Qin Xiao's gaze lingered on the third option for less than half a second before he made his decision.
This is it.
[The Diamond-Level Absolute Persuasion (Negotiation Expert) System is now activated!]
In an instant, an indescribable power enveloped Qin Xiao, as if it came from a higher dimension.
His gaze seemed to have deepened, able to see right through to the deepest thoughts in people's hearts. A confident and controlling smile curved at the corners of his lips.
Facing his father's raised belt, about to fall, Qin Xiao neither dodged nor avoided it. Instead, he met Qin Xiangjun's fiery gaze, took half a step forward, and slowly spoke.
The belt ripped through the air, bringing with it a powerful gust of wind, and came to a stop just short of Qin Xiao's nose. Qin Xiangjun's arm muscles were taut, and the veins bulged.
Qin Xiao's voice wasn't loud, even a bit lower than usual. Yet it possessed a peculiar, undeniable penetrating power, clearly reaching Qin Xiangjun's ears.
"Dad, please calm down."
"The marriage agreement with the Su family was made by my grandfather's generation. What era are we living in? Arranged marriage? Do you think it's appropriate now? Even if our Qin family upholds the old agreement, will the Su family be willing to accept it? You understand better than I do that that you can't force a relationship to be happy."
"As for the Gu family..." Qin Xiao paused, his tone naturally shifting to another level, subtly guiding, "Think about it, the waters in the capital are getting increasingly murky. Should our Qin family continue to remain aloof as before, waiting to be devoured, or should we take the initiative and seek more reliable and powerful allies?"
"How can Ye Chen, who only knows how to act tough overseas, compare to the Gu family's influence in the political arena? Ye Chen lost so much face in front of Gu Siqing today. Do you think the Gu family, with their discerning eye, would still place their bets on someone who acts so impulsively and has no cunning?"
"My visit to Gu Siqing wasn't to cause trouble, but to test the Gu family's attitude. It was to lay the groundwork for our Qin family's next move. Now it seems the effect... is even better than expected."
Qin Xiao's voice was steady and magnetic. Every word seemed precisely calculated, striking the key points in Qin Xiangjun's heart with unwavering precision. He didn't directly refute, but instead, from the perspective of family interests, analyzed the pros and cons and outlined a blueprint. He cleverly redefined what initially seemed like an impulsive and reckless act of "causing trouble" as a "well-thought-out long-term strategy."
Qin Xiangjun's hand, holding the belt, froze in mid-air. The rage on his face gradually faded, replaced by astonishment and deep thought.
He stared at his son, as if seeing him for the first time. This kid…when did he become so eloquent? And…what he said…did actually make a damn good point?
An awkward silence fell over the living room. A gentle yet powerful voice came from the second-floor stairwell.
"Xiang Jun, the child just got back. Can't you sit down and talk things out? Stop shouting and threatening violence all the time. What kind of behavior is this?" Qin Xiao's mother, Lin Wan, came downstairs.
She wore an elegant cheongsam; nearing fifty, she was remarkably well-preserved. Her demeanor was gentle and serene, yet her brows exuded a quiet, authoritative air.
She gave Qin Xiangjun a reproachful look, signaling him to tone it down. Then she turned to Qin Xiao. Her tone softened instantly, carrying the unique concern of a mother. But her words still held an undeniable firmness.
“Xiao’er, Mom knows you may have your own thoughts, and I believe you’re not a child who acts recklessly. But no matter how reasonable it is, breaking a promise is never right. After all, the Qin family has been impolite to the Su family, causing them to lose face. This matter cannot be left unresolved.”
"How about this," Lin Wan softened her tone and walked to Qin Xiao's side. She gently patted his arm, as if soothing a frightened little animal.
"Tomorrow, you will personally go to the Su family and formally apologize. Be sincere and humble, understand?"
Apologize in person?
Qin Xiao's heart stirred slightly. A perfectly timed look of unease appeared on his face, as if he were somewhat resistant yet dared not disobey his mother's wishes.
Just then, Yun Yiyi's voice rang in his mind again, filled with a hint of joy and excitement.
[Host! Host! Important intelligence! According to an urgent database analysis and comparison, there is a 93.7% probability that the chosen one, Ye Chen, is currently working part-time as a security guard at the Su family's residence! This is also the highest-paying of his twelve security guard jobs!]
Twelve part-time security guard jobs? How much does this young master of the Dragon King Palace, the king of mercenaries, love being a security guard? Or is he perhaps collecting some kind of unusual security guard uniform fetish?
Since Ye Chen happens to be "working" at the Su family's place, this so-called "apology trip" seems to have become even more interesting. Perfect, this is a good opportunity to openly meet the second female lead from the original work—Su Wanying—who is known for her seductive and fiery personality, and her ability to love and hate fiercely.
"Mom is right." Qin Xiao immediately composed himself. The slight embarrassment on his face vanished instantly, replaced by a humble and obedient expression.
His tone was sincere, and his attitude was upright. It was as if the eloquent and fluent speaker from just moments ago was not him at all.
"It was my oversight and poor judgment. I will personally go to the Su family to apologize first thing tomorrow morning. I will definitely be humble and apologize properly to Miss Su, Uncle Su, and Aunt Su, and I promise not to let the Qin family be disrespectful."
His words were impeccable and utterly sincere. It was as if he had become a completely different person. Qin Xiangjun and Lin Wan exchanged a glance, both somewhat surprised. Qin Xiangjun, in particular, had been prepared for a harsh lesson, but his son's cooperation had caught him off guard. For a moment, he was at a loss for what to do.
"It's good that you think that way." Lin Wan finally showed a satisfied smile, her tone becoming even gentler.
"Go on, you must be tired after a whole night of running around. Go back to your room and rest early. Make sure you prepare well for tomorrow and don't let anything go wrong."
"Okay, Mom." Qin Xiao nodded obediently and turned to walk towards the stairs.
A meaningful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
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