After the final gavel of the auction fell, Qin Yao tightened her grip on the bidding slip, her smile unchanged, as if the intense rounds of bidding had been nothing more than a game to her. Yet, the turmoil within her was far more profound than her calm exterior suggested.
She had long anticipated Li Haowen's provocation. The feud between the the Qin Family and the the Li Family had existed since she could remember. Each collaboration and betrayal only deepened her understanding of this industry—not merely the gambling on jade, but also gambling on people's hearts, luck, and abilities. Her goal extended beyond acquiring that piece of jade; she sought to carve out her own place in this intricate game.
"Congratulations, Miss Qin. It seems you are today's winner at the auction," the auctioneer said, his tone laced with flattery. He clearly understood that this auction was not just a commercial transaction but a contest of power and family interests.
"Thank you," Qin Yao replied succinctly, her gaze sweeping across the room without revealing any emotion. Instead of leaving immediately, she slowly walked toward the exit of the auction hall, with Song Nanshi's footsteps following her rhythm.
"Aren't you nervous?" Song Nanshi suddenly asked, his tone tinged with amusement.
Qin Yao turned her head slightly to glance at him. "Nervous? Not worth it." Her voice carried an undeniable firmness, as if she had already grasped the essence of this bidding war.
"It seems you truly understand this industry," Song Nanshi remarked with a smile, a hint of admiration in his voice. "However, Li Haowen won't back down so easily."
"I know," Qin Yao replied calmly, nodding. "But he underestimates me if he thinks he can win this game effortlessly."
Song Nanshi furrowed his brow slightly. "Are you prepared to face the challenges ahead?"
Qin Yao did not answer immediately. Her gaze drifted far out the window, as if she were looking toward some point in the future. A glimmer of determination flashed in her eyes. "Challenges? I've never been afraid."
As they reached the car, Song Nanshi opened the door for her. After she settled inside, he followed suit. The neon lights outside flowed past them, and an air of silence enveloped the interior of the car. Suddenly, Song Nanshi broke the stillness. "Are you really ready? It's not just about competing for jade; it's also about the dynamics within the the Qin Family."
Upon hearing this, Qin Yao let out a soft sigh, her gaze returning to the front with a low yet resolute voice. "I've always been aware of the internal dynamics within the the Qin Family. My years outside were not solely for waiting for today's opportunity; they were also for that position." She paused briefly before a slight smile crept onto her lips. "And I believe I understand this situation better than most."
Song Nanshi paused for a moment, then smiled faintly. "I knew you weren't the type to easily give in. Since that's the case, I'll wait to see how you take control of everything."
The car sped up, and the scenery outside changed rapidly. Qin Yao gazed at the city lights outside, a sudden spark of inspiration flashing through her mind—her plan had only just begun.
The next day, Qin Yao received a call from Li Haowen. His voice on the other end was cold and laced with sarcasm. "Qin Yao, do you really think that with that piece of jade, you can establish yourself in the jade industry?"
Holding the phone, Qin Yao's lips curled into a slight smile. "Mr. Li, do you still look down on me this much? But you needn't worry; my jade business will soon surprise you."
Li Haowen snorted dismissively. "I've said it before, the the Qin Family is merely powerful on paper; they might not even understand the true value of jade. You're just a puppet flaunting jade. Just wait and see when you'll realize that piece of jade is merely a tool in someone else's hands."
"A tool?" Qin Yao chuckled lightly. "Mr. Li, do you really think I would become your pawn so easily? If that's what you believe, then you're mistaken."
There was a brief silence on the other end before Li Haowen sneered. "Then just wait, Qin Yao. I'll make you understand what the real Jade Industry is."
After hanging up, Qin Yao furrowed her brow slightly; clearly, Li Haowen's words had raised her alertness. However, she did not panic; instead, she calmly analyzed the implications behind his words.
"He clearly wants to use that piece of jade to shake up the power structure of the the Qin Family," she murmured to herself. "But I'm not that easy to control."
At that moment, a message popped up on her phone from Song Nanshi: "Li Haowen has quite a bit of power behind him. Are you sure you want to keep going head-to-head like this?"
Qin Yao smiled softly, fully aware of the path she intended to take. "My goal has never been comfort; it's been control over everything. So no matter how he designs his schemes, I will position myself higher."
"Alright then, I’m curious to see how you'll manage to stand in that position," Song Nanshi replied succinctly, yet there was a hint of resigned amusement in his tone.
"You will see," Qin Yao replied, her eyes shining with determination.
After hanging up the phone, Qin Yao stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the endless cityscape before her. She understood that everything in this city was merely a façade; the true power and intrigue were just beginning.
"Li Haowen, since you want to challenge me so much, then prepare yourself," she murmured to herself, her gaze filled with resolve.
She turned and walked toward her desk, beginning to sift through the documents in her hands. Those seemingly trivial details had gradually come together to form a clear picture of the situation. This picture was the key to her comeback and reclaiming control of the the Qin Family.
In the end, who would truly be the pawn remained uncertain.
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