C46 A Loss of Money

Inside the hospital, the entire family was overjoyed to see Pei Jiang walking normally again.

Pei Qiuyu, filled with gratitude, said to Lin Xuan, "Lin Xuan, Dad's better now, and I can't thank you enough."

Lin Xuan responded with a comforting smile, "I just made an inquiry online; I never expected such success. It's all thanks to your good standing. Besides, he's my dad too—no need for formalities."

Pei Qiuyu's smile broadened. "I'm going to treat you today. How about some sweet and sour pork ribs?"

"I love anything my wife cooks."

With a spring in her step, Pei Qiuyu drove to the supermarket to pick up spareribs, eager to whip up a culinary treat at home.

As she settled into the car, her phone buzzed. Recognizing Pei Jinzheng's number, she answered, "What's up?"

Pei Jinzheng's cheerful voice came through, "Dear sister, I owe you big time. Without you, the Pei family would've been in dire straits."

"No thanks necessary. Just improve your ways," Pei Qiuyu replied, her tone cool.

She had been wronged by her family in the past and wasn't ready to warm up to them just yet.

"Absolutely, everyone has a conscience. How could I forget what you've done for us?" Pei Jinzheng insisted.

He continued, "I've got some great news and thought of you immediately."

"What could possibly be so great?"

"I've got a big shot I'd like you to meet. Interested in a chat?"

"A big shot? Where?" inquired Pei Qiuyu.

"We're at the Elegant Pavilion on New Ring Street. Director Qin is with a multinational trading group and he's keen on partnering with Y Corporation!"

"With Director Qin's significant influence in A City, a partnership could really elevate the Pei family."

"You've got some decency after all. Fine, I'll be there soon," Pei Qiuyu said, redirecting her car.

Her spirits were high today, believing that Pei Jinzheng had genuinely turned over a new leaf.

Arriving at the Elegant Pavilion, Pei Qiuyu found it to be as grand and charming as promised.

Upon entering, Pei Jinzheng quickly approached with a warm smile, "Qiuyu, you've arrived!"

"Allow me to introduce you. This is Qin Xiaojia, Director Qin."

Dressed in a sharp suit and sporting a prestigious watch, Qin Xiaojia exuded an air of sophistication.

Pei Qiuyu greeted him with a handshake, "Hello, Director Qin. I'm Pei Qiuyu from Y Corporation."

"Hello, hello! It's true what they say, Miss Pei—you're even more beautiful in person!"

Pei Jinzheng made a quick excuse to leave.

As the conversation progressed, Qin Xiaojia grew increasingly forward, making unwelcome advances toward Pei Qiuyu.

Pei Qiuyu, frowning, admonished him, "Director Qin, I expect you to behave respectfully."

Qin Xiaojia's eyes gleamed with an unsettling light as he leered, "Miss Pei, I've been smitten with you since the moment I laid eyes on you. Stay with me, and I'll meet any demand you make."

It was then that Pei Qiuyu realized this seemingly respectable Director Qin was nothing but a debauched thug.

She rose indignantly, "Excuse me, Director Qin. I have other matters to attend to, so I must be going."

"Wait, don't leave, Qiuyu. Business aside, let's part on good terms. Please, finish your tea."

He extended a jade cup brimming with tea towards her.

"Don't touch me!"

Pei Qiuyu shoved him away in anger.

Qin Xiaojia intentionally loosened his grip, and with a sharp "crack," the jade cup shattered on the floor.

"My Ming Dynasty jade cup!"

Feigning heartache, Qin Xiaojia exclaimed, "I just paid thirty million yuan for this Ming Dynasty jade cup, and you've smashed it to pieces? You owe me compensation!"

Pei Qiuyu was utterly shocked.

A Ming Dynasty jade cup?

Worth thirty million yuan?!

"I... I didn't even touch it," Pei Qiuyu stammered, her complexion pale as a sheet.

"You didn't touch it? So it broke all by itself?"

Qin Xiaojia gestured towards the security camera, "Shall I play the footage for you? See for yourself who caused it to fall."

"The evidence is irrefutable. How can you still deny it?"

"Director Qin, I... it wasn't intentional."

There was no way Pei Qiuyu could come up with thirty million!

Qin Xiaojia leered at Pei Qiuyu. "Here's a thought. You're quite the beauty, so how about you spend a few nights with me to settle the debt? Otherwise, you owe me thirty million yuan."

Pei Qiuyu shook her head frantically. "I can't, I just can't."

"If you won't do that, then you'll have to pay up, every last cent of the thirty million!" Qin Xiaojia demanded menacingly.

Out of options, Pei Qiuyu had no choice but to call Lin Xuan.

When Lin Xuan picked up, he asked, "Honey, what's wrong?"

Through tears, Pei Qiuyu explained, "Lin Xuan, I need your help. I broke a jade cup worth thirty million at the Gathering and Elegant Courtyard. They're saying I can't leave without paying, wuwuwu..."

Overwhelmed by fear, she broke down crying.

Thirty million?

Lin Xuan immediately sensed the urgency. "Don't worry, honey. Just wait for me, I'm on my way."

After the call, Pei Qiuyu's anxiety didn't subside.

Even with Lin Xuan coming, how would they make restitution?

But at this point, she couldn't think of anyone else but Lin Xuan to turn to.

"Miss Pei, Pei Jinzheng has already told me all about your family's situation. You simply don't have thirty million."

Qin Xiaojia, smugly, suggested, "No one from your family can help you now. Why not make me happy instead? I, Young Master Qin, will make it worth your while with a handsome reward. How about it?"

"No!" Pei Qiuyu sobbed in terror. "My husband will help me, he will!"

"Your husband?" Qin Xiaojia scoffed. "That fool, that nobody? Don't expect the Nine-star General to show any respect for your family. Pei Jinzheng has made it clear, it's an outright insult to both of you."

"You've snubbed the Nine-star General's goodwill. He's going to make sure everyone knows the consequences of crossing him. There won't be a happy ending for you!"

Sobbing uncontrollably, Pei Qiuyu covered her face, overwhelmed by fear.

Uncertain if Lin Xuan could come to her aid, she found herself with no other options, forced to await his rescue.

Before long, Lin Xuan arrived, pushing the door open with purpose.

Upon seeing him, Pei Qiuyu rushed into his arms, weeping inconsolably.

"Honey, don't be scared, I'm here now," Lin Xuan soothed her.

"You're upset over a broken jade cup? They're demanding thirty million for it?"

Qin Xiaojia gestured to the shattered pieces on the floor. "See for yourself, that's the culprit."

"I paid thirty million for that cup, and your wife smashed it to bits the moment I got it. Be smart and reimburse me quickly, or else I'll strip her clothes off right in front of you, right here!" he threatened.

Simultaneously, several burly men inked with dragon and phoenix tattoos emerged from within the house.

Each one glared at Lin Xuan with a menacing hunger, as if they were ready to devour him on the spot.

"Did you get that? Pay up!"

"Or else, I'll snap your neck!" the men barked at Lin Xuan.

Pei Qiuyu was petrified, her soul seemingly detached from her body.

With an air of composure, Lin Xuan accepted the fragments from Qin Xiaojia, offering a chilly smile. "Obsessed with money, aren't you? This worthless trinket, you claim it's a Ming Dynasty jade cup? My family's chamber pot is worth more than this!"