Chapter 11
Today, Qin Jue was determined to beat Chen Huaixiao and get rid of the bad taste left from being bullied by him at the club. He knew that no one could refuse the conditions he set.
After making a phone call, Qin Jue looked smugly at Chen Huaixiao and hummed a tune, waiting for the final result.
Chen Huaixiao remained calm and collected, just like he had countless times at the negotiation table, as if he were a king who controlled the situation. Qin Jue couldn't stand his confident and assured demeanor, despite their similar ages. Qin Jue was a rich second-generation, while Chen Huaixiao was an entrepreneur. Qin Jue just couldn't accept it.
He was determined to make Chen Huaixiao lose badly.
Soon, the competition had a result, and the drone sent back a picture from the mountaintop. Qin Jue looked at the phone screen, waiting confidently for his black flag to be raised on the mountaintop. However, the fluttering flag that appeared in the picture was Chen Huaixiao's maple leaf flag!
The image of a girl sitting with her legs crossed on the edge of the mountain, barefoot and with the rising sun shining on her beautiful face, was stunning. The majestic landscape was captured in her beautiful eyes, revealing a hint of wildness and determination. Everyone was shocked by this scene. The girl appeared to be gentle, but her gaze was unbreakable.
This was the result that Chen Huaixiao had expected. However, even he was captivated by the screen's image and couldn't help but linger on it for a moment.
...
Bai Yin and Kitty came down the mountain, and Qin Jue approached them, pointing at Bai Yin and angrily saying, "You sly woman who turns on her heels!"
Bai Yin saw that the situation was not good and immediately hid behind Chen Huaixiao, saying, "I'm so scared!"
Chen Huaixiao's face was slightly cold as he firmly pushed Qin Jue's hand away.
Qin Jue naturally could not compete with Chen Huaixiao and felt frustrated. His face was like a swollen balloon: "Okay, let's see how long he can protect you. We'll see each other again."
Bai Yin knew that today she had completely offended her fiancé from the Qin family. She pouted and said to Chen Huaixiao, "For you to win, I had to offend Qin Jue to the extreme. Please take care of me in the future."
Chen Huaixiao helped her onto the car and used a wet tissue to clean her dirty feet. He said reservedly, "You chose to offend him instead of me. It was your own decision."
Indeed, although Qin Jue's conditions were attractive, Bai Yin was not stupid enough to offend the biggest capital in the entertainment industry for a small benefit. Otherwise, how could she make a living in the future?
"Anyway, I offended Qin Jue for you," Bai Yin said, grabbing his sleeve and acting spoiled. "You can't just stand by and do nothing."
"Oh, are you proposing to me?" Chen Huaixiao teased.
"On that summer night, I made a request of you. If I were ever in trouble, you would help me out," Bai Yin said, looking at him with a determined gaze. "Big brother, that time is now."
Chen Huaixiao's lips curved into a cold smile as he slowly pulled his dirty hand away from her grip and spoke with a cool, thin voice, "How do you know I won't go back on my word?"
...
Half a month later, the wedding of Bai Yin and Qin Jue was held at the Lake Island Garden Hotel.
In the luxurious hotel suite, the bride sat in front of the dressing table in her pristine white wedding gown, her slender waist and delicate shoulders exuding a warm fragrance.
The makeup artist was amazed by her beauty, remarking that she had seen countless brides but none as exquisite as her. It was no wonder that the groom would want to skip the tedious wedding proceedings and go straight to the bridal chamber on their wedding night.
Bridesmaid Sun Lili sat on the king-sized bed in the presidential suite, watching Bai Yin's back and asking, "Bao, you're so good at makeup, why don't you do it yourself?"
"I'm too lazy," Bai Yin replied with a yawn, feeling unenthusiastic about the wedding.
"Xiao Yin, you clearly offended Qin Jue during the competition last time. What if he seeks revenge after the wedding? He's not a good person," Sun Lili warned.
"I know," Bai Yin said, lowering her head and checking her phone. She had sent the location of the wedding hotel to Chen Huaixiao, but he had not replied.
Chen Huaixiao had a bet with Qin Jue, and so did Bai Yin. She wanted to make Qin Jue hate her to the bone.
She was betting on whether Chen Huaixiao would feel any sympathy for her. As long as Chen Huaixiao was willing to protect her, the dilemma of the arranged marriage would be resolved.
Chen Huaixiao didn't like being manipulated by others, but after seeing Qin Jue's behavior firsthand, Bai Yin could not blindly walk into the fire.
"If worse comes to worst, just give in to Qin Jue," Sun Lili advised worriedly. "After all, this is a lifetime commitment."
Bai Yin's eyes turned cold as she replied with a faint smile, "What's the point of giving in? I made my choice on the mountaintop."
She was like a drifting leaf, doing her best to stay afloat and not be swallowed up by the waves.
Since it was all a transaction, she had to choose the most reliable backer.
A few minutes later, Su Anning pushed open the door and approached Bai Yin's table.
As she looked at her own stunning yet ethereal face in the mirror, Su Anning felt a twinge of jealousy snake through her heart.
But then she thought, after today, Bai Yin would be entering a wealthy family and would no longer be able to frolic around freely.
That thought brought her a bit of satisfaction.
She had cried for several nights when the Qin and Su families initially discussed the arranged marriage. She had refused to comply, forcing her father to bring her sister back from a town in the south.
