Chapter 326
Little Xi and Ji Fei were immediately pulled by Grandma Lv to sit on either side of her and the Old Master on the main sofa.
The others gradually took their seats.
Auntie's family, being older, mostly lived with the Old Master in the ancestral home. Third Uncle's family originally lived in Y City, so they often visited. Fourth Uncle's family lived in the neighboring G City, so they also came frequently. At the moment, only Fifth Aunt and Sixth Uncle were missing.
"Fifth Aunt's husband has encountered some business issues, so their family is currently abroad dealing with it. They’ll probably arrive later. Sixth Uncle's family is waiting for their little princess to finish her exams before returning home. And Seventh Sister's family is still abroad," Auntie explained with a smile.
Ji Fei took a moment to recall that Seventh Sister referred to Lu Meihe, Grandma Lv's youngest daughter, whom they all called Seventh Sister.
Qin's Father chimed in, "I’ve heard about that. By the way, let’s have Qin Xian and Qin Xi introduce themselves to everyone first. Otherwise, these two little ones won’t know how to address everyone properly."
"I’ll handle it, Dad," Qin Xian volunteered, causing a momentary hush in the room. Although many of those present had professional dealings with Qin Xian and exchanged polite greetings, it was rare to see him take the initiative in such a personal setting. It felt quite unusual.
Qin Xian held Ji Fei's hand, silently reassuring her, and began introducing everyone starting with Auntie's family.
Auntie's family included Auntie, Uncle, their eldest cousin Qin Wenqiang, her husband Yang Feng, and their daughter Yang Weiwei. There was also the eldest cousin Qin Yi.
Ji Fei maintained a polite smile, greeting everyone and matching names to faces.
[Auntie's family… huh, passed the test.]
Qin's second family breathed a sigh of relief.
Qin Xian: ?
Qin Yan also prompted Qin Xi to greet everyone. When introducing Yang Weiwei, the two children quickly bonded, likely ready to play together soon.
Auntie smiled and said, "Earlier, Dad and Grandma Lv insisted we all watch some show—the one Ji Fei and Qin Zhao performed in. You guys were amazing! You even won the championship!"
With Auntie's revelation, everyone realized that the Old Master and Grandma Lv had been watching the mainland variety show Ji Fei and Qin Zhao participated in. While the older generation might not have grasped the nuances or followed the live comments, they knew the duo had won every time.
[Thank goodness. From their expressions, it seems they’re unaware of the online drama surrounding the show. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my gossip in peace.]
Qin's second family couldn’t help but chuckle, playing along with Auntie's topic.
But someone lacked tact. Yang Feng suddenly spoke up, "By the way, Qin Xian, about that new project I mentioned earlier—what exactly didn’t you like about it?"
Qin Wenqiang and Qin Yi's expressions froze.
It was unclear whether Yang Feng was overly ambitious or just oblivious, as the introductions were about to move on to Third Uncle's family.
Qin Xian replied coolly, "We don’t discuss business at home."
His tone carried an implicit authority, shutting Yang Feng down. Yang Feng, though visibly displeased, could only force an awkward smile.
Ji Fei noticed Yang Feng's hostile demeanor and couldn’t help but let her thoughts wander.
[So obsessed with work? Let me check… Oh, juicy gossip?!]
Qin's second family collectively perked up. Although they had mentally prepared for Ji Fei’s presence and the possibility of uncovering family secrets, they hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.
While their main focus was uncovering details about Qin Xian's childhood, now… well, Yang Feng had walked right into the line of fire.
What gossip? What happened? Tell us, tell us!
Qin Yan, Qin Zhao, and Qin Rong were practically reaching for the snacks on the coffee table.
[Auntie’s family successor is the eldest cousin, Qin Wenqiang, a decisive and formidable woman. But it seems she’s unaware that her husband has been cheating on her and even has a bunch of illegitimate children.]
Qin's second family: …
Not entirely surprising, but the more they thought about it, the more they wanted to stand up and punch someone.
Wow, just wow. Back then, Yang Feng had gone to great lengths to pursue Qin Wenqiang. After marrying her, he had worked diligently for the Qin family. Even when Qin Wenqiang chose to have only one child due to health concerns, Yang Feng had never publicly complained, earning a reputation as a model son-in-law.
Truly, appearances can be deceiving. Who would have thought he could deceive someone as sharp as Qin Wenqiang for so long? It’s almost unimaginable.
[So, here’s the deal: he runs a new company under the guise of a joint venture with his wife, but in reality, Qin Wenqiang has no stake in it. It’s all for his mistress and their children, as well as various relatives and connections. He’s avoiding the risk of bringing them into Qin Corporation.]
[He’s also preparing for the worst—if things ever go south with Qin Wenqiang, he’ll have this company as a fallback. That’s why he’s so desperate to siphon funds from Qin Xian to prop up his own business.]
Qin's second family glared at Yang Feng, their expressions darkening.
Yang Feng, who had just regained his composure, was baffled by the hostile stares. All he wanted was to secure some benefits for his new company through Qin Xian. Why were they looking at him like he was the enemy?
[This brother-in-law is like a rat, sneaking things from the Qin family to his own nest. Absolutely unacceptable! That’s essentially stealing my money too!]
Qin's second family: Well done! You’ve truly embraced the role of the family matriarch!
[You scoundrel, you’ve crossed the wrong person. I’ll make sure to expose you sooner or later!]
Qin's second family: Yes! Expose him!
Qin Xian: …Are they planning to break up a family right after arriving?
He quietly pulled out his phone and sent a message. After all, he had people he could mobilize here. Exposing a scoundrel starts with gathering evidence.
Yang Feng shivered inexplicably. All he did was bring up an ill-timed project proposal. Why did he feel a chill down his spine? The way the family was looking at him was downright terrifying.
Perhaps sensing the awkward tension, Qin Yi, known for his gentle demeanor, quickly shifted the conversation by asking Qin Xi if she played any musical instruments.
Since the scoundrel wasn’t worth their attention and divorce was already on the horizon, Ji Fei was soon distracted.
[This cousin is a vocal music professor at a top conservatory and a renowned baritone. Oh, suddenly I realize he’s just as handsome as Qin Zhao, but in a refined, artistic way. His charm is different from Qin Xian and Qin Zhao’s. Hmm, eye candy!]n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
Qin Xian: !
Qin Zhao: Hey hey, how is he just as handsome as me? I’m younger!
The other women in Qin's second family: Hmm? True, we hadn’t noticed before. Ji Fei has an eye for beauty!
[I wonder if this cousin gets asked to perform during family gatherings.]
Qin Zhao: …Let’s not go there. Thankfully, my family doesn’t do that.
Qin Xian: I think I’ve seen him get asked before.
[Pfft, so that’s why he’s been taking time off—not just to visit relatives, but to dodge a romantic entanglement.]
Qin's second family: What gossip have you stumbled upon now?
They remembered Qin Yi was a staunch bachelor, having no interest in marriage even at thirty. What romantic entanglement could he possibly have?
Qin Xian glanced curiously at his cousin.
[He was confessed to by his most dedicated student at the conservatory! No wonder he’s been avoiding things.]
Qin's second family: Hehe~ Juicy gossip~
Qin Yi, completely unaware that his secrets had been laid bare, shivered. Why did he suddenly feel a cold wave of dread?