Qin Yao pushed open the door and walked into the conference room of the the Qin Family. The room was already filled with senior members of the the Qin Family, each wearing expressions of calculation and concern. She gently pressed her lips together, her heart already prepared for what was to come.
“Qin Yao, you arrived just in time,” Qin Wu said, lifting his gaze from the head of the table and gesturing for her to sit down. His tone was flat but carried a hint of pressure.
Qin Yao nodded slightly and took a seat at the empty spot at the long table. The eyes around her seemed to focus on her immediately. She could feel the subtle atmosphere, as if everyone was speculating about her intentions, especially her uncle, Qin Zhan, who had never shown her any kindness.
A faint smile appeared on Qin Zhan's lips. “Qin Yao, today’s auction is crucial for the future of our the Qin Family. Are you ready?”
“I’m ready,” Qin Yao replied without hesitation, her voice clear and calm, her gaze unwavering.
Qin Zhan raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised, but quickly masked his expression. “I hope so. After all, we can’t entrust the family’s future to an outsider.”
Before Qin Yao could respond, Qin Wu coldly interjected, “Zhan, Qin Yao is the legitimate heir of the the Qin Family; you shouldn’t speak so carelessly.”
The corners of Qin Zhan's mouth curled slightly, a glimmer of disdain in his eyes. “I’m merely stating facts. After all, dealing with jade isn’t something everyone can handle easily.”
“Indeed, jade is not easy to manage,” Qin Yao said softly as she set down the documents in her hands. Her tone was calm yet edged with sharpness. “However, since this concerns the family, I believe I have the right to participate.”
The atmosphere in the conference room instantly froze, all eyes turning towards her. Qin Yao understood that tonight’s auction was not just a simple business transaction; it was tied to the fate of the family and whether she could step out from under her father’s shadow.
“Qin Yao, what we need tonight at the auction is calmness and wisdom,” Qin Wu spoke up, his tone steady and authoritative. “Whether it’s about the value of jade or the competition among those forces behind the scenes, we must assess the situation carefully and not act rashly.”
“I understand,” Qin Yao nodded in response, shifting her gaze to the list of bidders in the documents. The names were familiar; some were former partners of the the Qin Family while others were emerging forces she had never heard of before. Among them, one name stood out—Song Nanshi—a businessman who seemed unrelated to the the Qin Family yet held a significant position in this auction.
“Dad, do you think Song Nanshi will be involved?” Qin Yao asked casually, though a hint of concern flickered in her eyes.
Qin Wu did not respond immediately. He slowly set down his teacup, seemingly contemplating how to reply. “It’s very likely he will be involved. Song Nanshi has a powerful business network behind him that cannot be ignored.”
“Is his background complicated?” Qin Yao pressed on, sensing her father’s unease.
“Complicated,” Qin Wu mused for a moment. “He is not just a businessman; there are some high-level forces involved that we do not fully understand regarding his true intentions.”
A jolt ran through Qin Yao as Song Nanshi’s identity began to blur. If he truly had backing from influential forces, then tonight’s auction was about more than just competing for jade.
“If that’s the case, doesn’t it mean tonight’s auction will be more than just a commercial transaction?” Qin Yao said softly, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes.
“Exactly,” Qin Wu’s words cut through her doubts like a knife. “You must understand that this is not just about competing for jade; it’s a power struggle between families.”
Qin Yao felt a tightening in her chest, yet her face betrayed no emotion. She knew that this auction was no longer merely a contest of wealth; it was a gamble for the future of the family. And she was right at the center of it.
“If I participate, how much benefit can it bring to the family?” she asked the most crucial question on her mind.
Qin Wu’s gaze deepened. “Your involvement can help us suppress those external forces and even reclaim more interests from certain factions.”
“I understand,” Qin Yao replied softly, already making up her mind. She knew tonight’s auction would be a true challenge, and what she could rely on was not just the value of the jade itself but also her wisdom and strategy in this power struggle.
The meeting continued, focusing mostly on the auction process and bidding strategies, but Qin Yao felt restless. She understood that if tonight's auction went smoothly, the family’s position could be further solidified and even open new business opportunities. However, if they failed, the consequences would be unbearable.
“Qin Yao, have you really decided to participate in this auction?” As the meeting concluded, Qin Wu asked in a low voice, his eyes reflecting an invisible pressure.
Qin Yao did not respond immediately; instead, she glanced at each face around the long table. There was Qin Zhan’s slightly mocking smile, Qin Wu’s seriousness and composure, along with the anticipation and calculations evident in the eyes of other senior members. She understood that every move she made tonight would determine her future path.
“I’ve made my decision,” Qin Yao said firmly, a resolute determination shining in her eyes.
“Good,” Qin Wu nodded. “Remember, no matter what happens, you must remain calm. The family’s interests come above all else.”
Qin Yao stood up and gently scanned each person’s face. She could feel the weight of their collective pressure, but it only strengthened her resolve. This night was destined to be extraordinary.
“I will,” she replied softly before turning to leave the conference room.
As she stepped out of the building, Qin Yao took a deep breath and looked up at the overcast night sky. The wind felt colder and more oppressive than usual. She knew she was about to enter an unprecedented whirlpool filled with both opportunities and dangers. But no matter what, there was no turning back.
“Song Nanshi, don’t let me down,” Qin Yao murmured to herself, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. Tonight, she would take a gamble—not just on jade but on her own destiny.
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