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The next day, as Qin Changqing stepped out of his home, he overheard people on the streets eagerly discussing the marriage arrangement of the Xiang Family.
Rumor had it that Xiang Xiaotian's father had suffered a relapse of an old illness and was longing to hold his grandchild before he passed away, which prompted the hasty decision for his son to handle the wedding.
They also mentioned that the bride, who bore the surname Xiao, was merely the sister of a small business owner. Although it seemed she was being treated as a mere tool for continuing the family line, marrying into the Xiang Family was enough to make countless women envious and feel inferior.
Some even noted that their wedding was set for two weeks later, and before that, the bride would have to undergo rigorous pre-marital training arranged by the Xiang Family, during which she would not be allowed to meet anyone.
As Qin Changqing navigated through the crowd, he silently listened to these discussions, his hands clenched into fists, nails digging deeply into his palms, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within him.
In the evening, Xiang Xiaotian emerged from her office and spotted Qin Changqing waiting by her silver Porsche. There was no trace of surprise on her face; instead, she smiled warmly, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing into thin slits.
"Long time no see, brother."
"You did this on purpose," Qin Changqing replied coldly.
"Likewise." Xiang Xiaotian stood before him, her smile vanishing entirely. Her gaze turned sharp and frosty. "You’ve discarded our Xiang Family name; do you expect me to care about brotherly affection?"
Qin Changqing's eyes flickered momentarily but remained expressionless, like an iceberg.
"I can return to the company if you cancel the engagement."
Xiang Xiaotian paused for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Who do you think you are? True, you were once a genius in finance; your investment instincts were almost miraculous and created many wonders. But so what? The current Xiang Family does not lack money. Do you know who made my father so furious that his old illness flared up again, leading to this rushed marriage arrangement?"
He gradually stopped laughing, his face contorted with anger, nearly losing control. "Don't always act like you know everything. Do you think Father wants you back just because he values your ability to make money? Don't forget, no matter how much you resist, the blood of the Xiang Family flows in your veins!"
Xiang Xiaotian suddenly turned around and shouted into the shadow by the doorpost, "Stop hiding over there! Why don't you come out and meet this cowardly and ridiculous man?"
Qin Changqing couldn't help but gasp — he saw Xiao Yun slowly emerge from the shadows, her expression complex. Her eyes remained as clear as water, but they were filled with hesitation and sorrow as she looked at him.
"I've already told Xiao Yun about your identity," Xiang Xiaotian said as he roughly pulled Xiao Yun closer, almost possessively wrapping his arm around her shoulder, then provocatively stared at the pale-faced Qin Changqing.
"Actually, with just one word from you, you could resolve the predicament of the Xiao Family siblings at any time, couldn't you? Father has always been accommodating to your requests." Xiang Xiaotian's face darkened ominously, his voice turning sharp and bitter. "But now? The one who pushed her to this point is you. This woman is about to become the bride of the Xiang Family; that is a done deal. However, I can give you one last chance."
Xiang Xiaotian suddenly lifted his chin and said slowly, "As long as you return to the Xiang Family, you can replace me and become her groom."
The setting sun cast its last brilliant rays across the sky, and the evening breeze gently stirred up the dust on the ground, blinding Qin Changqing's eyes.
Return to the Xiang Family? Back to that place which not only caused his mother's death but also denied her recognition until her dying breath?
Though that bastard old man always pretended to call himself his beloved son, if it weren't for his genius investment instincts that brought them endless wealth, who would treat a bastard child kindly?
Since his mother passed away three years ago, he had resolved to completely abandon that shameful surname and vowed never to step foot in the Xiang Family again.
That place had never been his home, but now...
Qin Changqing struggled to lift his head and met Xiao Yun's gaze. Her face was as pale as paper, yet when their eyes locked, she slightly curled her lips, trying hard to muster a comforting smile.
"You don't have to accept such an unreasonable proposal." She gently blinked her eyes, facing the dim glow of the setting sun, and offered a soft smile to Qin Changqing.
"Changqing, just like you told me, don't force yourself. Don't sacrifice your own happiness for others." Then she turned her head and looked at the astonished Xiang Xiaotian, saying earnestly, "Is it alright for my fiancé to give me a ride back to the Xiang Family?"
Xiang Xiaotian paused for a moment, then a knowing smile crept onto his lips. He held Xiao Yun's hand tightly and cast a disdainful glance at the still-stunned Qin Changqing.
"Brother... No, Qin Changqing, it seems you've been dumped."
As Xiang Xiaotian brushed past Qin Changqing while holding Xiao Yun's hand, he noticed the slight tremor in Qin Changqing's throat, as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he said nothing, merely standing there quietly, his figure appearing particularly lonely in the fading light of the sunset.
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