Chapter 32: Negotiation (Part 2)

“Qinglian, you…” Lady Fang’s voice trembled. She froze for a moment before managing to utter three words.

“Fang Qinglian, this is no place for a child to speak. Get up and step back immediately!” Fang Yufu was genuinely regretful. Why had he brought such fools along? He had a foreboding feeling that not only would he fail to gain any advantage today at the Xiao family, but he might also lose something significant.

“Miss Fang, do you wish to stay here? How exactly do you plan to show filial piety to my mother?” Xiao Jingtai asked curiously. Was their family short of maids or servants?

This girl must have other motives. Perhaps she thought that proximity would give her an edge, allowing her to meet Alang or Ayi every day. If they developed feelings for each other—or if some “accident” occurred—the marriage would naturally be settled.

A clever plan, but used in the wrong place. This girl, who caused his little niece to sneeze non-stop, would hardly be liked by either his son or nephew.

“Please don’t take offense. The child must miss her grandaunt terribly, which is why she’s so emotional, isn’t that right, Qinglian?” Fang Yufu asked through gritted teeth. If she dared to say anything thoughtless again, she’d spend the rest of her life in a nunnery.

“Qinglian, answer your grandfather quickly!” Lady Fang, seeing her husband’s anger, hurriedly urged her granddaughter to comply.

“I…” Admire that young man and wish to marry him. She dared not say these words aloud. Yet she felt deeply unwilling, her face twisted in frustration as she looked pleadingly at her grandfather, hoping he’d help her, though she knew it was unlikely.

“Sister, we should listen to Grandfather and not defy the elders’ wishes. That is true filial piety, isn’t it?” Fang Qinghe, who hadn’t had a chance to speak until now, expressed her dissatisfaction with her cousin’s behavior. Did Qinglian think she couldn’t see through her? Clearly, Qinglian had taken a liking to that young man at the door.

Hmph, does she think she’s some unparalleled beauty? She always used her slight advantage in looks to elevate herself and belittle others.

Down the table, Qinghe’s parents—the young couple—were stunned into silence. They had no right to speak when their in-laws were talking, nor when Qinglian was speaking. And now their own daughter had stepped in, escalating the chaos. The mother quickly pulled her daughter aside to silence her.

“The Fang family’s upbringing is truly impressive,” Xiao Jingmin commented in a tone neither warm nor cold.

Fang Yufu’s face changed constantly but eventually returned to calm.

His family’s ineptitude left him increasingly doubtful of the negotiations’ outcome.

Meanwhile, Xiao Jingkang had already taken a walk to the door. He asked Housekeeper Feng if anything unusual had happened when the Fang family arrived. After a moment’s thought, Feng replied, “Apart from meeting the Fourth Master and the eldest young lady at the door, everything was normal.”

Fourth Brother… could it be that troublesome face of his again? Xiao Jingkang thought mischievously. Perhaps bringing his fourth brother in would resolve things more quickly. That young girl wasn’t brave enough to voice her thoughts, which would have made things simpler.

Feeling a twinge of schadenfreude, he had no idea that his own daughter was also being eyed by someone. If he knew, his mood would undoubtedly sour.

Returning to his seat, Xiao Jingkang whispered something to Xiao Jingmin. Their secretive interaction caught the attention of General Xiao, who disapproved of their reluctance to share openly with everyone.

“Is there something you can’t say out loud?” he snapped. “You know I despise guesswork.”

“Ah, Fourth Brother should be getting married soon.”

Xiao Jingkang’s seemingly random comment baffled everyone. How did the conversation shift to someone else? Weren’t they supposed to be discussing the younger generation’s marriages? Xiao Jingmin secretly admired his elder brother’s cunning while sneaking glances at Miss Fang.

As expected, she looked outraged, as if something of hers was about to be stolen.

Fang Qinglian did think this way. She believed that until her marriage was finalized, any unmarried Xiao family male of eligible age should be considered a potential candidate.

Though there was a generational gap between her and Xiao Jingyan, what did that matter? After all, their families were only loosely related by marriage.

Besides, if she didn’t insist on being the main wife, many formalities could be bypassed. She had to find a way to stay; otherwise, all would be in vain.

“Why bring him up?” General Xiao had no patience for discussing his youngest son’s marital affairs and waved off the topic irritably.

Xiao Jingkang just wanted to see if the girl’s actions were related to his brother. Now that he had his answer, he let it drop. He wasn’t despicable enough to exploit a young girl.

Back to the matter at hand. If she insisted on meddling, that was her choice, not his responsibility.

“My two granddaughters are clearly not suitable to be your grandsons’ wives. Their matters need no further discussion.” At this point, Fang Yufu decisively abandoned the idea of marrying his granddaughters into the Xiao family. Perhaps retreating would smooth the negotiations ahead.

Everyone was surprised. His swift withdrawal didn’t ease the tension but rather intensified the sense of an impending larger conspiracy.

“Though their matters are off the table, our agreement still stands, does it not?”

If you ask me, there’s no need to continue. The Xiao family members all shared this sentiment.

“Even if the children lack a bond, our familial relationship remains unchanged. If you ever need assistance within our abilities, we will give it our all,” Xiao Jingkang said, eager to end the matter even if it meant some sacrifices.

Fang Yufu sneered internally. Was it that easy to dismiss him? Concessions could be made, but only if they showed the right attitude.

A shattered dream left Fang Qinglian unwilling to accept the reality. The capital was her dream destination, and the Xiao family was her destined home. To see her grandfather so easily dismiss her aspirations was unbearable.

Just then, she heard her grandfather speak again, “To strengthen the ties between the Fang and Xiao families and foster mutual support among the younger generation, I have a proposal. Please hear me out.”

“Go ahead,” Xiao Jingkang replied, unable to guess what Fang Yufu was scheming. He hadn’t considered his daughter in this.

“Your eldest daughter, Yu Xue, is lovely. I am quite taken with her and would like to—”

“Silence!” Two thunderous voices erupted simultaneously.

Everyone has their limits, and Xiao Yao was the untouchable bottom line for both General Xiao and Xiao Jingkang. If anyone crossed it, they would face severe consequences.

Even Fang Yufu was shocked by their reaction. Wasn’t it just a granddaughter? If sacrificing one could achieve something, he’d do it without hesitation.

“If there’s room for negotiation—”

“Negotiate, my foot! Dream on if you think you can target my granddaughter!” General Xiao roared furiously.

“Why be so agitated? Let me explain—”

“If you want to walk out of here alive, shut your mouth,” General Xiao snarled, stepping down from his seat. His imposing presence made it clear that another word would have dire consequences.

Xiao Jingkang, usually composed, was incensed. Plotting against his son was annoying but not infuriating—like a pesky fly buzzing around. But targeting his daughter? That was despicable. The mere comparison was an insult to her.

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