Jian Lanfeng looked at his furious father, Jian Fengchun, and suddenly smiled. “Dad, why are you so insistent on me marrying Li Qiao? She doesn’t like me, and there’s nothing I can do about it. This time, I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you.”
“Jian Lanfeng, you’ve got some nerve. Are you blaming me?”
Jian Lanfeng remained firm, but Jian Fengchun only grew harsher.
Soon, Jian Lanfeng’s back was streaked with crimson.
“Admit your mistake,” Jian Fengchun demanded.
“I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Enraged, Jian Fengchun struck harder.
The butler, who had been waiting outside, could no longer bear it. He rushed in and grabbed Jian Fengchun’s arm, pleading, “Sir, please spare the young master.”
Jian Fengchun sneered. “Now even you dare to defy me?”
“Sir, the young master’s forehead and body are still bleeding.”
Jian Fengchun scoffed. “You’ve always coddled him.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” the butler replied respectfully.
Jian Fengchun’s gaze turned icy. “Lanfeng, you’ve disappointed me deeply this time.”
“No matter what, Li Qiao must become your wife. And above all, you cannot lose to He Jingnian. Quit your job and prepare to take over the Jian Group.”
Jian Lanfeng wanted to argue, but under his father’s domineering glare—
He stiffened and said, “I enjoy my current work.”
“Hah, a mere doctor? How can that compare to being the head of a conglomerate? Lanfeng, remember—you are my chosen successor.”
Jian Fengchun’s tone was stern.
Jian Lanfeng frowned and pressed his lips together. “I don’t want the Jian Group. I want to build my own career—”
Jian Fengchun laughed in fury. “Good, very good. So your wings have hardened, and now you dare disobey me?”
“Lanfeng, I’ve indulged you before, letting you study medicine. But I always thought you knew when to compromise. Clearly, I overestimated you.”
Jian Lanfeng clenched his teeth. “Father, you’ve never truly understood me.”
Jian Fengchun, incensed, slammed the table and stood, pointing at his son. “It’s because I understand you that I’ve chosen this path for you! Mark my words—if you refuse to take over the Jian Group, you’ll be driven out of the medical field entirely. You know I don’t make empty threats.”
Jian Lanfeng stared deeply at his father.
This was his good father.
The father who constantly pressured him. Under that oppressive gaze, Jian Lanfeng bowed his head once again.
“Fine. I understand.”
“That’s more like it. If Li Qiao doesn’t want you, it’s because you’re useless—because you can’t measure up to He Jingnian. Lanfeng, learn well. Don’t let yourself be crushed by him. Everything I do is for your own good.”
In an instant, Jian Fengchun’s tone softened.
Battered and bruised, Jian Lanfeng smiled bitterly.
“Yes.”
“Now get out.”
Jian Lanfeng’s back and face were smeared with blood.
…..
One Hour Later
Qingshui Town
A helicopter landed on the golf course of the He family’s ancestral estate.
“He Jingnian, your family’s estate is massive.” The grounds spanned at least a thousand acres.
He Yi said proudly, “The He family is the foremost clan in Qingshui Town!”
Li Qiao glanced over and met He Jingnian’s gaze. Calmly, she asked, “Shall we head to the ancestral hall now?”
“Let’s freshen up first.” As soon as He Jingnian spoke, the He family butler arrived with a team of servants.
“Ninth Master, everything is prepared,” the butler said respectfully.
“Let’s go.” He Jingnian’s words were directed at Li Qiao.
They had known of He Jingnian’s arrival in advance—everything had been arranged beforehand.
Li Qiao’s room was opposite He Jingnian’s, on the second floor.
Li Shaoyu and He Yi were assigned rooms on the first floor.
“Calculating bastard,” Li Shaoyu muttered, though his protests were futile. He resigned himself to the first floor.
He Yi, trailing behind, defended, “The Ninth Master’s health is fragile. He needs Miss Li’s care.”
“If he’s so fragile, he shouldn’t drag my Qiaoqiao into it.”
He Yi: “…” Was he reading too much into that?
Probably not what he meant.
Li Qiao surveyed the He family estate—it radiated pure, righteous energy, exceptionally prosperous for future generations.
“What do you think of this place, Qiaoqiao?”
“Extremely favorable for descendants. That’s why your family has so many heirs.”
“…” That wasn’t what He Jingnian wanted to hear.
The butler suddenly approached and asked, “Ninth Master, what should we do with that bag of marrow bones?”
He was curious—why had the Ninth Master brought so many bones?
He Jingnian looked startled, then turned to Li Qiao. She actually brought them?
“Make soup with them. For him to drink.”
“Qiaoqiao, do I have to drink it?”
“No.”
He Jingnian, soundly rejected: “…Arrange it.”
The butler was stunned.
The Ninth Master actually listened to a girl?
What was this?
The biter bit?
The famously untouchable Ninth Master had finally descended to the mortal world. Good heavens, you really do see everything if you live long enough.
