Chapter Thirty-Nine: Wang Zhibing’s Sulk

Yang Jewelry Company, though it still bore the Yang name, had long since changed hands and now belonged to the Qin family—or, more accurately, to Liu.

Wang Zhibing had donned a new outfit, regaining the air of a billionaire: a tailored leisure suit, exuding energy, with a letter in hand as he strode confidently into the office. Upon entering, he was surprised to see three people chatting, but quickly recovered and greeted them with a hearty voice, “Master, Madam, Miss Liu Yan.”

“Zhibing?” The elegant middle-aged lady, a paragon of refinement, sipped her tea and asked softly, “You’ve seen him? How is he lately?”

She radiated the classical beauty of China, even in simple, casual attire. Her bearing was noble; every movement spoke of her upbringing as a lady of a distinguished family, trained in etiquette. Her delicate fingers, reminiscent of Qin Yang’s hands—capable of wielding both kitchen and combat knives—hinted at a familial resemblance, as did her features. It was not hard to guess that she was Qin Yang’s mother, Han Caixuan.

Beside her sat a man who seemed to have stepped out of the age of nobility: meticulous, resolute, and weathered, with an unmistakable aura of a king. His resemblance to Qin Yang was undeniable; he was Qin Yang’s father, the true wealthiest man in Asia—Qin Lie.

“The young master is well, happy and fulfilled,” Wang Zhibing replied, not with the awkwardness he showed around Qin Yang, but as a proper steward. “The scars from the recent car accident have vanished; he’s lively and spirited.”

“I suppose he’s up to some nonsense again,” Qin Lie snorted, his voice deep. “That’s the only way he can be so energetic.”

“No father knows his son better,” Wang Zhibing smiled. “Indeed, the young master is thinking about things, but not nonsense. If you doubt me, you can see him for yourself. I believe he’s worlds apart from before.”

“To see him?” Qin Lie shook his head, dissatisfied. “He’s caused me so much trouble, and he doesn’t dare come see me himself?”

“The young master doesn’t know you’re here,” Wang Zhibing said. “If he did, I think—”

Here, Wang Zhibing hesitated. What did he think? The young master’s temperament had changed so dramatically that, despite years of observing people, he couldn’t read Qin Yang anymore. If this were the old Qin Yang, he would certainly come, seeking his mother’s help to break past restraints. But would he now? If he came, would it be merely to see his parents, or for some hidden reason? Wang Zhibing was at a loss.

Han Caixuan furrowed her brow gently. “Why stop? Is he not coming?”

“It’s not that he won’t, but I don’t know if he will.” Wang Zhibing shook his head, answering honestly. “The young master used to visit without fail, but now I can’t say for certain, so I didn’t tell him, to avoid any awkwardness.”

“I think he’s afraid to come,” interjected a young woman lounging on the sofa.

Only then did Wang Zhibing glance at Liu Yan, catching a glimmer of expectation and mockery in her gaze. She seemed eager to witness Qin Yang crush this woman, but her underestimation of Qin Yang would surely be her undoing. Yet, Liu Yan was undeniably alluring—a perfect blend of classic and modern beauty, capable of dazzling any setting.

“I don’t know,” Wang Zhibing replied, quickly composing himself.

At this, Qin Lie frowned. “Zhibing, we’re family—no need for secrets. With your skill, you can’t guess that rascal’s mind?”

“I truly can’t,” Wang Zhibing affirmed.

“Hmph. I’ll see what tricks he’s up to,” Qin Lie said coldly. “I’ve indulged him long enough. What’s coming next isn’t up to him alone. But Liu Yan—” He glanced at her, a trace of apology in his eyes. “That boy’s unruly nature is due to my poor guidance. Please bear with it.”

Liu Yan nodded gracefully. “Don’t worry, Uncle Qin. Perhaps Qin Yang really has changed.”

“A leopard cannot change its spots,” Qin Lie massaged his brow. “I suspect it’s all for show.”

“You,” Han Caixuan protested mildly. “Qin Yang may have been impulsive before, but after what happened last time, he was punished. How could he not change?”

“Change?” Qin Lie sighed. “He always swears to change, but it never lasts. He acts first, explains later—even I don’t know half of it.” He glanced at Wang Zhibing, who flushed. “If Liu Yan hadn’t told me recently, I wouldn’t have known about some of his outrageous deeds. Who knows how many people curse us for abusing our power!”