Qin Jue, the pampered and privileged young master of the Qin family, was notorious in social circles as a delinquent with a hot temper and a promiscuous private life.
If Bai Yin married him, it would be a miracle if he didn't abuse her.
As she thought about it, Su Anning couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Bai Yin, now that you're married into the Qin family, you must behave yourself. I've heard that their family rules are strict, especially the mother-in-law. Don't be careless."
"Thanks for the reminder. I'll be careful," Bai Yin replied.
Su Anning was feeling quite victorious at the moment and decided to play it up. "I envy you so much. I heard that the young master of the Qin family has a great way with women and is very handsome."
Bai Yin sneered, "If you envy me so much, I can take off my wedding dress and give it to you. It's not too late."
"No need. You enjoy your good fortune," Su Anning retorted.
"I will. I won't let my sister down," Bai Yin replied.
Su Anning snorted and stormed out of the room.
Let's see how much longer she can be smug.
...
Not long after, Bai Yin received a video call from Grandpa Chen.
He had only recently learned how to use video calls and was holding the phone at a strange angle, making him look like he was staring down at her. "Hey, hey, can you hear me, little girl? Grandpa is at the closest spot to the stage, waiting for you to come out."
Bai Yin saw the wedding scene in the background and was surprised. "Grandpa, why did you come? It's such a long way. Did you come alone, or did you contact Chen Huaixiao?"
"Don't worry," Grandpa Chen waved his hand. "I'm old and have seen everything. Are you afraid I'll get lost?"
"You didn't have to come. This wedding... may not even happen," Bai Yin sighed. "You've traveled so far, and you won't be able to eat anything."
"I've watched you grow up, so I'm practically your grandpa," Grandpa Chen replied. "How can I not be here for your happy moment?"
Bai Yin was moved and smiled. "You are my real grandpa!"
"I'll take a picture of you later. I've got the camera ready."
Since her grandmother went blind due to excessive sadness, the family's situation had been deteriorating day by day. Her uncles were all useless and couldn't even take care of themselves, let alone their grandmother. Bai Yin had learned embroidery from her grandmother since she was young and made a living selling embroidery in the scenic area. Without the overt and covert help of Grandpa Chen next door, she probably wouldn't have grown up to be so strong.
Bai Yin was grateful to Grandpa Chen from the bottom of her heart.
After ending the video call, Grandpa Chen called Chen Huaixiao. His gentle and kind voice was replaced by a cold one. "Third son, are you busy now?"
"I'm in a meeting, Grandpa."
"The neighbor's daughter is getting married today. You've known her for years as her older brother. Aren't you going to come and see her?"
"Qin and Su's marriage has attracted many high society figures. They don't know that I know the bride, and I'd rather not draw attention to myself," Chen Huaixiao explained.
Grandpa Chen snorted, "You won't even let her have a little advantage. What kind of older brother are you?"
Chen Huaixiao's lips curled into a faint smile. "Thanks to your nurturing over the years, Bai Yin doesn't need my help to have an advantage."
The old man's face gradually darkened, "The wedding is happening today, but once the resources and connections of the two families are combined, do you think your life will be better in the future?"
"I don't care. What I want, no one can take away from me."
Chen Huaixiao never feared joining forces with other families. Even if they formed an alliance through marriage, as long as there were personal interests at stake, he could still come out on top.
Chen's grandfather said coldly, "Bai Yin was raised by me. It's like raising an orchid. I've raised her for so many years, and I can't bear to let someone ruin her."
"Well, there's nothing you can do. You're not her real grandfather," Chen Huaixiao replied with a casual tone and a hint of playfulness. "Her biological parents have their own plans."
She was using marriage as a wager, to win this game of chess. Whatever the outcome, she had to bear it herself and couldn't blame anyone else.
"Grandpa, I won't go," Chen Huaixiao calmly said as he walked out of the office. "That girl is full of schemes. She had planned this game a long time ago and wanted to have a gamble with me. I can't knowingly fall into her trap."
Of course, Chen's grandfather naturally sided with Bai Yin. "But you can't just let her be! She's called you 'brother' for so many years. She must have some genuine feelings for you."
"Genuine feelings? She only has a wolf's heart and a dog's lungs," Chen Huaixiao contained his laughter and said lightly. "Grandpa, I won't go."
...
After hanging up the phone, Chen Huaixiao strolled to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked out at the bright blue sky outside.
Today was an auspicious day for weddings.
Chen Huaixiao lowered his head and lit a cigarette.
His assistant, Shen Bin, walked up to him and said, "General Manager Chen, the meeting is about to start. The regional managers are waiting to give their reports."
Chen Huaixiao turned around and was about to enter the meeting room when Shen Bin suddenly said, "Oh, by the way, last time you asked me to keep an eye on Qin Jue. There's something I need to report to you..."
Chen Huaixiao stopped in his tracks. "Please continue."
"Qin Jue has been buying a lot of things related to that area, such as whips, bandages, and some potent drugs. He's known to be very kinky in the lettered circle, so it's normal for him to buy these things. However..."
He looked at Chen Huaixiao's expression and hesitated. "I heard that he's getting married. Could it be that he's planning to use these things against..."
Chen Huaixiao snuffed out the cigarette with his fingertips.
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