C3 I Choose the Third One

Qi Yun asked with a hint of confusion, "Auntie, who is this Second Young Master?"

Qi Xiao's suspicions were confirmed. The woman before him was indeed a distant relative from a side branch of the Qi family, Qi Dachun. In the days of the Qi family's prominence, it wasn't uncommon for so-called distant relatives to appear out of the blue, eager to claim a piece of the family's wealth.

These individuals were called relatives, but tracing back the familial connections would take a hundred years or more to find any real link within the family tree. They were practically strangers. Nonetheless, during the Qi family's heyday, with vast wealth and businesses, Father Qi preferred to avoid gossip and simply granted them minor shares in one of the family companies.

Qi Yun was unaware of this, but Qi Xiao was all too familiar with these so-called relatives. He knew that when the Qi family enterprise faced a crisis, they were quick to pull out their investments and seek new patrons, abandoning the family faster than a weather vane shifts with the wind.

This so-called auntie had aligned herself with the Liang family. Now, with the Liang family's rising influence in West River City, she was enjoying the benefits of their success.

Qi Dachun chuckled, "I've been worried about you, Yun. Since your parents passed away, haven't I looked after you? I've supported your education and even sent you money. You know that, right?"

Qi Yun nodded, replying, "I've always kept Auntie's help close to my heart and could never forget it."

Qi Dachun's smile broadened as she said, "That's my girl. I didn't support you all these years for nothing. You must repay your auntie for her kindness."

Upon hearing the name of the Second Young Master Liang, Lin Suxin's expression shifted noticeably.

Lin Suxin was well aware that among the elite, Liang Huan, the second young master of the Liang family, had a notorious reputation for being a wastrel, far worse than her own brother.

While Lin Cheng was merely a bit overbearing, Liang Huan was truly despicable. Barely in his twenties, he had already sullied his name, reportedly having taken advantage of over forty young women in just the last year alone!

But with the Liang family's formidable influence in West River City, most people were forced to bite their tongues in silence. Since Liang Huan had never crossed anyone from the major families, no one dared to challenge him.

Suddenly, the Second Young Master of the Liang family was acting like he owned West River City, completely above the law.

Inwardly, Qi Xiao compared the unfolding events with those of his previous life. At the time Qi Yun was abducted, he hadn't yet regained consciousness, leaving many details unclear to him. However, he was certain that Liang Huan's deeds were far more outrageous than Lin Suxin had ever known.

During the three years Qi Xiao was incapacitated, Qi Dachun had indeed provided substantial aid to Qi Yun. Without her aunt's assistance, it would have been nearly impossible for Qi Yun, just a young girl, to fend for herself and her brother. But Qi Dachun's motives were far from pure.

He recalled how Qi Dachun had taken advantage of Qi Yun's vulnerability and natural beauty. Feigning kindness, she had taken Qi Yun in for three years, only to use the favor as leverage to send her to the Liang family once she blossomed into a young beauty.

Liang Huan was nothing but trash. Qi Yun was toyed with for a month before being callously discarded by Liang Huan. Overwhelmed by shame, she took her own life.

Once Qi Xiao rose to power, he delved into the tragedy, but by the time he pinpointed the culprit behind his sister's death, the Liang family had already been eradicated by others.

He had missed his chance for vengeance in his past life, but this time around, he was determined to seize the opportunity.

With a sly grin, Qi Dachun pulled a check from her purse, boldly inscribed with the sum of five million.

"Take a good look, Yun. This is five million! You'd never earn this much in a lifetime, especially not while burdened by your useless brother," Qi Dachun taunted as he waddled over to Qi Yun, flaunting the check before her eyes.

"Just accompany me to the Liang family and spend some time with the Second Young Master, and we'll consider the debt of your upbringing paid in full," he said, leaning in to whisper conspiratorially, "And if you play your cards right with the Liang family, remember to cut your dear aunt in on the spoils, will you? I might even slip you an extra ten or twenty thousand."

Before Qi Yun could utter a word in response, Qi Xiao had already snatched the check from Qi Dachun's grasp.

"Five million? Ha."

"You?!" Qi Dachun was clearly taken aback.

She had noticed Qi Xiao upon entering, but had always regarded the supposed fool as invisible. Now, she was utterly shocked to see this "fool" not only grab the check but also speak!

Chen Jinbai, standing behind her, arched an eyebrow in surprise. Wasn't the Qi family's young master supposed to be mentally incapacitated?

