NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19
“Certainly,” Song Yazhi said, her eyes soft as she watched her son’s joyous expression. She didn’t overthink it, though in her heart, she marveled at his happiness, unaware of its true source. How could she possibly know that her son’s glee stemmed from the prospect of finally being a carefree boss, free of managerial burdens?
Little did she imagine that when Qin Yuan casually mentioned owning “a few companies,” he was speaking of enterprises valued at billions, even at their smallest.
“Mom, since we’re on the topic, I suggest you consider reaching out to the media to release selected information about Xiao Yuan’s achievements,” Song Ziwei chimed in. Her eyes gleamed with insight, a strategist’s mind at work. “Right now, the outside world mocks you, saying you’ve only recognized him because he got lucky, calling him a mediocre man who climbed into wealth by clinging to the richest woman’s coattails.”
Her gaze flicked toward Qin Yuan as she spoke, though his face betrayed no reaction. He only smiled faintly, indifferent to the barbs of strangers.
“You two might not care,” Ziwei continued, her tone firm, “but the more we ignore such talk, the uglier it will grow. It’s better to address it directly.”
“You’re right, girl,” Song Yazhi agreed, her voice tinged with the resolve of someone who had weathered countless storms. Though she had forged her legacy and stood unshaken by public opinion, her son had just returned to her life. She couldn’t bear to let him face such slander.
Her heart swelled with protective resolve. Her son wasn’t some nobody, and she wouldn’t let the world reduce him to that.
In her mind, she was already planning to pave the brightest path possible for him. Thirty years of separation had left her son with enough scars. Now, it was her turn to repay him with an unshakable future, ensuring he would want for nothing.
“Ziwei, reach out to a few trusted reporters and websites,” Song Yazhi instructed, her demeanor once more embodying the Iron Lady. “Share the story of Xiao Yuan’s overseas company, but focus on one thing: my son’s talent.”
Her voice grew sharper with conviction. “He’s no ordinary man; he’s a young entrepreneur with accomplishments of his own. Make sure that message is clear.”
“Understood,” Ziwei replied, nodding. Her eyes turned to Qin Yuan. “What’s the name of your company overseas? It will help add credibility.”
“Hmm.” Qin Yuan hadn’t cared much for these details, but his mother’s earnest determination moved him. After a moment’s thought, he replied with a faint smile, “Lingyin Group.”
The name hung in the air for a beat as Qin Yuan decided to withhold the full scope of his empire. His background was far too complex, and the looming acquisition of the Gezhi Group by the Azure Foundation added a layer of intrigue he wasn’t ready to unveil. For now, it was better to let his assets emerge in stages, rather than overwhelming his mother with the truth all at once.
As for the Azure Foundation, Qin Yuan had initially intended to use his authority as its founder to halt the acquisition. Yet, with other financial groups circling Gezhi Group like vultures, he chose to proceed as planned. Let them play their games. Once the dust settled, he would reassign the group’s shares to his mother, ensuring her position as the unrivaled head of a trillion-dollar empire.
The car fell into a contemplative silence, the atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts. Through the rearview mirror, Song Ziwei studied Qin Yuan’s composed, enigmatic expression. Inwardly, she marveled at the depth of this man she had underestimated.
“Let’s eat first,” Song Yazhi said at last, breaking the stillness with a warm smile.
The Bentley Mulsanne soon pulled up before an elegant residence marked with the number 851, nestled along the prestigious Julu Road in Ninghai. A discreet sign proclaimed its name: Yuzhilan.
“Yuzhilan?” Qin Yuan’s eyes sparkled with recognition. “I didn’t expect this.”
“You know this place?” Song Yazhi asked, curious. “Is it special?”
“It’s one of Ninghai’s finest private restaurants,” Qin Yuan explained with a soft chuckle. “The chef’s reputation is stellar.”
Song Yazhi nodded approvingly, impressed by her daughter Ziwei’s choice. The restaurant’s exclusivity meant ordinary diners had to wait months for a reservation, but for Ninghai’s wealthiest, the doors opened without hesitation.
As they arrived, another car—a Maserati Quattroporte—pulled up. Out stepped Song Caifu, who had gone ahead to secure their table. “Mom, you’re finally here,” she greeted with a grin.
“Silly girl, you must be starving,” Song Yazhi teased, playfully brushing her daughter’s hair. Together, the sisters led their mother inside, Qin Yuan following behind. Along the way, Ziwei whispered a summary of recent events to Caifu.
“Wow, Brother Qin, you’re amazing!” Caifu exclaimed, her admiration shining brightly. Then, feigning reluctance, she removed the agarwood bracelet from her wrist. “But this gift is too much. Here, take it back.”
Qin Yuan chuckled, waving her off. “A gift is a gift. Keep it. We’re family, aren’t we?”
Caifu beamed, her joy unrestrained. “You’re the best, Brother Qin!” She slipped the bracelet back on with a sheepish grin.
Watching the scene, Song Yazhi’s heart swelled with contentment. This was the family warmth she had longed for—a happiness she thought lost forever. Yet, even amid her joy, her mind wandered. Thirty years old, and Qin Yuan still wasn’t married. Most men his age were fathers by now.
No, this wouldn’t do. She needed to find the right moment to discuss his marital prospects. A grandson, she thought wistfully, would complete this picture-perfect family.
As they settled into a private dining room, a senior manager personally welcomed Song Yazhi and her party. Such was the power of her name.
While Qin Yuan stepped away momentarily, Song Yazhi turned to Ziwei with a playful glint in her eye. “Ziwei, if you don’t start calling him ‘Brother’ now, you might have to call him ‘Husband’ in the future.”
The words hit like a thunderbolt. Caifu burst into laughter, while Ziwei flushed a deep crimson, her expression flustered yet touched by something unspoken.
“Mom!” Ziwei protested softly, avoiding her mother’s teasing gaze.
“Hehe, don’t mind me. I’m just joking,” Song Yazhi said, her laughter softening into a smile. “You’ve always been outstanding, my daughters. Still, keeping things within the family isn’t the worst idea…”
Before she could finish, Caifu interjected with a mischievous grin. “Then let us both marry him, Mom!”
Her words rang out like a silver bell, leaving the room momentarily stunned.