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墨書 Inktalez
At dinner time, the air in the the Qin Family's mansion was filled with the aroma of stewed soup and roasted meat. Family members sat around the dining table, appearing calm on the surface, yet each harbored unspoken tension and complexity within. Tonight's Gambling Stone Meeting loomed like an inevitable storm, with Qin Yao undoubtedly at its center.
“Qin Yao, today's Gambling Stone results were truly astonishing,” Qin Jianhua, the family's second uncle, said with a smile as he picked up a piece of food, his gaze lingering on Qin Yao with a subtle expression.
Qin Yao did not rush to respond; instead, she lowered her head and took a bite, seemingly lost in thought. This reaction stirred a slight unease among those around her. Her calm demeanor concealed her true feelings.
“Qin Yao, indeed, your performance today was impressive,” came the voice of Qin Zhaoguang from above, carrying a hint of a smile yet retaining the authoritative tone typical of an elder. “However, as the heir of the family, while possessing such insight, you must also understand that behind Gambling Stone often lie greater interests and dangers.”
Qin Yao paused slightly and looked up at her father. She had known since childhood that although Qin Zhaoguang appeared amiable, he was actually a deep-thinking and decisive business magnate. Each of his words seemed to weigh her every step.
“Dad, are you saying that today's Gambling Stone results are not the end?” Qin Yao's voice was soft but carried an undeniable depth.
Qin Zhaoguang did not answer immediately; instead, he lifted his wine glass, gently swirling it while watching the liquid spin inside. “Qin Yao, you know that family inheritance is not solely determined by one Gambling Stone,” he said after a pause as if organizing his thoughts. “More importantly, it is about how to establish a foothold in the family power struggle and how to ensure you are not devoured in external competition.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere at the dining table grew heavy. Everyone understood that Qin Zhaoguang was not merely discussing jade but was warning Qin Yao that even if she had won at Gambling Stone, the power struggles within the family were just beginning.
“I understand,” Qin Yao nodded slowly, her gaze clear and resolute without a hint of wavering. “Gambling Stone is merely a small episode in the power struggle. I will forge my own path, Dad, don’t worry.”
Qin Zhaoguang's eyes flickered slightly as he gazed into his daughter's eyes, seemingly assessing the sincerity and strength behind her words. “It’s good that you have such determination,” he said softly as he set down his wine glass. “But some matters are not entirely within your control. You may win at Gambling Stone, but whether you can manage the power within the family and stand firm amidst open and covert conflicts is the real challenge.”
Silence fell over the dining table as Qin Yao grasped her father's underlying message. He was not doubting her abilities but warning her that the situation within the family was far more complex than she imagined. She took a deep breath to suppress the turmoil within.
At that moment, Qin Kai, the family's third uncle, suddenly broke the silence. “Qin Yao, today’s Gambling Stone Market was simply spectacular—a visual feast! That Li Haowen fellow doesn’t seem like someone who can withstand your pressure at all. You really taught him a lesson,” Qin Kai remarked with a hint of levity in his tone but admiration shining in his eyes.
Qin Yao smiled faintly and replied calmly, "He merely thinks he has a unique eye for jadeite and believes he can easily win with this Gambling Stone. Today's outcome serves as a warning for him. One cannot judge solely by appearances; one must not be blinded by the brilliance before them."
Qin Jianhua nodded, took a sip of his drink, and chuckled, "Qin Yao, you truly are clever. On the surface, it's just Gambling Stone, but behind the scenes, it's a battle of wits and cunning. Your composure today is truly impressive."
"Composure?" Qin Yao smiled softly, her gaze sharpening slightly. "Composure is merely understanding the rules of the game." She paused and glanced around at the relatives present. "Everyone is waiting to see me fail, eager to witness my elimination in this family struggle. But what they don't realize is that the true victor is never an outsider."
Qin Zhaoguang narrowed his eyes and slowly set down his glass. The family's assessment of Qin Yao was often that she was "smart and ambitious," but her words today instilled in him a sense of caution and anticipation.
"Qin Yao," Qin Zhaoguang said, his expression serious, "you are right; the power struggles within the family are far more complex than the external Gambling Stone. However, whether you can go further down this path ultimately does not rest in your hands."
"I understand, Dad." Qin Yao met her father's gaze with determination. "I also know that family struggles cannot be won merely by succeeding at Gambling Stone."
After a brief silence, the atmosphere returned to its superficial harmony as everyone resumed their meals. Yet deep inside, Qin Yao felt a rising tension. Her father's words, her relatives' feigned cordiality, and the barely perceptible hostility in Li Haowen's eyes all seemed to hint that the real test was just beginning.
As dinner concluded, Qin Yao said little and stood up to leave.
"Qin Yao, wait a moment," Qin Zhaoguang called out to her.
Qin Yao halted and turned to face her father. "Dad, is there something you need?"
A complex expression flashed in Qin Zhaoguang's eyes. "Although it seems you've won tonight's Gambling Stone, the power struggles within the family will not cease because of this victory. I advise you to keep a low profile and avoid drawing too much attention."
Qin Yao was momentarily taken aback, her expression thoughtful. She understood that her father’s words were not just a reminder to act discreetly but also a way of paving the path for her future.
"I understand, Dad," Qin Yao replied softly, lowering her head as she left the dining room.
Her steps were steady, but her heart was already in turmoil. She knew that the family struggle had only just begun, and she had to navigate each move with caution. No matter what lay ahead, she would not easily yield.
Tonight, the calm before the storm was destined to be brief.
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