Qin Lie grew agitated. “Zhibing, tell Qin Yang he can’t act recklessly anymore. If he keeps this up, I won’t hold back. Tell him to come back immediately.”

“Master, allow me a word,” Wang Zhibing raised his head. “You gave him a choice, and he chose this path. For now, Qin Yang is unrelated to the Qin family’s affairs.”

“He dares not acknowledge me as his father?” Qin Lie’s voice darkened the room.

“He wouldn’t dare,” Wang Zhibing, resigning himself, said, “You will always be his father, and he your son. But as you decreed, you cannot interfere in Qin Yang’s actions, and he won’t rely on the family’s power, until he proves himself. If you insist otherwise, you’d be breaking your own rule.”

Qin Lie was speechless. Indeed, that was the arrangement; if the boy caught him violating it, he’d never let it go.

“Fine, then tell me—what has he achieved?” Qin Lie drew a deep breath. “You gave him a hundred thousand. Unless he multiplies it tenfold, I won’t be satisfied.”

“His achievements?” Wang Zhibing wished he could drag Qin Yang here. “Young master, please hurry and make some money, so I don’t embarrass myself.” He sighed, frustrated. “At present, he’s working as a driver for a mall owner.”

“Tianfeng Mall, Liu Molan,” Liu Yan smiled. “I know her. Before arriving in Haitian City, I investigated all the prominent businesspeople. Liu Molan is impressive, perhaps not elite, but a rising leader. They say she’s a genuine beauty.”

“That rascal,” Qin Lie grumbled, his cheeks burning. The relationship between Liu Yan and Qin Yang had been decided by both families. Though Qin Yang had broken the engagement, the decision remained; Liu Yan was still the Qin family’s unwed daughter-in-law. Yet, Qin Yang was now involved in a scandal, serving as a driver for a woman. If only he were my driver, he’d learn enough to live well.

Han Caixuan could only sigh, saying nothing.

Wang Zhibing was frustrated. He couldn’t mention that Qin Yang had hospitalized the son of the city’s commerce bureau chief, or that he’d provoked the vice mayor’s son, Long Qiu Hu. Nor could he say that Qin Yang had adopted a sixteen-year-old girl, housed a mysterious twenty-something beauty, or that his neighbor was a charming young widow. If he told them, Qin Yang’s past misdeeds would surely make them suspect the worst.

“Don’t worry, Uncle Qin,” Liu Yan said playfully. “I rather look forward to meeting Liu Molan, to see what sort of woman could make him lower his status so.”

Qin Lie sighed, waving his hand. “Enough, Zhibing, you may go. But I don’t want you helping Qin Yang anymore.”

“Master,” Wang Zhibing didn’t leave, instead presenting his letter. “This is my resignation. I’ve been feeling unwell lately and wish to travel and recover.”

He dared not say he was resigning out of a troubled mind; everyone knew it was a pretext, but it couldn’t be spelled out. The letter surprised Qin Lie, who frowned. “Zhibing, don’t let emotions get the better of you.”

“I wouldn’t. I appreciate your kindness, but I truly am unwell,” Wang Zhibing said sincerely.

Qin Lie had placed him under Liu Yan because he believed she would play a major role in Hailong Group’s future, giving Wang Zhibing new opportunities. Yet Wang Zhibing still had faith in Qin Yang—not just for a better future, but out of gratitude; without Qin Yang, he would never have become a billionaire. This was repayment; even if Qin Yang failed utterly, he would not regret it.

“You… fine. I’ll keep your position open. Come back whenever you recover,” Qin Lie sighed.

Liu Yan narrowed her eyes. “If Uncle Wang wants to travel, I can recommend some lovely places—fresh air, sunshine, perfect for recuperation.”

“No need, Miss Liu. The young master has already suggested some,” Wang Zhibing replied with a smile. He paused, then decided to relay Qin Yang’s message: “Master, the young master said, if the group of young nobles Liu Yan brought from the capital causes trouble in his territory, he’ll cripple every one of them. He means it. If the Qin family suffers any consequences, please don’t blame him—he’s only responding.”

“He dares say that!” Qin Lie snapped.

Wang Zhibing felt aggrieved. Why was the master so willing to trust an outsider over his own son? He retorted, “If you don’t believe it, send Brother Cao to investigate the murder on Hengshan Road the other night—fourteen gangsters attacked one man, but the result was two dead, eight seriously wounded, and the injured are still unconscious. I doubt he’ll show mercy to a few pampered capital city brats!”

Fourteen gangsters?

Two dead, eight gravely injured?