"Mom, don't listen to his nonsense, I..."
Xiao Wenyao explained in a panic. The Old Madam's expression was colder than ever. "As an elder of the Xiao family, you should set an example. Instead, you've done such a disgraceful thing. Tomorrow, you will go to the ancestral hall and kneel for three days to reflect on your mistakes."
Xiao Wenyao hadn't been to the ancestral hall in many years. It was usually for punishing the younger generation.
Now, he was being told to kneel...
This was no different from having his skin stripped off and trampled on.
But when the Old Madam was angry, no one dared to disobey, not even him. He could only endure the humiliation and pretend to acknowledge his mistake.
"I understand, I won't dare to do it again."
The Old Madam then looked at the younger generation and said sternly, "What happened today ends here. From now on, no one in the Xiao family is allowed to question Qingqing's identity again, or they will be severely punished!"
Her eyes were wise and clear, as if she could see through everyone's thoughts. kuAiδugg
The younger generation no longer dared to harbor any ill intentions and obediently lowered their heads.
However, their gaze towards Shen Qingqing was different from before. This woman who had suddenly appeared was not as harmless as she seemed on the surface.
...
At the Xiao family residence, the guests were waiting. Upon seeing the young girl accompanying the Old Madam, they immediately understood and offered their congratulations.
"Congratulations, Old Madam, for finding your granddaughter."
"Your granddaughter is so beautiful; you'll have your doorstep worn down by suitors in the future."
The Old Madam smiled and said, "No rush, I want to keep my granddaughter for a few more years."
She held Shen Qingqing's hand, showing everyone how much she valued her. When no one else was around, she gently said,
"Your welcome banquet shouldn't be too extravagant. Your second uncle was also confused and meant no harm."
"I understand, Grandma." Shen Qingqing knew her grandmother was worried she would resent Xiao Wenyao. It wasn't that bad; she hadn't taken Xiao Wenyao's little tricks seriously.
The Old Madam said softly, "Good child, with your grandmother here, no one can harm you."
"With you here, I can rest assured."
Her sweet words made the Old Madam beam with joy, her mouth never closing.
Then, she asked the housekeeper to retrieve a gift box from her room. Inside was a jade pendant, white in color, lustrous and translucent, smooth and slightly cool to the touch.
It was a rare and excellent piece of jade.
The guests were unsure why, but the Xiao family members' expressions turned complex upon seeing the jade pendant. This was the Xiao family's heirloom jade pendant, which the Old Madam had always kept to herself.
"Before, you told me you had children, so I was thinking about what gift to give. This jade pendant is beneficial for the body, so it's for my great-grandchild."
Shen Qingqing couldn't bear to disappoint the elder and accepted it. "Thank you, Grandma."
Her generous demeanor made the Old Madam even more fond of her. With a glance at the crowd, the Xiao family members immediately understood and came forward with their own gifts.
The younger generation put on a good show. Although their gifts were not as precious as the heirloom, they were still very expensive.
Xiao Wenyao, however, declined. "I've been too busy these past two days and forgot about the gift. I'll make it up to you in a few days."
The smile on the Old Madam's face faltered. "As an elder, how can you not prepare a gift? People might think you don't love Qingqing."
Xiao Wenyao felt very guilty. "I really forgot. Qingqing is a sensible child, she won't feel estranged from her second uncle because of this, will she?"
If Shen Qingqing said she would, she would appear insensible in everyone's eyes. Naturally, she shook her head. "No, Uncle is busy, I understand."
Xiao Wenyao was pleased with her discretion. "You are a sensible child, much better than my own son."
Shen Qingqing sincerely suggested, "You're so busy, I can't bear to trouble you to prepare a gift. How about a transfer via Alipay!"
The smile on Xiao Wenyao's face instantly disappeared.
"As a CEO like Uncle, a transfer must be the easiest and most effortless thing." Shen Qingqing also learned from him, laying on the flattery. "Besides, I'm quite practical. These gifts can only be displayed, but money can be used to buy things for Grandma."
The Old Madam smiled upon hearing this. "I know you're filial and always thinking of me."
"You're my grandmother, of course, I'm thinking of you." Shen Qingqing glanced at the sullen Xiao Wenyao and sneered inwardly. "I saw a beautiful jade bangle before. They say jade nourishes the body, so I thought of buying it for Grandma, but I don't have enough money. I'm still short by a million. If Uncle is willing to support me..."
In reality, the bangle was already in her possession, a gift from a client who had bought her design sketches.
What else could Xiao Wenyao do? He had to give it to her.
If he refused, he would not only appear stingy but also be seen as unfilial. Even for his reputation, he gritted his teeth and forced a smile.
"I will definitely fulfill your filial piety. I'll transfer it to you."
Shen Qingqing immediately took out her phone and displayed the QR code for receiving payment.
Xiao Wenyao's heart ached with anger. He somewhat stiffly took out his phone and scanned the code.
—Alipay received one million yuan.
Shen Qingqing's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Thank you, Uncle."
Xiao Wenyao slowly forced a smile. "You're welcome."
Those who knew him could hear his gritted teeth hidden beneath his calm demeanor. However, the guests couldn't discern it and were full of admiration for him.
Praise followed one after another.
"It seems we misunderstood Second Master Xiao before. The paternity test must have been a hospital error."
"Giving away a million yuan just like that shows how much he truly dotes on this niece."
Xiao Wenyao felt like he was going to vomit blood, but he had to maintain his composure and even smile. For a moment, his throat felt sweet and涩, and he wanted to spit out a mouthful of blood!
The Old Madam was quite satisfied with the banquet. She kept Shen Qingqing to stay the night.
The next day, Shen Qingqing received a call from Fu Jingshu.
"The company is going to cooperate with Feiyang Company to develop a brand together. The boss of this company is eccentric and difficult to deal with. I'm entrusting this to you."
Shen Qingqing couldn't help but complain, "You're just handing over this mess to me?"
"I believe in your ability."
He said it so earnestly and righteously that Shen Qingqing couldn't refute him. If she refused, wouldn't that mean she lacked ability? She had no choice but to agree.
"Alright, but if I succeed, I want a bonus."
"No problem."
After hanging up the phone, Shen Qingqing went home to see the two children and asked Lin Mo for the contact information of the other company's secretary. They arranged a meeting time and place.
It was at a coffee shop in the east of the city.
To show her sincerity, she arrived half an hour early. However, after the meeting time had passed by half an hour, the other party still hadn't arrived.
After waiting for another fifteen minutes, the door opened.
She turned her head and saw Xiao Wenyao walking towards their table with his assistant. When he saw her, surprise flashed in his eyes.
He said meaningfully, "So it's you, Qingqing. It seems you and your uncle are fated."
Shen Qingqing elegantly stood up, a faint smile on her face. "Second Uncle, what a coincidence."
It seemed like this business deal wouldn't be easy to negotiate.