Very well. Since the Crown Prince has agreed to return to the Sheng family, Ill tell my parents I have chosen him. Gu Ziling said, her eyes fixed on Old Sheng.

No, Ziling. Im just surprised. Youve been hanging around with Second Brother a lot, so why

I only choose the best. Gu Ziling answered as if it was only natural.

Well, I will announce your engagement on that day and set the date early on!

Thank you, Grandpa Sheng.

In the end, if Sheng Xiao would return to the Shengs residence, it meant that he would give up on Mu Qiqi.

Since he would give up on Mu Qiqi, Gu Ziling didnt have to sympathize with her.

After all, Mu Qiqi was young and could get any man she wanted.

On the other hand, Gu Ziling would be marrying someone from another important family if it wasnt the young master of the Sheng family.

In fact, she only felt freedom and comfort when she is with a man who would never love her.

Even if Sheng Xiao would continue his relationship with Mu Qiqi and even have a child, Gu Ziling decided that she would think of the child as her own. However, she was not easily letting go of a safe harbor like Sheng Xiao.

That said, for what reason would Mu Qiqi yield to her?

Normal women only ever pursued happiness and power, let alone Mu Qiqi, the granddaughter of the great Shen family.

The stage between them was all but set.

***

Outside Old Shengs study, Second Brother and Third Brother had heard the conversation between Gu Ziling and the old man.

Second Brothers hand which had been holding a stack of reports dangled limply then, and he passed it to Third Brother. Give these to Grandfather.

Second Brother! Third Brother quickly gave chase and caught him. Tell me the truth: do you like this Miss Gu?

It doesnt matter how I feel. Miss Gu has chosen, and Grandfather has arranged for it. Isnt that so?

Unable to bear with that, Third Brother kept chasing after him. When were kids, Im the one who understands Eighth Brother bestnot you, not Eldest Aunt and not Grandfather.

Did you really think he would ever come back?

That has nothing to do with me With that, Second Brother simply stormed off.

Third Brother took a deep breath, upset in Second Brothers stead. Cant Grandfather see how much work Second Brother put into holding the Sheng family together after Eighth Brother left?

Still, the status of heir and the marriage to Miss Gu had all been arranged for Eighth Brother.

It was simply unfair.

As such, Third Brother called Sheng Xiao. Eighth Brother, its your Third Brother. I want to meet.

A smile discreetly appeared on Sheng Xiaos lips. He knew his third brother is here to pass the message.

Name the place. Ill come find you.

Are you still at the Shens residence?

Sheng Xiao was a live-in son-in-law. Where else would he stay?

Forget it. Tonight, eight oclock, the Empire.

Ill have to warn youIm broke, and Im bringing my family to freeload.

Argh, do whatever you like. In contrast to Second Brother who was more composed while Third Brother had a temper and could prove to be irritable.

Even so, Third Brother has a sense of justice.

And the Sheng family could only depend on these two now.

At half-past seven, Sheng Xiao and Mu Qiqi left the Shens residence and arrived at the hotel.

Nonetheless, Third Brother was left stunned when they met. I know youre down and out, but you dont have to be that discreet, do you? Youve never worn such formal clothes or have you changed transformed for real?

Meanwhile, Sheng Xiao pulled out a chair for Qiqi to sit before making introductions.

Qiqi, meet Third Brother. Third Brother, this is Qiqi

Save it. Ive heard about your story to the point that my ears are getting blisters. Third Brother sighed helplessly. That said, Eighth Brother, dont you know that Grandfather is still saving the best things for you even though youre acting like this? The position of heir, and

Sheng Xiao slid Qier a glance before answering Third Brother, That is only because he knows very well that I am the one who could develop Huang Yao to maximum potential in the shortest time possible. And its the engagement with the Gu family in your mind, isnt it?

How are those the best things when I dont even want them? Im no more than a tool to him. Huang Yao is the only thing in his mind.

Whatever. I just want to know this: are you coming back on Grandfathers birthday?

That Miss Gu had been staying with us for a while, but today Second Brother and I heard directly that she is choosing you. Thats why Grandfather is intending to set the date of your engagement with Miss Gu. What do you think about that?

Sheng Xiao laughed heartily at that.

Ive only told him Im giving him an answer. When had I said that Im going back?

Like I wouldnt know what youre up to. If you didnt lead grandfather on, would he had believed so?

Sheng Xiao glanced at the red wine before him and took one sip elegantly, and continued chuckling. Let him think that, then

What are you planning? Second Brother might not say it, but I can sense that hes not his usual self, and he really seems to like that Miss Gu.

I have nothing I can tell you now, but I am sure of one thing I am never taking a step inside the Shengs house for the rest of my life.

Even if it means you have nothing like you do now?

Yes, even if it means having nothing like I do now! If youre really acting in Second Brothers best interest, do not mention a word about meeting me with the Sheng family and act as if you know nothing

Still, Third Brother had a hunch that was the case already.

I didnt expect that you would hate the old man so much.

Yes. To the point that I dont want to hear about him for the rest of my life.

By the way, I heard even more about Sister-in-law here. Didnt you recently do a post-mortem for that poor daughter of Huang Yaos partner? The old man was absolutely disgusted when he heard the newsIve never seen him made such a look before. Third Brother bantered. You two treasures really tormented the old man in every possible.

But since Eighth Brother is determined not to come back, Ill do my best to support Second Brother and try to hook him up with Miss Gu.

Good luck. Sheng Xiao said evenly.

That said, dont cause too much trouble on Grandfathers birthday. He is quite old after all

What, so Old Sheng was allowed to act presumptuously and contemptibly just because of his age?

As for that Miss Gushe would never get what she demanded anyway, so why would she so eager to break apart someone elses relationship?

Was she unable to live with the happiness of others just because she was unhappy?

Still, little sister. May I have the honor of witnessing your way of the blade? Third Brother was actually very admiring of that cold job.

Im just afraid you would lose your appetite after Ive started cutting. Mu Qiqi followed along with his joke.

Ill try to give face as much as I can?

Mu Qiqi giggled and nodded, more or less satisfying Third Brother.

Meanwhile, Sheng Xiao ignored the other two and tucked in to his steak with composure, stuffing some into Qier mouth from time to time.