Qin Yao finally earned her own glory at the Gambling Stone Market, but the victory was not as simple as it seemed. In the game of her family, every decision could lead to unforeseen consequences, especially in such a complex household. The Qin Family had long been torn apart by the heavy pressures of power and money, and the apparent harmony could not mask the turbulent conflicts brewing beneath the surface.
Upon returning to the Qin Family villa, Qin Yao had just stepped through the door when she heard her father, Qin Yongjie, arguing with her Uncle Qin Wu. This was a sound that had never ceased within the Qin Family. Her father's authority and her uncle's challenges always left her with an underlying sense of unease in this grand residence.
“Qin Yao, you’re back?” Her mother, Xu Lan, called from the living room, her voice tinged with anxiety.
Qin Yao walked in to find her mother anxiously staring at the television, seemingly unaware of her arrival. Unable to suppress a sigh, she approached her mother’s side. “Mom, what’s wrong? What’s going on?”
“Qin Yao, this is no small matter,” Xu Lan replied, looking up with a complex expression in her eyes. “Have you seen that piece of jade at home? I’m worried…”
Qin Yao paused. “Are you talking about the project Dad and Uncle are discussing? That jade's minerals?”
Xu Lan nodded gently. “Yes, that one… Your uncle has been pressuring your father behind the scenes to hand over the mining rights to him. Your father refuses to compromise.”
Qin Yao frowned. “They’re starting again?”
“It’s always the same,” Xu Lan said with a bitter smile. “Their struggle has never ceased. Even if your father and Uncle seem to be cooperating smoothly now, they are secretly testing each other.”
“What should I do?” Qin Yao asked, a hint of unease creeping into her heart.
“You don’t need to worry too much,” Xu Lan shook her head slightly. “Your father knows what to do; everything in this family is still under his control.”
“But look at today’s results from the Gambling Stone Market; doesn’t it prove that I can handle these matters?” Qin Yao looked at her mother, confidence shining in her eyes but tinged with worry.
Xu Lan gazed back at her, a flicker of complex emotion crossing her face. “We all see your abilities. But you know that family struggles are far more complicated than Gambling Stones. What you see on the surface is merely a façade hiding the games played by your uncle, your father, and all family members involved. You wouldn’t want to become just a pawn on their chessboard, would you?”
Qin Yao clenched her fists. "No, I don't want to. I want to be myself, not be swayed by them."
"It's good that you have this determination, but remember, no matter what, the family is always an existence you cannot ignore," Xu Lan gently patted her hand. "Your father is under a lot of pressure this time; you mustn't distance yourself from it."
A sense of unease settled in Qin Yao's heart. She understood her mother's meaning, yet she stubbornly wanted to carve her own path, even if it seemed fraught with difficulties and obstacles.
At that moment, the living room door suddenly opened, and Qin Yongjie walked in. He wore a hint of fatigue on his face, but his gaze remained resolute. As the head of the Qin Family, he had navigated the business world for over a decade and was accustomed to the struggles for power. However, Qin Yao never believed that her father's composure could fully shield them from the storms within and outside the family.
"Qin Yao, you did well with the Gambling Stone today," Qin Yongjie said as he looked at his daughter, a rare softness in his eyes.
"Thank you, Dad," Qin Yao nodded, her tone calm yet harboring an undeniable strength.
"However, your performance today has raised more doubts from Uncle," Qin Yongjie sat down on the sofa and rubbed his temples. "He worries that your success with Gambling Stone might disrupt the power balance within the family."
"He still doesn't trust me," Qin Yao huffed softly. "I won this round of Gambling Stone; why shouldn't I have my own place?"
"It's not that you shouldn't have a place; it's that you need to fight for it within the family," Qin Yongjie lifted his head, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "Although I am the head of the family, the dynamics are far more complex than you realize. Your uncle's influence is substantial; if he decides to act, I may not be able to stop him."
Qin Yao's heart sank slightly. "So you want me to submit?"
"No," Qin Yongjie replied firmly. "I want you to be wiser about this. It's not just about you; it concerns the future of the entire Qin Family."
"I understand," Qin Yao took a deep breath. "But I also have my principles."
"Principles? Principles are not just empty words," Qin Yongjie's tone suddenly turned serious. "Which is more important: principles or the family's interests, Qin Yao?"
Qin Yao was taken aback, lowering her head and remaining silent for a long time. She had always believed in her ability to make a difference, but when her father asked her so directly, she had to admit that the power struggles behind this family were far more complex and dangerous than she had imagined.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Qin Yao looked up to see Song Nanshi walking in, a playful smile on his face.
"It seems the internal conflicts of your family are still quite heated," Song Nanshi said as he entered, his tone casual. "However, your performance with the Gambling Stone today was indeed impressive."
"You’re here?" Qin Yao raised an eyebrow, looking at Song Nanshi. "Aren't you afraid I'll falter in front of you?"
"Falter?" Song Nanshi laughed even more. "You've been full of surprises; it's rare to see someone daring enough to stand up to the the Qin Family, and it's you."
"What do you mean?" Qin Yao's gaze sharpened. "Do you think I'm wasting my efforts?"
"I never said that," Song Nanshi leaned in a bit closer. "But you need to understand that the power struggles within this family are much more complicated than the Gambling Stone. What you see as success may be perceived as a threat by others."
Qin Yao frowned slightly. "I know, but no matter what, I won't back down." She took a deep breath, determination surging within her. "I will stay in this game until the end."
A glimmer of appreciation flashed in Song Nanshi's eyes. "That's good to hear. I truly hope you can withstand this pressure." He glanced at Qin Yongjie, a slight smile playing on his lips. "But Mr. Qin, don't worry too much about your daughter; she's not someone who can be easily defeated."
Qin Yongjie sighed softly. "I hope so." He looked at Qin Yao, his gaze filled with a mix of helplessness and expectation. "But remember, not every game can be turned around solely by personal ability."
"I will remember, Dad." Qin Yao clenched her fists, her eyes resolute. "I won't let the the Qin Family down."
Comment 0 Comment Count