C10 Old Classmate

Qin Tian surveyed the members of the Lin family with a detached look. Lin Yi let out a cold laugh and said, "You really think you're some kind of tycoon. If you can cough up sixty million, then we'll consider our business with Lin Zhixi settled."

He shot a glance at his secretary, who promptly provided Qin Tian with the company's account details.

No one believed Qin Tian had the means to produce sixty million, so the gazes directed at him were filled with scorn.

"Dad, don't fall for this idiot's bluff. If he actually had that kind of cash, I'd lick his shoes for him."

"Qin Tian, cut the act. I can extend your deadline by a few days, but you'll have to lick my shoes first. If you do a good job, maybe I'll grant you a few more days."

Lin Fei burst into boisterous laughter, joined by Lin Yi.

"Director Lin, the funds have been transferred."

Just then, the secretary, who had been intently monitoring her laptop, stood up and placed it in front of Lin Yuandong and the others.

"How can this be?"

The Lin family members were aghast at the sight of the balance in the account.

Sixty million was no trifling sum, and even the Lin family of today couldn't muster that much cash.

Such a large transaction would typically require bank approval and could take hours to process.

Yet Qin Tian's transfer had gone through instantly, leaving the Lin family even more astonished.

To be able to casually dispense sixty million, just who was Qin Tian? It was likely that few in the entire region could achieve such a feat.

"Now that you've received the payment, Lin Zhixi will no longer be associated with you. Should you bother her again, don't blame me for my lack of mercy."

Qin Tian's gaze swept over the Lin family before his palm thundered down onto the conference table, which immediately splintered into a web of cracks before collapsing with a resounding crash.

The Lin family hadn't anticipated Qin Tian's formidable presence. They had more to say, but fear had rendered them speechless.

Without another word, Qin Tian took Lin Zhixi by the hand and headed for the exit of the meeting room.

"There's no need for shoe licking; your mouth is far too filthy for that."

Pausing at the doorway, Qin Tian addressed the dumbfounded Lin Fei with these parting words, then departed with Lin Zhixi.

"Qin Tian, just who are you?"

Lin Zhixi, along with Lin Yi and the others, was taken aback by Qin Tian. Her curiosity about his identity intensified, yet Qin Tian merely shook his head slightly.

"Since I've promised to elevate the Lin family to wealth, I'll see it through. My identity isn't of great importance. You simply need to be ready to commit when the time is right."

Qin Tian spoke with a calmness that made it seem as though he was discussing something trivial.

Lin Zhixi nodded with a wry smile, understanding that to Qin Tian, their marriage remained a transaction. His assistance was merely him fulfilling an obligation, nothing more.

"So, what should I do now?"

Cut off from the Lin family, Lin Zhixi was left with nothing. Despite her past as a formidable woman, she was now at a loss.

"You should start a new company, of course. Don't worry about the finances; I can provide the necessary funds. Let's go find the perfect location to set up your business."

Reaching the parking lot, Qin Tian slid into the car while Lin Zhixi took the driver's seat, feeling an unexpected surge of reliance.

Previously, Lin Zhixi had managed the Lin family's enterprises on her own, never depending on anyone.

She was acutely aware of what this newfound dependence signified and the potential consequences of letting it grow unchecked.

Her marriage to Qin Tian was nothing more than a business arrangement, so she couldn't afford to harbor any feelings for him.

With that thought, Lin Zhixi started the car and left Morning Dew behind. They then set out in search of an ideal location for the new company, but the morning's efforts yielded no results.

By noon, an exhausted and famished Lin Zhixi parked outside a restaurant after hours of searching.

"Ah, Zhixi, what a coincidence!"

They had barely stepped out of the car when a man approached them from a short distance away. Dressed in a sharp suit and carrying a briefcase, he exuded the air of a polished professional.

"Du Rann, what brings you here?"

Lin Zhixi managed a strained smile upon seeing him. Du Rann quickly explained he was there to meet with a client, then his attention shifted to Qin Tian.

"Who is this?"

Du Rann inquired, looking towards Lin Zhixi. She smiled and introduced Qin Tian as her husband, and also mentioned to Qin Tian that Du Rann was a college classmate of hers.

"Zhixi, you're actually married?"

He stared at Lin Zhixi with astonishment. Upon her nod, a flicker of coldness passed through Du Rann's eyes, but he quickly concealed it.

"That's quite a surprise, but congratulations are in order. Tell you what, after I wrap up here, I'll take you both out for a meal as my treat."

After giving Qin Tian a quick glance, Du Rann led the way into the restaurant. Qin Tian and Lin Zhixi followed, choosing a table by the window and ordering a selection of small dishes.

Once the dishes arrived, Du Rann came over with a grin and sat next to Lin Zhixi.

"It's funny how this client, despite being quite wealthy, prefers such a modest establishment."

"Zhixi, why settle for this? Even though this restaurant isn't top-tier, their lobster is decent. Waiter, bring us two large lobsters, around two pounds each."

Du Rann spoke jovially, then turned his attention to Qin Tian.

His comment about the restaurant's standard was a veiled jibe at Qin Tian, insinuating his lack of wealth.

Yet, Du Rann's attempt to provoke a reaction fell flat, as Qin Tian remained unfazed, not even sparing him a glance.

"Zhixi, I've heard the Lin family has been facing some difficulties lately. Do you need my assistance? I'm with Sky Group now, recently promoted to deputy manager."

"With my standing in the company, I'm sure I could lend a hand."

Du Rann set down his briefcase, continuing the conversation with Lin Zhixi. She, however, shook her head, explaining that she had severed ties with the Lin family and was in the process of finding a location to start her own company.

"So, you're venturing into entrepreneurship? I know just the spot that would be perfect for you. Let's go have a look after dinner."

"The place is owned by a friend of mine. I'll have a word with him, and I'm sure he'll offer a very reasonable rent. Ah, the lobsters have arrived. Zhixi, let me peel them for you. You just sit back and enjoy."

Du Rann animatedly chatted with Lin Zhixi, his enthusiasm evident. Before long, two large lobsters were served before him. He diligently peeled the shrimp for Lin Zhixi, who then turned her gaze to Qin Tian. Observing that he remained unchanged, a subtle sense of disappointment welled up within her.

It was clear to anyone that Du Rann was smitten with her, especially as he made overtures in Qin Tian's presence.

Despite being her husband in name, Qin Tian showed no reaction to the situation, prompting a soft sigh from Lin Zhixi.

"Zhixi, what's the matter? You seem down. Is everything alright?" he asked.

"Remember, if you're facing any troubles, don't hesitate to confide in me. Should anyone dare to mistreat you, I'll stand up for you," he assured her.

With that, Du Rann's gaze shifted back to Qin Tian, now brimming with a fierce intensity.