Before Du Qin could speak, Liu Qing beside her was already somewhat displeased.
Although she didn't show it on her face, she couldn't help but resent Song Qiao for ruining things in her heart.
Du Qin had been in the position of Deputy Hall Master for many years.
To say she didn't want to climb further up would be a lie.
Thus, today's meal was meant to gain Guan Shanming's support.
But Song Qiao, instead of helping, was determined to cause trouble.
Any host would find his behavior unbearable.
However, because she was Du Qin, she understood that this matter might not be as simple as it seemed.
She also knew that Song Qiao was not such an impulsive and absurd child.
Therefore, when faced with Song Qiao's rude behavior, she only frowned and said nothing more.
The atmosphere in the room began to turn awkward.
The host was not in charge, and two guests were confronting each other at the dining table.
A fight might just be a matter of time!
Liu Qing didn't understand what Du Qin was thinking.
She only felt that letting Song Qiao make a scene would affect their grand plan!
So, she gave Xia Yuqing a sharp glance, hoping she would persuade Song Qiao.
What made her even more furious was that Xia Yuqing pretended to see nothing and hear nothing!
Helpless, Liu Qing had to step forward to take charge.
She glanced at Song Qiao with disdain, her tone emphasizing her reminder.
"Song Qiao, you are too rude in front of our guests!"
Song Qiao didn't stand on ceremony and stated calmly.
"Secretary Liu, don't blame me for being rude, it's just that these Japanese people have ulterior motives."
"On the surface, it's cooperation, but who knows what schemes they are hatching behind our backs!"
"And the conditions they mentioned are simply wishful thinking, of course, we cannot agree!"
Chunshan Long let out a cold snort and leaned back in his chair, shifting to a more relaxed posture.
He glanced at Song Qiao dismissively and said, "I know you have the Tao family's support now."
"But don't forget, even at its peak, the Tao family only managed one branch hall."
"Their status and strength were not much stronger than the current Hall Master Du!"
"Not to mention that Tao Fan is dead now and the Tao family is in decline, they can't help Hall Master Du at all."
"And for Deputy Hall Master Du to be promoted to Hall Master, only we can help her!"
In this statement, Chunshan Long deliberately emphasized Du Qin's position as Deputy Hall Master.
This was precisely to remind Du Qin.
Song Qiao was too lazy to beat around the bush with the two Japanese any longer.
He turned to Du Qin and said very directly.
"Teacher Du, we are family, so I'll be blunt."
"I have a history with these two, and it's not a shallow one."
"If you are willing to believe me, I guarantee you can ascend to the position of Hall Master of the Modu Tongmen!"
"But if you choose to believe those two, then I will no longer show you any respect."
"Song Qiao, you..." Du Qin was greatly shocked.
She looked at Song Qiao with surprise, then at Xia Yuqing, who was sitting intimately beside him.
Even Du Qin was deeply shaken at this moment.
This choice was not difficult.
Xia Yuqing was her student, and also a daughter to some extent.
From her introduction of Song Qiao's identity as her son-in-law, it was evident.
Let alone Du Qin, even a blind old man could understand how to prioritize this relationship.
Her surprise stemmed from Song Qiao's claim that he could help her become the Hall Master of Tongmen?
And judging by Song Qiao's expression, he said it so definitively.
It seemed as simple as taking something from his pocket!
Seeing Du Qin's troubled expression, Liu Qing became anxious.
She was not only Du Qin's secretary but also her close friend.
At this moment, she should step forward to help her resolve her difficulties.
So, in her haste, Liu Qing disregarded the occasion and directly advised Du Qin.
"Hall Master, please don't believe this fellow!"
"He's just spoiled by you usually and is acting impulsively right now."
"We should prioritize the bigger picture, Hall Master!"
Hearing Liu Qing speak of Song Qiao like that, Xia Yuqing couldn't help it.
With a slap, she slammed her hand on the table.
She glared at Liu Qing angrily and scolded, "Liu Qing! What are you saying?"
"My teacher will decide these matters, you'd better watch your status!"
Liu Qing was so angered that she was about to retort to Xia Yuqing.
But then she saw Guan Shanming speak.
He tapped the table with his finger twice, then rubbed his ears, indicating he was tired of listening.
Then, he looked directly at Du Qin and said calmly.
"Hall Master Du Qin, I have a good understanding of what they mean."
"As guests, although the two of us should leave discreetly now."
"I still want to hear your opinion, please, what is your answer?"
Hoo~
Du Qin snapped out of her thoughts and took a deep breath.
Her gaze swept across the dining table, finally resting on Song Qiao.
She smiled and asked him, "Song Qiao, how do you find the food? Does it suit your taste?"
Song Qiao nodded.
Du Qin smiled happily, "It's good that you can eat it."
She patted Song Qiao's arm and continued.
"Let's consider today as just a meal for you two children, how about it?"
Song Qiao suddenly raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
Du Qin's smile faded slightly. She patted Song Qiao's arm again and replied.
"It's not that I don't believe you, but we are family."
"It's better to conduct cooperation matters with outsiders."
Hearing Du Qin's answer, the master and disciple across the table suddenly brightened.
They exchanged a look, and could see the joy in each other's eyes.
There was a chance!
Then, they looked at Song Qiao triumphantly, with a hint of mockery in their eyes.
Song Qiao, however, had his eyebrows raised high.
He looked at Du Qin and asked seriously.
"Are you sure you don't need to consider it further?"
Xia Yuqing was also anxious at this moment.
Not only was she afraid of Song Qiao losing face, but she was also afraid her teacher would make the wrong choice.
She rushed forward and pleaded, "Teacher, please believe Song Qiao."
"He will absolutely not lie to you!"
Seeing Xia Yuqing causing trouble, Liu Qing's expression turned displeased again.
She fanned the flames from the side, saying things that Xia Yuqing didn't want to hear.
"Shut up!" Du Qin rebuked, and Liu Qing quickly fell silent.
Admittedly, Du Qin was hesitating at this moment.
Looking at Xia Yuqing's sincere eyes, the decision she had just made wavered.
She sighed with some helplessness and said.
"My apologies to both of you, I need to reconsider our cooperation."