entertainment, and even now, her contract hadn’t been terminated.
Now, the old chairman of Starlight Entertainment was celebrating his birthday, and many artists under their agency were expected to attend.
Tang Zi happily prepared clothes for Su Ling.
“The old chairman is very serious, but it doesn’t matter. We won’t need to interact much with those high-society people. Little Ling, just go sit for a bit, eat something. At most, we’ll see him from afar.”
Su Ling: “….”
She dryly said, “Oh.”
However, the next day, Qin Xiao drove over to pick up Su Ling.
Her expression remained stiff. Qin Xiao raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong?”
“Qin Xiao.” Her voice was soft. “Tang Zi said… the old chairman is very strict.”
He couldn’t help but laugh. Deep down, he knew that Su Ling held no grudges against Zheng Yingjun and Dong You. Her parents loved her and perished in the fire so she could survive. This grandfather she had never met naturally made her feel conflicted.
“Hmm, I’ve heard he’s quite fierce.”
Her eyes were damp, and she looked somewhat helpless. “What should I do?” She hesitated, thinking maybe she could just take a quick glance from afar?
Qin Xiao chuckled softly. “My family is far wealthier than that old man. If he dares to be harsh with you, just say you’re Mrs. Qin, alright?”
“Qin Xiao!”
“Hmm?”
“Can you please speak seriously? I’m talking about something important here!”
He melted inside. Softly, he reassured her, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly. She bit her lip and turned her head to look out the window.
Old Master Dong’s seventieth birthday celebration was grand.
As his grandson, Dong Xu was also half the host of the banquet.
His shirt was buttoned meticulously, and his gold-rimmed glasses gave him an air of sternness and restraint.
He didn’t need to flatter anyone; countless people would come to curry favor with him.
The youngest and most outstanding director in the country, the young master of the Dong family.
When Qin Xiao walked in, everyone’s eyes shifted toward him.
This was understandable. Qin Shao was a proud man. If he didn’t want to show face, he simply wouldn’t come. If he did come, it meant the Qin family’s acknowledgment.
Everyone knew he was a demon—he directly swallowed up all the shares Madam Wen held, and now he was the undisputed head of the Qin family. Who knew how many years of accumulated wealth the Qin family possessed, all resting in the hands of this devilish man under thirty, who recognized no familial ties.
Everyone’s gazes inevitably landed on Su Ling by his side.
This year, Su Ling was twenty-one. Her delicate features had just blossomed into maturity, possessing a stunning beauty that caught the eye at first glance.
She clung to Qin Xiao’s arm, soft and delicate like a newly bloomed flower.
Dong Xu’s face was cold as he shot a chilling glance at Qin Xiao.
Qin Xiao sneered. “Lingling, be good. Let’s go greet your cousin.”
She was both exasperated and amused, unsure how to describe this rascal. “Qin Xiao, can you stop being so annoying?”
He clearly knew that Dong Xu had once expressed slight interest in her. Though that interest was faint, it was enough to make Dong Xu’s face darker than the bottom of a pot. And yet, Qin Xiao was still being so wicked.
Qin Xiao’s expression didn’t change. “Just joking.”
However, Qin Xiao was a guest of special status. Dong Xu, with his impeccable manners and upbringing, still came over to greet him according to protocol.
Plastic brotherhood, indeed.
Qin Xiao smiled naturally, as if the malicious mention of “your cousin” hadn’t come from him.
Su Ling felt extremely awkward.
Fortunately, Old Master Dong descended shortly after. Leaning on his cane, his back straight, he appeared spirited, with steady and heavy eyes.
Throughout the banquet, there was no sign of Zheng Xiaoya.
Qin Xiao curved his lips slightly.
Old Master Dong’s gaze swept around the room and finally landed on Su Ling.
This stern old man nearly teared up in an instant.
Out of respect, the entire hall quieted as soon as the old man appeared. Then, Old Master Dong spoke: “Today’s banquet isn’t for my birthday, but for my long-lost granddaughter from the Dong family. Su Ling, welcome home.”
The hall was so silent you could hear a pin drop.
The woman accompanying Qin Shao, who wasn’t yet a top-tier star, was actually Old Master Dong’s granddaughter?
Dong Xu abruptly raised his head. Qin Xiao maintained a polite and restrained smile, softly whispering to the stunned Su Ling, “Go ahead.”
Su Ling stepped forward and took the old man’s hand.