"What's the matter? You recognize my sister but not me, Auntie?"

Qi Xiao's smile was tinged with mischief as he eyed Qi Dachun.

"You... You're not mentally challenged? When did you get better?"

Shock was written all over Qi Dachun's face. The idea that the fool she knew had returned to normal was inconceivable.

"Sadly, it seems my brain decided to function just in time for the Qi family's gathering of Lin family guests. I really should thank the Lin siblings and my dear aunt for this miraculous recovery!"

Qi Xiao's words were a veiled jab, his smile sweeping over everyone present.

Chen Jinbai scrutinized the "foolish young master," his frown deepening.

"Enough with the nonsense. The young master has ordered their swift delivery! If anyone interferes, they'll be dealt with harshly!"

Chen Jinbai's commanding presence alone sent a shiver down Lin Cheng and his sister's spines.

Lin Suxin's brow furrowed as she interjected, "Mr. Chen, Qi Yun is now with the Lin Corporation. She can't possibly join the Liang family."

Lin Cheng was momentarily dumbfounded, then realized his sister was attempting to defuse the situation for the Qi family. He was about to protest, seeing a prime opportunity to thwart Qi Xiao, but a stern look from Lin Suxin silenced him instantly.

Chen Jinbai caught the siblings' exchange and quickly grasped the Lin family heiress's tactic to shield Qi Yun. He retorted dismissively:

"Hmph, you think you can safeguard someone that Second Young Master Liang desires? The Lin family? You're nothing compared to the Liangs!"

The Lin siblings' expressions darkened at his words.

Chen Jinbai hit the nail on the head—the Lin family is simply an ordinary clan with a modest nest egg, hardly in the same league as the affluent Liang household.

Despite Lin Cheng's rigid expression, he was determined to take down Qi Xiao and stoked the fire, saying, "No worries, Mr. Chen. Go ahead and do what you must. Just make sure this waste can still sign his name to annul the engagement!"

"Wow, the Qi family is really celebrating double joy today! Hurry, hurry, Yun, come with me. As for Qi Xiao, let's just call off the wedding."

Qi Dachun couldn't help but chuckle at that, remarking, "One should be aware of their own station! Do you think you're fit for Miss Lin now? Why not find a good construction job and do some honest work? It's a win-win situation."

Young as she was, Qi Yun had been on her own for three years and understood the situation well. She bit her lip, cast a glance at Qi Xiao, then turned to Qi Dachun and said, "Thanks... Thank you, Aunt, but I'd rather not go to the Liang family."

Qi Dachun continued with a smile, "Don't be so headstrong, Yun. I'm only looking out for you. Do you really want to support that deadbeat brother for the rest of your life?"

She paused, then added, "The Liang family is one of West River City's most prominent families, and the second son is both handsome and wealthy. What's not to like? It's just about keeping Second Young Master Liang company for a bit. Once he's had his fill, you can always come back."

Qi Yun was so incensed she trembled, unable to utter a word to her fourth aunt.

As the woman was about to overstep further, Qi Xiao grabbed her arm, "Yun has made herself clear—she's not going. Are you deaf?"

Qi Dachun, yanked back by Qi Xiao, snapped, "Who gave you the right to boss me around, you good-for-nothing? Why bother waking up from your stupidity just to get a tongue-lashing? Let go! Remember, I'm your aunt!"

"Moreover, I've been the one supporting Qi Yun all these years. Without my help, you and your sister would've starved to death! Is it so wrong for me to expect some gratitude from Qi Yun?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Xiao remained silent, yet his grip on Qi Dachun's wrist tightened covertly.

"Ow! That hurts! Let go!" Qi Dachun's already shrill voice escalated to a squeal reminiscent of a pig being slaughtered as Qi Xiao squeezed.

Lin Cheng, witnessing Qi Xiao employ the same tactic on someone else, couldn't help but revel in a bit of schadenfreude.

Qi Xiao eased his grip, giving Qi Dachun a gentle shove that sent him stumbling backward. He nearly fell, but Chen Jinbai steadied him.

Just as Qi Dachun was about to express his thanks, Chen Jinbai released him and uttered disdainfully:

"Worthless."

He then stepped past Qi Dachun's mortified face without a second glance.

"Qi Xiao, this is your last chance. Will you let me take Qi Yun away, or shall I break your limbs first and then take her?"

Unfazed by Chen Jinbai's intimidating step forward, Qi Xiao protectively moved Qi Yun behind him and declared calmly:

"I'll take the third option."