Lingjin City.
Book Mountain Court, Villa Five.
Book Mountain Court was one of the most exclusive residential communities in Lingjin City. Eleven villas were built along the mountainside, with Villa One at the summit reigning as the crown jewel. Villa Five, situated halfway up the mountain, was naturally exceptional in its own right. It belonged to the Qin Family, one of the eight great families of Lingjin City.
At this moment, inside the main hall, Luo Sulan's face was flushed with excitement. Her breathing was ragged, and her bloodshot eyes were fixed on her eldest daughter, Qin Qiu. "Xiaoqiu," she said, her voice trembling, "did the Jin Family really… really agree to come and treat your sister?"
Even though Qin Qiu had already told her three times, she still couldn't believe it. It was just too surprising, too unexpected.
Five years ago, Luo Sulan's younger daughter had fallen into a vegetative state after a car accident. Generally, a condition like that was considered incurable, but the Jin Family, renowned as an ancient martial arts clan, claimed to have a method. Luo Sulan had exhausted every ounce of her strength pleading for Elder Jin to intervene.
But what was the Jin Family's status in Lingjin City? They completely overshadowed the Qin Family, standing a full seven or eight tiers above them. If they were unwilling, you could offer them all the money in the world and they wouldn't spare you a second glance. Over the past five years, Luo Sulan had practically worn down the Jin Family's doorstep, yet she had never once managed to see Elder Jin in person. The gap between powerful families was like an uncrossable chasm.
In truth, she had already given up.
Who would have thought that today, Elder Jin himself would call to offer his sympathies? After inquiring about her daughter's condition, he stated bluntly that it was a trivial matter. Furthermore, he was already on his way and would arrive at Book Mountain Court within twenty minutes.
"Mom, this is the fourth time I'm telling you, it's true!"
Qin Qiu's skin was as smooth as fine porcelain, her eyes bright and clear. At nearly 1.7 meters tall, she cut a graceful and elegant figure. As Lingjin City's most beautiful and charismatic CEO, her emotions were in turmoil, her long, limpid eyes dilating and contracting.
Her sister could finally be saved! She had thought she would soon be parted from her sister by death, but now, it seemed the heavens had finally taken notice.
Glancing at her watch, Qin Qiu took a deep breath to calm her racing thoughts. "Judging by the time, Elder Jin should be here any moment. Let's get ready to welcome him."
"Where is that good-for-nothing Chen Yang?" Luo Sulan asked in a low voice while checking her makeup.
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. He was the Qin Family's disgrace.
"He's in the kitchen," Qin Qiu said, her face devoid of expression.
"Tell him to stay in the kitchen and not come out. He's already brought enough shame to our family."
"I know."
Just as Qin Qiu responded, a head popped out from the nearby kitchen. "Honey, did you call for me?" The man had a resolute face, and the corners of his mouth were turned up in a roguish smile that spread across his features.
Qin Qiu glanced at Chen Yang, who was dressed in a tank top and baggy shorts, and a look of disgust washed over her face. "What are you yelling about!"
"Honey, it's been twenty-eight days, and you've finally said my name again." Chen Yang grinned foolishly, his eyes shining like stars, as deep as an abyss—like two black holes that could swallow the universe. The look lasted only a moment before his usual roguish demeanor took over.
Qin Qiu gritted her teeth. Was that what he called 'saying his name'? The damned man wasn't just shameless, he was an insufferable narcissist!
"Chen Yang, you're a grown man. Why can't you find something to do outside instead of freeloading in my home? Do you think I'll be moved by your shameless persistence? Never!" Qin Qiu crossed her arms and scoffed.
"Shameless persistence? I am here with the purest of intentions." Chen Yang, who had married into the Qin Family, completely ignored her sarcasm. He chuckled, "Besides, where else could you find a chef as outstanding as me? I think of new recipes every day. I guarantee you won't eat the same dish twice in a single month."
"Get out!" Qin Qiu laughed in exasperation. "Get back to the kitchen and don't come out!"
"Honey, today we're having blackfish soup. It nourishes both the yin and the yang." Chen Yang eyed Qin Qiu's curvaceous figure and gave her a meaningful wink before ducking back into the kitchen.
Qin Qiu massaged her temples, feeling utterly drained. That loser will never amount to anything. And Grandpa actually said he was a dragon stranded in the shallows, destined to one day illuminate the world.
She scoffed in disgust.
If her grandfather hadn't threatened to kill himself, she would have rather died than get a marriage certificate with such a person. For days, she had been wracking her brains, trying to find a way—any way—to kick this garbage, this parasite, out of her house as soon as possible.
A short while later, a Range Rover pulled up to the villa's entrance. Qin Qiu and Luo Sulan, who had been waiting, hurried out to greet them. Four people got out of the car, led by a vigorous, white-haired elder. It was none other than Elder Jin, Jin Zongquan.
"Elder Jin."
"We are so grateful, Elder Jin."
Beaming, both Qin Qiu and Luo Sulan extended their hands.
Jin Zongquan deliberately avoided Qin Qiu's hand and instead shook Luo Sulan's, saying with some restraint, "You're too kind. I should have come sooner."
Luo Sulan was flattered, her heart pounding in her chest. Wasn't Elder Jin being a little too courteous?
Qin Qiu turned to lead the way, smiling. "This way, please, Elder Jin. My sister is on the second floor."
Jin Zongquan didn't follow right away. He turned to a tall, indifferent-looking young man beside him and asked respectfully, "Mr. Yang, what about you…?"
"Don't mind me. You can leave once you're finished," the young man said with a wave of his hand. He then stepped aside and lit a cigarette.
"Very well," Jin Zongquan nodded. Beckoning to his two assistants, he entered the Qin villa.
Qin Qiu and Luo Sulan exchanged a look, confusion reflected in each other's eyes. What kind of background could that man have for Elder Jin to treat him so respectfully?
Driven by curiosity, Qin Qiu voiced her question.
To her surprise, Jin Zongquan only replied lightly, "Some things are better left unknown."
This only made Qin Qiu more curious, and she couldn't help but steal a few more glances at the young man. Soon, they went upstairs.
Outside, the young man named Yang extinguished his half-smoked cigarette and strode into the villa, heading straight for the kitchen.
"Commander-in-chief." Upon entering the kitchen, the young man, Yang Hu, respectfully performed a Martial Guard salute.
Chen Yang wasn't surprised in the least. He grabbed a blackfish from a basin and asked nonchalantly, "Is Jin Zongquan here?"
"Yes, he has already gone upstairs to begin the treatment." As he spoke, Yang Hu pulled a document from his coat. "Commander-in-chief," he said with utmost reverence, "we've received a notice from the higher-ups. It will be broadcast on television at eight o'clock tonight. Shall I read it to you now?"
Chen Yang's movements paused for a fraction of a second. He then rolled his eyes. "Is all this fanfare really necessary?"
"After deliberation among the Elders of the Inner Court, it has been officially decided to promote you to the post of Nine Gates Admiral and bestow upon you the title of Zhennan Prince."
"Congratulations."
Yang Hu closed the document, stood ramrod straight, and raised his right hand to his forehead in a sharp salute. He then continued, "Additionally, the Eight Martial Districts have all called to congratulate you on your ascension to the title of Prince."
In that moment, Chen Yang shed all semblance of his earlier carelessness. His eyes grew deep, and his expression turned solemn.