The elder gazed at her lovingly, repeatedly saying “good,” tears welling up in his eyes.
Su Ling had imagined many scenarios beforehand—perhaps the old man wouldn’t acknowledge her or find it unbelievable. She never expected that the banquet was held for her and that he would welcome her home.
She was bewildered, surprised, and touched with a hint of joy.
She had been betrayed by “family” her whole life, almost paying everything.
But these true relatives seemed eager to give her the best and cherish her deeply.
Old Master Dong led Su Ling upstairs.
He brought out a photo album for her to look at. The elder bore none of the sternness Tang Zi had described. Looking at Su Ling, he saw a long-lost treasure.
“Child, these are your parents. You resemble your mother greatly, truly greatly.”
The woman in the photo appeared to be in her early twenties, quiet and gentle, with a faint smile on her lips.
Beside her stood a tall, handsome man—the outstanding researcher and second young master of the Dong family, Dong Xu.
Su Ling bore a five-point resemblance to the woman in the photo.
Su Ling recalled how Zheng Yingjun, even on her deathbed, had insisted on sending her away and prioritizing Yu Qiao’s rescue.
She must have been a very gentle and kind person, which was why Dong Xu loved her.
While Su Ling was looking at the photos, someone knocked softly on the door outside.
Upon hearing the whispered words from the person outside, the old man’s expression subtly darkened. With a gentle tone, he told Su Ling, “I need to step out for a moment.”
Su Ling felt too awkward to call him Grandfather—he was still a stranger to her, connected only by blood. She nodded. “Please go ahead.”
Old Master Dong pushed open the door to the adjacent room and saw Qin Xiao lounging with his legs crossed, waiting. This young man carried himself with a roguish air, clearly not a pleasant character.
The old man was so angry he wanted to slam his cane.
Qin Xiao raised an eyebrow, unapologetically stating, “I said I’d return the Dong family’s treasure. Old Master Dong, you promised me two things. Do you remember?”
The old man’s face hardened. “A promise is a promise. What do you want, Qin Shao?”
“I don’t deserve your title of ‘Qin Shao,’ Grandfather.”
“…” Who the hell is your grandfather! Call the right people, you deranged fool!
“What do you want? Speak plainly. First, get rid of Zheng Xiaoya. I know you’ve raised her for so long and may have some attachment. But if you’re unwilling to act, I, as a junior, will have to do it myself. Don’t blame me if I lose control.”
This was a blatant threat!
Qin Xiao calmly continued, “When Aunt Zheng and Lingling were kidnapped, Zheng Xiaoya didn’t make a sound and hid herself instead. She didn’t notify the Dong family either, did she? She’s not truly one of us. Tsk, such a bad seed at such a young age. I have a document here. After reading it, I believe you’ll agree with my approach.”
He didn’t care about anything else. This document was prepared by Dong Xu.
It contained Su Ling’s past hypnosis reports. Whether the old man believed in past lives or not didn’t matter—Zheng Xiaoya had to be dealt with.
The old man silently read through it. After a long pause, a hint of defeat appeared on his face, but his spirit remained unbroken as he solemnly said, “Alright.”
Qin Xiao smiled. “Second, I’m fond of the treasure your family has found. I wonder if Old Master Dong is willing to part with her?”
“…” The old man wanted to jab his cane into Qin Xiao’s face.
Could this new head of the Qin family show some decency?
Despite everything, the old man quickly composed himself.
“This is my granddaughter’s decision. If you like her, she must like you too.”
“No need for you to worry about that, Grandfather. As long as you don’t oppose, it’s fine.”
The old man truly disliked this bastard.
“Qin Shao, I call you that because I recognize the power of the Qin family, far beyond what the Dong family can match. I don’t want Lingling to be with you. Regardless of whom she marries, the Dong family’s current strength can protect her. But marrying you means she’ll be at your mercy. She’s still young, kind, and pure, just like her mother. If she meets the wrong person, she’ll be bullied to death. Even in my grave, I wouldn’t rest in peace.”
Qin Xiao’s smile faded.
He pulled out the document at the very bottom, his tone solemn and low. “That’s why I’m giving her everything.”
That thick document detailed his entire fortune.
He was giving her his ancestral inheritance.
The entire Qin family, everything.
Old Master Dong was left speechless.
After a long silence, he could only sigh. If the ancestors of the Qin family knew that this generation’s head had become so reckless and infatuated for a woman, they’d probably rise from their graves in anger!
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